The graduate program in Computer Science provides advanced instruction and training and research opportunities to prepare students for careers in business, industry, academia and government agencies. The program reflects state-of-the-art knowledge in major theoretical and applied aspects of computation.

Students pursuing a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science must choose between the thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires the completion of 30 credits, including six credits of CMSC 799.  The thesis must be defended with an oral examination and approved by the student’s master’s thesis committee. The non-thesis option requires the completion of 33 credits.  All students must complete CMSC 641 Algorithms, one course chosen from the “system” area, and one course chosen from the “applications” area.  The degree must be completed within five years and students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0. For more details about the Master’s program in Computer Science

The department offers a graduate program leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science. This program provides advanced instruction and training and research opportunities to prepare students for careers in industry, academia and government agencies. The program reflects state-of-the-art knowledge in major theoretical and applied aspects of computation. Fields of specialization in computer science (CS) include:

• Algorithms, theory and scientific computation (analysis of algorithms, algebraic coding theory, combinatorial optimization, computational complexity, cryptology, parallel computing, quantum computing, electronic voting)
• Computer networks and systems (computer and communication security, distributed systems, networks, parallel and distributed processing, wireless and mobile networks, optical networks, sensor networks)
• Databases, information and knowledge management (artificial intelligence, database systems, data mining, information retrieval, intelligent information systems, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, natural language processing, neural networks, robotics, reasoning under uncertainty)
• Graphics, animation and visualization (animation, interactive 3D graphics, physically based modeling, procedural modeling, volumetric visualization and rendering)

Program Admission Requirements

When seeking admission to the graduate program, applicants must satisfy all entrance requirements of the Graduate School at UMBC. Applications are not processed until all documents and fees are received. All applicants must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, Graduate Record Examination (GRE General Test) scores and, for international students, scores for the TOEFL or IELTS. All original application documents must be sent directly to the Graduate School, not the graduate program. Application deadlines are specified by the Graduate School. The application review process will begin by February 15 for admission in the fall semester and by October 1 for admission in the following spring semester. Early application is recommended.

In addition to the requirements of the Graduate School, an applicant to the graduate program in computer science is expected to have a strong background in computer science and mathematics. This includes Calculus I and II, linear algebra and at least one more advanced course in mathematics. In addition, applicants are expected to have had the equivalents of the following computer science courses at UMBC:

CMSC 203: Discrete Structures
CMSC 313: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
CMSC 331: Principles of Programming Languages
CMSC 341: Data Structures
CMSC 411: Computer Architecture
CMSC 421: Principles of Operating Systems
CMSC 441: Algorithm Design and Analysis

At least one course from the following list:
CMSC 435: Computer Graphics
CMSC 451: Automata Theory and Formal Languages
CMSC 455: Numerical Computation
CMSC 461: Database Management Systems
CMSC 471: Artificial Intelligence
CMSC 481: Computer Networks

Students may apply for admission to the Fall or Spring semesters.  However, course selection and opportunities for financial aid are much better for Fall applicants.  Students may apply for admission to either the M.S. or the Ph.D. program. However, admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective, and only students with an exceptional background will be accepted. Students who plan to pursue the Ph.D. degree but who do not already have a master's in computer science are advised to apply for admission to the M.S. program. New students will be assigned an academic advisor who can provide advice on choosing of courses, degree requirements and other important matters during the first year. By the end of the first year, students are expected to have identified a faculty member to serve as the research advisor for master's or doctoral research. Consideration for continued financial assistance is dependent on identifying a research advisor. Admission to the M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs are separate.

The Application Process

Apply online through UMBC’s Graduate School Website. Applicants must also submit:

• An Official Transcript
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• TOEFL scores (International students only)

Financial Assistance

Financial aid is available on a competitive basis to a limited number of qualified graduate students in the form of graduate teaching assistantships (TAs), graduate research assistantships (RAs), work-study positions and hourly employment as graders. Graduate RAs are often available to students actively engaged in a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation research and are awarded and renewed subject to availability of funds and satisfactory research progress. Students are encouraged to apply directly to nationally awarded fellowship programs.

Tuition fee-2 years$50,000

Total fee-2 years$80,000