The Department offers two graduate programs: a Doctoral Program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree, and a terminal Master's Program leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. The Doctoral Program is intended for students preparing for a career in teaching and/or research. The terminal Master's Degree Program is intended for students who want advanced study in computer science but do not intend to go on for the Ph.D.
A student may apply to either the Doctoral Program or to the terminal Master's Program. A student seeking the Ph.D. should apply directly to the Doctoral Program, even though he or she intends to obtain a Master's degree along the way. A student who has completed the Master's Program and decides to go on for a Ph.D. is not guaranteed admission to the Doctoral Program and must apply in the normal way.