UMD CS Degree Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a top-ranked public research university with a highly respected Computer Science (CS) program. Aspiring CS students eager to pursue a degree at UMD should familiarize themselves with the program’s requirements to ensure a successful application. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth overview of the UMD CS degree requirements, from core coursework to research experiences.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.S. CS)

The B.S. CS degree program at UMD comprises 120 credit hours, including:

• Core Courses (54 credits):
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Architecture
  • Operating Systems
  • Software Engineering
• Computer Science Elective Courses (30 credits):
  • Students select courses from a wide range of specialized areas, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.
• Mathematics Courses (18 credits):
  • Calculus I and II
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Linear Algebra
• Science Courses (6 credits):
  • One year of a physical science (e.g., physics, chemistry)
  • One year of a biological science (e.g., biology, biochemistry)
• General Education Requirements (12 credits):
  • Courses in the humanities, social sciences, and arts

Minor in Computer Science

Students pursuing other majors at UMD can minor in Computer Science by completing 18 credit hours, including:

• Required Courses (12 credits):
  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
• Elective Courses (6 credits):
  • Students select courses from a variety of topics related to computer science.

Graduate Degree Requirements

Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S. CS)

The M.S. CS degree program at UMD is a 30-credit hour program designed for students seeking advanced knowledge in computer science. The program offers two tracks:

• Thesis Track:
  • 24 credits of coursework
  • 6 credits of thesis research
• Coursework-Only Track:
  • 30 credits of coursework

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science

The Ph.D. in Computer Science program at UMD is a research-intensive degree that prepares students for careers in academia or industry. The program requires:

• Coursework (42 credits):
  • Core courses in computer science
  • Elective courses in specialized areas
• Research and Dissertation (60 credits):
  • Students conduct original research and write a dissertation

Research Opportunities

UMD is a major center for computer science research, offering students ample opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects. The university’s research institutes include:

• Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering Research (MAGER): Focuses on applied research in areas such as cybersecurity, robotics, and data analytics.
• Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS): Conducts research in theoretical and applied computer science, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer graphics.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the UMD CS program is highly competitive. For undergraduate admission, applicants must have a strong academic record, including a GPA of at least 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. Graduate applicants are typically expected to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and strong GRE scores.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the UMD CS program are highly sought-after by employers in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, and government. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer and information research scientists was $126,830 in May 2021.

Conclusion

The UMD CS degree program offers students a rigorous and comprehensive education in computer science. By meeting the program’s requirements, students prepare themselves for successful careers in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. The university’s strong research culture and industry connections further enhance the student experience and career prospects.

Additional Information

Resources

• UMD CS Department
• UMD Graduate School
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the acceptance rate for the UMD CS program?
A: The acceptance rate for the B.S. CS program is around 20%.

Q: Can I apply to the M.S. CS program without a CS undergraduate degree?
A: Yes, but applicants must have a strong background in computer science and relevant work experience.

Q: What are the research areas in which UMD CS faculty are actively involved?
A: Research areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data mining, computer graphics, and robotics.

Table 1: B.S. CS Core Coursework

Table 2: M.S. CS Thesis Track Coursework

Table 3: Ph.D. CS Coursework Requirements

Table 4: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Projections for Computer and Information Research Scientists