About

Do you enjoy problem solving? Do you enjoy working with computers and computing systems? Do you want to be able to build software and see it work? Can you picture yourself gaining a further understanding of design methodology?

The master of science in computer science—offered both on campus and online—is the systematic study of computing systems and computation. The program focuses on knowledge related to theories for understanding computing systems as well as methods, design methodologies, algorithms, and tools used in software development. The program also encompasses methods for testing software, method of analysis and verification, knowledge representation and implementation, and ways of understanding what computing can and cannot do. The program is structured for both students and professionals.

Individuals with a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or who have a bachelor's degree in another area with some experience in software development or who are willing to take some courses to get going are invited to apply for the MSCS. The degree helps you to expand your knowledge and experience in computer science.

ECU Advantage

The small size of our program means students receive individual attention throughout their studies. Job prospects and salary for graduates of the master of science in computer science are very good. All students are required to complete a project or thesis under the direction of a faculty member, and the project or thesis represents an important part of the education.

What You Will Study

I. Admission Requirements

Applicants to this program are required to follow the admissions requirements and process as stated in the admission and readmission section of the graduate catalog and the graduate admissions website. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3. 0 and a minimum score of 30th percentile on the GRE General test are required for regular admission. Those who do not meet the requirement may be admitted by exception. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis. Nonnative speakers must submit an acceptable score on one of the language tests approved by the Graduate School or have evidence of at least 1 year of college/university study in the United States.

Students whose bachelor's degrees are in engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, chemistry, or similar analytic and quantitative disciplines may be required to complete additional courses before being admitted to the degree, such as discrete mathematics and data structures, as recommended by the graduate program director.

    II. Degree Requirements

    A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be submitted for all graduate courses. No more than 6 s.h. of course work evaluated as C may be counted toward the degree.

    The degree requires a minimum of 30 s.h. as follows:

      A. Core - 6 s.h.
      • CSCI 6020 - Machine Learning
      • CSCI 6410 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
      B. Options - 24 s.h.

      Select one of the following options: 

        1. Thesis (6 s.h. of CSCI 7000 ) and electives (18 s.h.)

        A thesis is required for this option. Students summarize their research in the form of a formal written document and deliver an oral presentation. Thesis research is typically conducted over two semesters. Six (6 s.h.) count toward the degree requirements.

        Eighteen (18) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed six (6).

        To select electives, go to the list of CSCI and SENG electives in part III.

        • CSCI 7000 - Thesis
        2. Project (3 s.h. of CSCI 6995) and electives (21 s.h.)

        A research project with a written report is required for this option. Students select topics for their projects in consultation with research advisors prior to the beginning of the last semester of study. The project involves collecting research literature on a topic of interest, critically examining it, and summarizing the research in the form of a formal technical report. This option may also involve developing software systems or proof of concept systems. Students must deliver an oral presentation of their findings. The research project is typically completed during the last semester of study.

        Twenty-one (21) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed nine (9). 

        To select electives, go to the list of CSCI and SENG electives in part III.

        • CSCI 6995 - Research Project
        3. Coursework (24 s.h. of electives only)

        Twenty-four (24) s.h. of 6000-level computer science (CSCI) courses and 6000-level software engineering (SENG) elective courses are required for this option. The semester hours from SENG courses must not exceed nine (9).

        To select electives, go to the list of CSCI and SENG electives in part III.

        The coursework option requires an e-Portfolio comprehensive assessment. Please contact the graduate program director for more information.

      III. Electives List

      Electives should be carefully selected after consultation with the graduate program director.

      • CSCI 6010 - Big Data Analytics and Management
      • CSCI 6030 - Information Extraction and Retrieval
      • CSCI 6040 - Computational Analysis of Natural Languages
      • CSCI 6045 - Cyber-Physical Systems
      • CSCI 6050 - Digital Image Analysis and Understanding
      • CSCI 6100 - Cryptography and Information Security
      • CSCI 6120 - Computer Systems Architecture
      • CSCI 6130 - Networking and Telecommunication
      • CSCI 6140 - Mobile Communications and Wireless Security
      • CSCI 6150 - Computer and Network Security
      • CSCI 6220 - Topics in Language Design
      • CSCI 6230 - Software Engineering Foundations
      • CSCI 6300 - Cryptographic Protocols
      • CSCI 6420 - Computability and Complexity
      • CSCI 6510 - Distributed Computing
      • CSCI 6600 - Database Management Systems
      • CSCI 6710 - Developing e-Commerce Systems
      • CSCI 6810 - Topics in Artificial Intelligence
      • CSCI 6820 - Computer Graphics
      • CSCI 6840 - Data Mining
      • CSCI 6905 - Topics in Computer Science
      • SENG 5000 - Programming and Data Structures Foundations
      • SENG 5005 - Discrete Structures and Algorithmic Foundations
      • SENG 6230 - Software Engineering Foundations
      • SENG 6235 - Software Project Management
      • SENG 6240 - Software Architecture and Design
      • SENG 6245 - Software Construction
      • SENG 6247 - Software Security Engineering
      • SENG 6250 - Software Systems Modeling and Analysis
      • SENG 6255 - Software Requirements Engineering
      • SENG 6260 - Software Metrics and Quality Management
      • SENG 6265 - Foundations of Software Testing
      • SENG 6270 - Software Verification and Validation
      • SENG 6275 - Dependable Systems and Software Reliability
      • SENG 6280 - Process Management and Lifecycle Modeling
      • SENG 6285 - Cloud Computing
      IV. Comprehensive Assessment Requirement

      All ECU graduate programs require students to successfully complete a comprehensive assessment requirement. This program requires the following:

      • Thesis option (thesis with oral presentation)
      • Project option (research project with written report)
      • Coursework option (e-Portfolio)
        V. Plan of Study Form Requirement

        Students are required to complete a Plan of Study Form in consultation with the graduate program director before they begin their graduate study. This is usually done during the week before the first day of classes of the first semester.

          For more information about this degree visit the university's academic catalogs.
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