Computer Science - Bachelor of Science/Master of Science

5 Year Dual Degree BS+MS Program

The dual degree program combines some of the requirements of the Bachelor of Science (BS) and the Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science. It is very important for the student to apply to the BS+MS program before they take any 400-level C S courses. Full details of the program can be found at https://computerscience.nmsu.edu/.

Admission occurs in two steps.

  1. First, students will apply to the Computer Science department to receive approval for the BS+MS program. The student submits the pre-application when he/she is within 48 credits of earning a BS in Computer Science; an application form is provided on the department website. Qualification for the BS+MS program will be based on the cumulative (non-grade replaced) grade point average in Computer Science and Math courses taken up to that point (at least 3.5), including at least two of the following: C S 370 Compilers and Automata Theory, C S 371 Software Development and C S 372 Data Structures and Algorithms, and recommendations by faculty members listed on the departmental application. Additional factors might be taken into account when available (e.g., GRE scores). Students having a grade point average below 3.5 may be admitted to the combined program on a case-by-case basis, depending on faculty recommendations and evaluations of the individual academic and professional history.
  2. Once the Computer Science department has notified the applicant of acceptance in the combined BS+MS program, the applicant must then formally apply to the graduate school for formal admission to the graduate program. This application to the graduate school is made during the semester of graduation from the BS in Computer Science.

The curriculum for the first three years of the BS+MS program coincides with the requirements of the BS program. In particular; the general requirements include a grade of at least a C- in each course satisfying the departmental and non-departmental requirements. No course may be counted as satisfying both a departmental and non-departmental requirement. No course taken to satisfy either a departmental or non-departmental requirement may be taken S/U. The following are the departmental requirements for the degree (the non-departmental requirements are identical to those of the BS in Computer Science).

Prefix Title Credits
Departmental Requirements for Years 1 through 4
C S 172Computer Science I4
C S 271Object Oriented Programming4
C S 272Introduction to Data Structures4
C S 273Machine Programming and Organization4
C S 278Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science4
C S 370Compilers and Automata Theory4
C S 371Software Development4
C S 372Data Structures and Algorithms4
C S 419Computing Ethics and Social Implications of Computing1
C S 449Senior Thesis4
or C S 448 Senior Project
C S 471Programming Language Structure I3
C S 474Operating Systems I3
C S 482Database Management Systems I3
Select one from the following:3
Computer Networks I3
Artificial Intelligence I3
Computer Graphics I3
Introduction to Data Mining3
Bioinformatics Programming3
Computer Security3
Introduction to Smart Grids3
Human-Centered Computing3
Bioinformatics3
Digital Game Design3
Visual Programming3
Applied Machine Learning I3
Parallel Programming3
Cloud and Edge Computing3
Select one from the following:3
Operating Systems II3
Computer Networks II3
Departmental Requirements for Year 5
C S 510Automata, Languages, Computability3
C S 570Analysis of Algorithms3
One additional course numbered 550 or above3
One additional course numbered 500 or above3
C S 599Master's Thesis 16
or C S 598 Master's Project
Select one from the following:3
Artificial Intelligence II3
Advanced Software Engineering3
Database Management Systems II3
Select one from the following:3
Operating Systems II3
Artificial Intelligence II3
Advanced Software Engineering3
Database Management Systems II3
Computer Networks II3
Algorithms in Systems Biology3
Total Credits76
1

In order to fulfill the degree requirement, the student must complete a total of 6 credits for either course.