Computer Science, MS
Are you seeking to expand your knowledge in the computer science field? If you have an undergraduate degree in computing or a related area, this may be the program for you.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The on-campus Master of Science program in computer science provides rigorous, research-focused training in theory, systems and applications, preparing you to advance the frontiers of computing --- including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing and other novel paradigms.
Unlike the industry-oriented Master of Computer Science program, the MS program in computer science emphasizes fundamental and applied research. You are able to work closely with world-class faculty and contribute to discovery in computing and augmented intelligence.
You may pursue either a thesis or nonthesis option as your culminating experience and can explore advanced topics such as:
- AI, machine learning and statistical modeling
- big data and data mining
- computational biology
- computer design, architecture and compilers
- computer security, cybersecurity and cryptography
- computer systems, including networking and operating systems
- cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things and robotics
- distributed computing and consensus protocols
- novel computing paradigms, including biocomputing and quantum computation
- theory, algorithms and optimization
- visualization and graphics
This program is ideal if you wish to deepen your expertise, pursue doctoral studies, or engage in high-level research and development in industry or academia.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
30 credit hours - course-based master's, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CSE 593)
COURSE-BASED OPTION Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Electives (21 credit hours) OPTIONS WITH CULMINATING EXPERIENCE Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Electives (15 or 18 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 or 6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Students in the course-based option take 21 credit hours of electives. Students may complete a thesis or applied project as an optional culminating experience. Students with a strong interest in research and a desire to contribute original knowledge to their field may be well-suited for the thesis option. Students in the thesis option take 15 credit hours of electives. Electives must be courses in a chosen research area and approved by the student's academic advisor. Up to six credit hours can be independent study in CSE 590 Reading and Conference. Students who enjoy solving real-world problems and applying practical skills in professional settings may be drawn to the applied project option. Applied project students take 18 credit hours of electives. Students should see the academic unit for additional information and requirements. Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the program. At least 24 of these credit hours must be 500-level CSE courses at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
CSE 593 Applied Project (3) or
CSE 599 Thesis (6)
Students should see the academic unit for the list of courses approved for each core area in applications, foundations and systems. Courses selected as part of the core may not be used as other elective coursework on the same plan of study.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Before applying to the program, students must have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II. Completion of a discrete math course is also recommended before admission. Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission. These courses may include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are able to analyze key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. They are prepared to pursue careers in research and education, including academia, government and industry.
Career examples include:
- computer network architect
- computer system analyst
- computer systems engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
