Computer Science Master of Science Degree Program

The Master of Science program provides a solid foundation in computer science theory and practice that gives preparation for a career in computing or for further graduate study and research leading to a doctoral degree. Students should refer to the departmental graduate handbook and to their faculty advisor to plan a program of study according to their interests.

The master's degree requires a minimum of 31 credits, of which at least 25 must be taken from the Computer Science Department at the University at Albany, SUNY. The M.S. program, excluding undergraduate deficiency subjects, typically takes two full years.

Requirements for Admission

Open to students holding a baccalaureate degree with at least a minor or its equivalent in computer science or mathematics or a combination thereof. Full-time admission is ordinarily valid only for the fall semester.

Students whose preparation in undergraduate mathematics or computer science is deficient are required to take undergraduate courses during the first year of graduate study as specified by the department.

Program of Study: (31 credits required)

1. Discrete Mathematics Exam - A proficiency examination in Discrete Mathematics is given at the beginning of the first semester of graduate study. Students who fail this examination are required to pass a departmentally approved remedial program. Students can complete this requirement by taking CSI521 Discrete Mathematics with Applications (this course can count as an elective for the program).

2. Core Courses -

• Csi 503 – Algorithms and Data Structures (3)
• Csi 518 – Software Engineering (4) 

3. Concentration Core Course Requirement - Select one of three concentrations and take the three courses within the concentration:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

• Csi 531 Data Mining (3)
• Csi 535 Artificial Intelligence (3)
• Csi 536 Machine Learning (3)

Systems:

• Csi 500: Operating Systems (3)
• Csi 508 Database Systems (3)
• Csi 516: Computer and Communications Networks (3)

Theoretical Computer Science:

• Csi 529: Probability and Computing (3) (N)
• Csi 609: Formal Languages and Theory of Computation (3)
• Csi 519: Advanced Programming Concepts (3)

4. Electives - 12 credits required; Elective courses must be Computer Science courses numbered 500 or above. At most 2 courses (6 credits) from outside the CS department may be counted with approval from the department.

Breadth Requirement - Graduate students are required to demonstrate a broad understanding of computer science by selecting elective courses from core concentration areas other than their chosen specialization. Each student must complete at least one 3-credit course from each of the unselected concentration areas.

Master's students cannot count the following courses towards MS degree requirements: Csi 600, Csi 696, Csi 697, Csi 720, Csi 890, and Csi 899.

Some courses may have separate PhD and MS sections. When separate sections exist, MS students are required to enroll in the MS section and will not receive credit for the PhD section.

5. Culminating Experience Requirement - Select one of the following course options:

• Csi 68X Master's Project (3)
• Csi 698 Internship (3)
• Csi 699 Master's Thesis (3)

Please note: This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If you have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of your intended academic program.