Master of Science in Computer Science

The Computer Science MS program gives graduates a broad and deep knowledge of computer science by offering a strong core program with a wide selection of elective courses.

The program maintains a balance between theory, systems, and applications—with an emphasis on software development.

You'll gain the ability and confidence to use your knowledge by working on realistic-scale, graduate-level projects. Your experience will include:

• work as a member of a team
• situations where you will be responsible for the entire project, from problem specification to solution
• independent research
• presentation of research results in oral and written forms

You will graduate with the knowledge and skills required to develop and design high-quality computer systems and application software—and the ability to follow the rapid changes in the field of computer science.

As a highly-qualified professional, you will be ready to compete for responsible positions in the computer industry, research institutions, government, or to continue your education in a Ph.D. program.

Program objectives

The MS in Computer Science prepares graduates to:

• succeed as leaders at project and enterprise levels
• pursue Ph.D. studies
• contribute to the development of the computer industry
• use computer science knowledge to contribute to the advancement of other industries

Assistantships

A number of graduate teaching and research assistantships are awarded to qualified students who have been accepted for admission to a degree program and have requested financial assistance.

Research areas

The research interests of faculty in the Computer & Information Science (CIS) Department are wide-ranging, and include:

• artificial intelligence
• autonomous systems
• bioinformatics
• computational biology
• decision support systems
• distributed computing
• human-computer interaction
• internet security
• mobile robotics
• machine learning

Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources. F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

UMassD College of Engineering Points of Distinction

• ABET Accredited
• Nationally recognized research institution
• Voted best Engineering program in 2021 by U.S. News & World Report
• 97% of graduates from the College of Engineering are either employed or enrolled in further education. Graduates have gone on to work at Google, Amazon, Dell, Raytheon, Hyundai, Apple; and one alumni is a NASA astronaut.

Welcome to the International Pathway Program at UMass Dartmouth!

• Access to success: Our program is a starting point on your academic journey.
• We offer step-by-step support from application assistance, streamlining admissions, and pre-arrival support, to academic advisement and exploring campus life at UMassD through events and excursions.
• Once you are accepted to IPP, you are also conditionally accepted into the degree program of your choice and have full access to UMassD.
• You’ll receive guidance to ensure your academic success, receiving personal advisement to help you reach your goals.
• You’ll earn credits toward your degree during the pathway program.
• You are guaranteed admission to your program once your pathway is successfully completed.

Why UMass Dartmouth?

UMass Dartmouth is

• A world-class institution with over 125 years of educational experience and ranked as a top public university nationwide;
• Part of the UMass system ranked as the #59 in the nation and #2 in Massachusetts. According to U.S. News & World Report, UMass Dartmouth ranks as a top performer in social mobility, finishing ahead of 28 national universities in New England including MIT, Harvard, and Brown University;
• A National Research Institution recognized 6 years in a row as an institution offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs with a commitment to producing groundbreaking research;
• Success-driven with 96% of graduates either employed or in graduate school;
• An opportunity to study in diverse fields including 30+ graduate programs and 80+ undergraduate programs

Mission Statement

UMass Dartmouth distinguishes itself as a vibrant, public research university dedicated to engaged learning and innovative research resulting in personal and lifelong student success. The University serves as an intellectual catalyst for economic, social, and cultural transformation on a global, national, and regional scale.

Vision Statement

UMass Dartmouth will be a globally recognized premier research university committed to inclusion, access, advancement of knowledge, student success, and community engagement.

Accreditation

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has been accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) since 1963; this accreditation encompasses the entire institution.

As of August 1, 2018, CIHE-NEASC became an independent corporation called the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). NECHE establishes and maintains high standards of educational excellence through self-evaluation and peer review. Institutions demonstrating that they meet these standards are accredited. NECHE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.