Two students working in a computer lab.

Master of Science 

Computer Science

Program Overview

This degree requires a minimum of 31 credits, of which at least 25 must be taken from the Department of Computer Science. In a process that can take one full year, you must successfully complete:

  • Core courses in the Department of Computer Science, as well as electives in computer science, or electives outside of computer science with department approval.
  • A master's project, or thesis, including the design and implementation of a computer program of significant scope. The project may be in the form of a department approved internship involving employment in the private or public sector.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact the Computer Science Department at [email protected] or 518-437-4950

Program Highlights

FACULTY: Learn from renowned professors who provide a well-rounded and critical understanding of this dynamic discipline.

RESEARCH: Exciting opportunities to participate in a robust research agenda with our actively engaged faculty. Please visit our faculty websites to learn about ongoing research.

PREPARATION: A wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.

COST: Save on tuition compared to that at most private universities.

LOCATION: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region. The campus is a short ride to Boston and New York City.

NETWORK: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of computer science.

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CTG Students
Career Outlook

Computer Science graduates are sought after in a wide range of industries.

Sample job titles include:

  • Application Developer
  • Data Analyst
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • IT Consultant
  • Software Architect

The degree can also be used as a step toward earning a doctorate.

careers

“The computer science faculty at UAlbany has always encouraged and challenged me to explore the unexplored, while giving me the right skills to harness the power of technology in solving real-world issues.”

- Shivam Parikh, MS in Computer Science alum and current PhD student

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option

If you’re a current UAlbany undergraduate student with at least a 3.2 GPA, you can save time and money by beginning your graduate degree coursework as early as your junior year. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees – so you can complete your combined program in only 5 years and spend less than you would if you completed each program separately.

Contact your undergraduate advisor to see if you’re eligible and learn about your combined graduate program options.

UAlbany graduate with confetti at Commencement.

Admissions Requirements

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Deadlines

No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
Special Notes

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 applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Open to students holding a baccalaureate degree with at least a minor or its equivalent in computer science or mathematics or a combination thereof.

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.

Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  •  Students will be able to understand and analyze algorithms & data structures.
  • Students will be able to implement algorithms in a manner consistent with software Engineering principles.
  • Design and implement large scale software, and work in teams.
  • Students will demonstrate Competence in Operating Systems, Databases, Computability, or Advanced programming concepts.
  • Students will illustrate implementation success via demos of their projects.
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