Develop the Future of Computer Technology
The modern economy is powered by computer technology. From something as simple as a computer file to the quick developments in AI-generated text, computer scientists are pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
An MS in Computer Science from Clarkson University gives you the skills to be at the forefront of innovation. Our rigorous program goes beyond the fundamentals, so you can explore the latest advances in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, quantum computing and more. By the time you graduate, you will have the specialized expertise to become a leader in the industry or pursue additional original research in a PhD program.
A PhD in Computer Science from Clarkson University can help you become a lead researcher in academia, government agencies, the tech sector and other growing industries. Become an expert in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, quantum computing and other innovative developments in computing. Devote your studies to developing original, innovative research that can propel the field forward. This is the opportunity to make an impact on society through computer technology. Coursework can be completed on our Potsdam campus or online.
Why Earn an MS in Computer Science From Clarkson University?
Considered one of the best graduate computer science programs by U.S. News & World Report, our curriculum is designed to be tailored to your goals. You can complete the degree onsite or online, and you can either develop a thesis or select a professionally oriented non-thesis track.
Whatever path you take, you will benefit from our small department. Our faculty mentors give you the personal attention you need to fulfill your studies. The program is offered by both the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science and has an interdisciplinary focus. We encourage collaboration and teamwork as you go through the program.
The department focuses on the wide spectrum of artificial intelligence capabilities, including automated reasoning, computer vision, machine learning, virtual reality, robotics, human-robot interaction and the social implications of AI. Other areas of expertise include cybersecurity, virtualization, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, quantum computing and computational complexity.
In addition to our state-of-the-art facilities, you will have access to our award-winning Career Center. Clarkson has strong connections to the industry, which helps open the door to various career opportunities for our students.
Clarkson is a small university but also a research university that has a great reputation with employers. Being part of this small community, students are able to have a personal connection with the faculty, something that is harder to experience at larger universities.
Alexis Maciel
Chair of Computer Science
What You’ll Learn
The MS in Computer Science requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate-level work. All students take the foundation course, Computer Algorithms, and six credit hours of programming-intensive courses. The remaining credits will be rounded out by electives and a thesis project, should you choose to do one.
Some of the courses we offer include:
- Advanced Algorithms
- Computer and Network Security
- Fairness, Accountability and Transparency in AI and Automated Systems
- Automated Reasoning
- Computer Ethics and Society
- Formal Methods for Program Verification
- Blockchain Technologies
- Computer Networks
- Introduction to Automata Theory and Formal Languages
- Computational Complexity
- Cryptography
- Mobile Robotics and Human-Machine Interaction
- Computational Learning
- Database Systems
- Natural Language Processing
Curriculum
Computer Science Degree Requirements
In addition to the general requirements for the MS degree that are established by the University, students must satisfy the following set of requirements:
- The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate level work. At least 20 credit hours must be earned in residence at Clarkson. Each student’s program of study must be approved by an advisory committee.
- Students who are not fully prepared to pursue graduate work in computer science may be required to take the course CS511 Foundations in Computer Science. In addition, students with very little or no background in computer science may be required to take undergraduate computer science courses, for which graduate credit will not be given.
- Two options are available for the MS in Computer Science, thesis-based and project-based. Below is a side-by-side comparison of the programs.
Elective Courses
Includes programming courses, if not used to meet the programming-intensive course requirement.
- CS541 Introduction to Automata Theory and Formal Languages
- CS542 Computational Complexity
- CS547 Advanced Algorithms
- CS549 Computational Learning
- CS555 Computer Networks
- CS556 Cryptography
- CS557 Computer and Network Security
- CS558 Formal Methods for Program Verification
- CS560 Database Systems
- CS565 Mobile Robotics and Human-Machine Interaction
- CS566 Blockchain Technologies
- CS569 Quantum Information and Computation
- CS571 System Administration and Network Operations
- CS575 Computer Ethics and Society
- CS649 Current Issues in Machine Learning
- CS653 Automated Reasoning
- CS654 Current Issues in Computer Networking Research
- CS657 Advanced Topics in Computer Security
- CS662 Advanced Topics in Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces
- CS668 Natural Language Processing
- CS673 Advanced Topics in Computer Vision
- CS675 Fairness, Accountability and Transparency in AI and Automated Systems
MS in Computer Science Thesis Option – 30 Credits
Foundation course – 3 credits
- CS547 Computer Algorithms
Programming-intensive courses – choose two, 6 credits
- List includes courses in machine learning, deep learning, software design and development, computer vision, image understanding, computer graphics, human-computer interaction, mixed reality, and operating systems.
Advisor-approved electives – choose three, 9 credits
- 1 research-focused course in Computer Science
- 1 Computer Engineering course relevant to Computer Science
- 1 Computer Science elective course
Seminar – 2 credits
Thesis – 10 credits
MS in Computer Science Non-Thesis Option – 30 Credits
Foundation course – 3 credits
- CS547 Computer Algorithms
Programming-intensive courses – choose two, 6 credits
- List includes courses in machine learning, deep learning, software design and development, computer vision, image understanding, computer graphics, human-computer interaction, mixed reality, and operating systems.
Advisor-approved electives – choose five, 15 credits
- 1 Computer Engineering course relevant to Computer Science
- 4 Computer Science elective courses
Project – 6 credits
Research
Solving real-world problems based on cutting-edge research is at the core of what we do. Our 18 research centers and laboratories include the Biomedical Signal Analysis Laboratory, the Clarkson Center for Complex Systems Science, and the Smart Power Systems and Controls Lab. We also count more than 380 partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce and research organizations also offer graduate students a wealth of opportunities to continue doing their important work.
Distinguished Faculty
Our faculty are recognized as leaders in their respective fields and are at the helm of cutting-edge projects. They collaborate closely with each other to provide innovative solutions for complex problems. Our faculty members also value the talents of students and serve as active and engaged mentors.
Admission Requirements
A completed application consists of the following:
- Online Application Form.
- Résumé.
- Statement of purpose.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
- GRE test scores.
- Required. Waivers will be considered.
- For international applicants, an English proficiency test is required.
- Minimum test score requirements: TOEFL (80) and TOEFL Essentials (8.5), IELTS (6.5), PTE (56) or Duolingo English Test (115).
- The English language-testing requirement is not waived based on language of instruction, nor do we accept university certificates. English testing is waived if an applicant has a degree from a country where English is the Native Language.
Prerequisites: A BS or equivalent degree in computer science or another closely related subject. Admission to the computer science program depends upon the Computer Science Graduate Committee’s approval.
Career Possibilities
Professionals in computer science are in high demand and will continue to be for quite some time. Clarkson’s Computer Science MS graduates had a 100 percent placement in 2023 and, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in the field are expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade. Graduates can expect to find opportunities in a wide variety of industries or choose to pursue further studies through a PhD program.
Some of the roles you might consider include:
- App developer
- Computer systems analyst
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Database designer
- Data scientist
- Machine learning engineer
- Network architect
- Software developer
- Systems manager
- Web developer
Recent Employers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 15 percent more computer science and information technology positions through 2031. Through the edge given by an MS in Computer Science, our students have started positions or advanced their careers with:
- Axiom Cloud
- Kitware Inc.
- Nine Hill Technologies
- Vanteon Corporation
- Department of the Air Force
- LMI Technologies