Entrance Requirements for Graduate Study in Computer Science

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required for admission, however, high GRE scores will strengthen a candidate's application, and are highly regarded in the awarding of Graduate Assistantships. To be admitted without undergraduate deficiencies, an entering student must have completed undergraduate preparation substantially equivalent to that required for the Bachelor of Science degree in computer science at New Mexico State University, including the courses CS 471, CS 473, and CS 474, and others. Deficiencies should be satisfied as early in the student graduate program as possible, the regular undergraduate courses, the CS 469 courses, or through tests administered by faculty members in the relevant areas. Admission is often denied to candidates with little background in computer science.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Doctoral students may specialize in any of the areas in which computer science faculty have active research interests. Through interdisciplinary arrangements with other doctoral departments at New Mexico State University, doctoral students may also specialize in such areas as computational biology and cognitive science. Students should contact the department for information on additional graduation requirements.

Master of Science in Computer Science

Each master's student must normally write a thesis (CS 599) or, with the advisor's permission, undertake a research project (CS 598). In either case, the number of required graduate credits is 33, including 6 for the thesis or project. With the adviser's and department head's consent, the student may instead take 36 credits of regular course work. In no case may CS 471, CS 473, or CS 474, or any of the graduate service courses (CS 467, CS 477, and CS 487) be counted towards the number of credits. The student's program must include:

Department Requirements (Total Credits: 33 with 24 above 499)
Group	Courses
I	One of the following: CS 510 Automata, Languages, Computability CS 550 Complexity Theory
II	One of the following: CS 570 Analysis of Algorithms CS 572 Advanced Algorithms
III	One of the following: CS 573 Architectural Concepts II CS 574 Operating Systems II CS 584 Computer Networks II
IV	Two of the following: CS 571 Programming Language Structure II CS 575 Artificial Intelligence II CS 580 Compiler Construction CS 581 Advanced Software Engineering CS 582 Database Management System II
V	One additional computer science course numbered above 550 and distinct from CS 598 and CS 599
VI	6 credits of CS 598 (MS Project) or CS 599 (MS Thesis)

Courses not in computer science can be included in the student's program of study only if prior written approval has been obtained from the student's advisor and the departmental Graduate Committee.

Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are expected to be available each year. Inquiries should be addressed to the departmental awards coordinator. Research assistantships are available at the discretion of individual research project leaders in the department and elsewhere on campus. Submitting detailed vitae, letters of reference and GRE test scores is encouraged when applying for any assistantship.

More Information

The CS Graduate Admission FAQ Covers frequently asked questions.

The Graduate School maintains a web page with a full graduate catalog as well as on-line registration form and information for international students.

For admissions materials or to correspond with the department, please send e-mail to csoffice@cs.nmsu.edu .