Master of Computer Science, M.C.S.

Visit the Computer Science Department page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The Master of Computer Science (MCS) program at Utah Valley University is an applied graduate program. Graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of computer science and be prepared to assume software leadership roles across industries. The program emphasizes developing large software systems using while encouraging students to explore and leverage new technologies to address real-world challenges, built on a foundation of large-scale implementation, applied mathematics computing machine learning and software engineering with electives.

Matriculation Requirements

1. Application for admission to the MCS will include letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
2. Applicants must have an overall grade point average in their undergraduate work of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
3. For international students whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of 80 iBT (550 pBT) or higher, or an IELTS band score of 6.5 or higher within the past two years, is required.
4. Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field (Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or a closely related field) who have completed the following courses (or equivalent courses from other institutions) with a C+ or better will be deemed to have the fundamental computer science background to enter the program: CS 2300 Discrete Mathematical Structures I, CS 2420 Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures, CS 2810 Computer Organization and Architecture, CS 3060 Operating Systems Theory, MATH 1210 Calculus I
5. Applicants without a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field or who have not completed the above courses with a C+ will be deemed lacking in fundamental computer science background to enter the program.
6. Applicants found lacking in fundamental computer science background can be conditionally admitted to the MCS. Conditionally admitted students will have an individualized MCS Leveling Plan (MCS LP) developed for them by the Computer Science Graduate Committee. Once the MCS LP has been met by the applicant, the applicant will be deemed to have the fundamental computer science background to enter the program. Graduate policy precludes conditionally admitted students from taking 6000 level courses.
7. All applicants will be subject to the approval of the Computer Science Graduate Committee.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		30
Discipline Core Requirements		24 Credits
CS 6150	Advanced Algorithms	3
CS 6300	Software Engineering Leadership	3
CS 6470	Machine Learning	3
CS 6500	Software Architecture	3
CS 6510	Design and Simulation of Operating Systems	3
CS 6700	Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science	3
CS 6960R	Advanced Software Development and Research Methods	6
Elective Requirements		6 Credits
Complete 2 courses from the following list:		6
CS 6100	Database Management System Construction (3)
CS 6200	Cyberphysical Security (3)
CS 6400	Modern Databases (3)
CS 6460	Artificial Intelligence (3)
CS 6480	Deep Learning (3)
CS 6530	Computer Graphics and Mixed Realities (3)
CS 6620	Advanced Data Mining and Visualization (3)
CS 6730	Advanced Embedded Systems Engineering (3)
CS 6790R	Special Topics in Computer Science (3)

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all courses with a grade of B- or better.  
2. Graduate Project:
   1. Graduate project proposal presented to and accepted by the student's Advisory Committee.  
   2. Completion of 6 hours of CS 6960R Advanced Software Development and Research Methods); defense must be accepted by the student's Advisory Committee.
   3. Completion of all required courses and elective courses for a total of 30 credit hours with an average GPA of 3.0 or higher.  

3. No transfer credit can be used to satisfy graduation requirements.

4. Graduate coursework shall be completed within a six-year period.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Semester 1		Credit Hours
CS 6150	Advanced Algorithms	3
CS 6300	Software Engineering Leadership	3
CS 6470	Machine Learning	3
	Credit Hours	9
Semester 2
CS 6500	Software Architecture	3
CS 6510	Design and Simulation of Operating Systems	3
CS 6700	Advanced Mathematics for Computer Science	3
	Credit Hours	9
Second Year
Semester 3
CS 6960R	Advanced Software Development and Research Methods	3
Elective		3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	9
Semester 4
CS 6960R	Advanced Software Development and Research Methods	3
	Credit Hours	3
	Total Credit Hours	30

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Design software systems using architectural styles, balancing trade-offs, and addressing design and quality concerns.
2. Implement large programs by integrating software modules, developing tests, and ensuring quality through effective testing.
3. Execute projects through all software lifecycle phases, from conception to delivery, communicate technical concepts, and meet deadlines independently.
4. Apply knowledge across multiple computer science domains to solve complex problems or integrate domains to address single challenges.