MS/PhD Degree Requirements

What you need to join our MS/PhD degree program. 

Most computer science graduate students are admitted to the MS/PhD track. That means they are intending to work toward a PhD, but will acquire a master's degree along the way. During the first stage of a student's graduate career, he or she will be simultaneously working toward the MS degree and compiling a portfolio, both of which are requirements of the PhD. There are links below to the pages that list the program requirements for student admitted to the MS/PhD track.

The college expects that students starting work in the MS/PhD track have a solid undergraduate background in computer science. If you are unsure of your background, you should consult your advisor.

MS/PhD students are required to:

  • Actively participate in research under the guidance of an advisor
  • Satisfy 6 Core Requirements across the areas of systems, AI, and theory
  • Complete 30 course credits (6 core courses taken to satisfy core requirements are included)
  • Complete a 6-credit MS project (synthesis)
  • Graduate with an MS degree (before or after portfolio submission)
  • Pass the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences Qualifying Exam – Portfolio
  • Form a committee
  • Propose a thesis
  • Complete 18 dissertation credits and one 600-level course and 1 elective course
  • Pass the teaching assistant requirement
  • Pass the residency requirement:
    • At least 9 credits, each semester, in back-to-back semesters, usually satisfied with the dissertation credits
  • Defend and submit a thesis

Sample Schedule (MS/PhD)

The following schedule shows one way in which an MS/PhD student could progress through the program to complete both the MS and PhD in five years (most students who complete in five years actually complete in the summer after their 10th semester). Because people have different backgrounds and different skills, your progress will almost certainly vary somewhat from this. It can be a helpful guide nonetheless. Students supported by an RAship will be able to make progress more efficiently if their master's and synthesis projects as well as their dissertation are well aligned with the RAship.

YearFallSpring
1stcore (3 credits)
Seminar/Ind. study/Non-CS/Course (3 credits)
RA/TA		core (3 credits)
non-core (3 credits)
RA/TA
2ndcore (3 credits)
core (3 credits)
RA/TA		core (3 credits)
MS project/synthesis begins
RA overlaps project
3rdcore (3 credits)
MS Project/synthesis completed (6 credits)
RA overlaps project
portfolio submitted
MS completed		COMPSCI course at 600-800 level  (3 credits)
RA/TA
4thnon-core including independent study (3 credits)
RA/TA
thesis proposal		dissertation (9 credits)
RA/TA
5thdissertation (9 credits)
RA/TA		RA/TA
thesis defense
PhD completed

Most MS/PhD students are supported by research or teaching assistantships.