The computer science master is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree (or minor) in computer science, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as engineering, science, or business. You’ll apply theoretical principles underlying computer science, ensuring you acquire the intellectual tools necessary to keep up-to-date in this rapidly evolving discipline. With focused course work in areas such as computer graphics and visualization, data management, distributed systems, intelligent systems, programming languages and tools, and security, you’ll be prepared for career advancement in a range of areas.
The program consists of a core curriculum, a diverse set of clusters, and many additional electives. The clusters provide students with the opportunity to obtain depth in a computer science discipline. The electives add the necessary breadth of knowledge required by the industry. This combination prepares our graduates to engineer modern computing systems and contribute to all aspects of systems life cycles.
Clusters are offered in a variety of areas, including computer graphics and visualization, data management, distributed systems, intelligent systems, programming languages and tools, security, and theory. Certain pre-approved courses from other departments also may be counted toward the degree.
The program helps students prepare for academic and research careers in computer science or a related discipline. The program is designed for students who have an undergraduate major or minor in computer science as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied.
Faculty members in the department are actively engaged in research in artificial intelligence, wireless networks, pattern recognition, computer vision, visualization, data management, combinatorics, and distributed computing systems. There are many opportunities for graduate students to participate in these activities toward thesis or project work and independent study.
Applicants should have a baccalaureate or equivalent degree from an accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B). RIT undergraduate students in computer science, computational math, biomedical computing, or computer engineering technology may study for both their BS and MS degrees through accelerated programs. Applicants from foreign universities must submit the Test of English as a Foreign Language (a score of at least 213) and Graduate Record Exam scores. GRE scores also can be considered for applicants whose undergraduate grade point average is lower than 3.0.