The Computer Science Department at UA Little Rock offers two advanced degrees: a Master of Science in Computer Science and a PhD in Computer and Information Sciences with an emphasis in Computer Science. We also offer a graduate certificate in cybersecurity.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science at UA Little Rock reflects current trends in the computing discipline and provides students with a solid theoretical and practical foundation for careers in computing and/or advanced graduate studies.
The curriculum consists of two parts: a core curriculum and specialization course work. The core curriculum of courses covers major traditional areas of computer science: software engineering, operating systems, computer architecture, telecommunications and networking, and analysis of algorithms. Building on the core foundation, the specialization course work allows students the opportunity to select elective courses to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in the specific areas of interest.
In addition to the course work, students must complete either a thesis or project. The master’s program lends itself to both full and part-time study.
Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or a related discipline from an accredited institution
- Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). However, in some cases, if the GRE score is above the minimum desired score, a GPA lower than 3.0 can be considered for full admission or conditional admission.
- Where applicable, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 80 (or above or equivalent IELTS score) is recommended.
- On the GRE general test, the desired scores are a quantitative reasoning score of 155 or above, a verbal reasoning score of 145 or above, and analytical writing score 3.0 or above.
- Completion of deficiency course work, if conditional admission is granted.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the Fall semester: First notifications of decisions will be sent out on or after March 15 (of the preceding spring semester). Applications should be submitted and completed in full by June 15.
Applications for the Spring semester: First notifications of decisions will be sent out on or after Oct. 15 (of the preceding fall semester). Applications should be submitted and completed in full by Nov. 15.
The Department of Computer Science does not offer a full slate of graduate classes in the summer semester and therefore requests that applicants do not submit applications for the summer term.
For more information, contact Albert Baker Ph.D., Graduate Coordinator, Computer Science MS.
International students are encouraged to rely on the Office of International Student Services for information and questions pertaining to immigration regulations and processes.
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer and Information Sciences
The Computer and Information Sciences Doctoral Program is housed in the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This degree is designed to promote strong multidisciplinary collaborations across several computing disciplines whose bodies of knowledge influence and intertwine with each other. The following emphasis areas are offered:
- Computer Science – Focusing on the application architecture whose integrated software systems support the data and functional needs of the enterprise across diverse computing networks.
- Information Science – Focusing on the theory, applications, technologies, and systems that classify, manipulate, store, retrieve, and disseminate information.
- Information Quality – Focusing on the theory, principles, models, and techniques for delivering information that is “fit for use”, an increasingly challenging task as organizations struggle with such issues as data architecture, identity resolution, data protection, and privacy.
For more information, please contact John Talburt Ph.D.
Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in cybersecurity consists of 15 graduate credits. Students enrolled in any of the three graduate programs for Computer Science, Information Science, or Information Quality may complete this certificate as part of their elective coursework. This program complements the National Cyber Teaching Academy (NCTA).
