Computer Science (MA - MS)

Texas State's Department of Computer Science is known for cutting-edge curricula, a dedicated faculty, and well-equipped and remotely accessible laboratory facilities. Combined, these elements provide students with hands-on experience while implementing classroom concepts, providing the specialized training graduates need to land the best jobs.

Course Work

The M.S. in Computer Science program offers a 30-credit-hour thesis option and a 36-credit-hour non-thesis option. A concentration in data science is offered in the non-thesis option. Both require the completion of graduate core courses and electives.

The M.A. in Computer Science program offers a 30-credit-hour-thesis option and a 36-credit-hour-non-thesis option. Both require the completion of graduate core courses, electives and a minor.

Areas of study in the computer science program include machine learning, databases/data mining, data compression, computer networks and cyber security, high-performance computing, image processing, bioinformatics, and more.

Program Details

The department accommodates working professionals by offering flexible course scheduling options with classes available during the evenings and on the Round Rock Campus.

Program Mission

The mission of the Department of Computer Science is to advance the knowledge of computer science and technology through education, research and service for the betterment of industry, government and society. The department seeks to expand its depth and breadth in the research and study of applied computing and strives to provide graduate students with strong technical backgrounds and communication skills.

Career Options

Both M.S. and M.A. graduates pursue careers in software development and maintenance, system management and system analysis. The majority of graduates, about 60%, work in private companies like Google, Amazon, Intel, IBM, and Dell. About 30% of graduates work in various city, state and federal agencies. About 10% go on to pursue doctoral degrees.

Program Faculty

The department has both tenured and tenure-track faculty members actively pursuing research in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer communication and networking, cyber security and trustworthy computing, database and information systems, distributed and parallel computing, high-performance computing, human-computer interaction, image retrieval, multimedia computing, software engineering, green/sustainable computing and social computing. Faculty research has received federal and industry funding support from NSF, NIST, DOD, DOE, IBM, Intel, AMD, and others. The faculty has obtained prestigious awards, including NSF CAREER awards and IBM and Google Faculty Fellowships.