The School of Computer Science selects the candidates most likely to succeed in our advanced academic programs. We offer Master's, Doctorate, Accelerated BS/MS, and Online Master's programs.
*M.S. Note - The Master’s/M.S. degree with the OU School of Computer Science is not a terminal degree, as it can and will prepare the student for entry into the Doctoral/Ph.D. program. It is strongly encouraged that qualified graduate applicants with a Bachelor’s degree who are interested in the Doctoral/Ph.D. apply to the Master’s/M.S. degree so that success in graduate academic rigor can be demonstrated and rapport with faculty can be established to lead into future academic and assistantship opportunities. The Graduate Admission Requirements with respect to coursework stated above are applicable to all graduate admission routes. With respect to graduate assistantships, both Ph.D. and M.S., graduate assistantships are not and can not be assured or guaranteed, regardless of the degree or academic standing.
*Ph.D. Note - Specifically for Doctoral/Ph.D. student applicants, it is professionally expected that you list a minimum of one (1) but no more than a maximum of three (3) of current OU Computer Science faculty that you wish to be your Ph.D. dissertation advisor chairperson…and…it is also professionally expected that you list a minimum of one (1) but no more than a maximum of three (3) research areas in Computer Science that you wish to focus on. Having the listing of faculty match the listing of research areas should result in an in-depth matching of faculty with research areas. Current CS faculty can be found at - https://www.ou.edu/coe/cs/people/faculty. It is highly suggested that you have reached out to and received feedback from those 1 to 3 faculty you list to indicate your intent to work with them, as many faculty may indicate whether or not they are accepting new Doctoral students.
The Master of Science degree is designed for those wishing to improve their professional competence or to prepare for work towards a doctoral degree. This degree program requires 24 semester hours of courses and 6 semester hours toward completion of a thesis. A non-thesis option requires 33 semester hours of courses. Students pursuing the non-thesis option must pass an oral comprehensive examination.
A student must declare thesis or non-thesis program by the end of the second semester of study in the OU CS Master's program.
Note: Graduate College document deadlines may require you to expedite your decision of thesis vs non-thesis sooner than the second semester, so it is helpful to know your pursuit aim ideally by the end of the first semester to allow for time to arrange and have approved the appropriate documentation.
Master’s Degree Useful Links:
The doctoral degree program aims to prepare and develop professionals capable of conducting and directing research within the discipline of computer science. This degree program requires a minimum of three years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree that can be completed with a minimum of 45 hours of coursework and a minimum of 30 hours of dissertation research. The combined hours of coursework and dissertation research should be at least 90.
Specific requirements for the PhD degree are set by the student's doctoral committee in conformance with the current rules of the Graduate College. Every doctoral student is required to take a general examination in their major field of study.
The School of Computer Science offers an accelerated dual degree (BS, MS) program to qualified undergraduate students. The program allows students to pursue a graduate degree in conjunction with the undergraduate degree requirements.
The Online Master of Science in Computer Science degree is designed for those wishing to improve their professional competence or to prepare for work towards a doctoral degree. This degree program requires 12 courses totaling 33 credit hours. A thesis is not required.
