Computer Science Master of Science Degree

In this dynamic computer science master’s degree, you’ll explore computer graphics and visualization, data management, and intelligent systems while developing the skills to excel in this ever-changing field.


93%

Outcomes Rate of RIT Graduates from this degree

$129K

Median First-Year Salary of RIT Graduates from this degree


Overview for Computer Science MS

Why Pursue an MS in Computer Science at RIT?


  • STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

  • Flexible Learning: Choose between on-campus or online study.

  • Cutting-Edge Specializations: Explore dynamic fields such as computer graphics, data science, and artificial intelligence through specialized coursework, equipping you with advanced skills for career advancement.

  • Personalized Degree: Tailor your degree by selecting from a diverse array of cluster courses, allowing you to delve deeper into your areas of interest and expertise while gaining a broad understanding of the ever-evolving field of computer science.

  • Comprehensive Preparation: Our program, designed for both computer science majors and those with a strong background in applied fields, provides a comprehensive curriculum encompassing theoretical principles, practical applications, and research opportunities, preparing you for academic and research careers in computer science or related disciplines.

RIT’s computer science master’s degree is designed for students who have an undergraduate degree (or minor) in computer science, as well as those who have a strong background in a field in which computers are applied, such as engineering, science, or business. The degree is offered on a full- or part-time basis and can be completed either on-campus or online.

Computer Science Master’s Degree–On-Campus or Online

In the computer science master’s degree, you’ll apply theoretical principles underlying computer science, ensuring you acquire the intellectual tools necessary to keep up-to-date in this rapidly evolving discipline. With focused course work in areas such as computer graphics and visualization, data management, distributed systems, intelligent systems, programming languages and tools, and security, you’ll be prepared for career advancement in a range of areas.

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This program is offered on-campus or online.
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Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

Associate Software Engineer Backend Developer Big Data Platform Engineer
Data Scientist Full-Stack Software Engineer Site Reliability Engineer
Software Developer Software Engineer Technology Analyst

Post-Graduation Salary and Career Info for Computer Science MS

Cooperative Education

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Cooperative education is optional but strongly encouraged for graduate students in the computer science MS degree.

Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Computer Science MS

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Computer Science (thesis option), MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
CSCI-665 3
This course provides an introduction to the design and analysis of algorithms. It covers a variety of classical algorithms and their complexity and will equip students with the intellectual tools to design, analyze, implement, and evaluate their own algorithms. Note: students who take CSCI-261 or CSCI-264 may not take CSCI-665 for credit. (Prerequisites: (CSCI-603 and CSCI-605 and CSCI-661 with grades of B or better) or ((CSCI-243 or SWEN-262) and (CSCI-262 or CSCI-263)) or equivalent courses. This course is restricted to COMPSCI-MS, COMPSCI-BS/MS, or COMPIS-PHD students.) Lec/Lab 3 (Fall, Spring).
CSCI-790 6
Thesis capstone of the master's degree program. Student must submit an acceptable thesis proposal in order to enroll. It is expected that the work would lead to a paper of the caliber of those generally acceptable to a national conference. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Thesis (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 
Cluster Courses
9
 
Electives
12
Total Semester Credit Hours
30

Computer Science (project option), MS degree, typical course sequence

Course Sem. Cr. Hrs.
CSCI-665 3
This course provides an introduction to the design and analysis of algorithms. It covers a variety of classical algorithms and their complexity and will equip students with the intellectual tools to design, analyze, implement, and evaluate their own algorithms. Note: students who take CSCI-261 or CSCI-264 may not take CSCI-665 for credit. (Prerequisites: (CSCI-603 and CSCI-605 and CSCI-661 with grades of B or better) or ((CSCI-243 or SWEN-262) and (CSCI-262 or CSCI-263)) or equivalent courses. This course is restricted to COMPSCI-MS, COMPSCI-BS/MS, or COMPIS-PHD students.) Lec/Lab 3 (Fall, Spring).
CSCI-788 3
Project capstone of the master's degree program. Students select from a set of possible projects and confirm that they have a project adviser. Students enroll in a required colloquium component that meets weekly, during which they present information, related to their projects. Projects culminate with delivery of a final report and participation in a poster session open to the public. (Restricted to students in COMPSCI-MS and COMPSCI-BS/MS programs.) Colloquium 3, Project 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).
 
Cluster Courses
9
 
Electives
15
Total Semester Credit Hours
30

Note for online students

The frequency of required and elective course offerings in the online program will vary, semester by semester, and will not always match the information presented here. Online students are advised to seek guidance from the listed program contact when developing their individual program course schedule.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus or online.

On Campus

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall or Spring Rolling Yes
Part-time Fall or Spring Rolling No

Online

Offered Admit Term(s) Application Deadline STEM Designated
Full-time Fall Rolling No
Part-time Fall Rolling No

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Computer Science MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

TOEFL IELTS PTE Academic
88 6.5 60

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.

A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree

Additional Information

Prerequisites

Applicants must satisfy prerequisite requirements in mathematics (differential and integral calculus, probability and statistics, discrete mathematics, and computer science theory) and computing (experience with a modern high-level language [e.g., C++, Java], data structures, software design methodology, introductory computer architecture, operating systems, and programming language concepts).

Bridge Courses

If an applicant lacks any prerequisites, bridge courses may be recommended to provide students with the required knowledge and skills needed for the program. If any bridge courses are indicated in a student's plan of study, the student may be admitted to the program on the condition that they successfully complete the recommended bridge courses with a grade of B (3.0) or better (courses with lower grades must be repeated). Generally, formal acceptance into the program is deferred until the applicant has made significant progress in this additional coursework. Bridge program courses are not counted as part of the 30 credit hours required for the master's degree. During orientation, bridge exams are conducted. These exams are equivalent to the finals of the bridge courses. Bridge courses will be waived if the exams are passed. Bridge courses commonly assigned in the first semester are CSCI 603/605/661.

Online Tuition Eligibility

The online Computer Science MS is considered a professional degree that is billed at the standard (on campus) RIT graduate tuition rate. It is not billed at the designated online tuition rate. Scholarship is available off the standard tuition rate for this online program. View the current Graduate tuition rate.

Online Study Restrictions for Some International Students

Certain countries are subject to comprehensive embargoes under US Export Controls, which prohibit virtually ALL exports, imports, and other transactions without a license or other US Government authorization. Learners from the Crimea region of the Ukraine, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria may not register for RIT online courses. Nor may individuals on the United States Treasury Department’s list of Specially Designated Nationals or the United States Commerce Department’s table of Deny Orders. By registering for RIT online courses, you represent and warrant that you are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any such country or on any such list.

Research

Faculty members in the department of computer science are actively engaged in the following research areas: artificial intelligence, computer graphics and visualization, computer science education, data science, distributed systems, language and tools, security, and theory

There are many opportunities for graduate students to participate in these research activities as part of their thesis or project work and as independent study.

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Contact

Admissions Contact
Program Contact
  • Hans-Peter Bischof
  • Graduate Program Coordinator
  • Department of Computer Science
  • Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
  • 585‑475‑5568
  • hxbics@rit.edu
Offered within the
Department of Computer Science