The Master of Science (M.S.) emphasizes research preparation and experience, and for most students is a chance to lay the groundwork for pursuing a PhD. It requires either a research thesis (Plan I) or a report on a research project (Plan II). It is possible to complete the M.S. degree in a single academic year, but most students take three to four semesters while they are also filling in undergraduate prerequisites they may be missing, preparing for PhD preliminary exam, and becoming involved in a research group. The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) An MS-only program is available in both EECS and CS, but admits very few students. It is appropriate for research-oriented students who may have particular reasons not to continue on to the PhD immediately or who want to try their hand at research without committing to the Ph.D. We do not guarantee any sort of financial support for M.S.-only students. The M.S.-only requirements are identical to those of the M.S. that is regularly obtained by Ph.D. students along the way, including a mandatory research project with written report or thesis. Applicants to the M.S.-only program are considered separately from those applying for a Ph.D. and can later apply for admission for the Ph.D., where they will be considered in competition with other Ph.D. applicants.

The MS Computer Science program leads to career in industrial R&D or Ph.D.