Master of Science (MS)
Program Requirements | Plan A | Plan B | Admission Requirements | Time for Completion
Program Requirements
Admission Requirements
Successful M.S. applicants typically possess a B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science, Computer Science and Engineering, or Computer Engineering. Specifically, the M.S. program in Computer Science and Engineering maintains the following minimum requirements for admission:
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- Bachelor’s degree. The applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree and a strong record of academic performance.
- Two letters of recommendation. The applicant must submit two letters of recommendation supporting the application. A strong letter should speak to your specific strengths and experiences.
- Preparation in computing and mathematics. The applicant should have supporting undergraduate coursework in mathematics and computer science, reflecting the following:
- Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Mathematics;
- Probability and Statistics;
- Competency in a high-level programming language: typically, at least two semesters of collegiate programming;
- Operating Systems or a systems programming course (equivalent to CSE3100);
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms (equivalent to CSE3500);
- Computer Architecture (equivalent to CSE 3666);
- some additional higher division computing classes such as Programming Languages, Security, ML/AI, Theory of Computing, Compilers, etc.
Students missing a small portion of these courses may be admitted under the condition that they complete the requirements during their degree. As the M.S. program does permit 6 credits of upper-division CSE undergraduate courses to be counted towards the degree, in some cases completion of the requirements above can also serve to meet M.S. degree requirements.
- GRE scores are required for all M.S. applicants with the exception of UConn undergraduates pursuing the 5-year program. GRE scores are not required for the M.Eng. program.
- Qualification under teaching excellence, research excellence, or the UConn 5-year program. The Master’s program is organized around three tracks, focused on research, teaching, or the UConn 5-year program.
- The research track. Intended Plan A/thesis track. Application must include:
- A research prospectus, identifying and discussing potential thesis topics.
- At least one letter that speaks directly to preparedness for research.
- We strongly suggest that your application includes a letter of recommendation from a UConn CSE faculty member. In the absence of such a recommendation, we suggest that your application clearly indicates preferred thesis advisors.
- The teaching track. Limited class size.
- Applicant must have excellent language skills, either being a native English speaker or (IELTS 8.0+ speaking or TOEFL IBT 27+ or PTE 74+).
- We strongly recommend a detailed discussion of preparedness to teach in specific undergraduate courses in our curriculum.
- The 5-year track, for UConn 5-year BS/MS students. These students are welcome to pursue their 5th year in the CSE M.Eng. program if they prefer, more information here.
- The research track. Intended Plan A/thesis track. Application must include:
Application deadline: For full consideration, applications must be received by January 1.
For further details, including limits on course and credit transfer, see the The Graduate School, Admissions.
Adviser & Committee Selection
Students wishing to pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) degree must associate themselves with a faculty advisor in consultation with whom they will select an advisory committee. The advisory committee consists of three faculty members chaired by the advisor. The advisory committee is responsible for reviewing the student’s plan of study (see below) and–for Plan A students–evaluating thesis work.
Course selection; Plan of study
The Master’s programs are designed to be flexible. Course selection, in either program, is the responsibility of the student in consultation with the student’s advisory committee. Student’s compile a Plan of Study indicating the coursework they intend to use to fulfill the degree. Advanced undergraduate computing courses (with prescribed limits, see below) may be included in the Plan of Study. Additionally, graduate courses taken outside of CSE are also permitted (with prescribed limits, see below). The Plan of Study must be approved by the student’s advisory committee in order to satisfy the degree requirements. The current plan of study form, with a detailed description of course requirements, can be found with the other forms.
Plan A detailed requirements
The Plan A program allows a student to combine individual study with general course work. The requirements for this degree are:
- Coursework meeting the Plan A requirements.
- An oral presentation of a thesis research proposal.
- Completion of a master’s thesis and oral presentation of thesis work.
For further details, see the M.S. Program Description in the Graduate Catalog and the CSE MS Plan of Study form.
Master’s Thesis
The master’s thesis is an essential element of the Plan A program. Master’s theses can be roughly classified into two categories: research theses and design theses. A research thesis reports on original research undertaken by the student on a problem in computer science and engineering. A research master’s thesis need not necessarily constitute a major original contribution to knowledge as is expected from a Ph.D. dissertation. It should, however, represent the solution to a meaningful problem from an appropriate area of computer science. A design thesis reports on a design, implementation (in software and/or hardware), verification, and documentation of a complete computing system. In either case, the thesis topic is identified in collaboration with the student’s adviser. The master’s thesis represents the equivalent of at least nine graduate credits. The thesis document itself must adhere to the Graduate School’s specifications; see the M.S. Program Description in the Graduate Catalog.
Thesis proposal. Master’s students must develop a thesis plan in consultation with their adviser. When a thesis topic has been agreed upon, the student must submit a thesis proposal to his or her advisory committee. The document should cover previous work in the area, define the specific problem to be addressed, and outline the research plan. Once this proposal is approved, formal work on the thesis can begin. Normally, it is expected that the thesis topic will be selected and approved as soon as possible, certainly before the end of the first complete year of study (i.e., by the beginning of the third semester of residence). Students are required to present their thesis proposal to their committee and other interested faculty so that the scope of the research project is clearly understood by all parties. The proposal will consist of an oral presentation based upon a document distributed to the committee in advance. For further details, see the M.S. Program Description in the Graduate Catalog.
Oral defense of thesis. Near the end of the thesis work, the student will present a seminar on his or her results. For further details, see the M.S. Program Description in the Graduate Catalog.
Plan B detailed requirements
The Plan B master’s program is entirely based on coursework, perhaps including independent study courses.
For further details, see the M.S. Program Description in the Graduate Catalog and the CSE M.S. Plan of Study form.
Time for Completion
Accepted students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related area typically complete the M.S. degree requirements in two or three semesters of full-time study. Students with a less comprehensive computing background may require additional time. Teaching assistants and research assistants typically require more time to complete the program, as they must allocate effort to these non-course-related activities. Under normal conditions, on-campus students–even those holding teaching or research assistantships–complete the M.S. degree requirements in four semesters or less.
