Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer science is directed at the theory and technology of computation itself. It is the science of information and of the structures, both hardware and software, that communicate, store, and process information. The computer science program here at AU is a balanced presentation of the practical and theoretical aspects of computer science.

The Computer science MS degree prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in software development and design, multimedia computing, artificial intelligence and computer vision, and other technical computing professions. Students study in small classes and develop close relationships with professors. This is very helpful for students seeking advice in their career planning.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

• 33 credit hours of approved graduate work;
• A tool of research, satisfied by completion of CSC-689 Topics in Computer Science (3): Simulation with a grade of B or better;
• Comprehensive examination, satisfied by completion of CSC-694 Capstone Project (3) with a grade of B or better;
• 6 credit hours of thesis or nonthesis option;
• CSC-520 Algorithms and Data Structures, CSC-521 Design and Organization of Programming Languages, CSC-540 Computer System Organization and Programming, and courses taken to satisfy thesis or non-thesis option must be passed with grades of B or better.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university;
• 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate work;
• scores from the GRE General Aptitude test;
• two letters of recommendation;
• a well-written Statement of Purpose;
• TOEFL test scores of at least 600 (paper) /100 (internet) or a minimum IELTS score of 7 are required for international students whose native language is not English and who do not possess an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for graduate study, applicants must have an adequate undergraduate preparation or experience in computer science. Students entering the program without the appropriate background will be expected to take certain undergraduate courses as a prerequisite.

Contact Information

Department of Computer Science
American University
McKinley Building 102
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-8116
Phone: 202-885-2741
E-mail: cs@american.edu
http://www.american.edu/cas/cs/