Master of Computer Science

• Program Description
• Degree Requirements
• Delivery Format
• Admission Information
• Course Enrollment

Program Description

The Master of Computer Science (MCS), which is offered through the University of Minnesota Department of Computer Science and Engineering, is designed for students interested in pursuing research and study with faculty on topics such as theory of computation and algorithms, parallel and distributed computing, languages and compilers, operating systems, databases, graphics and visualization, human-computer interaction, data mining, artificial intelligence, vision and robotics, computer architecture and networks, computer-aided design, software engineering, distributed systems, information sciences and computer security. In addition, students may choose a course of study that combines a portion of one of these major areas with an entirely different field. The MCS degree is a coursework only degree. Most applicants to this degree are interested in expanding their skills but are not interested in the research aspects of computer science.

(back to top)

Degree Requirements

The master’s degree is primarily for persons who feel they need more study in their chosen fields or a formal introduction to the design process to prepare for specific work. This degree is considered a terminal degree, and only in exceptional circumstances will students be permitted to transfer from this program to a master of science program or continue on to a Ph.D. program. The M.C.S. is a coursework-only degree. It requires 31 credits of graduate work, with the following conditions:

1. at least 18 of the credits must be from CSCI courses;
2. students must fulfill a breadth requirement of three courses in three different areas: Theory, Systems and Applications;
3. at least 6 credits must be from related fields outside the department;
4. at least 6 credits must be from CSCI 8XXX courses; and
5. students must complete 1 credit of CSCI colloquium, which cannot be counted toward any of the other requirements.

This information is subject to change. Please consult the Computer Science website for complete and current information at www.cs.umn.edu.

(back to top)

Delivery Format

Students may complete all degree requirements in Rochester by combining courses taught by College of Science and Engineering faculty in person (face to face), or via streaming video using the UNITE (University-Industry Television for Education) instructional television system. Students are able to watch class live via the internet or pick up class on a special server at a later time.

(back to top)

Admission Information

Please refer to the Computer Science and Engineering (CS) Graduate Admissions for specific information on admissions requirements, procedures, and application deadlines.  Note that CS has strict application deadlines.

(back to top)

Course Enrollment

Both degree seeking and non-degree seeking students may register for individual classes by filling out the appropriate registration form. Please refer to One Stop for specific information about each type of registration.

For UNITE registration, students fill out and submit the appropriate form. UMR will confirm receipt of registration and procedures for attending class with each student via email.

(back to top)

Contact Information

University of Minnesota Rochester

Michael Olesen
Director of Information Technology,
Bioscience Program, and Research
University of Minnesota Rochester
300 University Square
111 South Broadway
Rochester, Minnesota 55904
Phone: 507-258-8018 or 612-625-6414
Fax: 507-258-8066
E-mail: olese001@umn.edu

Department of Computer Science

Georgeanne Tolaas
Department of Computer Science
University of Minnesota
4-192 EE/CSci Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Phone: 612-625-1592
E-mail: tolaas@cs.umn.edu
Web: www.cs.umn.edu

UNITE

Douglas Ernie
Director/Student Advisor
6-155 EE/CSci Building
200 Union Street SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
Phone: 612-625-4583
E-mail: ernie@tc.umn.edu
Web: www.unite.umn.edu