Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Computer Science (M.S.)


Program Overview


Computer science is a field with critical workforce needs, especially in the areas of software development, data analysis, computer networks and cybersecurity. This program will prepare you with a strong, broad-based core of advanced computer science knowledge and is ideal for students with professional goals in computer science such as continuing graduate education, working for national laboratories and other federal or state agencies, securing employment in private industry or post-secondary education. You may choose to specialize in informatics to develop skills in high-performance computing and big data analysis or the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence. This program has an accelerated option for current USD students. This program has been accredited by the Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET) since 2017. Learn more at usd.edu/csci.

DELIVERY: On campus
 

PLANS OF STUDY

Plan A is 6 hours of Thesis
18 hours core
Option of:

  1. 6 electives =30 hours——Standard program is 30
  2. Artificial Intelligence specialization for 15 hours = 39 hours ——-Optional specialization is 39
  3. Informatics specialization for 15 hours = 39 hours——-Optional specialization is 39

Plan B is 18 hours core
Option of:

  1. 12 electives =30 hours——Standard program is 30
  2. Artificial Intelligence specialization for 15 hours = 33 hours——-Optional specialization is 33
  3. Informatics specialization for 15 hours = 33 hours——-Optional specialization is 33

Master of Science, Computer Science Plan A (thesis)


Major Area Core Coursework - 30 Credit Hours


Note: No credit will be granted on the Program of Study for a core course with a grade of ‘C’ or lower.

Master of Science, Computer Science Plan B (non-thesis)


Major Area Core Coursework - 30 Credit Hours


 Note: No credit will be granted on the Program of Study for a core course with a grade of ‘C’ or lower.

Informatics specialization required coursework: 12 credit hours plus 3 credit hours specified in the core


 Plan A students must choose a thesis topic in the informatics area.

Accelerated Program Master of Science, Computer Science: BS/MS


Up to 9 credits applied toward the B.S. program may be used to satisfy graduate credits.  The following restrictions apply:

  1. The courses must be taken at the 500/600 level as an undergraduate. Courses taken at the 500/600-level can be applied to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Dual-listed courses must be taken at the 500-level.
  2. The student must apply to, and be admitted to, the accelerated program prior to taking courses to be credited toward the accelerated program.
  3. No courses taken prior to admission to the accelerated program may be counted toward an accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
  4. Courses that are “double counted” must be approved by the department chair for inclusion in the program of study prior to registration for the course or the credits will not be applied toward the accelerated graduate degree. No exceptions to this policy will be approved.
  5. Only courses taken at the student’s home institution are eligible for dual credit. No transferred courses from other institutions will be allowed to count toward the accelerated master’s degree.
  6. To fulfill the undergraduate required courses, graduate courses on the same topic areas must be taken.

Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Admission test scores*
  6. Statement of purpose
  7. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. For specific program requirements and submission deadline, visit: catalog.usd.edu.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Department of Computer Science
605-677-5388 | cs@usd.edu | usd.edu/csci

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad