Program type:

Major
Format:

On Campus
Est. time to complete:

2-3 years
Credit Hours:

30-33
Forge your own path with flexible degree plans and use computer science skills to create solutions that make an impact.
Students in the Master's of Computer Science program have the opportunity to dive deeper into artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, natural language processing and other research areas that contribute to community and global needs. The skills developed in this program give students the ability to create a real-world impact within their community.

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Why Earn a Computer Science Master's?

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas offers coursework leading to a Master of Science degree in Computer Science. Our program offers the flexibility to choose coursework to complement your career goals. You can also select a specialization area in consultation with a major professor and the graduate coordinator.

The Professional Master of Science concentrations under the Computer Science major, offered partly in Frisco, provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to obtain a high-quality master’s degree in Computer Science targeted toward industry professionals of today and tomorrow.

A unique aspect of the PMCS program is the collective-professional experience of its participants, which greatly enriches the educational environment. A team approach is often used to allow for sharing of diverse perspectives on various topics; this interaction results in challenging and stimulating experience providing for maximum return on time and resources invested.

You'll be able to work closely with distinguished faculty members to solve complex problems faced by businesses and consumers.

Faculty research is supported through grants from federal and state institutions and private industry, including the:

  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Science Foundation
  • Texas Department of Transportation
  • Texas State Energy Conservation Office
  • U.S. Department of Education

The department offers comprehensive research that focuses on:

  • Algorithms and Computational Science
  • Computer Security
  • Computer Systems and Networks
  • Databases and Data Mining
  • Intelligent Systems
  • Software
Marketable Skills
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Ability to learn advanced programming
  • Software development
  • Oral and written communication

Computer Science Master's Highlights

Research lab space includes space for the Centers for Information and Cybersecurity, and Net-Centric Software, as well as 13 research labs dedicated to faculty and student research.
The Center for Information and Cyber Security (CICS) has helped UNT earn the designation of "Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education" and "Center for Academic Excellence in Research" from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security for its strong computer and information security program. This designation places UNT among the top institutions in the country in the field of computer security.
Current research interests of the faculty include theoretical computer science, databases, visualization, game programming, wired and wireless networks, computer security, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer systems architecture, agent based systems, collaborative learning, parallel and distributed processing, and numerical analysis.
Many students receive financial support through teaching and research assistantships within the department. Applications and deadline information for assistantships are available online.
Students are given access to a group of hosted virtual machines running Ubuntu Linux which provide general-purpose computing via remote SSH connectivity. An Apache web server and a MySQL database server are also made available as part of this environment.

What Can You do With a Computer Science Master's?

The department has a working relationship with local and national companies, and its Industrial Advisory Board is composed of representatives from high-tech firms.

Computer Science Master's Courses You Could Take

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (3 hrs)
A broad understanding of the basic techniques for building intelligent computer systems and how AI is applied to solve problems. The emergent nature of intelligent behavior through robust and efficient sensation, knowledge representation, and decision making are demonstrated through a series of hands-on demonstrations and tutorials. Ethical implications of automation and autonomy of machines are discussed through case studies. This exposure provides the breadth to understand the capabilities to begin a deeper exploration of artificial intelligence.
Computer Forensics (3 hrs)
Fundamentals of computer forensics and cyber-crime scene analysis including laws, regulations, international standards and formal methodology for conducting computer forensic investigations. Topics include advanced computer forensic science capabilities such as target hardening and software, tools for data duplication, recovery and analysis, and development of pre-search or on-scene computer investigative techniques.
Introduction to Computer Security (3 hrs)
Theory and practice of computer security, stressing security models and assurance. Security goals, threats and vulnerabilities. Cryptography, program security and operating system security issues. Basic network security. Planning, policies and risk analysis.
Applications of Cryptography (3 hrs)
Introduces students to concepts of cryptography and its applications. Cryptography is the fundamental building block of any computer security solution. The knowledge gained from this course will enable students to apply these cryptographic algorithms in a better way to design security solutions.
Fundamentals of Database Systems (3 hrs)
Introduction to the design and use of database systems. Topics include data models, database query languages, logical database design and dependency theory.
Compiler Design (3 hrs)
Formal language specification, lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, error recovery techniques and optimization. Detailed study of two or three compilers.

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