COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Learn more about the Master of Science in Computer Science.

About the Program

The MS in Computer Science emphasizes a general approach to the study of computing, including courses in artificial intelligence, collaborative systems, computer architecture, database systems, graphics and image processing, networking and communications, operating systems, software engineering and theoretical areas. The curriculum is not oriented toward any specific applications area of computing but emphasizes general graduate-level studies in computing, preparing students for careers in systems analysis, teaching and research.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 5 years

Campus Location: Main

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students complete the degree program through classes offered after 4:30 p.m. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Areas of Specialization: Research interests of faculty include:

  • Analysis of algorithms
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Communication and networks
  • Computer architecture
  • Data analytics
  • Digital forensics
  • Expert systems
  • Flexible and intelligent manufacturing systems
  • Graphics
  • High-performance computing
  • Information security and assurance
  • Intelligent CAI systems
  • Management information and database systems
  • Natural language processing
  • Network security
  • Parallel and distributive processing and operating systems
  • Programming languages
  • Sensory and image processing
  • Software engineering
  • Theory of automata and computation
  • Wired and wireless networks

Job Prospects: Graduates often find employment as data analysis consultants, product designers, researchers and software developers. Alternatively, many become involved in the design and implementation of new applications software or the planning and evaluation of computer-based systems. Prospective employers include the government or industrial firms that utilize computers for research and/or production purposes.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are permitted to take a maximum of two graduate-level CIS courses.

Financing Opportunities: Assistantships provide a stipend and full-time tuition to qualified students, but are typically reserved for doctoral students.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall Priority Deadline: March 1
Spring Priority Deadline: October 30; August 1 international

Applications submitted after the priority deadline will be considered for admission on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed as they are received.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from Computer Science faculty and professionals.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: A minimum of one year of programming and data structures using the C++ or Java programming language and one year of theoretical calculus are required. This includes coursework equivalent to CIS 1068 Program Design and Abstraction, CIS 2168 Data Structures, MATH 1041 Calculus I, and MATH 1042 Calculus II.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A baccalaureate degree in Computer Science is required. Applicants who have insufficient undergraduate coursework in Computer Science will need to take undergraduate courses to address any deficiencies. Students without a Computer Science degree are typically required to take the following courses, which cannot be counted for credit toward the MS degree:

CIS 2107Computer Systems and Low-Level Programming4
CIS 2166Mathematical Concepts in Computing II4
CIS 2168Data Structures4
CIS 3207Introduction to Systems Programming and Operating Systems3-4
or CIS 5012 System Software and Operating Systems
CIS 3223Data Structures and Algorithms3
or CIS 5011 Programming and Data Structure

Statement of Goals: In approximately 500 to 1,000 words, describe your specific interest in Temple's program, research goals, future career goals, and academic and research achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Not required

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

  • TOEFL iBT: 85
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5
  • PTE Academic: 58
  • Duolingo: 110

Resume: Current resume required.

Transfer Credit: Graduate-level Computer Science coursework obtained no more than five years prior to the student's matriculation in the graduate program may be transferred into the Computer Science MS program. The student must have earned an "A" in the course, and must submit a rationale for applying the credits to the current graduate program. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 6.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Core Courses
CIS 5511Programming Techniques3
CIS 5512Operating Systems3
CIS 5515Design and Analysis of Algorithms3
Electives18-15
Capstone Course
CIS 9995Capstone Project3-6
or CIS 9996 Master's Thesis Research
Total Credit Hours30

Culminating Event:
Capstone Project: 
Under the close supervision of CIS graduate faculty, students complete a capstone project as the culminating event. CIS 9995 Capstone Project is taken for only 3 credits. Students who choose to complete a master's thesis must take 6 credits of CIS 9996 Master's Thesis Research for the capstone.

Contacts

Program Web Address:

https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/computer-science-ms-st-csci-ms

Department Information:

Dept. of Computer and Information Sciences

313 Science and Education Research Center

1925 N. 12th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19122-1801

cisadmit@temple.edu

215-204-8450

Submission Address for Application Materials:

https://cst.temple.edu/academics/graduate-programs/apply-now

Department Contacts:

Admissions:

Graduate Administrative Coordinator

cisadmit@temple.edu

215-204-8450

Graduate Advisor:

Xiuqi "Cindy" Li, PhD

xli@temple.edu

215-204-2940

Graduate Chairperson:

Yu Wang, PhD

wangyu@temple.edu

215-204-4187

Department Chairperson:

Jamie Payton, DSc

jamie.payton@temple.edu

215-204-8245