The Computer Science and Engineering Department offers a master of science (M.S.) degree program. An M.S. student can graduate by pursuing either Thesis Plan I or Capstone Plan II. Students in either plan complete a total of 48 credits as follows: 13 credits of core requirements, 15 credits of breadth requirements, 15 credits of elective requirements, and 5 credits of capstone course requirements.

The normative time for graduation with Thesis Plan I is two academic years for a full-time student. This option is appropriate for students interested in advanced studies and in carrying out independent research, as well as for those students contemplating pursuit of a Ph.D. degree. The normative time for graduation with Capstone Plan II is one to two academic years for a full-time student. This option is appropriate for students interested in advanced studies to better prepare themselves for the information technology workforce.

Students in the M.S. program are not guaranteed any form of financial support from the department. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they have sufficient funds for completing the M.S. degree program. Although obtaining an internship is not part of the program’s requirements, most M.S. students manage their finances by working as interns at companies in the Bay Area during the summer months.