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

Programme overview

The M.S.C.S. offers a curriculum in foundational principles and advanced topics of computing, with opportunities to specialize in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing hardware and sensors, human-centered computing, and networks and computing systems. Thesis-option students engage in research projects. It prepares graduates for the technology industry, Ph.D. study or interdisciplinary leadership.

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

What you will study

Shared core of Principles of Computer Architecture and Theory of Algorithms, plus Operating Systems, and electives such as Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, Computer Vision and Compilers. Thesis option requires 9 thesis hours; non-thesis option adds 9 elective hours and 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 GRE scores. Applicants are expected to have a solid foundation in mathematics and core computer science and engineering areas; applicants without the computing background complete the Pathway to Computing Graduate Certificate (minimum 3.00 GPA) before the rest of the coursework.

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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