What is the Syllabus for MS Computer Science?

For the first time someone had asked via our blog regarding the syllabus for a specific master’s program. Nonetheless, it’s obvious to see why someone is asking for a particular syllabus.

Universities in India will have one common syllabus for all the colleges and departments.

Each major typically has a pre-defined syllabus to serve as guide in terms of required units. So that students will know what courses will be offered during a 4 year degree program.

Likewise, it’s natural to think that the same pattern will apply to colleges/universities in the U.S. However, that’s not the case.

Degree Requirements

Every department within the colleges and universities in the U.S. have pre-defined degree requirements that have to completed before a certain degree will be awarded.

For example, to obtain an MS in computer science, you will need to complete 36 credit hours of course works.

However, the exact courses must be taken by a student is not pre-defined, meaning they are bound to vary. In one semester for example, professors will offer different courses.

• Professor A will offer – Software Engineering
• Professor B will offer – Database 1
• Professor C will offer – Advanced Software Engineering

Likewise, most professors will offer classes (lecture). So you will have to take 12 courses to get 36 credit hours. If you complete the 12 courses, then a master’s in CS degree will be awarded to you.

Course Work & Semesters

Every semester you will have lots of options of course works to take. If 40 professors are in the department’s faculty and if they offer 2 courses each, you can select among 80 courses.

Majority of internationals students take 3 courses per semester. So you have the option to select 3 courses from the 80 courses offered per semester.

To give you an example, if you want to major in computer networks, then you can study majority of 12 courses related to computer networks.

So the bottom line is – there is no specific syllabus for each degree. Only syllabus guides or options but stating the minimum required units to graduate.

So you see, it’s very flexible to study at U.S. universities. The number of courses offered in a semester will vary between universities and the number of students in a department.

MS in CS Syllabus?

There is no single specific syllabus copy as universities in India have. You are just going to waste time by searching for one.

Instead of searching for a syllabus, find what areas of computer science interests you and find which U.S. schools that have good research in those areas.

For instance, you can search for software engineering, database, computer networks, wireless networks, operating systems, and so on.