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 3.0 or better is required.
Three Letters of Recommendation
Professional Resume
Statement of Purpose

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement.

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements

Curriculum Requirements

Candidates must complete a total of 30 hours of graduate course work, including 18 hours of computer science or software engineering courses at or above the 6000 level and 12 additional hours of course work at or above the 5000 level as defined below:

Core Courses (6 Credit Hours)

Culminating Experience (3-9 Credit Hours)

Plan I: Thesis

CS 6990 - Thesis Research (at least 3 and no more than 6 Hours)
CS 5850 - Readings in Computer Science (up to 3 hours)

Plan II:

Option 1: Independent Project
CS 6910 - Directed Research (3 hours)
CS 5850 - Readings in Computer Science (up to 3 hours)
Option 2: Internship
CS 6890 - Internship (3 hours)
CS 5850 will not be counted towards the degree

Electives (15-21 Credit Hours)

Additional SE or CS coursework at the 5000 level or above, such that at least 18 total credit hours are completed at the 6000 level or above excluding CS 5010 , CS 5015 , CS 5020 , and CS 5030 .

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.