Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate/Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] See drop-down menu above to access other catalogs.

Computer Science, MS


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Department: Computer Science 

The Master of Science in Computer Science is intended to meet the growing need for high-level computer professionals by:

  • strengthening the preparation of individuals working in computer-related fields;
  • training professionals in other areas who wish to apply computer science to their respective fields or who desire to retrain for entry into a computer science career;
  • providing the necessary general and theoretical background for those individuals who wish to continue graduate study in computer science beyond the master’s degree.

The program consists of 30 credits and may be completed entirely on a part-time basis; courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening.

 

Learning Outcomes  

Admission Requirements


  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 based upon four years of course work or a 3.0 undergraduate GPA based upon work completed during the junior and senior years
  • Three appropriate letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work
  • A composite score of 290 or greater on the quantitative and verbal parts of the GRE General Test *

*GRE waiver: The GRE is waived for applicants who meet any one of the following criteria:

  • Have earned, or are completing, an undergraduate degree from Bridgewater State University
  • Have earned, or are completing, an undergraduate degree in Computer Science
  • Have earned, or are completing, an undergraduate degree in any major with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
  • Were previously enrolled in the MS in Computer Science program and are applying for readmission
  • Have earned an undergraduate degree outside Bridgewater State University and have completed COMP-151 and COMP-152 at Bridgewater State University and earned a minimum grade of “B” in both courses.  

All other applicants must submit a GRE test score.

The Master of Science in Computer Science program seeks to attract individuals from various backgrounds who are highly motivated and prepared to meet the challenges of a rigorous advanced degree curriculum. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, applicants should be familiar with the organization of computers and have competencies in:

  • a high-level programming language such as C, C++, or Java;
  • discrete and continuous mathematics;
  • data structures and algorithms.

Demonstrated competencies within these areas can be achieved through professional experience, undergraduate study or transitional graduate course work. Students who do not already have a computer science degree should contact the program coordinator to determine their level of preparedness.

Program of Study


Required courses (15 credits)


Electives (12 credits)


Complete at least four courses (12 credits) from COMP 503 - Directed Study  or any computer science (COMP) course at or above COMP 510 - Topics in Programming Languages .

Capstone or Thesis (3 credits)


Complete one of the following, normally in the final semester of course work:

Exit Requirement


All candidates must successfully complete one of the following:

* Capstone Project with an oral presentation and written paper under the guidance of an advisor, as part of COMP-504. For further information, please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures “Comprehensive Examination” section of this catalog.
 

** Thesis with an oral defense, as part of COMP-588. Original research is undertaken by the graduate student in their field. For further information, please see the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures “Thesis” section of this catalog.

Total minimum credits: 30


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