Master in Computer Science

The University of Colorado Boulder Computer Science graduate program is one of the top ranked programs in the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools issue among public universities. Students receive a strong education and conduct groundbreaking tier-one research. We have 50+ faculty members conducting fundamental and applied research in artificial intelligence, robotics, computational biology, human centered computing, numerical & scientific computing, programming languages, software engineering, systems and networking and theory of computing.

The Master of Science degree in computer science is a research-based option which permits graduate students the flexibility in defining specialized interdisciplinary fields that meet their professional needs. The research-based MS degree option is well-suited to students pursuing a career in academia or industry with a research component.

Students have two options under this degree:

• The thesis option, wherein students will have to complete six credits of MS thesis hours while working on a research problem and completing their thesis work. They work with a committee of three and have to defend their thesis.
• The non-thesis option, wherein students will have to complete six credits of MS independent study research hours, while working on research projects with individual faculty. These six hours may or may not be with the same faculty.

With support from the research advisor, students in this program have the option of smoothly transitioning in the PhD program. If students receive support from a research advisor, they do not have to apply to the PhD program; the department processes the degree advancement based on the support.

As one of only 36 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Colorado Boulder is all about realizing the positive impacts of new knowledge.

From offering dozens of exciting programs in a range of academic fields, to serving as one of the world’s most dynamic research and innovation hubs, to working closely through hundreds of public outreach efforts with communities across Colorado and the world, we take pride in helping our students, faculty, staff and partners turn new ideas into productive outcomes that change lives.

Our university has launched multiple strategic initiatives in recent years, and at the heart of these is our core mission of furthering the public good. Through this important work we are bolstering our university’s long-term value to the students, faculty, staff, alumni, supporters, communities, peers and the democracy we serve, by embracing our role and responsibility as Colorado’s leading national public research university.

As we enter Year Three of Academic Futures, its core themes and projects, featured below, will guide our work. In alignment with our strategic vision and imperatives, they focus on people, as we shape tomorrow’s leaders; on programs, as we continue our journey to be the top university for innovation, and on the positive outcomes of all our work that impact humanity, strengthening and fulfilling our commitment to the public good.

CU Boulder’s vision is grounded in its statutory mission as a national public research university. In Colorado statute, the university is defined as the “comprehensive graduate research university with selective admissions standards . . . offer(ing) a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master and doctoral degree programs” of what is now designated the University of Colorado System.

CU Boulder recognizes the exceptional opportunities associated with its role as a research university, and values the unique strength and character research achievements bring to undergraduate education. It is keenly aware of its responsibility for educating the next generation of citizens and leaders, and for fostering the spirit of discovery through research. Indeed, CU Boulder believes that its students, both graduate and undergraduate, benefit from the comprehensive mix of programs and research excellence that characterize a flagship university. Thus, CU Boulder’s statutory mission is relevant today and will remain relevant tomorrow.