MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Why the MS in Computer Science degree?
The MS in Computer Science degree provides students with added
depth and technical expertise beyond that of an undergraduate degree.
This advanced degree is of particular benefit to those with non-CS
backgrounds who are looking to make a transition into the field of
computer science, including areas such as software development,
network administration and cyber security.
Why the MS in Computer Science at BGSU?
BGSU’s Computer Science Department is comprised of expert, teaching-
focused faculty who are accessible and approachable, plus all courses
in the curriculum are taught by qualified professors rather than graduate
students. The department has strong relationships with American
Greeting, Eaton, Ernst & Young, Marathon, Owens Corning, Progressive,
and Nationwide, offering opportunities for students to gain meaningful
internship experience at top companies with strong IT and software
divisions.
In addition, the department is active and social, providing events that
encourage students to develop strong ties with both students and
professors. Activities have included research colloquia and study
sessions, as well as recreational outings to the movies, bowling,
picnics and more.
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the MS in Computer Science program are prepared to:
• Perform research, discovery and integration by applying advanced
knowledge of computer science.
• Critically analyze a body of current, published research in an area
of computer science.
• Evaluate algorithmic and/or software-based solutions to a given
problem.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Computer Science Graduate Coordinator,
Dr. Rob Green,
at greenr@bgsu.edu or [email protected]
Program strength and uniqueness
• Small class sizes and professor-student ratios promote quality
interaction and one-on-one attention.
• All courses are taught by highly qualified professors rather than
graduate students.
• Opportunities exist to gain meaningful internship experiences
at top companies that have strong IT and software divisions.
• Students have the option to complete a research project or a
master’s thesis, providing flexibility within the curriculum.
• Dual degree programs are offered combining Computer Science
with any other major - common options are Psychology and
Mathematics.
• The program is available to daytime and evening students.
• Specializations are available in Software Engineering and
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
Professional opportunities
Graduates of the MS in Computer Science program will be well
prepared to pursue work as professionals within the computing
industry or to achieve pay increases and job promotions. They will
also be able to teach computer science courses or gain admission
into Ph.D. programs to continue their academic pursuits.
“I chose the MS in Computer
Science program at BGSU
because the advisors worked
with me to build the foundation
I needed to transition from
a career as a high school
mathematics teacher to a
technology professional.
Through coursework,
internship, and assistantship
opportunities I was able to
gain the technical skills I
needed to be competitive in
the job market.”
— Rachel Householder ‘14,
Business Intelligence Application Developer,
Libby, Inc., Toledo, OH.
Admission requirements
To gain regular status admission, applicants must have a
minimum 2.75/4.0 undergraduate grade point average (GPA).
Applicants are required to submit scanned copies of official
or unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended. Upon
admission, final official or notarized copies of transcripts from
all institutions where degrees were earned and diplomas from
international institutions must be submitted. Applicants with
a GPA below 3.0 are also required to submit official scores
from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with a minimum
combined score of 300 (preferred 150 or better quantitative).
All applicants must submit a professional resume or
curriculum vitae and three (3) letters of recommendation.
International applicants are also required to submit scores from
the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the
Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also
be accepted for this requirement.
Course prerequisites include: Fundamental and Intermediate
Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer
Organization, Operating Systems, Software Engineering,
Calculus, and Discrete Mathematics.
Cost of tuition
Please refer to www.bgsu.edu/offices/bursar for current
information on tuition and fees.
Financial assistance
A limited number of graduate assistantships and tuition
scholarships are available for full-time students who qualify.
Typically, these are not awarded during the first semester of
study. For more information, please contact the department.
Domestic students enrolled in four (4) or more credit hours are
eligible to apply for financial aid using the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to calculate student contribution
and financial need. You may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
How to apply
Visit the BGSU Graduate College website
at www.bgsu.edu/graduate/admissions.
The application deadline to start the program in fall or
spring is one month prior to the start of the term.
The application deadline to be considered for funding is
March 1 for the fall semester.
Curriculum
All candidates must complete at least 30 hours of graduate level course work,
including the following:
• 18 hours of regular computer science course work at or above the 6000 level
• 12 additional hours of computer science course work at or above the 5000 level
(including CS 5050 and CS 5120)
Students in Plan I (Thesis) must include at least 3 and no more than 6 hours of
CS 6990. They may also include 3 hours of CS 5850 (Independent Study), CS 5890
(Internship) or approved graduate-level coursework in other departments.
Students in Plan II (Project) must include 3 hours of CS 6910 and may include up to
3 hours of CS 5850 (Independent Study), CS 5890 (Internship) or approved graduate-
level coursework in other departments.
Specialization in Software Engineering
This specialization is designed for students who want a focused study of
software engineering. The program provides intensive studies in software
development methodologies, software design, and quality assurance and
management. The prerequisites for this program are the same as for the
general CS program. Students wishing to earn this specialization must
complete the following coursework as part of the requirements for the
MS in Computer Science degree.
1. Take the following:
• CS 5550: Software Architecture and Design
• CS 5560: Software Testing and Quality Assurance
2. Choose two of the following:
• CS 6150: Reliable Computing
• CS 6310: Secure Software Engineering
• CS 6640: Software Engineering
• CS 6650: Human Issues in Computing
Specialization in Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
This specialization is designed for students who want a focused study in Cybersecurity
& Digital Forensics. The program provides intensive studies in the fundamentals
of both Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics with a focus on traditional and mobile
computing. The prerequisites for this program are the same as for the general CS
program but also require a background in computer security. Students wishing to
earn this specialization must complete the following coursework as part of the
requirements for the MS in Computer Science degree.
Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics Core (15 Credit Hours)
• CS 5320: Computer and Mobile Forensics
• CS 5330: Network Security and Forensics
• CS 6210: Computer System Security
• CS 6310: Secure Software Engineering
• FORI 5400: Law, Evidence & Procedures
(Counts towards MS in CS)
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