Computer Science (M.S.)
The Department of Computer Science awards the degree of Master of Science with a major in computer science under two plans. The two plans are distinguished on the basis of the breadth and depth of the material covered. The Master of Science degree under the Plan A option is granted to students who pursue a more concentrated set of topics culminating in a master’s thesis. The Master of Science degree under the Plan C option offers students experience in many areas of computer science.
The great variety of subjects that are part of computer science, together with the immense diversity of their applications, makes it imperative that students in the master’s program maintain close contact with their advisors in order to achieve a coherent plan of study directed toward a specific goal. In particular, elections of courses should be made after consultation with and the approval of the student’s advisor.
Admission Requirements
Admission to these programs is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School. In addition, applicants are expected to have attained a level of scholarship in the baccalaureate program equal to a grade point average of 3.0 or better, including adequate preparation in computer science and supporting courses in mathematics. Normally, the entering student will be expected to have fulfilled the equivalent of the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree at Wayne State University and to have satisfied any deficiencies by successfully completing necessary prerequisite course work, before becoming an applicant for an advanced degree. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Master of Science program.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or university attended, three letters of recommendation, Graduate Record Examination scores, a statement of approximately 300 words describing the applicant’s academic and professional goals, and the Computer Science Graduate Admission Evaluation Form.
Students planning to pursue some of the more theoretical courses may find it necessary to have additional preparation in mathematics and/or computer science. The student should make a careful examination of the prerequisites for advanced courses in his/her areas of special interest before seeking admission. Prerequisite course work which is required as a condition of admission must be completed prior to electing graduate courses.
Upon admission, each student is assigned an advisor for guidance and direction in meeting degree requirements and academic goals. As the student’s interests in computer science become more focused, a change in advisor may be necessary; forms for this purpose are available from the Department office. Such a change must be done prior to submitting the Plan of Work.
Areas of Research
Computer and Network Systems: Networking & Distributed Systems, Computer Security, Parallel & Cloud Computing, Real-Time Systems, Software Engineering.
Information and Intelligent Systems: Databases, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Pattern Recognition, Computer Graphics & Visualization, Bioinformatics and Health Informatics.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree is offered under either Plan A or Plan C. Plan A requires thirty credits and includes eight credits for the completion of a thesis. A thesis is a technical paper describing the original creative work of the author. The master's thesis work is directed by the student's advisor together with a committee of at least two additional faculty members. All committee members must read and approve the thesis, after which time it must be presented at a public session prior to final acceptance. The thesis must conform to the Graduate School's specifications on format and presentation. Plan C requires thirty credits in course work. There is no thesis required for the Plan C Master’s degree.
Course Requirements and Restrictions for Plan A
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 1 course (minimum 3 credits) from each of the 3 groups 1 | ||
| Group 1 | ||
| Theory of Languages and Automata | ||
| Design and Analysis of Algorithms | ||
| Group 2 | ||
| Principles of Cyber Security | ||
| Introduction to Mobility | ||
| Game Programming and Design I | ||
| Game Programming and Design I: Lab | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Parallel Computing I: Programming | ||
| Real-Time and Embedded Operating Systems | ||
| Data Communication and Computer Networks | ||
| Parallel Computing II: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Distributed Systems | ||
| Advanced Computer Security | ||
| Advanced Computer Networking | ||
| Group 3 | ||
| Game Programming and Design II | ||
| Game Programming and Design II: Lab | ||
| Database Management Systems I | ||
| Data Science Applications Development | ||
| Artificial Intelligence I | ||
| Digital Image Processing and Analysis | ||
| Computer Graphics II | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Biological Databases and Data Analysis | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Programming Lab | ||
| Bioinformatics II | ||
| Database Management Systems II | ||
| Artificial Intelligence II | ||
| Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
| CSC 8999 | Master's Thesis Research and Direction | 8 |
- 1
At least one course that must be taken at or above the 7000 level.
No more than three credits of CSC 7990, Directed Study, can be used to satisfy the degree requirements.
A student must have prior written consent of their advisor and the Graduate Committee Chair before registering for any course outside of the department.
