Computer Science, M.S.

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The MS in Computer Science degree provides students with added depth and technical expertise beyond that of an undergraduate degree. This advanced degree is of particular benefit to those with non-CS backgrounds who are looking to make a transition into the field of computer science, including areas such as software development, network administration and cyber security.

BGSU’s Computer Science Department is comprised of expert, teaching-focused faculty who are accessible and approachable, plus all courses in the curriculum are taught by qualified professors rather than graduate students. The department has strong relationships with American Greeting, Eaton, Ernst & Young, Marathon, Owens Corning, Progressive, and Nationwide, offering opportunities for students to gain meaningful internship experience at top companies with strong IT and software divisions.

In addition, the department is active and social, providing events that encourage students to develop strong ties with both students and professors. Activities have included research colloquia and study sessions, as well as recreational outings to the movies, bowling, picnics and more.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.S. degree, students in the Computer Science program are expected to be able to:

Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced knowledge of computer science
Critically analyze a body of current, published research in area of computer science
Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given problem

Admission Requirements

Documents required:

GPA of 2.75 or better is required.
Submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE will be waived if undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or better. Enter your GPA and GPA Scale with your undergraduate degree under Academic History.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Professional Resume
Statement of Purpose

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses (6 credits)

Required (6 credits):

Electives (18-21 credits)

Complete additional computer science or software engineering courses at the 500 level or above. No more than 3 hours of CS 5850 or CS 5890 may count toward the total elective hours.

Select from:

CS 5000 to CS 7999
SE 5000 to SE 7999

Culminating Experience (3-6 credits)

All graduate students are required to give an oral presentation as part of their Master’s Degree requirements. Students pursuing the thesis option (Plan I) will use their thesis defense as their presentation. Students pursuing the non-thesis option (Plan II) will give a presentation on their project. No more than 6 hours of CS 6990 (Plan I) may be included in the required total of 30 hours. No more than 3 hours of CS 6910 (Plan II) may be included in the required total of 30 hours.

Minimum Total Credits (30 credits)

Additional Requirements

Minimum of 3 credits of 6990 required for Plan I master’s students. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward degree requirements.
Minimum 3.0 graduate cumulative grade point average
Minimum of 18 credits must be at the 6000-level or higher
Minimum of 24 credits must be earned at BGSU
All requirements must be completed within six years from the end of the earliest course used to fulfill degree requirements.