University of Texas - Austin

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S.- Computer Sciences with thesis; M.S.- Computer Sciences no thesis, Ph.D.- Computer Sciences

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Masters program is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of two kinds of students: those who have just completed an undergraduate degree in computer science and want to further their studies, and those with degrees in areas other than CS who seek to broaden their education in the discipline. For admission to the program, however, even those with non-CS degrees must have a strong enough background in CS courses that the admissions committee can make educated judgments about their potential for success in a graduate program. The extent of the background coursework that is required is a decision made by the admissions committee.

The department offers two Masters degree options: the MSCS with thesis and the MSCS no thesis/no report. Both degrees require 30 hours of coursework. The no thesis/no report option is defined by more organized coursework then the thesis option, which requires 2 thesis classes. Students admitted to the Masters program do not need to declare which degree they intend to pursue. Students apply to receive the degree in the semester they complete the requirements for the option they chose.

The Ph.D. is a research degree. Our Ph.D. students also take courses, which give them the foundation on which to build their research programs. However, the overriding goal of the Ph.D. program is to show students how to conduct outstanding research. We expect all our Ph.D. students to become involved in research within their first semester (see Research Immersion below) and continue their involvement throughout their time at UT.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above