University General Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
    Oct 14, 2024  
University General Course Catalog 2023-2024 ARCHIVED CATALOG: LINKS AND CONTENT ARE OUT OF DATE. CHECK WITH YOUR ADVISOR.

Computer Science and Engineering, M.S.


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, computation, and communication 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 research through the Thesis option (Plan A) or to study several different subjects in computer science and engineering through the Courses-Only option (Plan B). Students choosing the Thesis option are given the opportunity to become involved in one or more of the following broad research areas:

  1. Cybersecurity and Network Systems
  2. Data and Software Systems
  3. Intelligent and Autonomous Systems

Contact Information


David Feil-Seifer Ph.D., Graduate Program Director
(775) 784-6469
dave@cse.unr.edu

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

http://www.unr.edu/cse/ 

Graduate Handbook

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes


  1. An ability to apply computer science and 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.

Admission Requirements


Applicants to the master’s degree program should have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science and have minimum experience that includes the equivalent of a Computer Science and Engineering minor. Applicants should further meet the following minimum criteria and the materials for admission:

  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • A minimum GRE Quantitative score of at least 156.
  • International applicants have an additional language requirement as outlined on the Graduate School’s international admission page. 
  • A one-page personal statement describing research interests and career goals.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

Admission decisions are competitive and satisfaction of the above thresholds does not guarantee an admission. Exceptions to these criteria may be made for applicants who show exceptional promise.

I. Program Requirements


Masters level students may choose Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Courses-Only). Each option requires two core courses while offering a variety of courses for the remainder of the degree program. The specific requirements of each option are detailed below:

  • Thesis Option (Plan A)
    • This option requires a total of 31 units
    • 24 courses units (at least 18 with CS or CPE codes)
    • 1 unit of CS 792  – Graduate Seminar (students will be required to attend 12 CSE token talks to get a satisfactory grade in CS 792 )
    • 6 thesis units (CS 797 )
    • Taking into account the Graduate School’s requirement, the coursework will therefore entail at least four 700-level courses.
  • Courses Only Option (Plan B)
    • This option requires a total of 30 credits of coursework (at least 24 with CSE or CPE codes).
    • Taking into account the Graduate School’s requirement, the coursework will therefore entail at least four 700-level courses. One of the 700-level courses must include a graduate level capstone project experience that integrates across previous coursework and demonstrates general mastery. Many of the 700-level CS and CPE courses have a capstone integrative project that would satisfy this requirement.

One independent study (CS 793[A-Z]) one internship study (CS/CPE 694) up to 3 credits each is allowed for both options. Furthermore, 75% of the coursework (i.e., 18 out of 24 course credits for the Thesis option, 24 out of 30 course credits for the Courses-Only option) must be in Computer Science and Engineering, i.e., must be credits with CS or CPE codes. Non-CSE credits are expected to be relevant to the CSE discipline (e.g., EBME, Math, IS).

A. Core Courses Requirement


Students must complete the following courses with a grade of B or better, if they have not already done so at undergraduate or graduate level:

C. Declaration of Advisor


The students must find an advisor and submit the Declaration of Advisor form (https://www.unr.edu/grad/student-academics/forms) to Graduate School by the end of their second semester in the program.

D. Advisory Committee


The advisory committee should be formed within a year of admission to the M.S. program by submitting a program of study. The advisory-examining committee consists of at least three members of the graduate faculty, two representing the area of specialization and one who is the Graduate School Representative. Courses Only (Plan B) students do not need to assemble an advisory committee, and their program of study and notice of completion only needs to be signed by the graduate director. 

Note(s):


Students pursuing the Courses-Only (Plan B) option are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships.

II. Total Units (30 or 31 units)


Thesis Option (Plan A) is 31 units.
Courses Only Option (Plan B) is 30 units

III. Recommended Schedule


These schedules are merely suggestions and can vary depending on your advisor and course availability etc.

A. First Year (Plan A)


First semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

Second semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

B. Second Year (Plan A)


Third semester:

Fourth semester:

C. First Year (Plan B)


First semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

Second semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (9 units)

D. Second Year (Plan B)


Third semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (6 units)

Fourth semester:

  • 600/700 level courses (6 units)

Undergraduate Requirements


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 a computer science and engineering minor. The department will consider applications from students lacking this background if they show exceptional promise.

Students without a computer science and engineering background can apply for graduate special status from the Graduate School and take courses in computer science and engineering to provide the necessary background. Typical courses you should consider to gain this background are: