Computer Science (M.S.)

Program Educational Objectives

The CS graduate program objectives are to equip individuals to:

• Discover and disseminate knowledge relevant to the discipline of computer science.
• Provide leadership for increasingly complex roles in computer science and industry.
• Contribute to the advancement of the science of computer science serving regional and national needs.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Conduct research and/or design software projects: Conduct research and/or design software projects that demonstrate ability to model, analyze, design, implement, and manage software development processes and systems.
• Understand fundamental principles: Articulate a solid understanding of the fundamental principles in the area of computer science.
• Communication skills: Demonstrate an ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, technical information effectively as an ethically and socially responsible computer science professional.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Core Requirements

• CSC 705 - Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms (COM) Credits: 3
• CSC 710 - Structure and Design of Programming Languages (COM) Credits: 3
• CSC 720 - Theory of Computation (COM) Credits: 3
• CSC 770 - Software Engineering Management Credits: 3

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

Two letters of recommendation with at least one from an individual who can address the applicant’s technical knowledge background and ability to perform research, a research statement or statement of interest area, and transcripts are required.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All CS graduate candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination.  The comprehensive written examination is offered twice during each academic year.  The four graduate core courses are the subjects of the comprehensive written examination.  

Comprehensive Written Exam Requirements

• All CS graduate candidates must pass a comprehensive written examination. The comprehensive written examination is offered twice during each academic year. It is usually during the third week of both the fall and spring semester. The four graduate core courses (listed below) are the subjects of the comprehensive written examination.

• CS graduate students can take the comprehensive exam up to three times as long as they have an average score of 50 or higher in the comprehensive exam and a minimum score of 40 or higher in each of the core course exams. If at any time in the students’ scores fall below the criteria, the student loses the option of retaking the exam.

• If a student submits an application to take the comprehensive exam, that application will be counted as one of their three opportunities.

Final Oral Exam Requirements

The final oral exam is required for both thesis and non-thesis students. It is scheduled for approximately two hours. The first part of the exam includes the candidate’s thesis or design paper defense, and the second part of the exam comprises the candidate’s course work.

Accelerated Master’s Program

The accelerated master’s program will be available to eligible SDSU students. Up to twelve (12) graduate level credits may apply to the undergraduate degree as major requirements or electives with approval from the student’s academic advisor, department head/school director, and college dean. Students must follow SDSU Policy 2:22 Use of Graduate Credit for Undergraduate Degree Requirements.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .