Graduate Programs

As recent graduates have shown, an advanced degree from UAlbany is the gateway to successful careers in American industry and higher education.

M.S. Degree

With its solid foundation in computer science theory and practice, the M.S. program is excellent preparation for a career in computing or for pursuing a doctorate.

Requirements for Admission

Open to students holding a baccalaureate degree with at least a minor or its equivalent in computer science, mathematics, or a combination. Students deficient in mathematics or computer science must take undergraduate courses during the first year of graduate study. Applicants must submit scores from the aptitude portion of the Graduate Record Examination.

Program of Study and Research

The degree requires a minimum of 31 credits, of which at least 25 must be taken from the Department of Computer Science. In a process that typically takes two full years, students must successfully complete:

1. A proficiency examination in discrete mathematics. Students should take this exam in their first semester; the exam can be retaken if necessary.
2. Classes including core courses in the Department of Computer Science, as well as electives in Computer Science or, with the approval of the Graduate Committee, in other departments
3. A master's project, or thesis, including the design and implementation of a computer program of significant scope. The project may be in the form of an internship involving employment in the private or public sector -- see the CSI Graduate Handbook for details.

For more information on program requirements, check the Graduate Bulletin

Ph.D. in Computer Science

The program prepares the student for a productive career as a research scholar in universities, the fields of industrial research and development, or within government research agencies.

The program develops the student's ability to recognize and formulate significant research problems, to express those using appropriate abstract models, to apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques for their solution, and to transmit the results to the scientific community. It also develops a broad understanding of computer science, mastery of the research methods appropriate for this major field, and the versatility to enter emerging fields.

The program requires four to five academic years of full-time study and research.

Requirements for Admission

An applicant must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. A major in computer science or mathematics is desirable, but not necessary. Deficiencies in computer science or mathematics must be made up during the first year of graduate study. Applicants must submit scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytic portions of the Graduate Record Examination. They are also encouraged to submit an Advanced Test score in computer science or mathematics.

Program of Study and Research

The program requires:

1. A minimum of 60 credits of graduate courses and at least one additional year of research leading to an acceptable dissertation; these credits must include Department of Computer Science core classes, as well as electives from Computer Science or other departments.
2. A programming project of significant scope.
3. Routine participation in research seminars after completing their first year of study

Dissertation

The student must submit an acceptable dissertation which represents a significant and original research contribution to computer science.

Departmental Examinations

These include:

1. A proficiency examination in discrete mathematics in the first semester of graduate study.
2. A two-part, preliminary exam during the second year:
   
   
   • A comprehensive examination on the core Computer Science subjects.
   • An analytic examination on analytic ability and knowledge of formal models.
     
3. An oral doctoral qualifying exam in the field of the student's research interest no later than the sixth semester.
4. An oral defense of the dissertation.

Research Tool Requirement

The student must demonstrate proficiency in a research skill appropriate to his/her field of research.

Full Time Study in Residence

To experience a period of intensive intellectual growth, each doctoral student must engage in full-time study (12 credits) in at least two sessions after admission to the advanced program. Graduate assistants for a full year may meet the requirement by completing 15 credits and all other assigned duties.

Admission to Candidacy

A student is admitted to candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy after satisfactorily completing:

1. Course and seminar study
2. The research tool requirement
3. University residence requirements
4. The qualifying examination

For More Information on Applying, see the Graduate Admission site.