Computer and Information Science MS (Onsite / Online)

Program Overview

The Computer Science MS program gives graduates a broad and deep knowledge of computer science by offering a strong core program with a wide selection of elective courses. The program maintains a balance between theory, systems, and applications—with an emphasis on software development. You’ll gain the ability and confidence to use your knowledge by working on realistic-scale, graduate-level projects. Your experience will include:

• working as a member of a team
• situations where you will be responsible for the entire project, from problem specification to solution
• independent research
• presentation of research results in oral and written forms

You will graduate with the knowledge and skills required to develop and design high-quality computer systems and application software—and the ability to follow the rapid changes in the field of computer science. As a highly-qualified professional, you will be ready to compete for responsible positions in the computer industry, research institutions, government, or to continue your education in a PhD program

Program goals

• Graduates who succeed as leaders at project and enterprise levels.
• Graduates who are able to pursue Ph.D. studies.
• Graduates who contribute to the development of computer industry.
• Graduates who using computer science knowledge contribute to the advancement of other industries.

Program outcomes

• Graduates are able to individually solve advanced problems in computing.
• Graduates are able to effectively participate as members/leaders of software/system development teams.
• Graduates are able to analyze and design system components and processes to meet specific requirements.
• Graduates are able to communicate effectively both orally & in writing on advanced topics in computing.
• Graduates can apply advanced methodologies and technologies when solving problems and developing software/systems.
• Graduates are effective self-learners and continue to acquire knowledge of new trends and technologies in their fiel.
• Graduates who have advanced knowledge of computer theory, computer systems, and software.
• Graduates are able to conduct research on assigned topic.

Requirements

An individualized program of study is arranged by the student with an advisor during the first semester. All students complete three required computer science courses and a master’s project or thesis course. Combined thesis and project credits cannot exceed six. Elective courses round out the student’s program.

Total credits: 30

Additional requirements -

• As many as one undergraduate CIS 400-level technical elective (must be taken during the graduate study) may serve as a substitute for a graduate elective, only with prior approval of the Graduate Curriculum Committee and must be completed with a grade of B or better.
• EGR 500 Graduate Internship course may also count as a graduate elective with prior approval.
• No more than six credits of CIS courses, taken by a non-degree student, may subsequently be credited toward the student’s graduate degree.
• Students must meet the university graduate requirement of at least a 3.0 grade point average; only courses graded C or better (for graduate courses) may count toward the degree. A grade of B or better is required for an eligible undergraduate course to count towards the MS degree.
• Students working on a Master’s Thesis will prepare and defend their thesis to a thesis committee and the public.
• Onsite students must enroll in and pass CIS 599 Graduate Seminars for two semesters. In order to pass the course, a minimum of 80% attendance per semester is required. In addition, a one-page report describing at least two seminars attended must be submitted by the end of each semester.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must submit the required application materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions. In addition, they must submit GRE general scores, except for those with a baccalaureate degree from UMass Dartmouth’s undergraduate program in Computer Science or Data Science or a Graduate Certificate in Computer Science from UMass Dartmouth. The personal statement should explain the candidate’s goals and objectives regarding their professional career.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (applicants who do not meet this criterion may be considered for admission if they can convincingly demonstrate that they have the equivalent of a baccalaureate degree). In addition, they should demonstrate:

• Ability to write programs in high-level programming languages (e.g., C, C++, Java)
• Knowledge of computer architecture and operating systems
• Knowledge of software engineering
• Knowledge of mathematical analysis and theoretical foundations of computer science, as well as analysis of algorithms

The department has established a fast-track BS-MS program that permits UMass Dartmouth Computer Science undergraduate students to progress smoothly to the Master’s level and save some overall credits. See the General Catalog for information and special admissions procedures.

Financial Assistance

Several assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Other assistance, such as loans or work study, may be available to admitted students. Please refer to the “Expenses and Financial Assistance” chapter.

BS/MS Accelerated Program

The department offers an integrated program that allows qualified UMass Dartmouth undergraduate majors in Computer Science to proceed directly to the Master’s degree program and complete both degrees with reduced overall credits required. See the current General Catalogue for information on this option.

Graduate Certificates

A certificate provides working professionals with recognition of a coherent program of advanced study at the graduate level. The CS department at UMD offers several of these certificates. Each certificate program is compatible with our MS degree requirements, allowing certificate recipients to transition to a degree program without loss of credit. 

See Computer Science Graduate Certificate for description and requirements.