Computer Science Graduate Programs
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
32 credit hours
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is designed to prepare students for a Ph.D. program or a research/development career in industry in the field of Computer Science. The program does not include a master's comprehensive exam, and students can complete the program using only coursework. A Master's Project or full Master's Thesis is allowed but optional. The MS degree does not offer specializations, and MS students are not allowed to apply CS Professional courses toward graduation.
A full-time student whose bachelor degree was in computer science can complete the MSCS program in four semesters or in three semesters plus two summer semesters. A student without a bachelor's degree in computer science may require extra time to make up deficiencies in prerequisite undergraduate coursework
Graduate CS classes are offered during the day and evening, and both day-only and evening-only student schedules can be accommodated. Students can complete an MSCS through IIT Online: Classes can be taken entirely through on-demand Internet and live interactive TV, without ever visiting the IIT campus.
In general, for admission into the MSCS program, prospective students need a bachelor's degree (not necessarily in computer science) and are required to submit a transcript, GRE and possibly TOEFL scores. For more information about this program, contact Vida Winans.
» Differences Between the MSCS and MCS Programs
» Admission Requirements
» Prerequisite Undergraduate Coursework
» Transfers
- Transferring between CS Master's programs
- Transferring to CS from another department
- Transferring Coursework
» Required Core Courses
» Degree Requirements
Completing the Master of Science in CS degree program requires:
- A minimum of 32 credit hours, approved by an advisor.
- A GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 in the program of study.
Coursework used to meet degree program requirements must be listed in a student's Program of Study. This program of study must be approved before completing 9 credit hours of graduate study and must meet the following restrictions:
- It must include at least one course in each of the core areas of Systems and Programming and at least two courses in the core area of Theory.
- At least 20 of the total credit hours must be in CS, from the IIT CS department, at the 500-level or above. CS Professional courses cannot be used on the program of study
- The remaining 12 credit hours may include CS courses (at the 400-level or above) and transfer credit for coursework from other IIT departments or for CS courses from other universities.
- At most 6 of the total credit hours can come from "short", accelerated courses.
- Credit hour limitations apply to the optional Master's Thesis or Master's Project.
- Interprofessional Projects (IPROs) and deficiency courses (CS 201, 401, 402, and 403) cannot be applied toward the credit hour requirement.
- All other relevant university and college requirements (such as time limits to graduate) must be met.
» Program of Study
» Master's Thesis/Project
» Practical Training
- International master's students (students on F-1 visas) may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) while studying for a degree and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of a degree. Information and forms are available from the Career Management Center (CMC) and the International Center.
- The CS department is firm on the requirements of a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 and completion of 18 credit hours of coursework before a student can be eligible for a CPT. Note that a GPA falling below 3.0 will cause eligibility for a CPT to be revoked, even if permission forms have already been signed.
- In addition to the university's requirements, the CS department requires second degree and transfer students to complete at least 9 credits of IIT CS coursework before they can be eligible for a CPT.