Jan 28, 2025  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, MS (53-976) (30 hours) [Also available as an accelerated program]


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Student Learning Outcomes - The graduate with a Master of Science degree in Computer Science will use the knowledge and skills obtained in the program to:

  • Apply algorithmic principles and computing theories to solve advanced problems in Computer Science.
  • Apply design and development principles in construction of computer-based systems of varying complexity.
  • Be able to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
  • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences, work effectively in a team environment, and demonstrate an understanding of ethical concerns related to computing.
  • Recognize the need for and engage in continuing professional development.

This program is designed to produce senior computer professionals in the computer industry, and its focus is on the application of technology to solve a variety of practical problems.

Admission Requirements - Admission is granted on the basis of an applicant’s academic aptitude and potential, which will be evaluated through academic record, test scores and/or work experience. To be admitted to the program, a student must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.8. Applicants must complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum combined score of 291in Verbal and Quantitative reasoning. Applicants must submit official GRE test scores through the Educational Testing Services (ETS) directly to the University of Central Missouri. The ETS institution code for sending GRE scores to UCM is 6090 and the program code is 0402. The GRE test requirement can be waived if any one of the following conditions is satisfied:

  • the student is a graduate of a regionally accredited college or university with a degree in Computer Science/Information Technology/Information Systems and a GPA of 3.25 or more. Students not in the above mentioned discipline list should have a GPA 3.5 or more.
  • the student has earned an M.S. or more advanced degree in a closely related discipline.

International students whose native language is not English and do not have a US degree are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (Internet based) is required. IELTS scores are accepted at UCM. Regular graduate students should have a band score of 6.0 in IELTS. The English requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours or have earned a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in the USA. Submission of a Statement of Purpose and 3 letters of recommendation is OPTIONAL for admission. They may however be required if the student applies for Graduate Assistantship or Student Worker positions. Applicants who have degrees in some non-computing fields will also be considered for admission. Students may make up their deficiencies in computer science by completing the required undergraduate background courses. Full time students with no deficiencies can expect to complete this program in two academic years.

Required Undergraduate Background Course: 0-3 Semester Hours


The following undergraduate course (or equivalent) is required for student whose undergraduate major is not in Computer Science, Information Technology or Information Systems.

  • CS 4150 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (3)

Elect one of the four areas: 18 Semester Hours


Area 1: Software Development


Electives from the following: 6-9 Semester Hours


Area 2: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence


Electives from the following: 3-6 Semester Hours


Area 3: Cloud Computing


Electives from the Following: 9 Semester Hours


Minimum Graduate Hour Total: 30 Semester Hours


+Students whose undergraduate degree is not in Computer Science, Information Technology or
Information Systems must select  as an elective.
^Only up to 3 credit hours of  can be applied to a student’s degree program. Students are expected to take  (3 credits - Internship in Computer Science to meet the elective requirements.  If the student is unable to secure an internship, any other graduate level CS course approved by the advisor, may be taken.
#Student cannot take both  and .
*Course cannot be used as both an elective and core requirement.

 may only be used as a program elective for students completing a Thesis.  Students who complete this course and do not complete a Thesis will be required to complete the additional required credit hours to meet the minimum hours requirements.

 

Accelerated Program Notes:


The Accelerated model for this program designed for the BS Computer Science - Computer Networking Option, Computer Science Option, Data Science Option, Game Development Option or Software Development Option. 

Undergraduate UCM students having completed at least 9 hours of computer science courses above the 1000 level with a major GPA of at least 3.00 may consult with their faculty advisor and complete a school application to declare the accelerated BS/MS major in computer science. Prior to beginning the graduate portion of the program, students in the accelerated program will need to apply to the UCM Graduate School for formal admission to the Accelerated BS/MS program.

Courses that an accelerated student may be eligible to include as overlap between the undergraduate and graduate programs:

 (CS 4600)

 (CS 4120)

 (CS 4610)

 (CS 4660)

 (CS 4700)

 (CS 4710)

 (CS 4810)

 (CYBR 4140)

 (CYBR 4610)

 (CYBR 4820)

 (CYBR 4840)

 (CYBR 4850)

 (CYBR 4920)

 (DSA 4100)

 (DSA 4200)

 (DSA 4400)

 (DSA 4600)

 (DSA 4620)

 (SE 4930)

 (SE 4940)

 (SE 4950)

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