Computer Science and Engineering, M.S.

Mircea Nicolesu, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
Office Phone: (775) 784-4356
mircea@cse.unr.edu   

Mailing Address:

University of Nevada, Reno
Department of Computer Sciences and Engineering, Mail Stop 0171
1664 North Virginia Street
Reno, NV 89557-0330

http://cse.unr.edu  

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno offers an integrated course of study covering the theory, implementation and design of information, computing, communication hardware and embedded systems for those seeking the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. Graduate students seeking the degree of Master of Science are given the opportunity to focus on a specific area in computer science and engineering and perform preliminary research through the “thesis” option (Plan A) or to study several different subjects in computer science and engineering without necessarily specializing on any of them through the “courses-only” option (Plan B). Specifically, students choosing the “thesis” option are given the opportunity to become involved in one or more of the following four research areas:

1. computer and network systems,
2. software systems,
3. intelligent systems, and
4. games and simulations.

Specific research directions within these areas, with strong faculty expertise in each of them, include:

• artificial intelligence,
• computer vision,
• image processing,
• pattern recognition,
• machine learning,
• robotics,
• agent modeling,
• evolutionary computing,
• digital interactive games,
• software engineering,
• computer graphics,
• human-computer interaction,
• distributed computing,
• virtual reality,
• embedded systems,
• computer networks,
• network measurement and security. 

1. An ability to apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science and practice of the discipline.
2. An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply and disseminate the data.
3. An understanding of research methodology.

Applications for admission to the Computer Science and Engineering graduate programs are handled by the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School. Please do not write for, or send any application materials to, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Computer Science and Engineering graduate programs:

• Graduate School Admission Criteria
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
• Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We expect successful students to have a combined score of GRE verbal and quantitative of at least 297 (1050 in old scale). Students who score below 152 (670 in old scale) in the Quantitative section will find it difficult to complete our graduate program and might not be eligible for graduate assistantships.
• Complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applying with a degree from a non-US institution. We expect successful candidates to have a minimum score of 550 (old scale)
• A one-page personal statement describing research interests and career goals.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Be enrolled in or have taken courses equivalent to a minor or major in Computer Science.

Applicants seeking financial support must submit the Graduate Assistantship and Fellowship Application (GAFA) in addition to the admission application.

International students should visit the Office of International Students and Scholars for more information regarding admissions and requirements.

Masters level students may choose Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (courses only). Each option requires that the students complete a theory course and that their courses span several areas of specialization within the department. There are two ways to obtain a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering:

• Thesis Option (Plan A)
  • This requires a total of 31 credits (i.e., 24 course credits, 1 credit of Graduate Seminar, and 6 thesis credits). Taking into account the graduate school’s requirement, the coursework will therefore entail four 700-level courses and four courses that may be either 600- or 700-level.

• Courses Only Option (Plan B)
  • This requires a total of 36 credits of coursework. Taking into account the graduate school’s requirement, the coursework will therefore entail five 700-level courses and seven courses that may be either 600- or 700-level. One of the 700 level courses must include a graduate level capstone project experience that integrates across previous coursework and demonstrates general mastery.

While it is not necessary for students to immediately decide which path to take, it is important that they meet frequently with their graduate advisor to focus their endeavors.

In terms of specific coursework, students from each option must complete one of the following theory courses, if they have not already done so as undergraduates:

In terms of specific coursework, students from each option must complete one of the following theory courses, if they have not already done so as undergraduates:

Besides the theory course requirement, graduate students pursuing the “thesis” option must complete one credit of CS 792 - Graduate Seminar and one course from at least two of the four specialization areas listed below. Graduate students pursuing the “courses-only” option must complete one course from at least three of the four specialization areas listed below. There is no Graduate Seminar requirement for the “courses only” option.

One independent study is allowed for the “thesis” option and no independent studies are allowed for the “courses only” option. Students pursuing the “courses only” option are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships. The consent of the student’s advisor and the graduate director are required for assigning the following courses in the appropriate categories above: CPE 691, CPE 693, CPE 694, CS 792.

Master level student may choose Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (courses only). Plan A requires 31 credits (24 course credits, 1 credit of Graduate Seminar, and 6 thesis credits) while Plan B requires 36 credits (all course credits). For Plan B, one of the 700 level courses taken by the student must include a graduate level capstone project experience that integrates across previous course work and demonstrates general mastery. Many of the 700 level CS and CPE courses offered by the CSE department have a capstone, integrative project that would satisfy this requirement

Students who are accepted into the graduate program are expected to meet requirements for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science, and have minimum experience that includes the equivalent of the Computer Science minor. The department will consider applications from students lacking this background if they show exceptional promise. The GRE is required for all applications and the TOEFL is required for international students.