Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Computer Science [M.S.]


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The Master of Science in Computer Science program provides a flexible and rigorous education in the advanced principles of computer science. Graduates are prepared for research or doctoral programs, as well as employment in business, government organizations, educational institutions and other enterprises. 

The program requires 33 credit hours of Computer Science courses, including one of practicum, research study or thesis. All students are also required to complete a core set of courses, if they have not already completed them in their undergraduate study. Students, with the help of the graduate coordinator, can design their programs of study to specialize in a certain area of interest. The flexibility in course formats, such as, online, evening, and hybrid offerings encourages students to complete their degrees on a  part-time or full-time basis. Graduate Assistantships are available to qualified students to aid them financially and enhance their academic experiences here at EMU. 

This is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.

 

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program requirements:

  • Have at least 18 hours of 200-level (or above) computer science courses, including data structures, programming languages, computer organization, and competency in a high-level programming language such as C, C++, Python, or Java;
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 in computer science coursework; and
  • Have completed a course (one semester) in discrete mathematics, probability or statistics, linear algebra, and calculus.

Conditional Admits

Applicants who do not meet the above program criteria but satisfy the Graduate School admission requirements may be granted conditional admission.

International Applicants

All international applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English proficiency requirements stated below.

  • IBT - 79 overall with a writing score of at least 19
  • IELTS - 6.5 overall with a writing score of at least 5.5
  • MET- 57 overall with a writing score of at least 53
  • PTE - 58 overall with a writing score of at least 65

Department Information


Computer Science | Augustine Ikeji, Ph.D., Department Head | 511 Pray-Harrold, 734.487.1063, aikeji@emich.edu

Krish Narayanan, Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, 511C Pray Harrold, 734.487.1256, knarayana@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Please contact the department for advisor information.

Degree Requirements: 33 hours


All students may follow one of three plans: Plan A, with a practicum; Plan B, with a research study; or Plan C, with a thesis. Each plan requires 33 hours.

All students must have:

  • At least nine hours in approved 600-level computer science courses are required.
  • At most, nine hours of cognates (500- and 600-level courses pre-approved by the graduate coordinator) may be credited toward the degree.
  • satisfactorily completed at least one course in each of the following areas: operating system principles, network principles, database principles, and theoretical computer science.
  • an approved and current program of study.

Plan A - Practicum


This plan requires a written exit examination and a capstone practicum course.

Required Course: 3 hours


Restricted Electives: 30 hours


Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours from the following.

Plan B - Research Study


Plan B requires the completion of a research project. A committee of three members, chaired by the student’s research advisor, is responsible for confirming the student’s preparedness, approving the topic and readings and accepting the research report. One committee member may be from outside the department. The research report must be publicly presented after approval by the committee.

Required Course: 3 hours


Restricted Elective: 30 hours


Students must complete a minimum of 30 hours from the following.

Plan C - Thesis


Plan C requires the completion of a thesis for six hours. A committee of three members, chaired by the student’s research advisor, is responsible for confirming the student’s preparedness, approving the topic and readings and accepting the thesis. One committee member may be from outside the department. The thesis must be publicly defended.

Required Courses: 6 hours


Restricted Electives: 27 hours


Students must complete a minimum of 27 hours from the following.

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