Graduate

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Programs

Computer Science and Engineering offers the degrees of Master of Science in Computer Science (thesis and non-thesis options), Master of Science in Computer Engineering, (thesis and non-thesis options), and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.

We have an excellent selection of courses and laboratories supporting graduate studies in algorithms, artificial intelligence and intelligent systems, computer architecture, distributed systems, graphics and visualization, networks, computer vision, distributed systems, expert systems, formal verification, human-computer interface, image processing, pattern recognition, robotics, software engineering, computer and network security, software security, and VLSI design and CAD.

The Master's degree program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of work beyond the baccalaureate. For the MS in Computer Science, courses in three core areas are required. For the MS in Computer Engineering, courses in two core areas are required. Other courses are chosen to serve the individual student's interest. The doctoral degree requires completing course work as advised by the doctoral committee and a minimum of 20 hours of dissertation beyond the master's degree. The Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidate's highest level of scholarly achievement in independently conducting and reporting significant research. Other requirements include completing a major area presentation (an in-depth survey in the chosen research area), passing a PhD qualifying examination, and presenting a dissertation defense.

Our past and current graduate students come from 40 different countries on five continents. Many of our graduate students have been awarded the USF Outstanding Thesis/Dissertation Award. Our graduates are well placed in research labs, private industry, and educational institutions both in the United States and abroad.

For outstanding graduate students, Computer Science and Engineering offers financial help. More information is available in the assistantships section. Almost all our PhD students are covered by financial aid of one form or another.

Collaborative Graduate Programs led by other departments

Graduate programs led by other departments in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering are listed below.

PhD in Big Data Analytics - The Muma College of Business offers the PhD in Big Data Analytics as an interdisciplinary STEM PhD program focusing on systems and technologies for processing data and information.
MS in Cybersecurity - The Departments of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Industrial and Management Systems Engineering jointly offer a non-thesis option for the degree of Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCYS). Interested students should contact Electrical Engineering for questions on admission and/or advising for this program.