Computer Science, MS

Program Coordinator: Mark Hills (SZ C-110 Science and Technology Building; 252-328-9692; hillsma@ecu.edu)

The master of science in computer science is designed to provide students with practical skills balanced with theoretical knowledge, and professional practices needed to excel in a rapidly changing computing industry. The program also prepares students to pursue further graduate work leading to a PhD degree.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should follow the admissions requirements and process as stated in the admission and readmission section of the graduate catalog and the graduate admissions website. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and a score of 30th percentile on the GRE General test are required. Applicants whose native language is not English must score 6.5 in the IELTS or 80 on the TOEFL (20 on each section) and must have met all other admission criteria prior to registering for first semester courses.

Pathways for Entry into the Program

Two pathways are available for completing requirements for the master of science in computer science program. The appropriate pathway depends on the undergraduate major.

Traditional Pathway

The traditional pathway is for students whose bachelor’s degrees are in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, information technology, management information systems, or a similar computing discipline. Thirty (30) semester hours are required to earn the degree.

Nontraditional Pathway

The nontraditional pathway is for students whose bachelor’s degrees are in engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, or similar analytic and quantitative disciplines. Students entering through this pathway are required to complete two specially designed courses during their first semester of study (SENG 5000 and SENG 5005 ). The goals of these two courses are to impart prerequisite knowledge and skills essential to succeed in the program. Thirty-eight (38) semester hours are required to earn the degree.

Plan of Study

Students are required to complete a Plan of Study Form in consultation with the graduate program coordinator before they begin their graduate study. This is usually done during the week before the first day of classes of the first semester.

Degree Requirements

(Select one of the below plans of study in consultation with the graduate program coordinator.)

The program requires 30-38 s.h. as follows:

Traditional Pathway

Minimum degree requirement is 30 s.h. as follows:

Core - 6 s.h.

Options - 24 s.h.

Choose one of the following three options:

Thesis (CSCI 7000 - 6 s.h.) and electives (18 s.h.)

A thesis is required for this option. Students summarize their research in the form of a formal written document and deliver an oral presentation. Thesis research is typically conducted over two semesters.

Six (6) s.h. count toward the degree requirements.Eighteen (18) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed six (6).

Project (CSCI 6995 - 3 s.h.) and electives (21 s.h.)

A research project with a written report is required for this option. Students select topics for their projects in consultation with research advisors prior to the beginning of the last semester of study. The project involves collecting research literature on a topic of interest, critically examining it, and summarizing the research in the form of a formal technical report. This option may also involve developing software systems or proof of concept systems. Students must deliver an oral presentation of their findings. The research project is typically completed during the last semester of study.

Twenty-one (21) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed nine (9).

Coursework (24 s.h. of electives only)

Twenty-four (24) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed nine (9).

Note:

The coursework option requires an e-Portfolio comprehensive assessment. Please contact the program coordinator for more information.