MS Program in Computer Science: FAQs

Q: What are the educational goals of the program?

To make you a better thinker, a better programmer, a better language designer, and to give you a good understanding of current technology. Our philosophy is to require you to master core topics and then let you specialize in application areas of your interest.

Q: Can this help my career?

You will gain a broad and deep understanding of many aspects of computer science, choosing among such fields as security and cryptography, graphics, scientific computing, programming languages, databases, networking, and distributed systems, to name a few. This may enable you to become a design lead in a complex multi-faceted project.

Q: What are the basic requirements for the degree?

These are fully outlined in MS Requirements. However, here are the basics:

1. You must take 12 courses.
2. You must pass a qualifying exam called the M.S. Core Comprehensive Examination (Core Exam).
or, if you qualify, do a Master's Thesis (this is explained fully in the detailed MS Requirements).
3. You must maintain at least a B average (3.0) in each semester, and successfully complete at least 2/3 of the courses in which you enroll.
4. You must take at least one course each in two of the following four subject areas -- graphics, scientific computing, artificial intelligence, or databases.
5. You must take at least one course that involves a substantial programming project (not just a series of small programming exercises). that includes an extensive discussion of good programming practice and software engineering principles.
6. You must do all of this within 5 years.

Q: How can I get involved in research?

Q: Is there a recommended course of study?

Yes. Because of the Core Exam, four of the courses should be from the core curriculum: Fundamental Algorithms (G22.1170), Programming Languages (G22.2110), Compilers (G22.2130), and Operating Systems (G22.2250). These courses along with material listed in the syllabus and reading list are the recommended preparation for the exam. If you think you know this material, then you may need not take these courses. To check, please take a look at previous Core Exams.

If you take the core curriculum, then we recommend that you take Programming Languages (G22.2110) before Compilers (G22.2130).

Further course advice can be found in the Course Roadmap

Q: When should I take the Core Exam?

Q: My background in math is a little weak. Is there anything I should be careful about?

Fundamental Algorithms is somewhat mathematical (recurrence equations, proofs, etc.). So, please take the Discrete Math course before or concurrently with Fundamental Algorithms. Also, please be sure to have enough time to handle that course and to attend the weekly problem sessions.

Q: I am from a natural science department and would like to learn programming and algorithmic skills. What should I take?

PAC I and II unless you have done serious programming. Discrete math (grad in summer), fundamental algorithms, programming languages, possibly database I. In addition, courses such as computational biology and scientific computing may be helpful depending on your discipline.

Q: I'm on a foreign student visa. What special conditions apply to me?

1. Report to the OISS with immigration documents.
2. Register on time. Students who fail to register or register late will be reported to the Immigration Service as not attending and this could result in revocation of the visa. If you will not be taking courses in the fall or spring semester, you must leave the country.
3. Report any change in local address.
4. Maintain full-time status (12 credits per semester is full-time; 9 credits per semester qualifies a student for full-time equivalency). See Obtaining Full-Time Equivalency for details on obtaining FTE when you are registering for 9 credfits.
5. If you have medical reasons for not taking a full-time course load, you must apply for approval from the OISS (see http://www.nyu.edu/oiss).

Q: I know there is no financial aid for master's students, but is there some way for me to earn some money to help pay the tuition as an international student on a student visa?

You are eligible for jobs within the university. These include grading and other jobs, although they are by no means sufficient for funding your education or meeting your living expenses. It is also possible to take up to 2 paid internship courses (provided you still take 10 computer science or math courses) while you are completing your master's degree.

If you want to work at a summer job, your work may qualify for curricular practical training, as a 3 credit independent study project. This would be separate from your post-completion practical training. For OISS approval, the department must be convinced that the proposed project has significant educational value related to computer science.

Q: How can I get into Ph.D. program?

MS students who wish to enter the Ph.D. program must submit a new complete application and are considered together with all the applicants to the Ph.D. program. There is no special mechanism for transferring from the MS to the Ph.D. program

Q: How can I transfer from the MS to the MSIS program?

See Transferring to MSIS

Q: Is there anything I can do to advertise my skills to potential employers?

Yes, you can subscribe to the mailing list opportunities@cs.nyu.edu. Directions are posted at http://cs.nyu.edu/mailman/listinfo/opportunities In addition, you can post your resume through the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development and set up a resume that is accessed by many employers. You can also visit the Wasserman Center for Career Development Additional Resources List.