MS in Software Systems Development

The official policies for this program may be found in the CS Department Bulletin. If there is any conflict between this webpage and the official policies, then the official policies have precedence. 

The Master of Science in Software Systems Development prepares students for careers in a fast-growing technology market. Students will learn how to design, build, and test systems programs in C and C++ through a set of courses containing practical experience in all aspects of C/C++ software development. Students may choose between completing a master’s thesis or a course-based study track. The degree can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule. The Master of Science degree requires a minimum of 30 credits and the fulfillment of at least 10 courses; all courses must be at the 100 level or above.

Students must complete the following courses:

  • COMP 111: Operating Systems
  • COMP 116: Security
  • COMP 180: Software Engineering

One or more of the following courses:

  • COMP 112: Networks
  • COMP 115: Databases
  • COMP 118: Cloud Computing
  • COMP 119: Big Data
  • COMP 120: Web Engineering

As well as elective courses from the following options:

  • COMP 105: Programming Languages
  • COMP 117: Internet-scale distributed systems: lessons from the www
  • COMP 131: Artificial Intelligence
  • COMP 135: Machine Learning
  • COMP 139: Ethics of HRI
  • COMP 140: Advanced Computer Architecture
  • COMP 156: Special Topics in the Practice of Software Development
  • COMP 175: Computer Graphics
  • COMP 177: Visualization

Further information about the M.S. program requirements may be found in the CS Supplement to the Graduate Student Handbook.