Computer Science (Master's)
Texas State’s Department of Computer Science is known for cutting-edge curricula, a dedicated faculty, and well-equipped and remotely accessible laboratory facilities. Combined, these elements provide students with hands-on experience while implementing classroom concepts, providing the specialized training graduates need to land the best jobs.
This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to gain an edge in the computer science job market.
Contact The Graduate College for general questions about getting started with your application, funding your degree, and more.
If you have program-specific questions after reviewing the program details, we encourage you to contact the following:
Graduate Advisor
Dr. Wuxu Peng
cs_graduateadvisor@txstate.edu
512.245.3874
Comal (CMAL), Room 309B
Advisor Support
Karen Hollensbe
kh48@txstate.edu
512.245.3409
Comal (CMAL), Room 211B
“I started at Texas State while working full-time because of the flexibility of taking graduate-level evening courses on the Round Rock Campus. Now I am focusing on my thesis while working in a research lab on the San Marcos Campus. The support of the professors has been great.ˮ
— Lee B. Hinkle, M.S. ’16, current Computer Science Ph.D. student
Course Work
The master of science (M.S.) in computer science (C.S.) program offers a 30-credit-hour thesis option and a 36-credit-hour non-thesis option. A concentration in data science is offered in the non-thesis option. Both require the completion of graduate core courses and electives.
The master of arts (M.A.) in computer science (C.S.) program offers a 30-credit-hour-thesis option and a 36-credit-hour non-thesis option. Both require the completion of graduate core courses, electives, and a minor.
Areas of study in the computer science program are: machine learning, databases/data mining, data compression, computer networks and cybersecurity, high-performance computing, image processing, bioinformatics, and more.
| Degree | Concentration | Hours | Thesis Option | Minor Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.A. | No concentration | 36 | Non-Thesis | Minor required |
| M.A. | No concentration | 30 | Thesis | Minor required |
| M.S. | No concentration | 36 | Non-Thesis | Minor required within the College of Science |
| M.S. | No concentration | 30 | Thesis | Minor required within the College of Science |
| M.S. | No concentration | 36 | Non-Thesis | No minor required |
| M.S. | No concentration | 30 | Thesis | No minor required |
| M.S. | Data Science | 30 | Thesis | No minor required |
| M.S. | Data Science | 36 | Non-Thesis | No minor required |
| M.S. | Software Engineering | 30 | Thesis | No minor required |
| M.S. | Software Engineering | 36 | Non-Thesis | No minor required |
| Texas State Round Rock Campus This program can be completed in Round Rock, though taking courses in both San Marcos and Round Rock will result in quicker degree completion. |
The department accommodates working professionals by offering flexible course scheduling options with classes available during the evenings and on the Round Rock Campus.
Program Mission
The mission of the Department of Computer Science is to advance the knowledge of computer science and technology through education, research, and service for the betterment of industry, government, and society. The department seeks to expand its depth and breadth in the research and study of applied computing and strives to provide graduate students with strong technical backgrounds and communication skills.
Related Programs
Program Faculty
The department has both tenured and tenure-track faculty members actively pursuing research in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer communication and networking, cybersecurity and trustworthy computing, database and information systems, distributed and parallel computing, high-performance computing, human-computer interaction, image retrieval, multimedia computing, software engineering, green/sustainable computing and social computing. Faculty research has received federal and industry funding support from NSF, NIST, DoD, DoE, IBM, Intel, and more. The faculty has obtained prestigious awards like NSF CAREER awards and IBM and Google Faculty Fellowships.
Career Options
Both M.S. and M.A. graduates pursue careers in technical software development maintenance, system management, and system analysis. The majority of graduates, about 60%, work in private companies like Google, Amazon, Intel, IBM, and Dell. About 30% of graduates work in various city, state, and federal agencies. About 10% go on to pursue doctoral degrees.
Application Process
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Application Deadline This program has a firm deadline. |
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Funding Information Applications must be complete by the priority deadline to be considered for certain types of funding. |
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Decision Timeline This program reviews applications on a firm basis. |
Application Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international web pages.
Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
OR - $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
Review important information about application fees.
Transcripts & GPA
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- a copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- background course work
Read additional information about the diagnostic interview.
Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.
GRE Scores
- official GRE (general test only) required with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning sections
The GRE may be waived if you hold a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. If you hold a master's or doctoral degree (or the equivalent thereof) from an accredited international institution, the GRE may be waived on an individual basis.
Review important information about official test scores.
Documents
- resume/CV
- statement of purpose
- three letters of recommendation
Review important information about documents.
TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and
- minimum individual module scores of 6.0
Review important information about official test scores.
Diagnostic Interview
If you are accepted to the program, you will participate in a diagnostic interview with the graduate advisor. This interview will include a review of test scores, grades, and work history. In some cases, additional courses may be added to your degree program.