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• Prospective Undergraduates
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  • Degree Programs
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Graduate Degree Programs

There are three Graduate Degree Programs offered by the Computer Science Department.

Master of Science (M.S.)

It is unusual for students to be admitted into a Masters-only track within our department. Most such students are UMass Amherst undergraduates with a strong academic record who are admitted via the Bay State Fellowship program. One or two additional students are admitted to the MS-only track each year.

M.S. Students are required to pass 4 core requirements, complete 4 core requirements (credits include core courses taken to pass requirements), and a 6-credit MS Project.

Most of our students enter in the MS/PhD track or the PhD-only track. Financial support for most MS-only students comes in the form of half or full assistantships.

The Department expects that students starting work toward a Masters degree have a solid undergraduate background in Computer Science.

Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy (M.S./Ph.D.)

Most Computer Science graduate students are admitted in the MS/PhD track. That means they are intending to work toward a PhD, but will acquire a masters degree along the way. During the first stage of a student's graduate career, he or she will be simultaneously working toward the MS degree and compiling a portfolio, both of which are requirements of the PhD.

M.S./Ph.D students are required to pass 6 core requirements, complete 42 credits (credits include core courses taken to pass requirements), 18 Dissertation Credits, and a 6-credit MS Project.

The Department expects that students starting work in the MS/PhD track have a solid undergraduate background in Computer Science.

Most MS/PhD students are supported by research or teaching assistantships.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Students admitted into the PhD-only program usually arrive at UMass having already earned an MS degree at an accredited University.

Ph.D. students are required to pass 6 core requirements, complete 18 credits (credits include core courses taken to pass core requirements), and 18 Dissertation Credits.

Most PhD students are supported by research or teaching assistantships.