Computer Science Curriculum
The Computer Science Master’s program equips you with a robust technical foundation and a deep understanding of how computing intersects with societal challenges. You will develop the skills needed to drive innovation across sectors — whether advancing industry, contributing to academic research, or addressing complex problems in government. Our faculty will help you on your journey both in the classroom and through research experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy-enhancing technologies, networking, systems, complexity theory, parallel and distributed algorithms, data science, and more.
In this 30-credit, STEM-designated degree, only two courses are required — algorithms and systems — enabling you to tailor the remaining credits with electives to align with your interests and goals. You will choose between completing an all-coursework curricular path or a combined coursework and thesis path.
M.S. in Computer Science Curricular Requirements
The typical student takes two years to complete the Computer Science Master’s program. However, it is possible to complete the coursework option in three semesters or to complete the program part-time. While our program is not an evening program, we do offer some electives later in the day.
Sample Program Schedule for the Coursework Option
If you choose the coursework option, you must complete 30 credits (10 courses), including a core course in both algorithms and systems.
Year 1
Semester | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
Fall | Core algorithms course | 3 |
| Core course systems course OR elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
Spring | Elective OR core systems course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 |
Year 2
Semester | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
Fall* | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
Spring | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
*Note: For F-1 visa holders to maintain full-time student status in Year 2, they must take 3 courses in the fall semester and 1 course in the spring semester.
*Note: Year 2 can also be done in a single semester by taking four classes.
Sample Program Schedule for the Coursework + Thesis Option
If you choose to complete a thesis, you must complete 24 credits (eight courses), including a core course in both algorithms and systems. In your final year, you will conduct research to write and defend your master’s thesis.
Year 1
Semester | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
Fall | Core Algorithms course | 3 |
| Core Systems course OR elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
Spring | Elective OR core systems course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 |
Year 2
Semester | Course | Credit |
|---|---|---|
Fall | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Written thesis proposal | 3 | |
Spring | Thesis research | 3 |
Elective Coursework
Most of your courses will be electives, meaning you can focus on your interests. You can choose any computer science course taught at the graduate level to fulfill elective credits. We regularly offer courses across multiple specializations of computer science, including:
- Theory and applied algorithms
- Security and privacy
- Networking and systems
- Artificial intelligence (machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, information retrieval, and data mining)
- Computer and network security
- Data science
- Data management and processing
Sample electives
- COSC 4550: Information Retrieval
- COSC 5521: Approximate Computing
- COSC 5260: Distributed Algorithms
- COSC 5290: Cryptography
- COSC 5295: Differential Privacy
- COSC 5402: Empirical Methods in NLP
- COSC 5610: Advanced Networking
- COSC 5750: Network Security
- COSC 4410 Computer Vision with Image Processing
- COSC 5510 Database Management Systems
- COSC 4850 Intro to Human-Centered CS
- COSC 5540 Text Mining & Analysis
- COSC 5480 Large Language Models (LLMs)
- COSC 5760 Computer Security and Voting Systems
- COSC 5470 Deep Learning for Computer Vision
You can also take up to two external electives, subject to the approval of the department’s graduate committee. These external electives may be chosen from graduate-level courses in other departments at Georgetown University or taken at other DC area universities as part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
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Becoming a graduate student at Georgetown University provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to accelerate your career.
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