Upcoming Information Sessions:
- (Please RSVP)
- January 26, 2013 9:30-11:30 am Student Center Seattle University Campus
- February 20, 2013, 4:00-5:30 pm. Engineering Building room 501.
- March 18, 2013, 4:30-6:00 pm Engineering Building room 501
- April 19th 2013, 4:30-6:30 pm Student Center Seattle University Campus
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers a curriculum based on theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program is designed for computing professionals seeking advanced study in computer science. Full-time students, registering for two courses per quarter, can complete the program in five quarters. The program also accommodates part-time students who can complete the program in three years.
The curriculum includes three required advanced courses in core areas of computer science. A set of elective courses ensures students develop a solid, broad understanding of computer science and software engineering. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students are required to complete a project spanning two to three quarters. The project consists of either implementing a software system or carrying out research within computer science. Software implementation projects enhance students’ programming skills and provide hands-on experiences in system design and building. Research projects culminate in a report suitable for publication, and provide excellent preparation for those who are pursuing research careers or further education in a doctoral program.
Seattle University has long been a leader in computer science and software engineering education. It established its pioneering Master of Software Engineering program in 1979, and awarded the world’s first MSE degree in 1982. Our graduate faculty has strong academic credentials and is well connected to the computing industry in the Seattle area.
For comprehensive information about this program, please see the Bulletin of Information.
A four-year Bachelor’s degree, in computer science or related discipline, earned at a regionally accredited institution. For those without a CS degree, admission my be conditional on completion of prerequisite courses.
Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated with coursework from all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of your bachelor's degree and any post-baccalaureate coursework
A 1-2 page letter of intent.
Receipt of 2 academic or professional recommendations using the MSCS recommendation form.
Academic Transcripts: All applicants are required to submit one copy of official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended. Official transcripts are defined as original documents issued by the institution that bear the actual signature of the Registrar -- not a photocopy -- and the seal of the issuing institution. Do not, however, send the original of an academic record that cannot be replaced; obtain a properly certified copy instead.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE scores on the General (Aptitude) test are required for admission. The test must be taken within the last five (5) years before the desired date of admission.
English Proficiency Exam: International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL scores. Applicants are required to receive a minimum passing score of 580 in paper-based test (92 internet-based or 237 computer-based). Equivalent MELAB and IELTS scores are also accepted.
Application Deadlines:
Fall - July 20, Winter - November 20, Spring - February 20
International: Fall - April 1, Winter - September 1, Spring - December 1
Minimum requirements for the degree are 45 graduate credits. These include 12 credits of required courses, 15 credits of breadth electives, 8-9 credits of elective courses, and 9-10 credits of a graduate project. Students may be admitted provisionally with a requirement that they complete specified undergraduate courses before obtaining regular status in the program. A maximum of 12 credits taken in non-matriculated status may be applied to this program. Students are allowed up to 10 transfer credits as described in the Graduate Bulletin of Information. All degree requirements must be completed within six years after course work has begun.
I. Required Courses - 12 credits, including:
CPSC 510 Algorithms............................................................................................. 4
CPSC 532 Software System Design....................................................................... 4
CPSC 545 Computing Systems.............................................................................. 4
CPSC 580 Ethics in Computing ............................................................................. 2
II. Breadth Electives - 15 credits, from the following:
CPSC 522 Design Patterns and Refactoring......................................................... 5
CPSC 534 Software Testing and Debugging......................................................... 5
CPSC 544 Distributed Systems............................................................................. 5
CPSC 560 Computer Networks............................................................................. 5
CPSC 565 Computer Graphics...................................................................... ....... 5
CPSC 570 Artificial Intelligence............................................................................. 5
CPSC 571 Physical Database Design and Optimization....................................... 5
CPSC 572 Security in Computing.......................................................................... 5
CPSC 585 Compiler Principles and Techniques.................................................... 5
CPSC 591-593 Special Topics ............................................................................. 5
III. Graduate Project - 9-10 credits, consisting of a two to three quarter project sequence. Choose either:
a. CPSC 586 Graduate Project.........................................................................9-10
b. CPSC 587 Graduate Research Project.........................................................9-10
IV. General Electives - 8-9 credits, additional CPSC breadth electives and/or MSE courses from the following list:
SEGR 523 Human-Computer Interaction
SEGR 534 Software Testing
SEGR 543 Applied Formal Methods
SEGR 550 Distributed Computing
SEGR 551 Embedded Systems
SEGR 553 Artificial Intelligence
SEGR 572 Software Security
Note: Students may also take a maximum of three credits of Internship (CSPC 595), Independent Study (CSPC 596) and/or Directed Research (CSPC 599) for general elective credit, without department approval.
Minimum credits required for degree.................................................................... 45
Satisfactory performance (B- or better) in graduate project is required of all MSCS students. A project consisting of 9-10 credits carried out in either a two or three quarter sequence. The project requires either implementation of a software system or carrying out research within computer science.
Typical full–time program of study:
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Fall
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Winter
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Spring
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Year 1
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CPSC 510Breadth elective
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CPSC 545Breadth elective
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CPSC 532Breadth elective
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Year 2
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Graduate ProjectGeneral electives
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Graduate ProjectGeneral elective
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Typical part–time program of study:
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Fall
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Winter
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Spring
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Year 1
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CPSC 510
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CPSC 545
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