The Master of Science in computer science is offered only to students working toward the PhD in computer science. Students who are interested primarily in a master's degree and who do not intend to pursue a more advanced degree should apply to the Master of Computer Science (MCS) program. Students are not directly admitted to this degree program. For more information about program admission options, please contact the program.

Current and prospective graduate students should consult the Computer Science Graduate Handbook, available from the department's office and the Graduate Advising page on the department's website. The handbook provides detailed information about specific degree requirements and graduate study policies.

Learning Outcomes

Students gain:

• broad, up-to-date knowledge of computer science;
• fluency in reading, analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating research;
• a good understanding of a research area, its methods, and major open problems; and
• awareness of computing research ethics.

Students should view the requirements for the PhD in computer science; the MS is offered only to students working toward the PhD in computer science. The MS requires a minimum of 32 s.h. of graduate credit.

Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.

Academics

University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.

Admissions

Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.

Financial Support

Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.

The Department of Computer Science does not admit students to the Master of Science degree program; only to the Master of Computer Science (MCS) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree programs. Students who are interested primarily in a master's degree and who do not intend to pursue a more advanced degree should apply to the Master of Computer Science (MCS) program.