At least twenty-four credits must be taken in residence.
Course Requirements and Restrictions for Plan C
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 1 course (minimum 3 credits) from each of the 3 groups | ||
| Group 1 | ||
| Theory of Languages and Automata | ||
| Design and Analysis of Algorithms | ||
| Group 2 | ||
| Principles of Cyber Security | ||
| Introduction to Mobility | ||
| Game Programming and Design I | ||
| Game Programming and Design I: Lab | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Parallel Computing I: Programming | ||
| Real-Time and Embedded Operating Systems | ||
| Data Communication and Computer Networks | ||
| Parallel Computing II: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Distributed Systems | ||
| Advanced Computer Security | ||
| Advanced Computer Networking | ||
| Group 3 | ||
| Game Programming and Design II | ||
| Game Programming and Design II: Lab | ||
| Database Management Systems I | ||
| Computer Graphics II | ||
| Data Science Applications Development | ||
| Artificial Intelligence I | ||
| Digital Image Processing and Analysis | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Biological Databases and Data Analysis | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Programming Lab | ||
| Bioinformatics II | ||
| Database Management Systems II | ||
| Artificial Intelligence II | ||
| Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
- 1
Select at least one course must be taken at or above the 7000 level. CSC 7990 does not satisfy the 7000 level requirement.
All credits must be taken from CSC designated courses.
At least twenty-four credits must be taken in residence.
AI Concentration Requirements
A master student (Plan A or C) must fulfill both breadth requirement (outlined above) and depth requirement described here, i.e., at least four lecture courses must be selected from the following list and a course can used to fulfill both breadth and depth requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 5430 | Game Programming and Design I | 3 |
| CSC 5800 | Intelligent Systems: Algorithms and Tools | 3 |
| CSC 5825 | Introduction to Machine Learning and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 5870 | Computer Graphics I | 3 |
| CSC 6430 | Game Programming and Design II | 3 |
| CSC 6800 | Artificial Intelligence I | 3 |
| CSC 6860 | Digital Image Processing and Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 6870 | Computer Graphics II | 3 |
| CSC 7800 | Artificial Intelligence II | 3 |
| CSC 7810 | Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 7825 | Machine Learning | 3 |
AD Concentration Requirements
A master student (Plan A or C) must fulfill both breadth requirement (outlined above) and depth requirement described here, i.e., CSC 5100 - Introduction to Mobility and no less than three lecture courses must be selected from the following electives and a course can be used to fulfill both breadth and depth requirements.
AD Elective Courses
The following two focuses (real-time and artificial intelligence) are used only as a guideline for the students; students are free to select courses across the two focuses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Focus on the real-time aspect of Autonomous Driving: | ||
| CSC 5280 | Introduction to Cyber-Physical Systems | 3 |
| CSC 6280 | Real-Time and Embedded Operating Systems | 3 |
| CSC 8260 | Seminar in Networking, Distributed Systems and Parallel Systems | 3 |
| Focus on artificial intelligence aspect of Autonomous Driving: | ||
| CSC 5825 | Introduction to Machine Learning and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 6800 | Artificial Intelligence I | 3 |
| CSC 6860 | Digital Image Processing and Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 7800 | Artificial Intelligence II | 3 |
Candidacy
By the time twelve credits have been earned, a Plan of Work must be developed with the student’s advisor and submitted to the Chairperson of the Computer Science Graduate Committee. In the Plan of Work the student indicates his/her choice of master’s program, either Plan A or C (see below). Upon approval of the Plan of Work by the Graduate Committee, the student is considered a degree candidate. The student is not permitted to take more than twelve credits in the master’s program unless candidacy has been established. If the student has not graduated after two years as a candidate, the Plan of Work will be reviewed for possible adjustment.
Scholarship/Academic Probation
Students must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 grade point average. Failure to do so for one semester places the student on academic probation. Failure to do so for two semesters will result in the student’s dismissal from the graduate program. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Engineering. The above requirements are those in force as of the publication date of this bulletin; however, students should keep in mind that the degree requirements for any particular student are those in force at the time of his/her admission.
