Manipulating Data to Answer Urgent Questions
The ability to answer urgent, new questions using large data sets has become increasingly vital. In the years ahead, demand will continue to grow for computer scientists specifically trained in methods of extracting knowledge from ever-larger data sets. Experts are needed who can develop the required computing systems and software.
Our specialization in data-centric computing is designed to meet this need. The program incorporates intensive study across a spectrum of related areas including machine learning, databases, data mining, algorithms, and systems.
While not required, MS candidates may complete a master’s project or thesis. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.
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A Well-Rounded Degree
Our CS students have the opportunity to study data-centric computing not only with a computer science focus, but from a broad perspective as well. In particular, students are encouraged to enroll in courses from other data-centric programs at BU, including those at the Metropolitan College (MET), the Bioinformatics program in the College of Engineering, and the Questrom School of Business. These courses include a wide range of data implications from database management, to biological database systems, to advanced business analytics.
Requirements
Eight semester courses (32 credits) approved for graduate study are required. Course requirements include 5 breadth courses, with at least one in each of the following areas:
- Theory
- Systems
- Software
- Applications
- and three additional course electives
Students are expected to achieve a grade of B- or better in all graduate level courses that count towards the 32 degree credit requirement. In addition, among the grades received for the five breadth courses, the number of grades of B– must not be greater than the number of grades of B+ or higher. No grade lower than B– may be used for graduate credit.
Of the eight required courses for the MS CS degree, students must take five (breadth requirement) courses, three of which satisfy the CS core and two of which satisfy the Specialization requirements of the student’s CS program track.
The MS in CS Core must be satisfied by all students pursuing an MS in CS, inclusive of specialization. This requirement covers the three areas of software, systems and theory.Students can satisfy each area of the core with any graduate level CS course that is applicable. However, it is recommended that the CS core be satisfied with the courses that have been explicitly designed to form the core CS foundation for Master’s students, specifically:
- Software: GRS CS 611*recommended*
- Theory: GRS CS 630*recommended*
- Systems: A choice of:
- CAS CS 551
- CAS CS 552
- CAS CS 561
- GRS CS 651
- GRS CS 654
- GRS CS 655
Students wishing to satisfy a core area with a different course, other than the course recommended, have the option to do so with the approval of their CS advisor.
In addition to the three course CS Core requirement, students must complete at least two additional courses specific to degree.
Data Centric Computing Track:
Students who are in the Data Centric Computing specialization track, should take at least two additional specialization core requirements offered in the area of data science. The data centric computing core specialization courses are:
- CAS CS 506
- CAS CS 542
- CAS CS 543
- CAS CS 551
- CAS CS 561
- CAS CS 565
- GRS CS 660
*Students are only allowed to take 542 or 541 but not both within their program.*
The remaining three courses are fulfilled by data-centric computing-related electives in the following departments:
- Graduate-level courses in the Department of Computer Science (CAS CS 500-599 or GRS CS 600-999)
- Graduate-level courses in other departments (with advisor approval):
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- College of Engineering
- Questrom School of Business
As an example*, data-centric computing electives that have been approved in the past include:
Thesis
While not required for (non-PhD) students accepted into the Master’s Program. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.
*Sample program coming soon*
How to Apply
Please view our Admissions tab on how to apply.
Meet Our Faculty
Our data-centric computing professors are internationally recognized experts in their fields. Meet faculty members John Byers, Mark Crovella, George Kollios, Stan Sclaroff, and Evimaria Terzi.
Research
From cell phone privacy to data mining to image and video computing, our professors and researchers are continually exploring and breaking new ground. See where they’re headed next.
Careers: Next Steps
Our CS Connections program is designed to link students and potential employers in the computer science and data-centric computing fields. We also offer plenty of professional resources, networking events, and the latest job and internship listings.
Resources for Current MS Students