A student must pass the MS Core Comprehensive Exam (Core Exam), which is based on three core courses: G22.1170 Fundamental Algorithms, G22.2110 Programming Languages, G22.2250 Operating Systems, plus material listed in the Core Exam syllabus.

Every student gets two chances to pass the Core Exam. If the student fails both times, the student will be terminated from the program and will not receive the degree.

While strongly encouraged, the three core courses are not required.

Instead of taking the Core Exam, a student may choose to write a master's thesis if the following conditions are satisfied: the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.75 after six courses; the student has completed all three core courses with at least a B+ in each; the student has found a full-time faculty member to serve as a thesis advisor; and the student has received approval from the DGS.

An MS student must pass one course in two of the following four designated application areas: computation for science and society; graphics; intelligent systems; and databases.

A student must pass a designated large scale programming project course.

A student is required to take the three foundational courses: G22.1170 Fundamental Algorithms; G22.2110 Programming Languages; and G22.2250 Operating Systems. A FT MSCS student must successfully complete at least one of the three foundational courses within the first three courses taken and must successfully complete all three foundational courses within the first six courses taken. The student must achieve a B- (2.7) rolling GPA in the foundational courses.

On rare occasion, an entering student may be granted an exemption from one or more foundational courses. A student must meet with the DGS at the beginning of the student's first semester to provide clear documentation showing that his or her previous coursework is the equivalent of the corresponding foundational course and, upon approval of the DGS, must pass a placement test at the start of the first semester.

An MS student must pass one course in two of the following four designated application areas: computation for science and society; graphics; intelligent systems; and databases.

A student must complete a designated capstone course with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

A student may instead choose to write a master's thesis if the following conditions are satisfied: the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.75 after six courses; the student has completed all three foundational courses with at least a B+ in each; the student has found a full-time faculty member to serve as a thesis advisor, and the student has received approval from the DGS.

If explicit advance approval of the DGS is given, students can waive the capstone course requirement and complete an advanced lab instead.

A student is required to take three foundational courses: G22.1170 Fundamental Algorithms, G22.2110 Programming Languages and G22.2250 Operating Systems. A PT MSCS student must successfully complete a foundational course as the first course taken and must successfully complete all three foundational courses within the first six courses taken. A student must achieve a B- (2.7) rolling GPA in the foundational courses.

On rare occasion, an entering student may be granted an exemption from one or more foundational courses. A student must meet with the DGS at the beginning of the student's first semester to provide clear documentation showing that his or her previous coursework is the equivalent of the corresponding foundational course and, upon approval of the DGS, must pass a placement test at the start of the first semester.

An MS student must pass one course in two of the following four application areas: computation for science and society; graphics; intelligent systems; and databases.

A student must complete a designated capstone course with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

A student may instead choose to write a master's thesis if the following conditions are satisfied: the student has a cumulative GPA of 3.75 after six courses; the student has completed all three foundational courses with at least a B+ in each; the student has found a full-time faculty member to serve as a thesis advisor, and the student has received approval from the DGS.

If explicit advance approval of the DGS is given, students can waive the capstone course requirement and complete an advanced lab instead.