The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers a strong applied component in Software Engineering and Databases while providing a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of Computer Science. This emphasis on applications is rare among graduate programs in the Boston area.   Conveniently located, especially for part-time students who work in Boston, this program offers advantageous flexibility and currency. State-of-the-art courses will prepare successful students to be productive in varied business and industrial settings.

Our graduate program is designed to enable computer professionals to advance to a higher level of professional activity while also providing a practical way for people not yet trained in computer science to enter this exciting field.

Admission requirements

Optimally, a candidate admitted to this program should have an undergraduate background in computer science and mathematics. Without such preparation, an applicant can be considered for admission provided he or she has the necessary background to take the Foundational courses listed below. The prerequisite for these Foundational courses is a good working knowledge of calculus, at the level of our MATH 165-166, and a rigorous course in Java programming, equivalent to our CMPSC 131. As a general rule, it is quite unrealistic to contemplate a career in computer science before one has successfully completed these three critical, basic courses.

Degree requirements

Depending on their backgrounds in math and computer science, candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science must complete courses totaling 30 to 54 credits (as described below), with a cumulative grade point average of at least "B" (3.0). In addition, each candidate must earn a GPA of at least 3.0 in the 10 courses that apply directly to the degree; namely the 4 Required Core Computer Science courses, the 4 Required Applied Computer Science courses, and the 2 Computer Science Elective courses described below.

The courses fall into the following four categories (all are 3 credit courses):

Required Foundational Mathematics

• MATH-220 (CMPSC-M611) Math for Scientists and Engineers

• MATH-285 (CMPSC-M612) Discrete Mathematics

Required Foundational Computer Science

• CMPSC-F132 (F601) Computer Science II

• CMPSC-F253 (F602) Assembly Language and Computer Structure

• CMPSC-F265 (F603) Data Structures and Algorithms

• CMPSC-F353 (F604) Architecture of Computer Systems

• CMPSC-F355 (F605) Operating Systems

• CMPSC-F333 (F606) Organization of Programming Languages

• CMPSC-F363 (F607) Introduction to Database Systems

• CMPSC-F331 (F608) Object Oriented Programming

Foundational courses are undergraduate courses normally taken by undergraduate computer science majors. Well prepared candidates may waive up to 30 credits of Foundational courses either by completing equivalent courses at an accredited university (with a grade of "B" or better) or by passing a course-specific proficiency exam administered by this department.

Required Core Computer Science courses (12 credits)

• CMPSC-F623 Analysis of Algorithms

• CMPSC-F641 (F541) Advanced Databases

• CMPSC-F665 Compilers

• CMPSC-F667 Computer Architecture

The Required Core Computer Science courses are graduate level courses designed to provide the necessary depth of understanding in key areas of computer science.

Required Applied Computer Science courses (12 credits)

With the help of your Academic Advisor, select four courses with course numbers greater than 620. These courses are intended to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and techniques in a variety of critical areas.

Computer Science Electives (6 credits)

The Computer Science Electives can be fulfilled by taking any two Computer Science courses numbered 620 or higher. Also, any two Foundational Computer Science courses at or above the level of CMPSC 604, (including foundational courses not listed above) which have been completed at Suffolk University with grades of at least "B," can be used as Computer Science Electives.

Departmental review

A student who enters our MSCS program needing to take a substantial number of Foundational courses will be subject to a departmental review process to determine the feasibility of continuing in the program if his or her cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the Foundational courses falls below 3.3. Graduate students above the Foundational level must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.  

Interim credential

Any student who enters our MSCS program without an undergraduate degree in computer science, after completing the Foundational courses described above, may be eligible to receive a Certificate of Computer Science Studies described below.

Co-ops and financial aid

Our graduate students are encouraged to explore various co-op opportunities after their first year of study. A well prepared candidate, taking a co-op assignment during the second year of study, can comfortably earn the MSCS degree in four semesters. In addition, qualified graduate students can apply for Teaching Fellowships, work assignments in the CS Labs, and the MCS Support Center. We also have a limited number of partial tuition scholarships.

Certificate of Computer Science Studies

Candidates for the Certificate of Computer Science Studies must complete all of the Foundational Mathematics and Computer Science courses listed above. Six or more of these courses must be completed at Suffolk University. If more than four Foundational courses have been waived, then other graduate Computer Science courses may be applied towards the certificate. Candidates for the Certificate of Computer Science Studies must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.