Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science

Overview of Degree

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science at The University of Georgia is a comprehensive program of study intended to give qualified and motivated students a thorough foundation in the theory, methodology, and techniques of Computer Science.  Students who successfully complete this program of study will have a grasp of the principles and foundations of Computer Science.  They will be prepared to pursue higher academic goals, including the Doctor of Philosophy degree.  They will obtain skills and experience in up-to-date approaches to analysis, design, implementation, validation, and documentation of computer software and hardware. With these skills they will be well qualified for technical, professional, or managerial positions in government, business, industry, and education.

The Department presently has active research groups in the following areas:

• Theory (combinatorics, algorithms and theory of computing).
• Distributed Information Systems (database systems, information systems, Web information systems, workflow management, software engineering, service-oriented computing, semantic web and semantic web processes, and applications in areas such as life sciences including bioinformatics and health care),
• Image Processing and Vision (high and low level image processing, computer vision, and graphics),
• Human-Computer Interaction (usability of web sites, visualizations, notations and tools),
• Parallel Processing (advanced algorithms and architectures, operating system support, and programming languages and techniques),
• Computational Science (numerical, algorithmic and heuristic approaches to problem solving for the sciences, and advanced presentation and visualization techniques),
• Artificial Intelligence (knowledge based systems, expert systems, logic and logic programming, natural language processing, robotics, genetic algorithms, simulated annealing, and neural nets),
• Computer Architecture (advanced computer architectures, VLSI and CAD),
• Bioinformatics (tools and visualizations, RNA informatics, and web services),
• Compilers (link-time optimization, run-time optimizations),
• Modeling and Simulation (analytic modeling, simulation, animation, and virtual reality), and
• Real-Time Systems (multiprocessor real-time scheduling algorithms, schedulability and feasibility analysis, power-aware real-time scheduling).

Prospective students are advised to consult The University of Georgia Graduate Bulletin for institutional information and requirements.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the general policies set forth in the Graduate Bulletin, the following departmental policies apply to all applicants:

1. A baccalaureate degree is required, preferably with a major in Computer Science or an allied discipline.  Students with insufficient background in Computer Science must take undergraduate Computer Science courses to remedy any deficiencies (in addition to their graduate program).  A sufficient background in Computer Science must include at least the following courses (or equivalent):

2. Admission to this program is selective; students with a record of academic excellence have a better chance of acceptance. Students with exceptionally strong undergraduate records may apply for admission to the graduate program prior to fulfilling all of the above requirements.

3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are required for admission consideration.

4. Three letters of recommendation are required, preferably written by university professors familiar with the student's academic work and potential.  If the student has work experience, one letter may be from his/her supervisor.  Letters should be sent directly from the letter writer or signed on the back of the envelope.

5. A one or two page personal statement outlining the student's background, achievements, and future goals is required.

6. A student may include a recent copy of her resume as part of the application packet; however, this is not required.

Graduate School Requirements

Additional requirements are specified by the Graduate School (application fee, general application forms, all transcripts, etc.).  Please see the University of Georgia Bulletin for further information.  Detailed admissions information may be found at Graduate School Admissions.  Printed information may be obtained by contacting the

Office of Graduate Admissions

320 E. Clayton St.  Suite 400

The University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602-4401

phone: 706-542-1739

fax: 706-425-3094

e-mail: gradadm@uga.edu

Applications are processed on a year round basis.  Students can be admitted for either semester (Fall or Spring).  Please visit the Graduate School for application submission deadlines.

Summary of Basic Degree Requirements

Primary Focus

The primary focus consists of at least 32 semester hours of resident graduate coursework.  This includes

1. at least 12 hours of core CSCI graduate level coursework (see core curriculum below),
2. at least 16 hours of advanced CSCI graduate student only coursework (see advanced coursework below),
3. at least 1 hour of CSCI 8990 Research Seminar,
4. at least 3 hours of CSCI 7300 Master's Thesis.

