Students and faculty sitting at tables outdoors during a WSU Vancouver campus social mixer
WSU Vancouver

Master of Science in Computer Science

Advanced Graduate Studies in Computer Science

Expand your technical expertise and professional potential with the Master of Science in Computer Science at WSU Vancouver. Housed within the School of Engineering and Computer Science, this program provides students with the advanced theoretical foundation and practical skills necessary to lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Whether you are interested in the rigorous investigation of a thesis track or the comprehensive coursework of a non-thesis option, our curriculum is designed to meet the demands of modern industry and research.

As a graduate student at WSU Vancouver, you will engage with a community dedicated to innovation and discovery. Our faculty experts guide students through specialized research areas such as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and computer security. By integrating academic rigor with real-world application, the program prepares graduates to solve complex problems and excel in high-level roles as data scientists, software development engineers, and information research scientists.

Admission and Application

Admission to the graduate program is a joint decision between the WSU Graduate School and the School of Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Vancouver.

Step 1: Apply to the School of Engineering and Computer Science

Complete the online application form to indicate your intention to apply and submit your student interest profile. This form also includes the optional application for a graduate assistantship.

Computer Science Graduate Application Form

Step 2: Apply to the WSU Graduate School

Review the requirements for domestic and international students and submit the formal application.

Contact Us

Undergraduate Programs
Email: encs.connections@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9639
Graduate Programs
Email: encs.grads@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9639

Program Overview

Deepen your knowledge of computer science while developing specialized expertise in key areas to broaden your career prospects.

Degrees Offered

  • Master of Science thesis option
  • Master of Science non-thesis option
  • Doctor of Philosophy offered through WSU Pullman

Research Areas

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial intelligence
  • High-performance computing
  • Computer networks
  • Systems and software
  • Computer security

Career Path Examples

  • Software development engineer
  • Computer and information research scientist
  • Database administrator
  • Data scientist
  • Web developer

Thesis Degree Requirements

The thesis option requires a significant research project and the submission of a formal thesis adhering to advisory committee and Graduate School formatting standards. Students should submit thesis work for publication before scheduling a defense.

  • 30 total credits minimum
    • 21 graded credits minimum
    • 15 CS credits minimum
    • 6 credits non-graduate (400-level) credits maximum
    • 6 transferred or WSU Pullman credits maximum
    • 3 Directed Study credits (CS 595) maximum
  • 9 CS 700 credits minimum
  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Undergraduate coursework assigned to make up for deficiencies at the time of admission cannot be used toward the degree.

Non-Thesis Degree Requirements

  • 31 total credits minimum
    • 27 graded credits minimum
    • 18 CS credits minimum
    • 9 credits non-graduate (400-level) credits maximum
    • 6 transferred or Pullman credits maximum
    • 3 Directed Study credits (CS 595) maximum
  • 4 CS 702 credits minimum
  • Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Undergraduate coursework assigned to make up for deficiencies at the time of admission cannot be used toward the degree.

Graduate school deadlines and FAQs

Transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, or examination results, along with degree certificates from all higher education institutions attended outside the United States or Canada. When sending official transcripts from schools located in non-English-speaking countries, have each institution submit both the English translation plus an original language record.

letters of recommendation, along with a Likert rating scale, will be requested on-line from your references.

a Likert rating scale will be requested on-line from your references; letters of recommendation are not required.

Fall semester — Jan. 10; Spring semester — July 1. International applications and students applying for support in the form of Assistantships are strongly recommended to apply by Jan. 10, since assistantships are typically available for fall enrollment only. Graduate applications will still be accepted and considered after Jan. 10 for admissions into the ENCS graduate program, however, the availability of support in the form of Assistantships may be limited.

The application processing fee cannot be waived or deferred for any reason. The School of Engineering and Computer Science at Vancouver does not require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission to any master’s degree program. The minimum acceptable TOEFL scores for the School of ENCS are: 540 (PBT) and 75 (iBT). It is recommended you send paper copies while waiting for official scores. Questions regarding the Certificate of Financial Responsibility or I-20 should be directed to the Graduate School at 509-335-1446.

The minimum acceptable English proficiency scores are as follows: IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105, TOEFL (PBT): 540, TOEFL (iBT): 75, TOEFL Essentials: 8. International applicants from specific countries (Australia, UK, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Ghana, Guyana, Kenya, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland, Trinidad and Tobago) whose first language is English are exempt.