Admission Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, students applying for this program are expected to have knowledge of programming languages, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, or computer architecture.  The knowledge of calculus, discrete mathematics, and linear algebra typically attained in undergraduate education is expected, too.  Students without undergraduate prerequisite courses in computer science and mathematics may be instructed to demonstrate prior knowledge, as determined by the Graduate Program Director.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is desired.  Individuals who have worked as professionals in the computer industry may be able to substitute work experience for some of the specific subject area admission requirements, subject to review by the Graduate Program Director.

Students must have an undergraduate grade point average of (or equivalent to) at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale) and a Junior/Senior GPA of at least 3.0.  A satisfactory GRE score is required for applicants who completed undergraduate degree outside of the United States.

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Computer Science program requires 30 graduate credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA, which may optionally include 6 credit hours of thesis.  At least 18 credit hours of the courses applied to the degree must be from the Department of Computer Science, and at least 24 hours must be from the College of Computing and Informatics.  At least 15 credit hours must be at the 6000-level or above courses.  No more than 6 credit hours may be in Individual Study. A maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate credit may be transferred from other graduate degree programs.

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours

Grade Requirements

Core Courses must each be passed with A or B grades.  A minimum overall 3.0 GPA is required.

Assistantships

Financial assistance for qualified students is available on a competitive basis in the form of graduate teaching and research assistantships.  All M.S. students who entered “Yes” in the application form on the question “Assistantship Interest” are automatically considered.  No separate assistantship application is required.