Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is a two-year post-graduate course designed to train students in undertaking high-level research in the advanced field of computing. In the course of the program, students develop a rigorous and deeper understanding of the theoretical and underlying principles of computation in the areas of programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms and complexity, automata, and intelligent systems. By engaging students to work in research laboratories, they are further equipped with technical project management skills to lead in the advancement of computer science research.

The program makes extensive use of published research papers and journals to encourage students to develop new or adapt existing algorithms, and to explore their innovative applications in various domains. These heavily rely upon independent research by students, and provide opportunities to integrate theories and disseminate research results to local and international audiences.

Students coming from non-CS and non-IT academic backgrounds who wish to take the program are prepared through a series of remedial courses. Candidates’ understanding of the theories in computing, and their proficiency and style in written and oral communication are primarily attested to by the successful completion and defense of a master’s thesis.

The program is an appropriate preparation for those aspiring to discover new approaches to solving a computing problem, and to make an existing technology adapt to new application areas; for those seeking a career in the dynamic field of computing; and for those intending to develop their skills in conducting research and further studies at the doctoral level.

Admission Requirements

The program accepts applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or ITE allied fields (e.g. sciences, math, and engineering). Other Bachelor’s degrees may be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Note:

  • Applicants may be required to take remedial courses depending on their degree or courses they have taken up during their Bachelor’s degree.
  • Since the program will be administered in English, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of the language.

Degree Requirements

The MSCS program is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:

  • completion of all academic courses
  • pass the oral comprehensive examination
  • submission of a master’s thesis based on an independent, original research
  • successful defense of the master’s thesis
  • publication in a reputable refereed international scientific journal or from an ISI/Scopus-indexed CS conference
  • fulfillment of the residency and other University requirements

Academic Program Components

The program is composed of 12 units of remedial courses (optional), 15 units of foundation courses, 3 units of Methods of Research, 12 units of elective courses, oral comprehensive exam, and 6 units of thesis.

Remedial Courses (12 units)*

  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Organization
  • Intelligent Systems

Foundation Courses (15 units)

  • Advanced Operating Systems
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Advanced Automata and Complexity
  • Theories of Programming Languages
  • Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Elective Courses (12 units)

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Neural Networks
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Data Science
  • Empathic Computing
  • User Modeling
  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Bioinformatics
  • Augmented and Virtual Reality
  • Complex Systems
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
  • Internet-of-Things
  • Cybersecurity

Oral Comprehensive Exam (0 units)

Thesis (6 units)**

Note:

* Not included in the count of total academic units. These are optional courses added to the study plan upon recommendation of the Graduate Program Coordinator and approval of the Department Chair.

** A student must produce a published paper in a Scopus-indexed conference proceeding or a journal article related to any or all aspects of their thesis as part of the completion requirements.