M.S. Computer Science and Engineering (M.S.C.S.E.) at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The M.S.C.S.E. equips students with advanced skills in computer engineering and software development, including co-development of hardware and software, low-power realization of emerging applications and AI-driven automation to enhance system security. Students learn to design optimized hardware and study digital circuit design, computer architecture and embedded systems. The curriculum also covers quantum computing, neuromorphic engineering, edge computing and hardware acceleration.

Faculty: Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing | Department: AICC Bellini College Department | Duration: 30 credit hours minimum (45 credit hours minimum for students without a bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a related field) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

Two core courses (EEL 6764 Principles of Computer Architecture and COT 6405 Introduction to the Theory of Algorithms) plus electives such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems, Computer System Verification and CMOS-VLSI Design. Students choose a thesis option (9 thesis credit hours) or a non-thesis option (9 additional elective hours) with a comprehensive exam.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University admission and English proficiency requirements apply. GRE is required except for US domestic applicants with an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited programme or a Carnegie R1 university, or applicants who completed the USF Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate. Three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, unofficial transcripts and unofficial GRE scores. Applicants are expected to have a solid foundation in mathematics and core computer science and computer engineering areas (logic design, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, algorithms); applicants lacking the computing background complete the 15-credit-hour Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate (minimum 3.00 GPA in that coursework) as part of their curriculum.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Master's and Educational Specialist admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for master's and Educational Specialist programmes: June 1 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration; priority applications receive maximum consideration and later applications are considered on a space-available basis.

The nonrefundable graduate degree-seeking application fee is $30, paid through the Online Graduate Application site; international applicants may pay by electronic fund transfer from international banks. Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, etc.) are required only if the programme requires them.

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