Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers a strong applied component in Software Engineering and Databases while providing a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of Computer Science. This emphasis on applications is rare among graduate programs in the Boston area. Conveniently located, especially for part-time students who work in Boston, this program offers advantageous flexibility and currency. State-of-the-art courses will prepare successful students to be productive in varied business and industrial settings.

Our graduate program is designed to enable computer professionals to advance to a higher level of professional activity while also providing a practical way for people not yet trained in computer science to enter this exciting field.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, you must:

• Hold a US bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution (or international equivalent)
• Submit your official GRE scores to be considered for merit-based financial aid
• Submit your official TOEFL or IELTS scores and provide a statement of financial resources if you are an international student
• Complete the application process

Degree Requirements

To qualify for the master’s degree, candidates must complete at least ten courses (as described below).

Foundational Courses

These are courses normally taken by undergraduate computer science majors. Students may waive them by completing equivalent coursework at an accredited university (earning a minimum grade of "B") and demonstrating mastery of the material covered. The prerequisites for these foundational courses are a good working knowledge of calculus, at the level of MATH 165 and 166, and a rigorous course in programming (Java, C or C++), at the level of CMPSC 131.

• CMPSC M611 Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers or CMPSC M612 Discrete Mathematics
• CMPSC 601 Intermediate Programming
• CMPSC 603 Data Structures and Algorithms

Required Computer Science courses (12 credits/4 courses)

These courses are designed to provide the necessary depth of understanding in key areas of computer science. A student must complete four  of the following six courses.

• CMPSC 623 Analysis of Algorithms
• CMPSC 641 Advanced Databases
• CMPSC 633 Software Engineering
• CMPSC 665 Compilers
• CMPSC 667 Advanced Computer Architecture
• CMPSC 671 Networks

Elective Computer Science courses (18 credits/6 courses)

These courses are intended to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and techniques in a variety of critical areas. The student must complete six courses, chosen in consultation with his or her academic advisor.  At least four of these six must be numbered 620 or higher; the other two may be courses numbered 604 or higher and taken at Suffolk.

Business Concentration

Students wishing to add a business component to their program can replace two of the Computer Science electives with two graduate courses from the Sawyer Business School. These courses must be approved by the Program Director. Including such courses is a good way to enter the market place with strength in technology and also some practical understanding of business realities.

Co-ops and Financial Aid

Graduate students are encouraged to explore various co-op opportunities after their first year of study. A well-prepared candidate taking a co-op assignment during the second year of study can earn the MSCS degree in four semesters. In addition, qualified graduate students can apply for CS teaching fellowships, research fellowships or work-study assignments in the CS labs or the Math/CS Support Center. A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are also available.