Master of Science Degree in Computer Science

The Master of Science degree program in Computer Science serves several audiences, from the professional with extensive industrial experience to the recent graduate aiming ultimately for an advanced research degree. In all cases, a major objective is to prepare the student for a professional work environment in which continued growth is the norm.

Admission Requirements

The application for this program requires two letters of recommendation and an official GRE score report. For more information about the application, please see the UMass Lowell Graduate Admission website.

In order to be fully matriculated into the MS program, students must demonstrate competency in the following six knowledge areas:

  • Data Structures and Programming in C, C++, or Java
  • Operating Systems
  • Analysis of Algorithms
  • Calculus
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Probability and Statistics

Competency is typically demonstrated by producing a transcript of previous academic experience which contains passing grades in courses related to these six areas, or by earning a B or better in the courses below. Knowledge in areas that have not been satisfied at the time of entrance into the M.S. program become conditions on full matriculation. It is the student's responsibility to fulfill his/her conditions at the earliest possible time. The following is the list of courses which satisfy each of the six knowledge areas.

Data Structures and Programming in C, C++ or Java:

Operating Systems:

Algorithms:

Calculus:

Discrete Math:

Probability and Statistics:


Master of Science, General Option

Each degree candidate will be required to pass, with an average of B or better, and not more than two grades below B, the following minimum number of credits, distributed to include core courses and electives.

  • 30 Courses Credits (10 courses)
  • Four graduate level core courses in Computer Science and six graduate level courses selected from five categories (see the degree pathway)

Degree Pathway for the Master of Computer Science, General Option

Master's Thesis:
An optional master's thesis can be substituted for at most six credits, and can be used to substitute for two elective courses. Students who wish to do a thesis must file a Proposed Thesis Committee form with the Graduate Coordinator prior to begin working on the thesis.

Master of Science, Bioinformatics Option

We are no longer accepting applications for this option.
Course Requirements:
  • 30 Courses Credits (10 courses)
  • Eight Graduate level courses in Computer Science and two graduate level courses in Biology, under the direction of the Graduate Coordinator, from an approved list of courses.

Master of Science, Cybersecurity Option

Course Requirements:

  • 30 Courses Credits (10 courses)
  • Four graduate level core courses in Computer Science and six graduate level courses selected from five categories (Foundations, Systems & Networks, Human-Computer Interaction, Visualization, Robotics & AI, Information Management & Analysis, Interdiscriplinary and Other Approved Electives)

An optional Master's thesis can be substituted for two elective courses (a maximum of six credits). Students who wish to do a thesis must file a Proposed Thesis Committee form with the Graduate Coordinator prior to beginning work on the thesis.

Degree Pathway for the Master of Science, Cybersecurity Option

Master of Science, Information Technology (Online Program)

The program is offered fully online, providing a pathway for students who have completed a Bachelor's in Information Technology degree and for working professionals who want to pursue advanced graduate studies in information technology. The online delivery framework provides an accessible format for students juggling work and family responsibilities.

Students may also count course from two graduate IT certificate programs in Systems Models and Management and Network Security towards the Master's Degree in Information Technology.

The 10-course master's degree program is designed to provide both a principled and applied exposure toward designing, managing and deploying networked systems of computers. The program places emphasis on practical skills based on Linus/Unix, Windows and Apple platforms, but also teaches general principles along with their technical and ethical foundations.

Admissions Requirements:

  1. Completion of an undergraduate BS or BA degree from an accredited institution.
  2. Mathematical Maturity: Students should have completed a minimum of one semester of precalculus mathematics, one semester of discrete mathematics and one semester of statics as part of their undergraduate studies, or possess the equivalent experience.
  3. C Programming proficiency, to include a minimum of one semester of C Programming an one semester of Data Structures, or the equivalent experience.

Note: Students who do not meet the above requirements, may need to take additional undergraduate courses in order to meet the requirements.

Course Requirements:

30 Course Credits (10 Courses)

System Infrastructures Courses: (Choose 2 of the following)

  • MSIT.5110 Network and Systems Administration (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5170 Operating Systems Foundations (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5190 Virtual Systems (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5140 Systems Security and Auditing (3 credits)

Network Infrastructure Courses: (Choose 2 of the following)

Software Management Courses: (Choose 2 of the following)

  • MSIT.5180 Large Scale Application Deployment (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5310 Project Management (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5320 Managing Large Data (3 credits)

Program Electives: (Choose 4 additional MSIT.xxxx courses from this Program Electives or from any of the first three categories above, as long as you have not already taken the course to fulfill the above category requirements).

  • MSIT.5350 Agile and Iterative Project Management (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5360 Data Mining (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5410 Information Security, Privacy and Regulatory Compliance (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5430 Intrusion Detection Systems (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5450 Designing and Building a Cybersecurity Program (3 credits)
  • MSIT.5460 Introduction to Malware Analysis
  • MSIT.5660 Advanced Cloud Computing (3 credits)
Bachelor's-Master's Program 

The Computer Science Department offers to outstanding undergraduates a Bachelor's-Master's (BS/MS) program. The major advantage of this program is that it allows students to integrate their undergraduate and graduate education, possibly reducing the amount of time required for completion and reducing the administrative overhead for the student.

To be accepted into the BS/MS program, students are expected to have at least a B (3.000) grade point average, both overall and in Computer Science, and to apply during their junior year. The rules governing eligibility for the program appear in the current UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog.

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