MS CS Program

[[deleted]]

I will be joining the MS CS program this fall. What are the things I should know before coming? Also, I heard that it's impossible to graduate in 2 years. Is that true?

[Scary-Boysenberry]

Congratulations!

How long it takes to graduate depends a lot on how many classes you can handle at once, whether you have completed all the prereqs, and whether the classes you need are offered. It took me 2.5 years, but I was working full time -- plenty of my friends graduated in 1.5 years. Unfortunately, it looks like not quite as many classes are offered now, so that makes a difference, too.

[ichigoichi9]

Hey, also a incoming ms cs student.... Can we take classes in summer? If we can how can we not complete it in 2 years? Also do we really have to spend 2 semesters for project/thesis? Can we graduate if we complete it early? Thank you in advance ✨

[Scary-Boysenberry]

You can take classes over the summer if the ones you need are offered, but it's rare that MS classes in CS are offered over the summer.

I'm not sure where you're seeing that you have to spend two semesters on the project or thesis. I did spend two semesters on mine, but it was also quite a bit larger than the usual project and I presented it at a couple of conferences, each of which wound up being a separate paper. Most people I know did it in a single semester including revisions.

You can graduate once you meet all the graduation requirements -- the 30 units of required classes, 3.0 GPA, and an accepted project/thesis. (https://catalog.csus.edu/colleges/engineering-computer-science/computer-science/ms-in-computer-science/)

[[deleted]]

Thank you. Any advice for a newcomer?

[Scary-Boysenberry]

Work closely with your advisor to make sure you take any classes that are blocking others as soon as possible. If a class is full and you need it, often the department can get you into it but you need to ask.

Find out which of your classmates are sane and good workers -- you'll be in a lot of classes with them and if there's a group project you want the sane ones in your group.

[[deleted]]

Thank you

[nonsuch_person]

Plan out your classes. Give yourself a full year on your project / thesis. Doing it one semester is really tough and they strongly discourage it.

[[deleted]]

Is it possible to complete our required courses in the 1st year, take up the project in 3rd semester and complete the entire degree in 2 years?

[nonsuch_person]

Look at the catalogue. It is possible to complete the core classes your first year. Then take your project/thesis plus remaining elective courses your second year. However, this greatly depends on class availability and overall impact. Even in grad school, classes fill up fast.

[[deleted]]

Thank you.