Computer Science, M.S.
Computer Science encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of design, analysis, and implementation of computer systems, as well as applications of computing to numerous other fields. Core research areas include: (1) artificial intelligence and machine learning, (2) bioinformatics, (3) computer architecture, (4) embedded systems, (5) graphics and computer vision, (6) database systems and information management, (7) multimedia and gaming, (8) networks and distributed systems, (9) programming languages and compilers, (10) security, privacy, and cryptography, (11) design and analysis of algorithms, and (12) scientific computing.
The M.S. degree in Computer Science (CS) is a broad and flexible program, offering students opportunities for in-depth graduate study and cutting-edge research, covering a broad range of topics in Computer Science.
The course requirements for the M.S. are identical to those of the Ph.D., although completion plans differ. M.S. students can choose a thesis option that allows them to undertake a research-based thesis in lieu of two elective courses, or the comprehensive plan option.
Required Courses
Each student must complete at least 47 units of course work. In addition, students must receive at least a B in each course counted toward filling these requirements.
Students must complete three quarters of COMPSCI 200S, four core courses, and seven elective courses. The course requirements are as follows:
Students must select four areas from the list of seven areas given below. From each area, they must select at least one of the courses listed for that area.
| Data Structures and Algorithms | |
| Fundamentals of the Design and Analysis of Algorithms | |
| Data Structures | |
| Analysis of Algorithms | |
| Architecture/Embedded Systems | |
| Computer Systems Architecture | |
| Introduction to Embedded and Ubiquitous Systems | |
| System Software | |
| Computer and Systems Security | |
| Advanced Compiler Construction | |
| High-Performance Architectures and Their Compilers | |
| Distributed Computer Systems | |
| Artificial Intelligence | |
| Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | |
| Machine Learning | |
| Networks/Multimedia | |
| Computer and Communication Networks | |
| Network and Distributed Systems Security | |
| Multimedia Systems and Applications | |
| Database Systems | |
| Principles of Data Management | |
| Transaction Processing and Distributed Data Management | |
| Scientific and Visual Computing | |
| Principles of Scientific Computing | |
| Visual Computing | |
Seven elective courses selected from any ICS graduate program, except COMPSCI 290, COMPSCI 296, COMPSCI 298, and COMPSCI 299, any course with a suffix of “S”, "W", or "P" (e.g., 209S), and any non-COMPSCI course with a prefix of "29" (e.g., 295).
Notes/Restrictions
1. At most two COMPSCI 295 courses are allowed.
2. At most two upper-division undergraduate courses are allowed from the list below:
| COMPSCI 111 | Digital Image Processing |
| COMPSCI 112 | Computer Graphics |
| COMPSCI 122A | Introduction to Data Management |
| COMPSCI 132 | Computer Networks |
| COMPSCI 142A | Compilers and Interpreters |
| COMPSCI 143A | Principles of Operating Systems |
| COMPSCI 152 | Computer Systems Architecture |
| COMPSCI 161 | Design and Analysis of Algorithms |
| COMPSCI 171 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
| COMPSCI 177 | Applications of Probability in Computer Science |
| COMPSCI 178 | Machine Learning and Data-Mining |
| I&C SCI 161 | Game Engine Lab |
| I&C SCI 162 | Modeling and World Building |
| I&C SCI 163 | Mobile and Ubiquitous Games |
| I&C SCI 166 | Game Design |
3. At most two courses from combined 1 and 2 above are allowed.
4. At most two courses are allowed from non-ICS UCI graduate programs, with written consent of the Vice Chair for Graduate Studies.
5. Any course that was used toward an undergraduate degree cannot be used toward graduate requirements.
Plan I: Thesis Plan
The thesis option is available for graduate students who may wish to continue on to a Ph.D. program or those who wish to concentrate on a specific problem. To qualify for this option, students must be in good academic standing with their Department. The student must enroll in at least two quarters of Thesis Supervision (COMPSCI 298) that will substitute for two required courses as specified under the concentration area or specialization of choice. All required courses must be completed with a grade of B or better, and the student must write a research or thesis project. A committee of three faculty members (voting members of the Academic Senate) will guide the student and give final approval of the thesis. The committee will consist of an advisor (faculty member from the student’s department) who is willing to supervise the thesis project, and two other faculty members (one of which must be from the student’s department) who are willing to serve on the committee as readers of the thesis. An oral presentation of the thesis to the committee will be required.
Plan II: Comprehensive Examination Plan
The student completes the required with a grade of B or better. The student must take a comprehensive examination given by the CS faculty. The examination covers the core requirements.