Computer Science Graduate Program

The Program

Apply Now for the Program Starting in Spring or Fall!

The graduate program in Computer Science is intended for students with an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical or scientific discipline. The program is also open to students with an undergraduate degree in other fields and extensive on-the-job experience in software development. Applicants are required to have coursework or work experience in object-oriented and low-level programming, calculus, linear algebra and discrete math.

The program is oriented toward software development with the following objectives:

• Provide students with a broad background in software development and other core disciplines of computer science.
• Provide students with experience in the development of a substantial software project.
• Expose students to the areas of networking and concurrent computing.

A student who completes the program will be well prepared for positions in high-tech, industrial, scientific and research organizations as well as further graduate study.

Additional information about the program is available at the department website.

MSCS Program of Study

The program involves the completion of 36 units of credit. Graduate students undertake 9 courses, or 8 courses and a master's thesis (each course is 4 units). Graduate students who have not met the Foundation Requirements may need to complete additional coursework at USF. The plan of graduate study includes the following:

• 4 graduate courses in Software Development
• 1 graduate course in Concurrent Computing and Networking
• 2 graduate courses in Software/Hardware interface
• 1 elective course plus a master's thesis

Emphasis in Entrepreneurship

In partnership with USF's MBA Entrepreneurship Program, the Computer Science department offers the classic M.S. in Computer Science (MSCS) with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship. MSCS students in the Entrepreneurship emphasis target their elective course options to the top-tier MBA Entrepreneurship program offerings of Entrepreneurial Management (MBA 661), Global Product Development (MBA 662), and Small Business Methods (MBA 645).

The MBA Entrepreneurship program prepares students to design, launch and grow new business ventures. MSCS students in Entrepreneurship build skills for leadership roles in the launch of new business start-ups or business development at existing growth-oriented organizations.

MSCS Entrepreneurship students also prepare a business plan and prototype during the Master's Project course and enter the USF International Business Plan Competition, one of the world's premier competitions. Learn more about this competition at www.usfca.edu/sobam/nvc/bpc.

USF is just a short distance from the technology start-ups and giants of Silicon Valley, and in the heart of the cutting-edge digital economy of San Francisco. Silicon Valley continues to provide high-salaried, challenging jobs. A survey of practicing engineers by EETimes magazine found that two of the most important factors in securing the best salary were to "work for a Silicon Valley employer" and "earn an M.S. or Ph.D." USF offers this unique combination. MSCS students have taken jobs at top companies such as Apple, BEA, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and Oracle, among others.

See Sample Program below.

Practicum Option for Graduate Students

Computer science graduate students may elect to take the Practicum Option in order to gain practical experience in industry while working on their graduate degree. Students enroll in the 2-unit course - CS686 Special Topics - during each semester in which they work. Students may work throughout their graduate program, and may apply a maximum of 4 units towards the total 36 units required for this degree program. The Practicum Option is open to all exceptional international and U.S. students, including F-1 international students who can be employed legally through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) mechanism as part of the Practicum Option. Students are responsible for selecting, interviewing for, and securing a Practicum internship.

Eligibility - Practicum

• Students who are full-time are eligible to start the Practicum in the second semester of graduate studies.
• Students enroll in the Practicum Option and the CS 686 course each semester they wish to work.
• Work at most 4 semesters including summer for a total of 8 units at 2 units per semester (students must work at least two semesters). Practicum units are available during the second semester of Year 1, the summer semester between Year 1 and Year 2, and the fall/spring semesters of Year 2. Students may not delay their graduate degree to continue working.
• The Practicum is open to students who are approved by the Computer Science department and also maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA every semester while enrolled in the Practicum course.
• International students require a TOEFL score of 250 (cbt) or higher.

Requirements - Practicum

• Jobs must be related to computer science. A job offer needs to be secured before a student applies for the CPT necessary to enter the Practicum course each semester.
• Range of 10 to 20 hours of work per week, except during the summer when 40 hours per week is allowed.
• The Practicum course instructor must approve the company and job offer.

Frequently asked questions - Practicum Option

• Is the Practicum option open to all graduate computer science degree students? Yes.
• Can entrepreneurship emphasis students take the practicum option? Yes, but they cannot use any of the Practicum course credit towards their degree requirements because both of their elective courses need to be MBA courses.
• Will the computer science department find me a job? No. Students find jobs on their own, which is quite easy in the current booming economy of Silicon Valley. Faculty are willing to help as they are able.
• How much do internships usually pay for graduate students? Students typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, which may be enough for living expenses.
• Does enrolling in the Practicum Option take time away from my Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation? No, but you must ensure that you do not work more than 20 hours per week.
• Is there a maximum number of semesters I may work as a graduate student? Yes, you may only work four semesters including the summer semester.
• Do I have to enroll in the Practicum Option or can I simply take the CS 686 practicum course course? You must officially enter the Practicum Option.
• Does the Practicum experience increase my chances for a full-time job after graduation? Yes. Companies value work experience.

MSCS Program for International Students

This MSCS Program offers international students (with three-year Bachelor's degrees and a total of 15 years of education) an opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in the United States. This MSCS Bridge Program is designed for international students with undergraduate degrees in technical disciplines - such as India's Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc). Students take a year of preparatory courses as they pursue their Master's degree in Computer Science. Courses in the first year include five undergraduate courses as a graduate student with conditional status, followed by eight graduate courses as a graduate student with regular status.

Please note: If an international student has already completed a total of 16 years of education [three-year Bachelor's degree and one year of a similar Master's program, 13 years of education plus a three-year Bachelor's degree (common in the EU), or a four-year Bachelor's degree], then such an international student may not need to apply to the MSCS Bridge Program.

Foundation Requirements

These requirements can be waived if met by previous studies or work experience equivalent to the requirements. (see the Curriculum for more details)

Graduate Courses (see the Curriculum for details)

Advanced Undergraduate Courses as Graduate Elective Courses (see the Curriculum for details)

Master's Project (see the Curriculum for details)

Master's Thesis (see the Curriculum for details)

Sample Program — MSCS with Emphasis in Entrepreneurship

Sample Program — MSCS Bridge Program

A User-Friendly Calendar

The M.S. in Computer Science can be completed in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time). The program starts each fall (late August) and spring (late January). All graduate courses are offered after 1:00 pm and most after 3 p.m. Many courses are also held in the evenings. This schedule allows students the flexibility to balance their graduate program with other responsibilities.

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