COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Computer Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University is structured to build a strong technical foundation through prerequisites, core systems courses, and flexible electives that allow specialization in advanced computing areas. Students first complete prerequisite preparation in programming, computer science fundamentals, data structures, and assembly language, ensuring readiness for graduate-level rigor, though these credits do not count toward graduation. The core curriculum (15 credits) focuses on essential systems and software competencies, including Computer Architecture, Software Engineering, Database Systems, Operating Systems, and Systems Programming, with sequential prerequisites reinforcing a logical progression from hardware understanding to advanced system-level programming. Beyond the core, students complete 15 credits of electives drawn primarily from the CSCI 6617–8891 course range, enabling exploration of specialized topics such as artificial intelligence, networking, cybersecurity, machine learning, or advanced software systems depending on offerings and student interest. Flexibility is further enhanced by allowing up to six elective credits from approved 6000-level electrical engineering courses, supporting interdisciplinary study between computing and engineering domains. Additionally, students may choose a 3-credit internship after completing 18 graduate credits, which can count toward elective requirements and provides practical industry experience that complements academic learning. Overall, the program is designed to balance theoretical foundations, systems-level expertise, and applied professional experience, preparing graduates for careers in software engineering, systems design, and information technology leadership roles, while also maintaining pathways for further graduate study or research specialization in computing fields.