Computer Science Division
Graduate Program
The M.S. degree is awarded upon successful completion of the graduate computer science curriculum. Department criteria for graduation include completion of all courses in the curriculum with a minimum grade point average of B (3.0).
Mission Statement
The Master of Science programs in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are designed to provide theoretical knowledge as well as practical applications in the areas of communication systems, software systems theory and engineering and computer systems engineering. Through these programs, working engineers and computer scientists are given an opportunity to continue their education on a part-time basis.
Admission Requirements
Students seeking admission should have completed an undergraduate program in electrical engineering, computer science or a closely related field. To be considered for admission, students must submit an application, $50 application fee, a state of intent, and transcripts. Letters of recommendation and the Graduate Record Exam (G.R.E) are optional. However, the G.R.E. Subject Test in Computer Science is strongly recommended for all applicants to the Master of Science in Computer Science who do not hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science. Additional coursework may be recommended or required as a condition of admission.
Transfer Credit
Students may transfer up to six (6) semester hours for courses completed at another regionally accredited college or university. Credits to be transferred must be taken prior to admission. Course grade must be at least a “B,” and course must not have been used to satisfy degree requirements at another college or university.
Program Requirements
During the first semester of attendance, the student should prepare a program of study with a faculty advisor. A degree candidate is required to complete, with an average grade of at least 3.0 (“B”), a program of study that must include thirty or more semester hours of graduate-level coursework and which may include additional prerequisite (undergraduate) courses, as deemed appropriate by the advisor in consultation with the department. Of the graduate-level coursework, at least fifteen semester hours are to be in 600-level courses. Applicable courses generally include both CMSI and ELEC courses offered by this department, as well as appropriate courses from mathematics or other disciplines.
An applicant to the MS Program in Computer Science is assumed to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Mathematics. The undergraduate preparation of all applicants, regardless of their previous degrees, should include, at least, the following subject areas:
- Computer Programming (CMSI 185)
- Data Structures/Algorithms (CMSI 281)
- Computer Systems Organization (CMSI 284)
And at least one of the following:
- Introduction to Microprocessors (ELEC 384)
- Programming Languages (CMSI 386)
- Operating Systems (CMSI 387)
These courses need not be taken at Loyola Marymount University. However, the student should make certain that courses taken elsewhere satisfy the above requirements.
A Master of Science (M.S.) degree is offered in Computer Science. In addition to prerequisite courses and at least fifteen semester hours at the 600 level, including CMSI 601, the following courses are required:
- Theory of Computation (CMSI 583)
- Programming Languages (CMSI 585)
- Operating Systems (CMSI 587)
- Compiler Construction (CMSI 588)
- Introduction to Microprocessors II (ELEC 584)
One or more of these required courses may be waived if the student demonstrates satisfactory completion of a similar course, or competence in the subject matter. Waived courses will be replaced by electives at the 500 or 600 level.
To request a graduate application or to apply online please visit the LMU Graduate Division: