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The Computer Science graduate program is not considered an ``entry level'' program; therefore, all incoming students will be expected to have demonstrated a basic understanding of fundamental concepts. Students with non-traditional backgrounds must show proficiency in or complete the courses listed as ``background''.
The curriculum and examination requirements for M.S. and Ph.D. students are designed to certify that all students who receive a graduate degree have a working knowledge of those topics in computer science that are deemed fundamental by the faculty. This comprises a basic education in the core areas of computer science and a deeper education in one or more areas in which they will perform research. We define a core area to be one that affects the way that most computer systems are designed and implemented, and the resulting performance of such systems. M.S. and Ph.D. students are required to successfully complete courses in each of these areas. Ph.D. students are further required to pass a comprehensive exam comprising questions in each core area.
In addition, because the end-product of most computer science work is some form of computer application, we require students to be skilled in selected application areas.
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