M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. in Computer Science offers a well-rounded advanced education in computer science. Students can shape their coursework based on their interests and professional needs, by selecting courses from various areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Computer Algorithms, Data Management, Programming Languages and Environments, Systems, Software Engineering and other advanced topics.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a discipline related to computing (e.g., Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Sciences, or Information Technology). Applicants with a bachelor's degree in STEM or related professional experience can first take an NJIT graduate certificate and then apply to the M.S. program. Further information can be found in the program's webpage

Degree Requirements

The program requires the completion of 30 credits. The requirement is satisfied by taking 10 courses.

Core Courses (12 credits) 

Courses covering fundamental topics in Computer Science.

Required:3
Data Structures and Algorithms
Select three of the following:9
Operating System Design
Data Management System Design
Internet and Higher-Layer Protocols
Machine Learning
Total Credits12


Elective Courses (18 credits)

The CS department offers courses in various specialized areas. Students are free to elect courses from any area. Additionally, students may take up to two courses from a selected list offered by other departments.

Students who want to pursue research can earn up to 6 of the 30 required credits by taking as elective CS 700B Master's Project, possibly followed by CS 701B Master's Thesis. These have special requirements described in the section 'Master's Project and Thesis'.

Algorithms and CS Theory
Data Structures and Algorithms
Introduction to Computational Complexity
Algorithms on Graphs
Design Techniques for Algorithms
Parallel Algorithms
Computational Optimization
Sequencing and Scheduling
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Reinforcement Learning
Deep Learning
Advanced Machine Learning
Pattern Recognition and Applications
Cybersecurity and Privacy
Cryptography and Security
Security and Privacy in Computer Systems
Network Protocols Security
Counter Hacking Techniques
Cyber Sec Investigations & Law
Topics in Smartphone Sec & Rel
Network Management and Security
Advanced Data Security and Privacy
Security and Privacy in Wireless Networks
Data Management
Data Management System Design
Advanced Database System Design
Data Mining
Introduction to Big Data
Applications of Database Systems
Data Mining and Management in Bioinformatics
Programming Languages and Environments
Java Programming
Computer Programming Languages
Data Analytics with R Program
Cloud Computing
High Performance Computing
Mobile Computing and Sensor Networks
Systems
Operating System Design
Distributed Systems
Computer Architecture
Cognitive Cloud Networking - Architectures and Applications
Internet and Higher-Layer Protocols
Linux Kernel Programming
Software Engineering
Software Design and Production Methodology
Software Project Management
Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Software Architecture
Software Studio
Seminar in Software Engineering
Seminar in Software Management and Production
Various Topics &0
Principles of Interactive Computer Graphics
Image Processing and Analysis
Systems Simulation
Cognitive Computing
Computer Vision
Special Emerging Topics:
Advanced Image Processing and Analysis
Seminar in Computer Science I
Seminar in Computer Science II
Entry-level Graduate Courses
Foundations of Computer Science
Courses from other departments &1
Data Visualization and Interpretation
Natural Language Processing
Design of Wireless Networks: 5G Architecture and Services
Cloud and IoT Networking and Security
Advanced Microprocessor Systems
Computer Arithmetic Algorithms
Computer Systems Architecture
Embedded Computing Systems
Web Systems Development
User Experience Design
Web Services and Middleware
Simulation for Stochastic Systems
Introduction to Robotics
Strategic Management of Technological Innovation
Deep Learning in Business
Graduate Capstone Project &2
Project and Thesis Courses
Master's Project
Master's Thesis
&

0. All courses from the complete list of graduate CS courses are also included.
1. At most two of these courses can count towards degree requirements.
2. YWCC 691 and CS 700B cannot count simultaneously towards degree requirements.

All degree requirements apply to both on-campus and online programs.


Master's Project and Thesis

The contents of this section apply only to students who elect to do a Master's Project (CS 700B) or a Master's Thesis (CS 701B).

Students must first find a research advisor who must be a tenure-track graduate faculty of the CS department, including faculty with a joint appointment. Tenure-track faculty are the department members including those who hold joint appointments with the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, and Distinguished Professor. 

In order to find a research advisor, students are encouraged to attend special presentations offered by the department or to directly contact professors. Professors may not always have availability for conducting an MS project/thesis. Students are therefore encouraged to start looking for an advisor as early as possible, especially if they are considering pursuing a Master’s Thesis that takes two semesters.

The students must be in close coordination with their research advisor who will determine the topic of the Project/Thesis and guide them to take specific elective courses that will prepare them for the research.

Registration 

  • Master’s Project: With permission of their research advisor students must register in the CS 700B Master's Project course. To register for Master's Project, students must have completed at least 9 credits and must be in good standing. 
  • Master’s Thesis: With permission of their research advisor, students must first register in the CS 700B Master's Project course. They must receive a satisfactory (S) grade in CS 700B before CS 701B Master's Thesis registration in the immediately following semester, with the same advisor. The MS thesis topic should be continuation of the work done in CS 700B.

Thesis Requirements

  • An MS Thesis Committee must be formed, according to the requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies. 
  • A written thesis must be submitted. The thesis must adhere to the style requirements set forth by the Office of Graduate Studies.
  • An oral defense is required. The defense must take place before the last day of the Examination period.