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Master of Science in Computer Science

A Masters in Science in Computer Science prepares students for a lifetime of discovery. It enables the graduate to advance the state of the art in computing, not merely to keep up with it. The MSCS develops students’ advanced coding, critical thinking, computer theory, investigatory, and expository skills.

MS in CS requirements and admission information

Catalog

Graduate Certificate in Secure Cyber Operations

This certificate was developed as part of the state-wide cybersecurity education initiative between the Idaho universities and INL to provide students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with sufficient skills to obtain an Idaho cyber operations job. The certificate requires 12 credit hours, can be completed in one year, and dovetails with the MSCS.

If you are interested in this certificate, please contact David Beard ( beard@isu.edu )

Graduate Secure Cyber Operations Certificate requirements and application info

PhD in Engineering and Applied Science in Computer Science

The Computer Science department offers a PhD in Engineering and Applied Science. This degree further enables the graduate to advance the state of the art in computing. The graduate program develops the student's critical thinking, investigatory, and expository skills. The student will learn the foundations of computer science theory and application and the interaction between the two. By understanding the extent and limitations of current knowledge in computer science, the graduate will learn to understand what issues are important and why. He or she will acquire the methodological skills to resolve important open problems and tackle challenging new projects. The student will learn to present problems and solutions, both orally and in writing.

PhD in Engineering and Applied Science (EAS) with CS Concentration

Catalog


Financial Aid with Graduate Research/Teaching Assistantships

Limited financial assistance is available to graduate students in the form of Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) and Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA). For GRA, students/applicants are encouraged to first find a professor who will agree to hire them as a GRA and advise their thesis research. Once you find one, you will have to work with the professor to complete the necessary paperwork including the following Graduate Assistantship Application Form.

A GTA award typically covers the tuition fees and also pays a handsome stipend during the fall and spring semesters only (excluding summer). GTA positions are allocated based on availability as well as on a competitive and need basis typically after an applicant is admitted. The CS department's criteria for the selection of GTA's are available here:

GTA-Allocation-Criteria-CS

Students/Applicants seeking GTA positions need to apply using the above Graduate Assistantship Application Form. The application form includes instructions about how to submit the application package and also identifies the required supporting documents to be attached to the application. Existing/current ISU students should attach only their resume/CV with the application form while the CV must include their current CGPA, academic advisor’s name, a list of all academic degrees with CGPA, and the awarding institution's name. 

Existing GTAs who are applying for GTA again must also fill up the following GTA-Reporting Form. New applicants (who are not currently GTAs) must also fill up the following New Applicant’s Supplementary Form. GTA applications are accepted only in the Spring semester until February 28. Incomplete applications may not be considered.


Application Deadline

The computer science graduate program (MS/PhD) admits new students in the fall semester only. The department’s deadline for receiving your application is February 28, which means one needs to submit a complete application weeks before this deadline to allow the admission office to complete the initial checking and forward the application to the department for assessment.
Admission Application Portal

Additional Resources

Graduate Catalog: for policies and procedures about graduate studies
Graduate School’s Forms: for official forms and petitions
Graduate School’s Thesis and Dissertation Manual: for regulations about theses and dissertations.
Graduate School’s Admission Requirements: for the requirement for admission to MS or PhD programs.
Computer Science Learning Outcomes