Student Learning Outcomes
1. Analyze algorithms in terms of correctness as well as time and space complexity
2. Apply key data structures and algorithm design techniques to synthesize efficient computational solutions
3. Use formal methods to specify and reason about program and system behavior
4. Apply concepts of abstract machines and protection mechanisms to analyze, design, and develop system-level components that meet functional specifications
5. Apply knowledge of computer architecture (including supports for parallelism) to achieve software performance goals
Course Requirements
1 Graduate Work Beyond the B.S. Degree
A minimum of 30 credits of graduate work beyond the B.S. degree is required.
2. Cumulative Total GPA
The student must maintain a cumulative total GPA of at least a 3.0 in those courses to be credited towards the M.S. degree, and a minimum cumulative total GPA of 2.8 in all graduate courses taken at Syracuse University.
3. A Maximum of 9 Credits of Transfer Credit of Graduate Coursework
A maximum of 9 credits of transfer credit of graduate coursework taken at another university with a grade of B or better may be included in the M.S. program.
4. A maximum of 12 Credits Taken at Syracuse University
A maxiumum of 12 credits taken at Syracuse University before the semester of admission may be included in an M.S. program provided they are relevant to a program in computer engineering and have a grade of B or better.
5. To Maintain Full-time Status in the EECS Department
To maintain full-time status in the EECS Department, students must register for at least 9 credits per semester. During the last semester of course work, students may take less than 9 credits to be considered as full-time students. Part-time students must complete at least 6 credits per academic year.
6. Core Course Requirement
Each student’s program must include:
7. Final Examinations
Candidates are required to complete the final examination in all core courses with an average grade of B- or better.
Students must achieve a transcript grade of B- or better in each of the core courses.
8. Program must include a minimum of 18 credits of CIS courses
9. No more than 6 credits of 500-level courses may be included in an M.S. program.
10. Taking Courses Offered by Other Departments
Taking courses offered by other departments is generally not allowed. In some cases, it will be permitted with prior approval by the CS program committee.
11. Students may select a thesis option up to 6 credits
The Master’s Thesis must be prepared in accordance with the Graduate School’s instructions for the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations and must receive prior approval from the thesis advisor. Theses must be presented orally and defended before a faculty panel. Students electing the thesis option must include CIS 997 - Masters Thesis (normally 6 credits) in their programs of study.
12 Students may take up to 3 independent study credits.
Three-Year M.S. Plan
The baccalaureate degree in many fields outside computer science may not constitute adequate preparation for the mathematical and technical aspects of graduate study in computing. Students with such a background who nevertheless are seriously interested in a graduate degree in computer science may achieve the needed preparation by combining suitable undergraduate coursework with the regular program of graduate study requiring an additional year of coursework. Students beginning this work should have one year of calculus equivalent to MAT 295 and MAT 296, and at least one high-level programming language equivalent to CPS 196 Introduction to Computer Programming: C, or ECS 102 Introduction to Computing. (See Syracuse University Undergraduate Catalog for descriptions of MAT 295, MAT 296, CPS 196, ECS 102.) The following three-year plan of combined undergraduate and graduate coursework provides the student with the preparation described above, needed for completion of the graduate courses for the M.S. Courses numbered below 500 do not carry graduate credit and constitute the intermediate preparation needed for graduate courses listed later in the plan. Requirements for the M.S. in computer science remain as described above.
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