| |
Dec 06, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
2025-2026 University Catalog
Computer Science, MS
|
|
|
About the Program
Students pursuing a graduate degree in Computer Science can further their knowledge of computer science and conduct critical research in the Department of Computer Science’s many varied areas of research. Faculty’s expertise spans across many areas of computer science. Research areas include: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology; Computer Architecture; Computational Science and Engineering; Databases and Data Mining; Distributed Systems; Graphics, Visualization, and Geometric Modeling; Human-Computer Interaction; Information Security and Assurance; Networking and Operating Systems; Programming Languages and Compilers; Software Engineering; Robotics and Computer Vision; Theory of Computing, Algorithms, and Quantum Computing. Opportunities for graduate funding are abundant. The flurry of growth in computer science at Purdue means numerous fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships are available. Master’s students can pursue a thesis or non-thesis option. Requirements described below. Program Website Program Requirements - Thesis & Non-thesis
30 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (21 credits)
Selectives (12 credits)
Choose four. Electives (3-9 credits)
For students pursuing a thesis, only one elective course is required. For students pursuing the non-thesis option, three elective courses are required. The one to three additional 500- or 600-level elective courses do not necessarily need to be in Computer Science. At most, two may be individual study courses. For each individual study course, students must identify a CS faculty member willing to offer the course and submit a detailed one page course description (PDF) approved and signed by the CS instructor to the graduate office (csgrad@purdue.edu) before the course can be approved on a plan of study. Students registering for an individual study course are reminded that the course must be titled (30 characters or less) and taken in regular grade mode (not P/NP) if the course is planned for inclusion on a plan of study. CS Courses
Students can choose CS courses for their electives from the list below. Generally, any CS courses at the 500 level or above is allowed, when taught by a faculty member whose primary appointment is in the CS department (except CS 50100, 50010, 50011, 50023, 50024, 50025 and certain CS 59000, 59200 and 59300 courses). Non-CS Courses
Besides CS courses, students can choose from other departments to fulfill their degree requirements. The list below is non-exhaustive. Other courses, including courses at other institutions, may be approved on an individual basis. Specialization: Information and Cybersecurity (30 credits)
The Professional Master’s in Information and Cybersecurity is a specialization for non-thesis track students. Course requirements are listed below. Required Courses (12 credits)
Selectives (12 credits)
Choose four. Electives (6 credits)
For students pursing the Information and Cybersecurity specialization, students should take two elective courses. See elective course options under Program Requirements - Thesis & Non-thesis. The two additional 500- or 600-level elective courses do not necessarily need to be in Computer Science. At most, two may be individual study courses. For each individual study course, students must identify a CS faculty member willing to offer the course and submit a detailed one page course description (PDF) approved and signed by the CS instructor to the graduate office (csgrad@purdue.edu) before the course can be approved on a plan of study. Students registering for an individual study course are reminded that the course must be titled (30 characters or less) and taken in regular grade mode (not P/NP) if the course is planned for inclusion on a plan of study. Thesis Research (6 credits)
Only students pursuing a thesis will take CS 69800. Otherwise, students will take extra elective course credit. The thesis must be presented in an oral defense before the advisory committee. Concentrations
Departmental concentrations: - Information and Cybersecurity
- Statistics and Computer Science
Interdisciplinary concentrations: GPA Requirements
All courses included in the plan of study must have a student evaluation component, and they must be graded in the usual manner so they can be used to compute the GPA. In particular, courses graded on a pass/no pass or satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis cannot be included in the plan of study. A student receiving a grade lower than C- in a course on the plan of study will have to repeat or replace the course. If a course is repeated, only the last grade, even if lower, is used to compute all GPAs involving that course. Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
|
|
|
