Degree Requirements for a Master of Science in Computer Science
The M.S. degree in Computer Science requires:
- Thirty (30) units of coursework that must include:
- CMSI 583 Computability and Complexity (3 units)
- CMSI 585 Programming Language Semantics (3 units), and
- One of the following:
- CMSI 694 Graduate Capstone Project (3 units) and 21 units of elective courses,
- CMSI 695, 696 Master's Thesis I and II (6 units) and 18 units of elective courses, or
- CMSI 695, 696, 697 Master's Thesis I, II and III (9 units) and 15 units of elective courses
- At least 15 units (5 courses) must be from 600-level courses
- Earn a grade of B or higher in all 500-level courses
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B grade) or higher
- Demonstrated competency equivalent to semester-length undergraduate experiences in Data Structures and Algorithms and two of the three areas: Systems Programming/Machine Organization, Operating Systems, and Database Systems. These (undergraduate) courses may be taken at LMU after admission into the M.S. program, but these units will not be counted toward the 30-unit degree requirement.
Elective Courses
Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or other related fields
Elective courses allow students to study a particular subject in more depth or advance their education with courses from other fields.
Students can also register for Independent Study courses and learn independently under the supervision of an instructor. These courses are ideal for students interested in doing research under the guidance of a faculty member.
Courses from other departments may be taken as additional electives with the consent of the program director and the course instructor.
Thesis Option
A Master's Thesis is an optional component of your Computer Science education. Students who select the thesis option will develop a research project under the close supervision and guidance of a faculty member. The student and faculty member agree on the research topic, and the results of the research activity are published at peer-reviewed conferences and journals. The thesis must conform to the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering Thesis Requirements.
Please note the Master's Thesis in Computer Science details:
- Students must obtain a thesis advisor before departmental consent will be considered
- A master's thesis can fulfill up to a maximum of 9 semester hours of elective course requirements
- Students may enroll in a maximum of 3 semester hours for their master's thesis in any given semester
- More formal requirements may be determined by the department
