Computer Science (M.A./M.S.)

M.A./M.S. Computer Science

This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to gain an edge in the computer science job market.
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Program Overview

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.

Course Work

The M.S. in computer science 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 M.A. in computer science 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 include machine learning, databases/data mining, data compression, computer networks and cyber security, high-performance computing, image processing, bioinformatics, and more.

DegreeConcentrationHoursThesis OptionMinor OptionLocation
Degree
M.A.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
Minor required
Location
San Marcos/Round Rock
Degree
M.A.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
Minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
Minor required within the College of Science
Location
San Marcos/Round Rock
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
Minor required within the College of Science
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos/Round Rock
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
No concentration
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Data Science
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Data Science
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Software Engineering
Hours
30
Thesis Option
Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos
Degree
M.S.
Concentration
Software Engineering
Hours
36
Thesis Option
Non-Thesis
Minor Option
No minor required
Location
San Marcos/Round Rock

This program can be completed in Round Rock, though taking courses in both San Marcos and Round Rock will result in quicker degree completion.

What Our Alumni Say

“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, Class of ’16

Program Details

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: Ph.D. in Computer Science

Career Options

Both M.S. and M.A. graduates pursue careers in software development and 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.

Program Faculty

The department has both tenured and tenure-track faculty members actively pursuing research in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computer communication and networking, cyber security 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, AMD, and others. The faculty has obtained prestigious awards, including NSF CAREER awards and IBM and Google Faculty Fellowships.

Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.

Program Contacts

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Application Process

Application Deadlines

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For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Application Policy Information page.

Admission Requirements

The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.

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  • Review important information about the online application.

    • $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
    • $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials

    Review important information about application fees.

    • Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
    • A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
    • A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
    • Background course work.

    Review important information about transcripts. Official transcripts, sent directly from your institution, will be required if admission is granted.

  • GRE

    • 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.

    Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

    Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets 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
    • official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
    • official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

    Review important information about official test scores.

    • resume/CV
    • statement of purpose
    • three letters of recommendation

    Review important information about documents.

  • 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.

Additional Information

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