Computer Science, B.A. | M.S. | Programs

The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Computer Science provides an opportunity to earn a pathway to a master’s degree — with one year of additional study and 100% tuition scholarships for the fifth year. Position yourself for career advancement as you engage with graduate students and network with working professionals.

Accelerated Master’s, STEM

A computer science classroom focuses on algorithms

Why pursue the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Computer Science?

The Accelerated Master of Computer Science degree is designed for students wishing to advance their knowledge in computer science, and enables them to develop analytical, computational, and experimental skills in preparation for careers or further graduate-level work in computing, software engineering, ﬁnance, and education. The program provides a mixture of coursework and original research with particular focus on the student’s research. Students work with faculty in an area of research closely aligned with their interests and the faculty member’s research. Before the formal application, students must identify a faculty member willing to serve as their research advisor.

Engage in hands-on projects, valuable internships, and a capstone project that applies theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Develop the multidisciplinary skill set you need to help organizations leverage big data most effectively

The Accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science requires a minimum of 10 units of graduate coursework including:

Five units of thesis research in CSCI 397 and/or CSCI 399
Four units of 310-395 level CSCI
One additional unit chosen between thesis research or coursework units.

For more information about graduate study in computer science at Clark, visit the master’s program page.

Computer Science, MS

Program of study

Students typically take three graduate-level course units in their senior year and the remaining eight units are be completed during the fifth year of study.

Senior Year

Beginning the senior year, students take at least two graduate-level computer science courses approved by their faculty advisor. These two courses may count toward the 32 credits needed for the undergraduate degree, but not toward the undergraduate major requirements.

Students must also prepare a written thesis, based on original research. Typically, students will begin the research for their thesis no later than the fall of their senior year. Students conduct research working in close collaboration with their faculty advisor.

Fifth year

Students should plan to work full time on their research either the summer before or the summer after their fifth year. On completion of research, there is an oral defense of the research thesis. After the defense is passed and revisions required by the Advisory Committee have been made, the thesis is submitted to the thesis advisor for ﬁnal approval.

Advisory committee

Master’s degree candidates must have an advisory committee, which is responsible for administering the thesis defense and approving the thesis. The committee includes the student’s advisor, who must be a full-time, adjunct, or research faculty member in the Computer Science Department, and at least two additional members that may include full-time faculty, research faculty, and post-doctoral fellows.

Careers

A Master’s in Computer Science positions students for highly specialized and competitive roles. With advanced training in computational theory, software engineering, and applied research, graduates are well-prepared for fields such as data science, AI development, cybersecurity, financial modeling, and educational technology.

The program’s emphasis on research and real-world applications ensures students develop the expertise and problem-solving skills needed to tackle complex challenges, making them valuable contributors to innovation-driven industries.

Eligibility

The 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Computer Science is open to students with a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.4.

As part of the application process, all applicants to 4+1 Accelerated Master’s in Computer Science should meet with their advisor and the program director to discuss specific eligibility requirements.

Explore the Accelerated Master’s in Computer Science

4+1 Accelerated Master’s

Department of Computer Science

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Program director

Gary Holness
Chair, Department of Computer Science
GHolness@clarku.edu

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