Master of Science in Computer Science

Specialized degree for in-depth knowledge of Computer Science

Students in the Master of Computer Science program acquire a thorough understanding of the essential principles of modern computing, which provides a foundation for new discoveries in the field. Building on this foundation, students develop cutting-edge technical skills, strong problem analysis abilities, and project experiences that prepare them for careers in growing industries such as artificial intelligence, DevOps, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services. The program employs a project-oriented curriculum and provides pathways for students with or without a computer science background.

The MS in Computer Science program at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a 30-credit program. Students with non-Computer Science background will need to take additional prerequisite courses as specified in the admission requirements.

Core Courses:

• COMPSCI 733 – Advanced Algorithm Design and Analysis (3 credits)

Select 6 credits out of the following:

• COMPSCI 724 – Operating Systems in Practice (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 732 – Machine Learning (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 766 – Advanced Database (3 credits)
• COMPSCI 776 – Advanced Software Engineering (3 credits)

Select General or Cybersecurity Enginering Emphasis (15-18 credits)

Select 0-3 credits of COMPSCI courses numbered 700 or above

Capstone: Select 3-6 credits from:

• COMPSCI 789 – Capstone Project (1-6 credits)
• COMPSCI 799 – Thesis Research (1-6 credits)

Note that students pursuing the MS Computer Science degree program may declare either the applied research project option or the thesis option to fulfill their capstone requirement for graduation. Students who choose the thesis option must earn at least 3 credits of COMPSCI 799. Students who choose the applied research project option must earn at least 3 credits of COMPSCI 789.

Graduates will be prepared for advanced careers in growing industries such as artificial intelligence, DevOps, big data, cybersecurity, healthcare, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and financial services.

Students with all backgrounds are welcome to apply. To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Computer Science students must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution and meet graduate admission criteria, in addition to the MS in Computer Science admission criteria provided below.

If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.

International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.

Additional requirements for admission to the MS Computer Science program:

• Resume
• One-page personal statement describing why you want to pursue a Master’s degree in computer science
• Reference letters from two (2) persons knowledgeable about your potential to do graduate work in computer science

These items can be uploaded during the application process.

Applicants must also complete the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents before starting the Master’s degree:

• Data structures and at least one lower-level programming course (this requirement may be waived for students with substantial job-related programming experience)
• Discrete mathematics or discrete structures
• One semester of calculus, and
• Computer organization and assembly

Students may be admitted to the program with deficiencies (prerequisites not yet completed). Identified deficiency items must be removed prior to enrollment in any graduate coursework. Courses taken to remove deficiencies may be at the undergraduate or graduate level. Credits earned to remove deficiencies will not count toward the degree requirements for the MS in Computer Science.