COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science at The University of Alabama is a graduate program designed to provide advanced education in computing, with separate thesis (Plan I) and non-thesis (Plan II) pathways that differ in research intensity and credit distribution. Plan I requires a minimum of 24 semester hours of graduate coursework plus 6 semester hours of thesis research completed under the supervision of a faculty advisor. This option is research-focused and culminates in the development and defense of an original thesis, making it suitable for students preparing for doctoral study or research-oriented positions in areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science. Plan II requires at least 30 semester hours of graduate coursework and may include a three-hour non-thesis project directed by a faculty member. This pathway is more professionally oriented and is designed for students who intend to enter industry directly after graduation while still gaining advanced technical and analytical training in computer science. A key departmental requirement is that graduate credit cannot be obtained for 400-level courses, ensuring that all coursework meets advanced graduate-level rigor beyond undergraduate study. Both Plan I and Plan II students must complete departmental requirements in addition to those set by the College and Graduate School, which may include comprehensive examinations, progress reviews, and adherence to academic policies governing degree completion, student conduct, and time limits. The program is flexible enough to support a wide range of student interests while maintaining a strong emphasis on advanced computing principles, problem-solving, and technical depth. Overall, the MS in Computer Science is structured to prepare graduates either for high-level professional roles in the technology industry or for continued academic advancement through doctoral study, depending on the chosen degree pathway.