Program Description

The Master of Science with a Major in Computer Science (MSCS) is a rigorous degree program that includes advanced coursework and research activities on a wide range of computer science subjects such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, databases, data science, human-computer interaction, networking, scientific computing, and high-performance computing. MSCS program is intended for the students pursuing professional careers in computing. Students in the MSCS program will learn how to solve real-world problems with advanced computing skills and mathematical knowledge.

The MSCS program serves as both a research program training computer scientists and a professional program training industry practitioners. In order to serve these two audiences, the program provides the following two program models. MSCS students can choose any one of these two models to pursue their MSCS degrees.

MSCS Program Track Options:

• Thesis Track: The thesis track is designed for students who plan to conduct computer science research under the supervision of faculty members in selected areas. It consists of a 6 hours program core, 6 hours thesis (CS 7999), 3 hours research (CS 7998), and 15 hours elective courses. Students who choose this track should work with a faculty thesis advisor. Thesis needs to be defended and approved by a thesis committee that consists of at least 3 members.
• Professional Track: The professional track is designed for students who plan to advance their knowledge in computer science and apply their knowledge to industrial applications. It consists of 6 hours program core, and 24 hours elective courses.

The MSCS program features an excellent curriculum that blends theoretic foundations of computer science with the state-of-the-art computing technologies. Major areas of study include data science, cyber and network security, high performance computing, and artificial intelligence. The program provides students with opportunities in computer science research, advanced project development, and industrial internship. The MSCS program has a number of premium features, including the integrated use of distance learning technology with intensive faculty-student interactions. Students have a choice of attending class on-campus, remote but “live” at the assigned class time, or remote and viewing the recorded lecture at their convenience. Moreover, the MSCS program is structured with both full-time and part-time study options in order to provide students with maximum flexibility of study. Outstanding students may apply for graduate research assistantships, subject to funding availability.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to: 

1. Analyze complex problems in the computing discipline at the research and/or in advanced projects level and develop computer solutions that are technologically appropriate and theoretically sound.
2. Manage systems complexity by applying abstraction, decomposition, and best practices in various applications of the computer science discipline.
3. Write scientific papers, thesis, and/or technical reports that demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate technical and/or scientific information to both academic and professional audiences.

 This program is a part of the College of Computing and Software Engineering .

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Admissions, Enrollment, and Graduation Criteria

Admissions Criteria

The following are program-specific criteria beyond the general Graduate Admissions  requirements.

1. Resume/Vita required -include your educational background and work experience if applicable.
2. A GPA below 2.75 is considered on a case-by-case basis for those who show extraordinary background.

Streamlined Application Process:

Students who meet the following qualification are eligible for a streamlined application process. To qualify students must:

• Be a current Kennesaw State University student majoring in one of the College of Computing and Software Engineering’s undergraduate programs.
• Have an active petition to graduate in that major
• Have a 3.5 GPA or higher upon graduation and the recommendation of the undergraduate coordinator
• Students who meet these criteria are not required to take the GRE nor submit secondary documentation that includes a resumé or vita, statement of purpose, or letters of recommendation.

Students who wish to apply for admission into a different major may be required to take additional course work. Please contact the program coordinator of that program.

Conditional Admission:

The MSCS program requires students to have fundamental knowledge in computer science.  A student with an insufficient background may be conditionally admitted. Conditions may be fulfilled by successfully completing foundation coursework or successfully completing foundation modules offered by KSU Community and Professional Education (CPE). The prerequisite requirement will be written in the admission letter. Upon successful completion of conditions, the student will achieve full graduate status. A student can satisfy the prerequisite conditions for MSCS in one of the following two manners:

1) By completing up to 4 designated foundation courses with an average grade of “C” or better.

• CS 5000: Foundations of Programming  
• CS 5020: Computer Organization and Architecture  
• CS 5040: Data Structures and Algorithms  
• CS 5070: Mathematical Structures for Computer Science  

2) By completing up to 4 designated foundation modules offered through KSU Community and Professional Education (CPE). 

• Programming - Java  
• Computer Architecture          
• Data Structures          
• Mathematical Structure for CS      

Transfer Credits

A student may transfer a maximum of six semester hours of graduate courses. The transfer of credit for course work completed at another institution will be approved only under the following conditions: 

• A minimum grade of “B” was received in the course;
• The content of the course corresponds to that of a course required or permitted in the student’s program at Kennesaw State University;
• The credit to be considered for transfer will not be more than six years old at the time the student enters KSU. 

A request for consideration of transfer credit must be submitted to the MSCS program director by the student during the first semester of residence. The request must indicate the specific course(s) for which transfer credit is sought. A copy of the other institution’s transcript and a course description from the catalog must be submitted.  

Enrollment Criteria

This program does not have specific enrollment requirements. 

Graduation Criteria

Each student is expected to meet the requirements outlined in Academic Policy 5.0 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION .

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Program Course Requirements