Master of Science in Computer Science
Reboot Your Future
Computer and information science (CIS) is a vigorous and exciting field that continues to grow in importance from both a research and industry perspective. Computer science programs are broad in scope and deal with software and hardware technology, the theory of computation, scientific computing, and their applications.
The MS in Computer Science program teaches students computer science subjects in four foundational areas: theory, systems and networks, software, and information. In addition, the MS program also provides numerous advanced courses and seminars to acquaint students with cutting edge computer science research.
Key Numbers
2 Years
$1,352
per credit hour
30
Credit Hours
Why get a master’s in computer science at the University of Delaware?
At the University of Delaware, we’re pushing the boundaries of computer and information science. You can research how to keep people safe from emerging cyber threats with the X-Lab, develop the newest automobile technology in the Connected and Autonomous Research (CAR) Laboratory, investigate how immersive technology impacts user experience in the education and healthcare fields with the Human-Computer Interaction Lab and innovate the future of artificial intelligence in the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence. These are just some examples of the prolific research taking place within the UD Department of Computer and Information Sciences.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the 3% average for all occupations.
Computer science jobs top the list of highly ranked occupations, according to Indeed and Glassdoor.
The computer science alumni network provides invaluable support and offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and insights into industry trends to current students. This community of professionals committed to mutual success is backed up by an exceptional career services team at UD. From personalized career counseling and interview techniques to exclusive job fairs featuring top employers, we ensure our students are fully prepared to navigate the job market confidently.
Admission Requirements
The following are the general requirements for admission to our graduate program:
- The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree at the University of Delaware. A minimum grade average of 3.2 in the major field of study and an overall cumulative index of 3.0 is required.
- Scholarly competence in mathematics and computer programming. Applicants are expected to know the material covered by at least one undergraduate course in each of the following topics: structured high-level language programming; data structures; computer architecture; operating systems; and analysis of algorithms. Additionally, applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least four undergraduate courses in the following topics: calculus; discrete mathematics; probability and statistics; mathematical logic; and comparable formal subjects, such as Theory of Computation.
- Minimum GRE scores of 153 for the verbal section, 155 for the quantitative section, and 4.0 for the analytical writing section. The GRE subject test is not required.
- If the applicant has completed graduate courses in computer science beyond the bachelor’s degree, the grades earned in these courses will be reviewed and considered in the admission decision. A minimum grade of 3.0 (B) in each of these courses is required.
- International applicants must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language if English is not their first language. The University requires an official TOEFL score of at least 79 on the Internet-based test. A TOEFL score of at least 100 is required to be considered for a teaching assistantship.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from professors (preferably), employers, or others who are able to assess your potential for success in graduate studies.
Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.
Degree Requirements
Review the University Catalog or course descriptions for a complete description of the degree requirements
The MS in Computer and Information Sciences requires a total of 30 credits.
The non-thesis track is intended for students who view the MS as a terminal professional degree. The thesis track is intended for students who are also interested in research in computer and information sciences and may consider pursuing a PhD.
Students begin the program following the non-thesis track. Admission does not guarantee that a student can follow the thesis track. Entry to the thesis track occurs once the student’s advisory committee is approved by the Department.
Non-thesis Track Requirements
The Non-thesis Track Requirements comprises three components. The breadth component (12 credits) ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component (18 credits) allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the MS and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society.
Thesis Track Requirements
The Thesis Track Requirements comprises four components. The breadth component (12 credits) ensures that students have a broad view of computer and information sciences. The elective component (12 credits) allows students to specialize in an area that is related to their career goals. The seminar component prepares students to successfully complete the MS and exposes them to broader issues such as professional and ethical responsibilities and the impacts of computer and information sciences on society. The thesis component (6 credits) ensures that students have time to devote to their research.
Breadth Courses
Theory, Mathematical, and Formal Reasoning
- CISC 601 – Elements of the Theory of Computation Credit(s): 3
- CISC 604 – Logic in Computer Science Credit(s): 3
- CISC 614 – Formal Methods in Software Engineering Credit(s): 3
- CISC 621 – Algorithm Design and Analysis Credit(s): 3
- CISC 670 – Programming Languages Credit(s): 3
System Design and Implementation
- CISC 611 – Software Process Management Credit(s): 3
- CISC 612 – Software Design Credit(s): 3
- CISC 613 – Software Requirements Engineering Credit(s): 3
- CISC 614 – Formal Methods in Software Engineering Credit(s): 3
- CISC 615 – Software Testing and Maintenance Credit(s): 3
- CISC 637 – Database Systems Credit(s): 3
- CISC 650 – Computer Networks II Credit(s): 3
- CISC 653 – Simulation of Computer Networks Credit(s): 3
- CISC 662 – Computer Systems: Architecture Credit(s): 3
- CISC 663 – Operating Systems Credit(s): 3
- CISC 664 – Introduction to Network Security Credit(s): 3
- CISC 672 – Compiler Construction Credit(s): 3
- CISC 675 – Software Engineering Principles and Practices Credit(s): 3
ML/AI, Interacting with Data, and Statistical Applications
- BINF 685 – Modeling and Simulation for Bioinformatics Systems Credit(s): 3
- CISC 636 – Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Credit(s): 3
- CISC 681 – Artificial Intelligence Credit(s): 3
- CISC 683 – Introduction to Data Mining Credit(s): 3
- CISC 684 – Introduction to Machine Learning Credit(s): 3
- CISC 686 – Introduction to Multi-Agent Systems Credit(s): 3
- CISC 688 – Introduction to Natural Language Processing Credit(s): 3
Human-facing
- CISC 640 – Computer Graphics Credit(s): 3
- CISC 642 – Introduction to Computer Vision Credit(s): 3
- CISC 655 – Communication Skills for CS Researchers Credit(s): 3
- CISC 669 – Computer Security Principles and Practice Credit(s): 3
- CISC 682 – Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Credit(s): 3
- CPEG 665 – Introduction to Cybersecurity Credit(s): 3
Review the University Catalog or course descriptions for elective course and the most up-to-date information.
Deadlines
Fall Admission:
February 1: Priority consideration for admission
July 1: Final deadline to apply
Spring Admission:
December 1: Final deadline to apply
Graduate Recruitment Contacts
Rui Zhang
Email: cis-gradprgm@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-2783
Chiamesha Carey
Graduate Academic Advisor II
Email: careyc@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-4467
UD Graduate Admissions
Website
Email: gradadmissions@udel.edu
Phone: 302-831-2129
