Computer Science

Steve Hanks, PhD, Department Chair
Eric Larson, PhD, Associate Chair
Yingwu Zhu, PhD, Graduate Program Director
Sheila Oh, MS, Graduate Program Director

Web: https://www.seattleu.edu/scieng/computer-science/

The Computer Science Department offers a Master of Science in Computer Science graduate degree. As part of this graduate degree program, students have the option to obtain a specialization in Data Science or a specialization in Software Engineering. The department also offers a Computer Science Fundamentals graduate certificate.

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers a curriculum based on theoretical foundations and practical applications. The program is designed to provide advanced study in computer science for students with a substantial background in the discipline. Full-time students who start in fall quarter can complete the program in five quarters. The program also accommodates part-time students who can complete the program in three years.

The curriculum includes required courses in core areas of computer science and a required course in ethics and professional issues related to computing. A set of elective courses allows students develop a solid, broad understanding of computer science.

The department offers two options for students to complete their MSCS degree:

Research option: Students have the option to carry out research under the supervision of a faculty member spanning two quarters. Research projects culminate in a report suitable for publication and provide excellent preparation for those who are pursuing research careers or further education in a doctoral program.
Coursework option: A coursework option is also available which requires completion of a seminar class along with the student’s choice of one additional elective course.

Alternatively, MSCS students can select a specialization, which provides deeper exposure to a sub-area of computer science

Software Engineering Specialization: Students have the option to earn a specialization in software engineering by choosing prescribed electives and completing a two-quarter team capstone software project under the supervision of a faculty member.
Data Science Specialization: Students have the to earn a specialization in data science by taking a mathematics foundational course, completing a set of data science core courses, and completing a quarter-long capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Applications for the Master of Science in Computer Science program are considered fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students who start in winter or spring should be aware that completing the data science specialization or software engineering specialization will take longer than five quarters. All application materials must be included in your application by the stated deadline for that quarter. The following documents are required for consideration:

Completed Application for Graduate Admission
Four-year or equivalent bachelor’s degree, in computer science or related discipline, earned at a regionally accredited institution.
Minimum GPA of 3.00 calculated from transcripts of all post-secondary educational institutions attended in the last 90 quarter/60 semester credits of your bachelor’s degree, including any transfer credits earned during this time, and any post-baccalaureate course work.
Completed Prerequisite Form indicating plan for meeting required course work.
1-2 page letter of intent discussing background, interests, and reasons for wanting to pursue a master’s degree in computer science.
Two academic or professional recommendations, using the MSCS recommendation form, from those who have evaluated the applicant’s academic work or supervised practical experience and are able to assess the applicant’s potential as a graduate student.
Professional resume summarizing academic and related work experience, if any.
Scores from the GRE or GMAT exams taken within the last five years are optional except for those subject to the Three-Year Degree Policy (2004-04) and those who earned degrees from institutions issuing nongraded transcripts
If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the University entrance requirements are necessary. See Admissions Policy (2008-01) for details.

Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals

The Computer Science Fundamentals graduate certificate program provides a way for students who lack a background in the computer science discipline to develop knowledge and skills necessary for success in the MSCS program and for entry-level employment in the software industry. (Completion of this certificate program does NOT guarantee admission to the MSCS program.) This certificate program consists of six three-credit courses in software design, databases, computer systems, and algorithms. These courses are offered in late afternoon and evening over three quarters. Working professionals may choose to reduce the workload to one course per quarter, which will extend the certificate program completion time.

Admission Requirements

Completed Application for Graduate Admission
Evidence of four-year or equivalent bachelor’s degree.
Evidence of course work, or other experience, in computer programming and basic data structures*.
Cover Letter: Include a statement of purpose and any information that you may think is relevant for placement.
If English is not the applicant’s native language, official English proficiency scores meeting the University entrance requirements are necessary. See Admissions Policy (2008-01) for details.

*Students who lack this background can take an introductory sequence in the summer or winter prior to the start of the certificate program.

Programs

Graduate Certificate

Certificate in Computer Science Fundamentals

Graduate Major