Computer Science, MS
Are you seeking to expand your knowledge in the computer science field? If you have an undergraduate degree in computing or a related area, this may be the program for you.
Quick facts
Locations
Degree details
30 credit hours - course-based master's, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CSE 593)
Important dates
Next start date: 5/18/2027 (In-Person)
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree overview
The on-campus Master of Science program in computer science provides rigorous, research-focused training in theory, systems and applications, preparing you to advance the frontiers of computing --- including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing and other novel paradigms.
Unlike the industry-oriented Master of Computer Science program, the MS program in computer science emphasizes fundamental and applied research. You are able to work closely with world-class faculty and contribute to discovery in computing and augmented intelligence.
You may pursue either a thesis or nonthesis option as your culminating experience and can explore advanced topics such as:
- AI, machine learning and statistical modeling
- big data and data mining
- computational biology
- computer design, architecture and compilers
- computer security, cybersecurity and cryptography
- computer systems, including networking and operating systems
- cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things and robotics
- distributed computing and consensus protocols
- novel computing paradigms, including biocomputing and quantum computation
- theory, algorithms and optimization
- visualization and graphics
This program is ideal if you wish to deepen your expertise, pursue doctoral studies, or engage in high-level research and development in industry or academia.
Degree Details
Curriculum structure:
Students in the course-based option take 21 credit hours of electives. Students may complete a thesis or applied project as an optional culminating experience. Students with a strong interest in research and a desire to contribute original knowledge to their field may be well-suited for the thesis option. Students in the thesis option take 15 credit hours of electives. Electives must be courses in a chosen research area and approved by the student's academic advisor. Up to six credit hours can be independent study in CSE 590 Reading and Conference. Students who enjoy solving real-world problems and applying practical skills in professional settings may be drawn to the applied project option. Applied project students take 18 credit hours of electives. Students should see the academic unit for additional information and requirements.
Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours for the program. At least 24 of these credit hours must be 500-level CSE courses at ASU. Up to six credit hours of 400-level courses may be applied to the plan of study.
Credit Hours
Final requirement
Develop the skills and confidence to make an impact in your field
Here is just some of what you'll learn:
- Automation
- Big data
- Code review
- Computer science theory
- Computing principles
- Cybersecurity
- Data organization
- Debugging
- Information systems
- Language programming
- Research
- Scalability
- Software engineering and development
- Solution design
- Systems engineering
Who you'll learn from
Our faculty aren't just educators—they're pioneers, innovators and thought leaders whose research is transforming industries and solving global challenges. Join a program where you'll learn directly from the people writing tomorrow's textbooks.
Yalin Wang
Graduate Chair
Professor
Graduate Chair
Professor
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
- Information Technology Manager (IT Manager)
- Computer Scientist
- Computer Network Administrator
- Computer Programmer
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- Computer Systems Architect
- IT Project Manager
- Computer Science Professor
More about careers
Graduates are able to analyze key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. They are prepared to pursue careers in research and education, including academia, government and industry.
Career examples include:
- computer network architect
- computer system analyst
- computer systems engineer
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
- software developer
- software engineer
Admission details
Requirements and contact information
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Before applying to the program, students must have completed two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II. Completion of a discrete math course is also recommended before admission. Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" (scale is 4.00 = "A") or higher within two semesters of admission. These courses may include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
Start dates
-
May 18, 2027
Start date for Summer 2027 (In-Person)
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Estimate tuition and feesStudy at the largest and most comprehensive engineering school in the nation
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering faculty are world-class engineers, teachers, scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Many of our 350+ faculty members have been honored with the highest awards in their fields and more than $265 million in research expenditures.
#1
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT (U.S. News & World Report).
#2
in the U.S. for employability among public universities, ahead of UCLA, Michigan and Purdue (Global Employability University Ranking and Survey).
Top 20
nationally for graduate computer science programs among public universities (U.S. News & World Report)
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