Computer Science

Computer Science, M.S.

The M.S. in Computer Science is for those interested in computer software technology. The program encompasses the depth of knowledge needed to pursue more advanced work in computer science or allied areas. Graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate the professionally employed student. Financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships may be available for full-time, degree-seeking students.

The department offers courses in the core areas of computer science with optional M.S. concentrations in artificial intelligence, software engineering, parallel/distributed computing, image processing/graphics, computer systems, networks, and information security. A list of the courses in each of these concentrations is available in the department office. A student can specialize by taking at least 12 non-core credits, including an M.S. thesis or project, from one concentration.

A certificate in software engineering is also available with an M.S. in Computer Science. For information on this certificate, please refer to the software engineering program. Appropriate courses may be transferred, with an advisor's approval, into the George Mason degree program. Students may take courses through the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the M.S. in Computer Science program must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Fulfill admission requirements for graduate study at George Mason University.

2. Hold a baccalaureate degree that includes CS 310 Computer Science III, CS 330 Formal Methods and Models, CS 265 Assembly Language Programming, and CS 365 Computer Systems Architecture. Students also should have completed one year of mathematics beyond first-year calculus, including a substantial course in discrete mathematics (e.g., MATH 125). Students with some deficiencies in preparation may be admitted provisionally pending completion of foundation courses in mathematics or computer science. Undergraduate credit earned for this purpose may not be applied toward the graduate degree.

3. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 for the last two years of undergraduate work, preferably with a major in a technical field such as computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or information systems.

4. Submit transcripts of all postsecondary education; a self-assessment form (normally included in the application package or available from the department); three letters of recommendation; and an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) report.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the university, completion of this program requires 30 credits of graduate courses, as follows:

1. Core Courses: 12 credits consisting of
   • CS 540 Language Processors
   • CS 571 Operating Systems
   • CS 580 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
   • CS 583 Analysis of Algorithms
2. Additional Courses: 18 credits of computer science or computer science-related* courses:
   • At least 15 of these credits must qualify as advanced* by having suitable graduate courses as prerequisites.
   • At least 9 of these credits must be in courses specifically designated CS.
3. Breadth: The courses in requirement 2 above must include entries in three different concentration areas.* Courses listed under more than one concentration count only once for satisfying this requirement.
4. Project/Thesis (optional): 3 of the advanced credits may be replaced by a project (3 credits of CS 798) or a thesis (3 to 6 credits of CS 799). The project or thesis must be guided and approved by a committee of three appropriate faculty members and presented at an appropriate forum. Theses must meet relevant university requirements.

* The Department of Computer Science maintains a list of computer science-related courses, indicating which are at an advanced level. These are available on the web and in the department office, as are lists of courses in the concentration areas.