Computer Science Degrees Offered at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Amherst appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Master’s in Computer Science Degree Programs.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Informatics.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science features a flexible set of degree requirements to enable students to complete a variety of computer science courses. Students gain a solid foundation in computing and learn the necessary theory, concepts, and techniques in the major areas of computer science and related areas. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to complete the degree. The required courses include Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers, Using Data Structures, Programming with Data Structures, Programming Methodology, Computer System Principles, Reasoning About Uncertainty, and Introduction to Computation.
The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science is an interdisciplinary degree that enables students to choose courses from another department to create a program that meets their professional and personal goals. Students acquire the ability to apply advanced computer science methods to issues in a second area. The program requires a total of 120 credits. The computer science courses include Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers, Using Data Structures, Programming with Data Structures, Programming Methodology, Computer Systems Principles, Reasoning Under Uncertainty, Introduction to Computation, and Double Major Variance.
The Master of Science in Computer Science is an innovative program that helps students build the essential knowledge and skills for success in the field. A minimum of 36 credits is needed to complete the degree. The core courses are divided into three broad computer science areas: theory, systems, and artificial intelligence. Examples of courses include Computational Theory, Advanced Algorithms, Machine Learning Theory, Optimization for Computer Science, Embedded Computing Systems, Programming Languages, Advanced Computer Networking, Machine Learning, Data Visualization and Exploration, Robotics, Applied Information Theory, and Computer Vision. Students also have the ability to select a concentration in security and data science.
The Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science enables students to simultaneously work on both degrees. Students must pass six core requirements, complete 36 credit hours, a six-credit MS project, and 18 dissertation credits. The courses include Computation Theory, Advanced Algorithms, Computational Geometry, Approximation Algorithms, Logic, Optimization for Computer Science, Modern Computer Architecture, Distributed and Operating Systems, Computer Vision, Graphical Models, Intelligent Visual Computing, and Visual Analytics.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science provides students with advanced instruction and research to become experts in the field. The program requires six core requirements, 18 credits, and 18 dissertation credits. The courses include Computing and Informatics, A Hands-On Introduction to Physical Computing, Special Topics-Predictive Analytics with Python, Computer Literacy, Introduction to Programming, Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers, Computer Systems Principles, and Social Issues in Computing.
The Bachelor of Science in Informatics focuses on computing as applied to other disciplines. Students study the design, application, use, and impact of computational principles and technology. A total of 120 credit hours are needed for completion. The courses include Introduction to Informatics, A Mathematical Foundation of Informatics, Problem Solving with Computers, Using Data Structures, Networked World, Human-Computer Interaction, and Web Programming.
About the University of Massachusetts-Amherst
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public research institution of higher learning located in Amherst, Massachusetts. It is the flagship campus of the Commonwealth. It was founded in 1863 as Massachusetts Agricultural College. It began offering graduate degrees in 1892. It became Massachusetts State College in 1931 and the University of Massachusetts in 1947. It finally became the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1990. Today, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst is home to more than 30,000 students on its 1,450-acre campus. It operates on the semester-based academic calendar.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers more than 100 major subject areas at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The most popular majors include business, marketing, management, social sciences, psychology, health professions, and biomedical sciences. The student to faculty ratio is 18 to one and about 48 percent of classes have less than 20 students.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst Accreditation Details
The New England Commission of Higher Education regionally accredits the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst Application Requirements
Undergraduate
- Common Application or MassTransfer Application
- Nonrefundable $80 application fee
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities
- Official SAT or ACT scores
- Letter of recommendation
Graduate
- Graduate online application
- Nonrefundable $80 application fee
- Official transcripts from previously attended colleges and universities
- Official GRE or GMAT scores
- Personal statement
- Resume
- At least two letters of recommendation
- Residency statement
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition
Undergraduate
- Massachusetts resident full-time students (12 or more credits): $7,895.50 per semester
- Out-of-state resident full-time students (12 or more credits): $17,556 per semester
- Massachusetts resident part-time students: $658 per credit hour
- Out-of-state resident part-time students: $1,463 per credit hour
Graduate
- Massachusetts resident full-time students (12 or more credits): $7,389 per semester
- Out-of-state full-time students (12 or more credits): $16,196 per semester
- Massachusetts resident part-time students: $2,081.50 for first credit hour
- Out-of-state part-time students: $3,963.50 for first credit hour
Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Presidential Scholarships
- Alumni Scholarships
- Dean’s Scholarship
- Chancellor’s Scholarship
- Director’s Scholarship
- Community Scholarship
- Flagship Award
- Honors-to-Honors Scholarship
- Academic Honors Scholarship
- Leaders in the Making Scholarship
- Life Members Internship Award
- Senior Leadership Award
Grants
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal TEACH Grant
Loans
- Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
- Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- Federal PLUS Loan
- Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
- Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study program is a need-based option for students who demonstrate a significant financial need. Students are able to work up to 20 hours a week to earn money to help pay for college costs. The pay is at least the current federal minimum wage.
Computer science degrees provide students with essential know-how and skills to pursue successful careers in today’s highly technological marketplace. The computer science degrees offered at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst prepare students for a variety of positions, such as software developers, programmer analysts, systems developers, senior software engineers, and web developers.
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