Description of Degree Program

The Master of Science degree in Computer Networking may be earned through either of:

Either option of the MS degree may be used as preparation for further graduate study or employment in an industrial research, development, or design environment. Students planning to continue for a Ph.D. should discuss the option selected with their advisors.

Option A – MS with Thesis

A student who wishes to pursue the MS with thesis option must find a member of the ECE or CSC Graduate Faculty who agrees to serve as the student’s thesis adviser and direct the student’s thesis research. If the advisor becomes unable or unwilling to direct the work to completion, and the student is unable to find another graduate faculty member willing to direct the work, the student will be required to transfer to the non-thesis option.

Advisory Committee:
Each MS with thesis student must form an advisory committee by the end of the semester in which nine or more credits are completed toward the degree sought. The advisory committee must consist of three members of the CSC or ECE graduate faculty.

Thesis Research:
A student pursuing the MS with thesis may apply a maximum of 6 credits of CSC or ECE 695, Thesis Research/Thesis Preparation, toward the minimum 31 hour requirement.

Option B – MS without Thesis

A Master of Science may be obtained without a thesis (Option B). The advisor of all CNE non-thesis students is Dr. Sichitiu, the ECE program Coordinator for the Masters of Science in Computer Networking, and the advisor of all CNC non-thesis students is Dr. Dutta, the CSC program Coordinator for the Masters of Science in Computer Networking.

All Students

  • Must take a minimum of 31 credit hours of graduate courses.
  • Must take a minimum of 3 credit hours at the 700 level.
  • Credit for thesis research is not allowed for Option B, the MS without thesis.
  • Non-letter grade courses, such as individual studies courses, may account for a maximum of 3 of the required 30 credit hours.
  • To graduate, a student must have a minimum 3.00 average on all graduate course work as well as all courses on his or her Plan of Graduate Work. This policy is strictly enforced.

Application to Ph.D. Program

A student who wishes to apply for admission to the Ph.D. program should contact the Graduate Office of the student’s department for details as to how to apply.