Graduate Degrees

The Division of Computing Studies has two master’s degree programs: Master of Computing Studies and Master of Science in Technology.

Applicants for these programs are required to have earned a bachelor’s degree that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours or equivalent in a technology area including coursework applicable to computer systems, and a minimum of 16 semester hours of mathematics and science. Applicants not meeting all the prerequisites may be required to complete them as deficiencies in the program. For information on transferring credits from another regionally-accredited institution, please see the Transfer Credit section.

Admission to a graduate program offered by the Division of Computing Studies requires the completion of all general admission requirements and procedures set forth by the ASU Graduate College.

Full description of requirements are available from the current General Catalog

The Master of Computing Studies (MCST) is a professional master's degree program that promotes greater depth of understanding in the computing discipline.

All MCST students must take at least three semester hours in three of the four specialization areas:

• Digital Systems
• Embedded Systems
• Software Engineering and Distributed Web-Based Applications
• Networks

MCST students may select either a thesis or project as the research component. Thesis students must register for three semester hours of research (CST 592) and three semester hours of thesis (CST 599) in consecutive semesters. Students who select a project as the research component must register for three semester hours of Final Project (CST 593) in their final semester. The thesis/project is carried out under the direction of a major advisor and two additional faculty committee members.

Sample projects from past master's degree students are available on the Student Trade Show and Project Reports page.

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The Master of Science in Technology degree offered through the College of Technology and Applied Sciences promotes greater depth of understanding in the computing discipline. A minimum of 33 semester hours of graduate credit is required. The division supports the Master of Science in Technology concentration in Computer Systems.

For more information on the Master programs, please contact the Division of Computing Studies at (480) 727-1137 or e-mail the Division at dcst@asu.edu.

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Transfer Credit

A maximum of six semester hours of resident graduate (not upper-division undergraduate or mixed graduate/undergraduate) credit may be transferred from another regionally-accredited institution. Only courses that have not been used to satisfy any other degree requirements, and with an "A" or "B" grade, may be transferred. Extension courses from other universities may not be transferred.

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