The Master of Science in Computer Science expands your knowledge and expertise in some of the most prominent topics of modern computing. In addition to working on original game projects with an emphasis on designing core technologies and applied algorithms, you’ll have the opportunity to develop and defend a thesis on a computer science topic of your choosing.
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This program places a strong emphasis on understanding of theory, as well as the ability to implement advanced computer science topics as they relate to modern software development. Students in the MS in Computer Science program have created innovative and sophisticated 3D game software, written award-winning papers based on cutting-edge research in computer science theory, and found employment at some of the industry’s top companies.
Degree candidates have the option of enrolling in either a full-time or part-time program.
Who Should Pursue This Degree?
Geared toward professional software engineers and college graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, this program provides you with the knowledge and skills to produce cutting-edge software technology in a demanding professional environment.
As a student in this program, you will have an opportunity to:
Academic Roadmap
As an MS in Computer Science candidate, you’ll undertake graduate-level coursework in computer science, work on two major game software development projects, and either complete and defend a thesis or take a comprehensive examination based on your areas of study.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the MS in Computer Science program must have completed a bachelor’s degree, ideally in computer science or a closely related field, with minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Applicants must have taken sufficient coursework in computer science, programming, and mathematics.
Topics Covered
The curriculum of the MS in Computer Science program covers the following subjects, depending on your area of concentration:
Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Students have the option of enrolling in the MS in Computer Science program full-time for two years or part-time for three to four years.
Full-time sample course sequence
Part-time sample course sequence
BS/MS Accelerated Schedule
If you’re interested in pursuing both the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation and a master’s degree in the Master of Science in Computer Science program, DigiPen offers an accelerated schedule that allows you to complete both programs in just five years. See the BS/MS Accelerated Schedule page for more details.
Degree Completion Options
MS in Computer Science candidates may choose from two different tracks of study to complete their degree.
Thesis
This course of study is designed for students who wish to develop analytical research skills and make an original contribution to the field of computer simulation. Students who choose the Thesis track must identify an area of interest within computer science. They will then conduct a survey of the literature on existing techniques and algorithms related to this field, propose an innovative approach to the problem they have identified, develop a theory and prototypes, and write and defend a thesis.
Comprehensive Exam
This track allows students to take two electives at the graduate level in place of the master’s thesis classes. Following the completion of these courses, students must satisfactorily complete a comprehensive exam that tests their knowledge of both broad computer science topics — such as algorithms, data structures, and computer graphics — and a specific area of concentration chosen by the student.
