To obtain the M.S. degree in computer science, a student must

1. Complete 36 points of course work as follows:

            a. A total of 21 points must be from standard classroom courses in the Department of Computer Science.

            b. An additional 6 points must be from either standard classroom courses in computer science or mathematics; independent study with                a faculty supervisor in the computer science department, excluding external internships; or a master’s thesis.

            c. The remaining 9 points may be from any of the above or credits transferred from previous graduate study in computer science            
               another university; external internships; or relevant courses in other departments at NYU. At most, 6 points of external internships may                be taken. The approval of the director of graduate studies is required for transfer credits, internships, and courses in other                                departments.

2. Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0.

3. Successfully complete at least 66 percent of the points attempted at NYU.

4. Either pass the M.S. core examination within two attempts or, if qualified, write a master’s thesis. In order to qualify to waive the core exam and write a master’s thesis instead, a student must

            a. Achieve a GPA of 3.75 or better after completing seven courses.

            b. Complete at least three of the four core courses with a grade of B+ or better.

            Students seeking to waive the core exam must find a faculty member with whom to do the thesis. They then register for 6 points of M.S.             thesis work.

5. Take at least one course each in two of the following four subject areas: graphics, computation for science and society, artificial intelligence, and databases. Note: Computation for science and society includes courses on numerical methods and courses on applications of computation to the physical, biological, and social sciences.

6. Take at least one course that involves a substantial programming project and that includes an extensive discussion of good programming practice and software engineering principles.

The M.S. degree in computer science must be completed within five years.

M.S. Core Comprehensive Examination

Students in the M.S. program in computer science must pass the core comprehensive examination. This exam is based on four core courses: Fundamental Algorithms (G22.1170), Programming Languages (G22.2110), Compilers and Computer Languages (G22.2130), and Design of Operating Systems (G22.2250), plus additional material posted on the department’s Web site at www.cs.nyu.edu/csweb/Academic/Graduate/
exams/syllabii/core.html. Every student has two chances to pass the core exam.

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS

To obtain the M.S. degree in information systems, a student must complete 39 points of approved course work in computer science, information systems, and general business, which must include the 3-point Information Technology Projects course (G22.3812). A minimum of five courses in each of the two academic units (Stern School of Business and the Department of Computer Science at Courant Institute) is required. Details of the curriculum can be found on the department Web site at www.cs.nyu.edu/csweb/Academic/ Graduate/msis.html.

The M.S. in information systems must be completed within five years.

Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 and must successfully complete at least 66 percent of the points attempted at NYU.

MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM IN SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

To obtain the M.S. degree in scientific computing, which is administered by the Department of Mathematics, students must complete four core mathematics and four core computer science courses, take two elective courses, and write a master’s thesis (for which they receive 6 points). Further details are available on the program Web site at www.math.nyu.edu/degree/scicomp.html.

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