Master of Science - Degree Requirements

 

 

Students in their final year must obtain credit in the required number of courses as specified below, and also complete either a thesis or a project in an approved topic in Computer Science. Students are also expected to attend departmental seminars and colloquia. They must also complete a written thesis or project proposal and give a public presentation of the proposal within the first two terms in the program.

Project
A project normally involves the use of known techniques and concepts in the solution of a well-defined problem. A project report and public oral presentation are required.
Thesis
A thesis involves a written thesis and the public oral presentation and defence of an original contribution to a particular research area.
Course-Work
Students must complete eight graduate courses as specified below. Please note that this option is not a normal route for entry into the PhD Program.

In both projects and theses, topics are to be chosen so as to allow completion within a reasonable time, given the other degree requirements. Project deadlines coincide with those for Master's theses. All topics must be approved by the Graduate Executive Committee.

MSc Course of Study

Your course of study is determined by your supervisor in consultation with the Graduate Chair.

Terminology: An MSc graduate course is a 500, 600, or 800 level Computer Science course.

Thesis Option:

  • Students must complete four graduate courses:
    • At most one course can be an MSc reading course (800-level).
    • At most one course can be a cross-listed course (500-level).
    • At least one course must be a topics course (800-level).
  • In addition, students must complete:

Project Option:

  • Students must complete six graduate courses:
    • At most one course can be an MSc reading course (800-level).
    • At most two courses can be cross-listed courses (500-level).
    • At least one course must be a topics course (800-level).
  • In addition, students must complete:
    • Project proposal (581).
    • Project (580).

Course-Work Option

  • Students must complete eight graduate courses:
    • * CS 680 - Directed Study
    • **two cross-listed courses (500-level).
    • At most one reading course (800-level).
    • At most two courses at the graduate level may be taken outside the department, with permission of the Graduate Chair
** You must take one course from List I and the other course from list II

Lists I and II are decided each year by the Graduate Executive Committee. Changes to these requirements are by permission of the Graduate Chair.

In 2006-2007:
List I consists of these courses: 544a, 540a, 555a, 542b, 545b, and 556b
List II consists of these courses: 538a, 546a, 550a, 551a, 535b, 547b, and 549b

*CS 680 Directed Study.
This course evaluates a student's ability to perform scholarly work and to communicate the results in a written and oral form. This is a one-term supervised research course. This is not intended to be literature survey. A project proposal, report and public oral presentation are required. All coursework students must take this course. It is not open to thesis or project students.

 

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