The program offers a thesis option and a non-thesis option. Students in both options must take four graduate computer science (CS) core courses. Students who wish to write a thesis take four graduate CS electives and sign up for 6 thesis credits (counts as two graduate electives) whereas students in the non-thesis option must take six graduate CS electives. One of these six electives can be CSCI 599 Master's Project.

Students in the thesis option must find a thesis advisor in the department based on their interests in order to comply with the thesis submission requirements of the UDC Graduate School [see guideline]. Students in the non-thesis option also need to find a faculty member (project advisor) to do a special project and submit a final MS project report to the project advisor at the end.

The course of study is as follows:
30 credit hours are required for graduation - four required CSCI core courses and six electives. In addition, students who are inadequately prepared in computer science but who have been admitted into the graduate program will also need to take up to 4 background courses in computer science. For taking background courses, students need to have a consulation with the MS program director.

[Thesis Option] Students enrolled in the thesis option will need to do a thesis defense. For preparing the thesis, students must follow the requirements of the Graduate School. Thesis defense needs to be announced to public at least a week prior to the thesis defense date.

[Non-Thesis Option] Students who elect to do a project must consult with their project advisor on project submission requirements.

• How do I apply for MSCS program?

  
  

  Application instruction can be found in the university catalog. Please check the website at http://www.udc.edu/admissions/graduate_students

• How the application materials are reviewed and how decisions for admission will be made?

  
  

  Applications will be reviewed and discussed by graduate committee members before decision of admission is made. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the Admission's office. Final admission's letter is issued by the Admission's office.

• Do I need TOFEL score? What is the minimum score?

  
  

  International students whose native language is one other than English must take the Test A minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  1) Paper and of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), www.TOEFL.org. This requirement will be waived upon the submission of an official college transcript evidencing the successful completion of two college-level English courses at an accredited American college or university.
  Pencil Test - 550;
  2) Computer-Based Test - 213;
  3) Internet-Based Test - 79; degree earned in an accredited American college or university.

• Do I need GRE? What is the minimum score?

  
  

  Yes. As part of university admission requirements, you must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as well as GRE Analytical Writing Subtest as a requirement of admission. The minimal acceptable score is a 4.0. Students failing to meet the respective criterion score may be admitted conditionally. If admitted conditionally, a student must enroll in and pass (with a grade of B or better) the University's graduate writing proficiency course during their first semester of enrollment.

• Can I apply before taking TOFEL and/or GRE?

  Yes, you can submit your application without official score. However, your application will not be approved before your application package is completed.

• What if I do not have a BS degree in Computer Science?

  
  

  You can still apply for the MSCS program. However, when you are admitted and enroll, you are required to take background courses in CS before you can take other classes.

  • When admitted, you must take the following background courses, prior to taking any MSCS course, and pass with a grade of “B” or above in each course.
  • Computer Science II
  • Data Structures
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
  • The above background courses do not count toward the minimum 30 credit hours required by the program. They can be waived if taken from another academic institutions.

• What are the application deadlines?

  
  

  University Deadlines for Fall Admission:
  - International students: Mid-May
  - Otherwise: Mid-June

• Can I apply for summer term admission?

  
  

  Currently we only offer master's project and thesis credits in the summer. And these are for students who have already taken some courses. If you are an international student and need to enroll during the summer, please contact us.

• Is there assistantship? And how do I apply for one?

  
  

  Please refer to the assistantship information.

• Am I qualified for financial aid? And how do I apply for one?

  
  

  Please refer to the university catalog.

• What the job placement is like after graduation?

  
  

  Some of our past students are working professionals at the time of enrollment. For the ones that were fulltime students they received job offers before or upon graduation or continue to pursue higher degree. Washington DC metro area is one the areas in the nation with high employment rate.