We offer MS (on-campus and online) and PhD programs in Computer Science. Our programs provide advanced knowledge and research opportunities to equip you for innovation and leadership in technology.
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is designed for individuals aiming to deepen their professional expertise or prepare for doctoral-level study. The M.S. degree also serves as a vital stepping stone for students considering doctoral studies. Prospective Ph.D. candidates are encouraged to begin with the M.S. program to demonstrate academic readiness, refine their research interests, and build strong mentoring relationships with faculty.
Master's students can customize their academic experience by selecting one of two pathways: Thesis or Non-Thesis.
Senior Graduate Programs Student Services Specialist
jaylin.m.milligan-1@ou.edu
DEH 156 | 405-325-7842
Academic Background
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
GPA Requirement
A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required:
Either over the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Or across at least 12 hours of completed graduate coursework
GRE
No GRE is required.
English Proficiency (International Applicants Only)
International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.
For questions about English proficiency testing, please contact:
gradadm@ou.edu
Applicants must have completed formal, transcripted coursework equivalent to the following OU courses:
Mathematics:
Computer Science:
Work experience, self-study, or certificate programs are not accepted as substitutes for these academic prerequisites.
Online/Remote Course Limitation: International students are permitted to enroll in no more than one online or remote course per semester, in accordance with visa regulations.
Cross-Listed Courses: For cross-listed courses, students must register under the Computer Science (CS) course designation.
Mandatory Courses: Required M.S. courses should be completed during the first semester if offered; if unavailable, they must be taken in the second semester.
Core Course Completion: Students are strongly encouraged to complete all core M.S. courses by the end of the third semester. Extensions beyond this period require prior approval from the CS Office.
Graduate Electives: Elective courses must be selected from non-core CS offerings. In the final year of study, students may count one non-CS elective toward degree requirements, provided they obtain prior approval from the CS Office.
Approved Non-CS Departments: Eligible non-CS electives may be taken from the following departments: Data Science and Analytics (DSA), Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), and Mathematics (MATH).
Non-Thesis M.S. Students: Independent Study is permitted only during the final semester or academic year, depending on the chosen completion path (project or paper).
Thesis M.S. Students: Enrollment in CS 5990: Independent Study is limited to one instance and requires prior approval from the supervising instructor. All requests must be submitted through the Department of Computer Science office.
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 30 hours of coursework and a minimum of 45 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.
| Systems | Theory | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| C S (G)4613 | Computer Architecture | C S (G)4323 | Compiler Construction |
| C S 5113 | Distributed Operating Systems | C S 5433 | Linear Optimization |
| C S 5133 | Data Networks | C S 5713 | Computational Learning Theory |
| C S 5173 | Computer Security | C S 5813 | Formal Languages |
| C S 5213 | Software Engineering Processes | C S 5823 | Cryptography |
| C S 5463 | Advanced Computer Architecture | C S 5453 | Bioinformatics |
| C S 5473 | Parallel, Distributed, and Network Programming | ||
| C S 5833 | Blockchains & Cryptocurrencies | ||
| C S 5970 | Cyber Attacks & Defenses | ||
| AI/ML | People & Data | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| C S 5013 | Artificial Intelligence | C S 5053 | Computer Graphics |
| C S 5023 | Intro to Intelligent Robotics | C S 5063 | Human Computer Interaction |
| C S 5033 | Machine Learning Fundamentals | C S 5093 | Visual Analytics |
| C S 5043 | Advanced Machine Learning | C S 5293 | Natural Language Processing |
| C S 5073 | Artificial Neural Networks Evolution | C S 5483 | Network Science |
| C S 5593 | Data Mining | C S 5723 | Neural Data Science |
| C S 5703 | Machine Learning Practice | C S (G)4513 | Database Management Systems |
| C S 5733 | Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles | C S 5463 | Advanced Database Management Systems |
| C S 5970 | Virtual Reality | ||
The School of Computer Science provides qualified undergraduate students with an accelerated dual degree program culminating in both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) degree. This innovative program enables students to pursue their graduate degree while concurrently completing their undergraduate requirements.
In addition to the existing option for earning a BS and an MS in Computer Science, the School of Computer Science, in partnership with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, also offers a pathway for students to pursue dual degrees. This pathway allows students to earn a BS in Computer Engineering alongside an MS in Computer Science. This interdisciplinary program equips students with a robust understanding of both hardware and software, effectively preparing them for advanced careers at the intersection of computing and engineering.
Students pursuing the Accelerated Degree Graduate Coursework Plan (ADGCP) in Computer Science must follow the outlined process to ensure proper submission and approval:
Initial Signatures
Begin by submitting the completed Accelerated Degree Coursework Plan form to:
Courtney Ball, Senior Undergraduate Programs Student Services Specialist
Email: courtney.ball-1@ou.edu
Undergraduate Advisor Approval
The Senior Undergraduate Programs Student Services Specialist will then forward your form to the Graduate Liason. Once the signature from the Graduate Liaison is secured, the form will be routed to your undergraduate advisor at the Williams Student Services Center (WSSC) for their approval.
Final Submission
After your advisor has signed the form, it will be submitted to the Graduate College for final approval.
If any changes are made to the form after submission, the updated version must be reprocessed through the full signature and approval sequence as described above.
Students pursuing the Accelerated Degree Graduate Coursework Plan (ADGCP) in Computer Science must follow the outlined process to ensure proper submission and approval:
Initial Signatures
Begin by submitting the completed Accelerated Degree Coursework Plan form to:
Courtney Ball, Senior Undergraduate Programs Student Services Specialist
Email: courtney.ball-1@ou.edu
Undergraduate Advisor Approval
The Senior Undergraduate Programs Student Services Specialist will then forward your form to the Graduate Liason. Once the signature from the Graduate Liaison is secured, the form will be routed to your undergraduate advisor at the Williams Student Services Center (WSSC) for their approval.
Final Submission
After your advisor has signed the form, it will be submitted to the Graduate College for final approval.
If any changes are made to the form after submission, the updated version must be reprocessed through the full signature and approval sequence as described above.
To be eligible, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 at the time of application. In addition, students must sustain a GPA of 3.25 or higher in each semester while enrolled in the Accelerated Degree Program.
Admitted students may apply up to four courses (12 credit hours) to fulfill the requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate degrees within the Accelerated Degree Program.
Students are encouraged to apply to the program approximately two to three semesters prior to the completion of their Bachelor of Science degree. The most appropriate time to apply is after the successful completion of the following foundational courses:
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.
Make sure to explore the OU Graduate College’s official site for detailed instructions and timelines: OU Graduate College
Spring Admission: The application deadline is September 1; however, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit by August 15 to enhance their chances of securing funding and available space.
Fall Admission: The application deadline is April 1; early submission by March 15 is recommended for priority consideration.
Graduate assistantships are extremely limited and are rarely offered to incoming M.S. students. These positions are typically awarded to continuing students who have demonstrated strong academic performance.
We kindly ask that you do not contact faculty directly regarding assistantships. If you are selected for an opportunity, the department will reach out to you.
Unfortunately, application fee waivers are not available at this time.
Yes! We encourage you to explore the following resources:
