M.S. in Computer Science & Systems

All MSCSS applicants must demonstrate successful completion of preparatory coursework prior to their formal application to the master's program, and are expected to have competency in the following areas:

• Object-Oriented Programming (equivalent to TCSS 142, TCSS 143 and TCSS 305)
• Discrete Mathematics (equivalent to TCSS 321)
• Data Structures (equivalent to TCSS 342)
• Algorithms (equivalent to TCSS 343)
• Program Management/Software Engineering (equivalent to TCSS 360)
• Computer Organization (equivalent to TCSS 371)
• Computer Architecture (equivalent to TCSS 372)
• Calculus
• Science (Physics preferred)

Applicants missing one or more prerequisites may be denied admission. Students missing one or more prerequisite courses, or who have a cumulative GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 U.S. grading scale) are strongly encouraged to include GRE scores to strengthen their application.

The MSCSS application is built into the UW Graduate School application. This allows applicants to share additional information about their education, training, and work experience. For more details, see SET Graduate Program Application Process.

Application items include:

• Personal Statement: Your personal statement should discuss your interest in computer science and systems.
• Resume
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP): Refer to Graduate School Policy 3.2 for more information. No waivers of this requirement may be given. 
• Transcripts: Upload one transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended. Applicants must provide evidence of the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Graduate School will require an official transcript for degree verification after you have accepted an offer of admission.
• (OPTIONAL) Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the last 5 years
  • Students missing one or more prerequisite courses, or who have a cumulative GPA below 3.0 (on a 4.0 U.S. grading scale) are strongly encouraged to include GRE scores to strengthen their application.
  • See SET Graduate Program Application Process for submission details.
• $90 application fee

Once the application fee is paid, no changes can be made to application materials.

Application Fee Waivers are distributed by the UW Graduate School. More information on the required qualifications and instructions to apply for a fee waiver can be found on the UW Application Fee Waivers page.

MSCSS students can choose one of three pathways to complete their degree:

• Master's Thesis
• Capstone Project
• Electives Only

Master's Thesis

If you are interested in theory and research, you are encouraged to choose this option. A thesis investigates an important research question and provides an in-depth background to the problem being addressed, and points to varying approaches to solving the problem. A thesis is excellent preparation for pursuit of a doctorate degree, and this research often results in one or more publications in journals or conference proceedings. Students who select the thesis option must work with a faculty advisor to produce a thesis proposal. 

The proposal, along with a permission to enroll form, is submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval. After the Graduate Committee approves the proposal, the student registers for TCSS 700. A total of ten (10) credits of TCSS 700 must be completed to meet the degree requirements. These units are taken over two quarters, though a third quarter may be added if necessary. TCSS 700 is graded credit/no credit, so the grades do not count toward the student’s grade point. 

Capstone Project

With the help of a faculty advisor, you define, develop and implement a real-world project. When projects involve significant research, you are encouraged to write a publishable paper covering your work. You are required to present your results in a public colloquium. Students who select the capstone project option must work with a faculty advisor to produce a project proposal. 

The proposal, along with a Proposal to Enroll in MS CSS Capstone, is submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval. After the Graduate Committee approves the proposal, the student registers for TCSS 702. A total of ten (10) credits of TCSS 702 must be completed to meet the degree requirements. These units are taken over two quarters, though a third quarter may be added if necessary. TCSS 702 is graded the same way core and elective courses are graded, so the grades count toward the student’s grade point average. 

Electives Only

The Electives Only pathway allows more flexibility in course scheduling and broader exploration of CS subjects. Students may choose to take an additional three (3) 500-level electives (15 credits) to satisfy their degree requirements in place of thesis or capstone courses. This option is provided for students who are primarily interested in maximizing the breadth of their background in computer science. 

The courses a student takes to satisfy the requirements for the MS degree fall into six categories: 

• Core Courses required by all students
• Elective Courses required by all students
• Research Seminars
• Thesis or Capstone Courses
• Independent Study
• Substitution Courses must be discussed with your graduate advisor, Rachel Crook.

Core Courses

All MSCSS students are required to take three core courses:

• TCSS 540 or TCSS 543 (5 credits) 
• TCSS 558 (5 credits) 
• TCSS 598 (3 credits Autumn quarter, 2 credits Winter quarter)

Elective Courses

The number of elective courses a student is required to take depends on the degree pathway (thesis, capstone, or coursework only) has chosen.

• For students in the Electives Only option, 30 elective credits are required.
• Students may request to apply TCSS 600 credits (Independent Study) to this total. Discuss with your graduate advisor, Rachel Crook.

Thesis or Capstone Project Courses

Thesis: 10 credits of TCSS 700. 

Capstone Project: 10 credits of TCSS 702. 

These courses are taken in place of 10 credits of elective courses. If a student chooses to switch from the thesis or project option to the course only option, 700 and 702 will NOT count as electives. 

Independent Study

After taking 15 credits of core courses, a student may decide that they have a strong interest in an area of computer science that is not covered in the scheduled courses. In this case, the student may propose that they be permitted to substitute an independent study course for an elective course. Students must find a graduate faculty member who will supervise the independent study, and complete the Petition to take Independent Study. 

Internships

A student may need to take an internship for credit for a variety of reasons, such as to maintain full-time status, or to satisfy a scholarship requirement. Internship packets should be turned in to the graduate advisor, Rachel Crook and graduate program coordinator, Dr. Wei Cheng.

Current tuition information can be found on the UW Tacoma's Office of the Registrar site, under Tier III. Note that costs are different for Washington State Resident and Non-Resident, as shown in the tuition tables: 

Most applicable fees are included in the listed tuition rate, but some courses will require additional fees.

*For quarterly tuition costs for more than 18 credits, see the charts on the OPB website.

MSCSS graduates will be able to do the following:

Learning Objectives

• Apply knowledge of theoretical foundations in computer science;
• Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice;
• Analyze a problem, to assess and articulate its requirements, to design, to implement, and to evaluate a computer-based system;
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms;
• Participate effectively in team projects;
• Recognize the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed learning and continuing professional development.

Educational Outcomes

• Have the necessary skills and knowledge to independently conduct investigative work in selected sub-areas of computing/technology;
• Have a broad understanding of the technologies and theories supporting the architecture and construction of software systems;
• Be able to pursue successful careers or subsequent postgraduate studies while adapting to emerging technologies;
• Be able to analyze issues and synthesize solutions to computing-related problems;
• Be able to use their communication skills while working in team environments.

As a M.S. in Computer Science graduate, you will acquire the skills to solve problems in all aspects of computing, and have competencies sought by companies such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, REI, Disney, Amazon, HBO, and other emerging startup companies. 

Career options include: 

• Software Development Engineer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist 
• Computer Network Architect 
• Database Administrator
• Information Security Manager
• Systems Developers at industry leaders around the globe, driving growth, innovation and change.