Typically, full-time students will take 9 to 15 hours per semester.  See the CSCI section of the University of Georgia Bulletin for course descriptions.  A program of study should be a coherent and logical whole; it requires the approval of the student's major professor, the student's advisory committee, and the departmental graduate coordinator.  Note: no course with a grade of C+ or lower may be included on the student’s program of study (see the Graduate Bulletin for other GPA constraints).

Core Curriculum (Primary Focus Item #1)

At least one course from each of the following three groups must be taken:

The core curriculum consists of a total of 12 semester hours.  Core competency is certified by the student's advisory committee with the approval of the Graduate Coordinator.  The student’s advisory committee manages the core competency in cooperation with the student.  Students are expected to meet the core competency requirement within their first three enrolled academic semesters (excluding summer semester).  Note: a course used to fulfill part of the core requirement (Item #1) may not be used to also fulfill part of the advanced coursework requirement (Item #2).  A student may fulfill their core requirement (12 core hours) and then take another (different) graduate student only course from the core list to count toward their advanced coursework requirement.  In no case shall a course used to fulfill part of the core course requirement count toward the core requirement AND the advanced coursework requirement.

Advanced Coursework  (Primary Focus Item #2)

Students must take at least 16 hours of CSCI graduate student only coursework.  This includes at least 12 hours at the 8000-level (i.e., at least 3 8000-level courses). 

Note: a student may satisfy this 16 hour requirement using only 8000-level courses, or with 12 hours of 8000-level coursework and 4 hours of 6000-level coursework.  In the case that a student uses a 6000-level course for advanced coursework, that course must be a graduate student only course.  In no case shall a 6000-level course used to fulfill part of the advanced coursework requirement count toward the advanced coursework requirement AND the core curriculum requirement.  In addition, CSCI 8990 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Research Seminar  (Primary Focus Item #3)

All students must take 1 hour of CSCI 8990 Research Seminar, in which they must attend weekly meetings of a research seminar and give presentations.  

Master's Thesis  (Primary Focus Item #4)

The thesis is a report of the student's investigations under the supervision of his/her major professor and requires the approval of the major professor and the advisory committee.  The thesis must demonstrate competent style and organization, and communicate technical knowledge.  The thesis often includes original research into some area of Computer Science.  It must demonstrate mastery of a particular area of Computer Science.  The candidate's advisory committee assures that the quality of the thesis meets the standards of the Department and the Graduate School.  The candidate must register for CSCI 7300 Master's Thesis for at least 3 hours of credit while working on the thesis.

• Conventional Form: Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations
• Manuscript Form: Thesis in Manuscript Form

Advisory Committee

The advisory committee will consist of one major professor and two additional members.  At least two of the three members must be from the Computer Science Department. (See the Graduate Bulletin for additional details.)

Non-Departmental Requirements

Non-departmental requirements are set forth by the Graduate School (see the Graduate Bulletin).  They concern residence, time limits, programs of study, acceptance of transfer credits, admission to candidacy, minimum GPAs, thesis, and final examination.

Graduation Requirements

A student admitted to the M.S. degree program will be advised by the graduate coordinator until a major professor is chosen.  Before the end of the second semester in residence, a student must submit to the Graduate School, through the graduate coordinator, the following forms: (i) a Program of Study Form and (ii) an Advisory Committee Form.  The Program of Study Form indicates how and when degree requirements will be met and must be formulated in consultation with the student's major professor.  An Application for Graduation Form must also be submitted directly to the Graduate School.

Thesis Defense

After all course work has been completed and the thesis has been approved by the student's major professor, the thesis is transmitted to the advisory committee at least two weeks before the thesis defense date.  The thesis defense is an oral examination conducted by the student's advisory committee, and constitutes the second part of the master's final examination.  All members of the advisory committee must be present at the defense.  The advisory committee members including the major professor must vote on whether the student passed the defense and record their votes on the Approval Form for Master's Thesis, Defense, and Final Examination.  To pass the exam, at least two of the three votes must be passing.

• Thesis Copies
• On-Line Forms