Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science at Tennessee Tech is driven by three distinct needs created by the growth in training needed for technological companies, research labs and civil service:
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- Opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in advanced studies and research before entering the workforce.
- Opportunities for personnel from surrounding industries to upgrade their professional skills.
- A strong academic program that prepares graduates to pursue a terminal (Ph.D.) degree in Computer Science.
Our program of study combines a deep foundation in computer science with the applied and in-demand skills necessary for careers in technology. Students learn to think creatively through a blend of scholarship, research and advanced studies, and develop the technical competence needed to engage in successful careers in industry, research and public service and communicate effectively.
The relatively small size of the program and friendly campus atmosphere promote close interaction among students and faculty. Faculty members work closely with colleagues in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as maintain strong collaborations with Tennessee Tech's Centers of Excellence and other leading institutions and national laboratories to build a unique and effective environment for graduate research, learning and well-rounded training.
A full description of degree requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog.
A thesis option requires 31 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 24 hours of coursework, one hour of graduate seminar and 6 hours of graduate thesis approved by the advisory committee. A student may take a maximum of 9 hours of 5000-level courses. A student may take a maximum of 3 hours of directed independent study courses to satisfy the required 24 hours of coursework. Students of the thesis option must complete a final presentation and defense exam in the thesis related area.
A non-thesis project option requires 34 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 27 hours of coursework, one hour of graduate seminar, and 6 hours of project work (CSC6980) approved by the advisory committee. A student may take a maximum of 9 hours of 5000-level courses. A student may take a maximum of 3 hours of directed independent study courses to satisfy the required 30 hours of coursework. Students of the Project option must complete a final presentation and defense exam in the project's related area.
A non-thesis, courses-only option requires 34 semester credit hours of graduate work, including 30 hours of coursework, one hour of graduate seminar, and 3 hours of a directed independent study. A student may take a maximum of 9 hours of 5000-level courses. A student has to pass a written/oral comprehensive exam set by his/her graduate committee.
Research
As a graduate student in our program, you will have the unique opportunity to work in a wide range of research areas with faculty who foster a unique and effective environment for graduate research, learning and well-rounded training. Computer science faculty also work on interdisciplinary research programs with electrical and computer engineering, chemical engineering and civil and environmental engineering, as well as with Tennessee Tech's Centers of Excellence, other leading institutions and national laboratories.
Research Focus Areas
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Cybersecurity
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Data science
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Machine intelligence, machine learning
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High performance computing
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Software engineering
Computer Science Graduate Student Club
The Computer Science Graduate Student Club is open to all computer science graduate students and provides opportunity for students to interact with each other in informal settings. The main event produced by the club is the Computer Science Graduate Seminar Series, a unique opportunity for graduate students to present on their current research topic or other topic of interest to their peers.
