Master and Doctoral Program Overviews
Click here for the M.S/PhD Handbook and Curriculum Guide
The Department of Computer Science offers innovative graduate programs, combining computer science fundamentals with practical knowledge and technical excellence in the most advanced technologies. The Computer Science Department performs research funded by agencies including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the U.S. Air Force, the National Security Agency, the Naval Oceanographic Office, National Science Foundation and among others.
The research interests of the faculty cover many areas of computer science including software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering, artificial intelligence, computational science, distributed systems, multiagent systems, computer security, visualization, trustworthy cloud computing and high-performance computing.
The department offers a Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhDCS). The MSCS provides option of a “General Track,” and four specialization tracks: software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering and artificial intelligence. Students can choose one of these specialization tracks, whereas students interested in other areas may select general track and design their curriculum in consultation with their advisor to satisfy all graduation requirements of an MSCS. The PhDCS allows students select research areas from software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering, artificial intelligence, computational science, distributed systems, multiagent systems, computer security, visualization, trustworthy cloud computing and high-performance computing. If a student is interested in other areas, they can discuss with their advisor to decide the research area.
M.S. Program Admissions Requirements
It is assumed that all entering students have completed undergraduate courses in programming in a high‑level language (such as C, C++, or Java), in data structures, and in computer architecture, as well as mathematical maturity (for example Calculus I & II, and Discrete Mathematics or Switching Theory). Students who have not had such courses or their equivalent may be required to take undergraduate courses to remedy deficiencies, with no credit towards the degree. A 3.0 GPA and an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related discipline are required for unconditional admission.
Detailed information on admissions procedures, along with the appropriate forms, are available from the Graduate School and College of Engineering graduate office. You may contact
graduate coordinator Dr. Huiming Yu at cshmyu@ncat.edu or 336-285-3699
Ph.D. Program Admissions Requirements
It is assumed that all entering students have completed graduate study with an MSCS. A 3.25 GPA, an MSCS, or a related discipline are required for admission. A highly qualified applicant with a B.S. in computer science with GPA 3.5 can apply for the Ph.D. program.
Detailed information on admissions procedures, along with the appropriate forms, are available from the website of The Graduate College. You may directly contact: Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Huiming Yu, email: cshmyu@ncat.edu, Phone: 336-285-3699
M.S. Requirements
The MSCS at N.C. A&T can be earned through one of three options: Project, Thesis, or course. The Thesis option requires 30 credit hours consisting of 24 credit hours of course work and six credit hours for the thesis. The Project option requires 33 credit hours consisting of 30 credit hours of course work and three credit hours for the project. The course option requires 33 credit hours of course work. Graduate credit hours are earned only on courses numbered 600 and above, and at least half of the credit hours must be in courses numbered 700 and above. Students may specialize in one of four tracks (software engineering, cybersecurity, secure software engineering and artificial intelligence), or select the general track and design their own program with their advisor such as all requirements for an MSCS at N.C. A&T are satisfied.
Ph.D. Requirements
The PhDCS at NC A&T can be earned by the completion of required course work, research and a dissertation. Students must specialize in one of the research areas and meet all requirements for Ph.D. in CS at NC A&T. A student must complete 72 credit hours of course work that include 42 hours graded courses and 30 hours non-graded courses beyond the B.S. The required 42 graded courses hours include nine hours core courses, six hours security courses, three hours AI and web-based software. A student must take at least 21 hours of 8xx level courses. The required non-graded courses include Doctoral Qualifying Exam, Doctoral Research Examination, Doctoral Preliminary Examination and Doctoral Dissertation.
