Master of Engineering Emphasis in Computer Science

Masters Degree Requirements

The Graduate School bulletin spells out the basics of obtaining a Masters degree at SDSU.  Click here to access a *.pdf-format version of the Graduate School Bulletin.  The Computer Science Program section of the Bulletin begins on page 56.  Note that the Computer Science program offers Masters degrees with Option A (Thesis) or Option B (Design Paper or Research Paper).  The Compute Science program does not offer Option C (coursework only).  Contact the graduate coordinator for details.

Requirements for the Master's may be obtained through one of two options, which should be discussed with an advisor.  The option A (thesis option) is intended for students who wish to pursue a career in research or who are planning further graduate study such as Ph.D. in Computer Science. The option B (design paper option) is generally recommended for students who plan on the MS being a terminal degree. Both thesis and design option students will work with a supervisory committee of three faculty members who will oversee the work and review the student's final report. A comprehensive written exam and a final oral exam are required of all students – option A and option B students.

Four Core Courses requirements:

·          CSC705

·          CSC710

·          CSC720

·          CSC770

Option A (thesis option):

• 24 credit hours of regular courses
• A thesis (5-10 additional credit hours)
• Total = 30 credit hours (at least 12 of which must be 700 level courses in Computer Science)

Option B (design paper option):

• 30  credit hours of regular courses
• A project (2-3 additional credit hours)

Comprehensive Written Exam Requirements:

Two comprehensive written examinations are given for each academic year and it is usually in the beginning of spring and fall semester.  Four core courses are the subjects of the comprehensive written examination.

Final Oral Exam Requirements:

The final oral exam is required for both option A and option B students.  It usually takes around two hours. The first part of the exam will be candidate’s thesis or design paper defense, and the second part of the exam will be covered for candidate’s course work.

Admission Requirements

• A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (B average)
• Applicants with 2.75-3.0 GPA (or 2.5 – 3.0 of junior and senior year)  may be considered for conditional admission if other aspects of their academic and/or professional record indicate superior performance and potential
• A TOEFL score of 525 (paper based) for applicants whose native language is not English
• GRE General Test is NOT required

Prerequisites:

A student who has not taken these courses may be admitted, but he/she must take these as prerequisites courses (not for graduate credit).

These are the prerequisite courses for the Master’s program:

·          CSC 300 Data Structure

·          CSC 317 Computer Architecture

·          CSC 354 Systems Programming

·          CSC 445 Automata Theory

·          CSC 446 Compiler Constructions

·          CSC 456 Operating Systems

·          CSC 461 Programming Languages

·          Math 373 Numerical Analysis

Application Procedure for Master’s Program

The following items will be required for application to the Master of Engineering emphasis in Computer Science program:

• Two Letters of Recommendation -Forms are available with the application packet (or downloadable from SDSU Admission site on the Forms and Documents page). This requirement may be waived by the Dean of the Graduate School on recommendation of the department
• SDSU Graduate Application (down load)
• Non-refundable application fee of $35 (if applying for a degree program)
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work

Application Procedure for International Students

In addition to the above procedures, International Students must also submit the following:

TOEFL Score -- A score of 525 or above is required by the Graduate School for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

• Financial Support -- Evidence of available financial support for at least two years
• Physical Examination Record -- A physical evaluation is helpful. A record of 2 immunizations for measles and 2 for rubella, signed by a doctor is required.

Application Process

After an application for admission and all supporting documents are received and evaluated by the Graduate School, they are sent for review to the department concerned. Using the recommendations made by the department, the Dean of the Graduate School acts on the application and notifies the applicant, department, and/or committee concerned.

Address     

Attn: Ms. Robin Otteson

Office of Graduate School
ADM 130, Box 2201

South Dakota State University

Brookings, SD 57007

• Assistantship Deadline, fall semester:  January 15
• Application Deadline, fall semester:  March 1

• Assistantship Deadline, spring semester:  September 1
• Application Deadline, spring semester:  October 1

Graduate Assistantship:

It should also be noted that the assistantships are very competitive and require excellent all around records.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) are available for instructing undergraduate laboratory classes.  Click here to download the application form for CS program GTA positions.

Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) are available in many areas. These assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. The assistantships can also provide the graduate student with a significant reduction in tuition costs.  To inquire about GRAs, contact the professor who is working in your area of technical interest