Department of Computing

College of Business and Technology

Masters in Computer Science

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Computer Science enables students to deepen their understanding in the Computer Sciences after completion of the Bachelor's degree, enhancing their marketability for prospective employers.

Graduates with a Master's degree in Computer Science would qualify for job opportunities in several areas:

In addition to these and other job opportunities, graduates who wish to progress to a Ph.D. in Computer Science will have a solid foundation of coursework and a good exposure to Computer Science research. 

 

Curriculum (33 Credit Hours)

Core Courses (6 Credits)

All students in the M.S. in Computer Science program must take  and 

Concentration (12 Credits)

Students, when applying to the program, must choose one of three concentration options:

Applied Computer Science

The Applied Computer Science Concentration is oriented toward advanced computer science concepts and theory in a practical and applied manner. The program teaches operating systems concepts through distributed systems while deepening the student’s understanding of networking. Students  explore various algorithms by conducting theoretical analysis and implementing algorithms related to artificial intelligence. Coursework includes:


Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

The Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning concentration focuses on computational aspects of AI and ML algorithm design. Coursework surveys artificial intelligence, while providing an in-depth look at machine learning and natural language processing from a programming and algorithmic perspective. Coursework includes:

Software Engineering

The Software Engineering Concentration gives students an in-depth experience in software development lifecycle phases. Topics in requirements engineering, software design and design patterns, software testing, and setting up software production pipelines are covered. Coursework includes:

 

Electives (9 Credits)

Students may choose three additional 5xxx courses with advisor approval. No more than 3 courses in the degree's program of study may be designated 5xx7.

Capstone Experience (6 Credits)

Students must choose one of the following capstone sequences. All students must pass a final oral examination by completing a presentation to their advisor and committee members at the end of their capstone sequence. Consult with the department for more information about the procedures that govern the presentation.

Independent Computing Project

The Independent Computing Project capstone allows students to explore a project idea and complete it under the mentorship of a faculty advisor. Required coursework includes:

 

Software Development Project

The Software Development Project capstone gives students an immersive experience in the software development lifecycle within a group setting. Students will work together to initiate, design, develop, test, and deliver a large-scale software product. Required coursework includes:

Thesis

This research-oriented capstone allows students who are interested in the Computer Science cutting-edge to scientifically explore a topic under the mentorship of a faculty advisor.  Students in this capstone are encouraged to take CSCI 5900 as an elective during their second semester. Required coursework includes:

 

 

Delivery Format

The M.S.C.S. will generally be offered in-person. However, some courses may be completed online. In-person and synchronous online course offerings will normally be evening courses to allow maximum flexibility for participation.

Admission Criteria

In addition to admission policies established by the Graduate School, all applicants will be evaluated on the basis of the following factors:

(a) Academic performance and professional experience. The equivalent of a major in a computing field with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected. Applicants not meeting the major or GPA criterion may be admitted provisionally. Applicants who do not meet the major criterion may be required to complete (with a B- or higher in each course) undergraduate foundation courses in computer science and mathematics, depending on the chosen concentration. Related professional experience, such as programming, systems analysis, and/or systems design may be substituted for some foundation courses. Applicants who do not meet the GPA criterion may be required to complete their first 9 credit hours in the program of study with a grade of B or higher in each course. 

(b) Three letters of recommendation should be submitted that evaluate the applicant’s academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills.

(c) A personal essay should discuss the applicant's reason for pursuing the M.S. in Computer Science.

In addition to the criteria above, international applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as specified by Graduate School Admission Policies.

Required Foundation in Computer Science

Foundation coursework should be similar to the following ETSU courses.

  • CSCI 1250 Introduction to Computer Science I
  • CSCI 1260 Introduction to Computer Science II

  • CSCI 1900 Math for Computer Science (Discrete Mathematics) 
  • CSCI 2020 Fundamentals of Database
  • CSCI 2150 Computer Organization
  • CSCI 2210 Data Structures
  • CSCI 3230 Algorithms
  • CSCI 3400 Network Fundamentals
  • CSCI 4727 Operating Systems
  • Three from this list:
    • MATH 1910 Calculus I
    • MATH 1920 Calculus II
    • MATH 1530 Probability & Statistics OR MATH 2050 Probability & Statistics - Calculus-Based
    • MATH 2010 Linear Algebra
    • MATH 4347 Introduction to Graph Theory

Students may be admitted with one or two foundation course provisions. Students must complete provisional courses within one year from the beginning of the M.S. program with marks of B- or better.

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