Graduate Degree Programs in the Department of Computer Science

The department offers graduate degree programs as listed below.

All programs can be completed part-time or full-time. Some programs offer completion completely online - look for programs with online. All programs offer completion in the evening (starting 4pm) with a combination of evening and online classes, look for programs with evening.

Applicants interested in cybersecurity: you may enroll in the M.S. in Computer Science program and take some cybersecurity electives or even include the cybersecurity graduate certificate in your program, or you may enroll in the M.S. in the Cybersecurity program. You may also enroll only in the certificate, which has lower admission requirements, and graduate with it or transfer it into one of the degree programs.

Accelerated Dual Degree Programs
Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy

The graduate programs can be completed part-time or full-time, with a combination of evening and online courses. They do not require the same undergraduate degree but they do require som related foundations through courseswork or experience/non-academic-traning. Those in a program can also group courses into graduate certificates following specific interests:  

Certificates

  1. Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
  2. Certificate in Cybersecurity
  3. Certificate in Data Science
  4. Certificate in Internet and Web
  5. Certificate in Mobile Apps and Computing

Students can also gain industrial experience as a part of their program by using available internships, and visa students can gain further experience with CPT/OPT.

Our full time faculty have broad expertise, supplemented by expert adjuncts for specific topics or technologies. Many faculty conduct research funded by local and national organizations such as NSF, NIF, and DoD, and offer paid research assistantships to interested qualified students, read about undergraduate research opportunities, the major research areas, and the current project.

Our graduates can be found in all major and small companies in the region, nationally, and internationally. Examples include Boeing, Express Scripts, Google, Microsoft, Bayer, Centene, Mastercard, etc. Some students form their own businesses before or after graduation. More information on possible careers.

Courses
Any course can be completed either online or in the evening starting at 4pm, at least once a year. Courses designated with O/ online are offered 100% online at least once a year. Most online courses are asynchronous but some can be synchronous depending on the requirements of the course.

Advising and Enrolling in Courses

  • Master's Students
    When admitted, each M.S. graduate student is assigned a graduate faculty advisor who will advise the student about the courses to take depending on the program, interests, time and course availability.  The advisor will also monitor the student’s progress towards the degree.  The advisor must be consulted prior to registration each semester.  The advisor is listed in MyView (see the guide below for more info) - new students before getting an advisor listed are advised by the appropriate program director as listed one the specific program page (M.S. Computer Science or Cybersecurity).
    Review this guide before visiting an advisor and enrolling each semester.
  • Certificate Students
    When admitted, each graduate student in a certificate program will be advised regarding the certificate by the certificate coordinator as listed here. Students in degree programs who are also taking a certificate should work with their program advisor who can contact the certificate coordinator as needed.
  • Dual Degree 2+3 Students
    Students in the 2+3 dual BS/MS program, or those interested in the program, will be advised by the 2+3 coordinator as  noted here.
  • Ph.D. Students
    Each student in the Ph.D. program is assigned a Ph.D. advisor who will advise the student regarding any transfers, preparation for the qualifier, and to follow specific interests.  The advisor is listed in MyView. Prior to that, a new student can contact department Chair.
    A student who passes the first part of the qualifying examination should find a research advisor and this faculty will become their primary advisor.
  • Note for International Students
    The department does NOT have separate requirements from those set by the international office UMSL Global, please review that information.
  • Graduate Brochure
    Print and Digital