Online Program
The Department of Computer Science offers Online Master's of Science Program in Computer Science with concentration in Artificial Intelligence (MSCS-AI) under the plan C that offers students experience in core AI algorithms and systems. The great variety of subjects that are part of AI and computer science, together with the immense diversity of their applications will prepare the students for an advanced career in AI research and development in both public and private sectors. The quality and requirement of the Online Master Program is expected to be equivalent to the traditional in-person Program in MSCS-AI.
The Master of Science online degree is offered under Plan C only. Plan C requires thirty credits in course work. There is no thesis required for the Plan C Master’s degree.
Course Requirements and Restrictions for Plan C
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select at least 1 course (minimum 3 credits) from each of the 3 groups | ||
| Group 1 | ||
| Theory of Languages and Automata | ||
| Design and Analysis of Algorithms | ||
| Group 2 | ||
| Principles of Cyber Security | ||
| Introduction to Mobility | ||
| Cyber Security Practice | ||
| Game Programming and Design I | ||
| Game Programming and Design I: Lab | ||
| Special Topics in Computer Science | ||
| Software Engineering | ||
| Parallel Computing I: Programming | ||
| Real-Time and Embedded Operating Systems | ||
| Data Communication and Computer Networks | ||
| Parallel Computing II: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Distributed Systems | ||
| Advanced Computer Security | ||
| Advanced Computer Networking | ||
| Group 3 | ||
| Game Programming and Design II | ||
| Game Programming and Design II: Lab | ||
| Database Management Systems I | ||
| Computer Graphics II | ||
| Data Science Applications Development | ||
| Artificial Intelligence I | ||
| Digital Image Processing and Analysis | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Biological Databases and Data Analysis | ||
| Bioinformatics I: Programming Lab | ||
| Bioinformatics II | ||
| Database Management Systems II | ||
| Artificial Intelligence II | ||
| Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications | ||
| Machine Learning | ||
- 1
Select at least one course must be taken at or above the 7000 level. CSC 7990 does not satisfy the 7000 level requirement.
All credits must be taken from CSC designated courses.
At most six credits can be transferred from a comparable C.S. graduate program.
AI Concentration Requirements
A master student (Plan C) must fulfill both breadth requirement (outlined above) and depth requirement described here, i.e., at least four lecture courses must be selected from the following list and a course can used to fulfill both breadth and depth requirements.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 5430 | Game Programming and Design I | 3 |
| CSC 5800 | Intelligent Systems: Algorithms and Tools | 3 |
| CSC 5825 | Introduction to Machine Learning and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 5870 | Computer Graphics I | 3 |
| CSC 6430 | Game Programming and Design II | 3 |
| CSC 6800 | Artificial Intelligence I | 3 |
| CSC 6860 | Digital Image Processing and Analysis | 3 |
| CSC 6870 | Computer Graphics II | 3 |
| CSC 7760 | Deep Learning | 3 |
| CSC 7800 | Artificial Intelligence II | 3 |
| CSC 7810 | Data Mining: Algorithms and Applications | 3 |
| CSC 7825 | Machine Learning | 3 |
Candidacy
By the time twelve credits have been earned, a Plan of Work must be developed with the student’s advisor and submitted to the Chairperson of the Computer Science Graduate Committee. In the Plan of Work the student indicates his/her choice of master’s program, either Plan A or C (see below). Upon approval of the Plan of Work by the Graduate Committee, the student is considered a degree candidate. The student is not permitted to take more than twelve credits in the master’s program unless candidacy has been established. If the student has not graduated after two years as a candidate, the Plan of Work will be reviewed for possible adjustment.
Scholarship/Academic Probation
Students must maintain a minimum overall 3.0 grade point average. Failure to do so for one semester places the student on academic probation. Failure to do so for two semesters will result in the student’s dismissal from the graduate program. All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the College of Engineering. The above requirements are those in force as of the publication date of this bulletin; however, students should keep in mind that the degree requirements for any particular student are those in force at the time of his/her admission.