Computer Science M.S.

Today's fast-paced and high-tech world needs innovative thinkers who can effectively come up with creative solutions and effect change on the world. Students of this program enhance and strengthen their advanced knowledge and skills to grow in a career of computer programing, software development, cyber security, and more.

The Computer Science M.S. introduces current or aspiring computer professionals to the core areas of advanced computing architecture, advanced operating systems and theories and algorithms used in computing. Before earning their degree, students will have conducted advanced research in software engineering, systems or artificial intelligence to learn high-demand skills sought by industry.

Admission to this program is competitive. GRE is required.

The St. Cloud State Advantage

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  • Program courses taught by internationally-recognized faculty members.
  • State-of-the-art computing facilities including the Integrated Engineering Science and Laboratory Facility (ISELF) Visualization Lab, and supercomputing facilities in the Twin Cities.
  • Graduates go on to work as software engineers, system administrators, programmers, and designers for high-profile employers such as Amazon, Google, Medtronics, IBM,and Thomson Reuters among others.
  • Ph.D. preparation with students able to go on to successfully complete Ph.D. programs.

Admission Requirements and Details

Admission to this program is very competitive. The following credentials increase chance of admission:

  • Score in at least the 75th percentile on the quantitative GRE.
  • Score highly on the verbal portion of the GRE
  • Submit positive letters of recommendation.
  • Demonstrate a solid undergraduate academic record.
  • Possess a background in science and math.

Note: A final admission decision may take up to three weeks after the application deadline. I-20s may take up to 10 weeks to be issued to international students.

Fully-qualified applicants will have taken courses that cover the following topics:

  • Non-linear data structures: sorting and searching algorithms.
  • Computer architecture: hardware organization, I/O interface, interrupt mechanisms and pipeline processor design.
  • File systems; hashed indexed, ISAM files; B-trees; external sorting.
  • Programming languages: design and implementation.
  • Operating systems: process, memory and file system management, device handlers.
  • Finite mathematics and modern algebra.

Application Deadlines

U.S. Citizens International
Outside U.S.
International
Inside U.S.
Fall August 15 June 15 August 15
Spring January 1 October 15 January 1
Summer N/A N/A N/A

Graduate Director: Dr. Mark Petzold

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