Students in the MSCS program will:

• gain fluency in using cutting-edge hardware, software, and theoretical approaches.
• apply new technologies in innovative ways.
• solve complex problems using advanced computer science methods and techniques.

MSDA students will:

• demonstrate deep understanding and knowledge in applied computer science, in particular in areas related to some combination of Visual Computing, Gaming/MR Development, and/or Machine Learning/Artificial Intelligence.
• demonstrate a level of mastery of at least two of the four core courses: Discrete Math (CS30), Algorithms (CS31), Computational Methods/Linear Algebra (CS70), and Software Engineering (CS50).
• synthesize computer science and digital arts through thorough and innovative research.
• effectively communicate original research in writing and in a thesis presentation.

• Theory and analysis: Students will have a clear understanding of what “efficient computation” means, mathematically; easy-vs-hard-vs-intractable-vs-undecidable. Students will be able to analyze an algorithm given as pseudocode and describe the asymptotic run-time complexity.
• Algorithms: Students will be familiar with the canon of fundamental algorithms and data structures, and their uses and limitations.
• Software design: Students will gain experience with more than one programming paradigm, and with writing good and efficient code. Students will gain experience with large-scale software design and implementation.
• Systems knowledge: Students will have an understanding of operating system infrastructure and services, and the interface between hardware and software.
• Numerical methods: Students will gain familiar with the mathematical tools (e.g., vectors, matrices, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, subspaces, and matrix decompositions) used in application-specific domains, and as the underpinnings for machine learning methods.
• Synthesis, Applications, and Impact: Beyond core courses (30, 31, 50, and 70, as well as the introductory 1 and 10), majors take additional courses in each of the three pillars: theory and algorithms, systems, and applications (including courses like computer vision, robotics, and machine learning) to develop a depth of knowledge of cutting-edge tools and techniques in at least one of the pillars.

Students who obtain a PhD in Computer Science will be able to:

• demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the three broad sub-disciplines of CS, i.e., Theory, Systems, Applied CS.
• demonstrate a depth of knowledge in at least one specialized area of computer science.
• conduct a thorough analysis of a research paper.
• plan and execute original research.
• effectively communicate research in writing and in presentation.
• effectively explain technical material to non-expert audiences.