All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science from an ABET-accredited institution
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required if bachelor's degree is not from an ABET-accredited institution

Additional Documentation
Your application must include the following:

• Personal Statement: Statements should briefly describe your interest in the program, previous experience, research interests and long-term career goals. In addition, the statement also can mention one or more K-State faculty with whom you have an interest in working.
• Names and emails of three professional and/or academic references who will provide letters of recommendation. References will be contacted automatically using the email addresses provided by you, but it is your responsibility to ensure letters are submitted before the application deadline.
• Unofficial transcripts from each institution attended
  • Failure to list any colleges or universities from which you received a degree or enrolled in graduate coursework may result in dismissal from the university.
  • If transcripts are not in English, you must furnish a translation by an appropriate authority.
  • You will be asked for official transcripts after notification of admission.

As computers and artificial intelligence continue to integrate more and more into our lives, the career opportunities for computer science graduates are also expanding at a rapid rate. Career opportunities include positions in:

• agriculture
• communications
• e-commerce and marketing
• education
• energy
• engineering
• entertainment
• financial services
• health care
• information technology
• national defense
• social media

Your program of study must include at least one course from each of the areas listed below.

Languages

• CIS 705 - Programming Languages (3 credits)
• CIS 706 - Translator Design I (3 credits)
• CIS 771 - Software Specification (3 credits)
• CIS 806 - Semantics of Programming Languages (3 credits)

Systems

• CIS 720 - Advanced Operating Systems (3 credits)
• CIS 721 - Real-Time Systems (3 credits)
• CIS 722 - Operating System Practices (3 credits)
• CIS 725 - Advanced Computer Networks (3 credits)
• CIS 726 - Advanced World Wide Web Technologies (3 credits)
• CIS 750 - Advanced Computer Architecture (3 credits)*
• CIS 751 - Computer and Information Security (3 credits)

Applied Computer Science

• CIS 655 - Security and Reliability of Computing Systems (3 credits)
• CIS 730 - Principles of Artificial Intelligence (3 credits)
• CIS 740 - Software Engineering (3 credits)
• CIS 744 - Advanced Software Analysis and Design (3 credits)
• CIS 761 - Data Base Management Systems (3 credits)

Theory

• CIS 770 - Formal Language Theory (3 credits)*
• CIS 775 - Analysis of Algorithms (3 credits)*

Implementation
You must successfully complete a significant implementation under the guidance of a faculty member. The effort must be certified by a faculty member and you must request this in writing at the beginning of the course. Courses suitable for this requirement include:

• CIS 690 - Implementation Projects (3 credits)
• CIS 706 - Translator Design I (3 credits)
• CIS 722 - Operating System Practices (3 credits)

Specialization
Any course numbered CIS 800 or higher except seminar, projects and research courses. No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.

*These courses are in development to be offered online but are currently only available as on-campus courses.

Program Options
Thesis Option: Perform original research that culminates in a written thesis; six credit hours of CIS 899 are awarded for the work. This option requires 30 credit hours for a master's degree.

Report Option: Undertake a project that culminates in a written report; one credit hour of CIS 897 and two credit hours of CIS 898 are awarded for the work. Project work from CIS 690 can be applied to the project, subject to the approval of the major professor. This option requires 30 credit hours for a master's degree.

Non-Thesis/Non-Report Option: Write a major paper, for example, as part of a CIS 800-level course. This option requires 33 credit hours of CIS coursework for a master's degree.