Master of Computing Studies (M.C.St.)
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The Master of Computing Studies graduate degree program prepares students with the technical and professional knowledge necessary for career advancement and positions of leadership in computing through challenging problem-based, laboratory-rich course work and an applied research component.
Graduate students study in a variety of areas, including distributed and web-based applications, embedded systems, software systems, visualization and operating systems.
The program of study must contain a minimum of 33 semester hours of approved graduate-level course work. At least 18 of these semester hours must be 500-level courses (excluding CST 598 ST: Special Topics courses). A maximum of six semester hours may be taken at the 400-level.
In keeping with the learning objectives of the Polytechnic campus, students must complete three semester hours of CST 584 Supervised Internship or three semester hours of CST 590 Reading and Conference to fulfill the degree requirements. In addition, all M.C.St. degree students must complete a combined three semester hours in CST 500 Seminar and CST 591 Research/Writing.
Students must complete at least 12 semester hours in a primary area of specialization that is also used as the technical area for the research component. To promote breadth, M.C.St. degree students also must take a total of nine semester hours in at least two additional specialization areas distinct from the primary specialization area.
Areas of specialization are:
- distributed and web-based applications
- embedded systems
- software systems and visualization
- operating systems and networks
What You Can Do With This Degree
Graduates of the M.C.St. degree program may pursue advanced research degrees in the computing discipline, procure employment in one of the high growth and dynamic computing application areas or pursue careers in allied fields by leveraging computing interests in areas such as engineering, biology or business.
Thesis Option
- Specialization: 12 semester hours
- Supporting area: 9 semester hours
- Research methods courses: 12 semester hours
- Total minimum for degree completion: 33 semester hours
Click on each course name for more information. Visit the ASU Class Search for availability of courses.
CST 500 Research Methods
- Description: Course on research methods in a specific discipline.
CST 584 Internship OR CST 590 Reading and Conference
- Description (CST 584): Structured practical experience following a contract or plan, supervised by faculty and practitioners.
(CST 590): Independent study in which a student meets regularly with a faculty member to discuss assignments. Course may include such assignments as intensive reading in a specialized area, writing a synthesis of literature on a specified topic, or writing a literature review of a topic.
CST 591 Seminar
- Description: A small class emphasizing discussion, presentations by students, and written research papers.
CST 599 Thesis
- Description: Supervised research focused on preparation of thesis, including literature review, research, data collection and analysis, and writing.
Applied Project Option
- Specialization: 15 semester hours
- Supporting area: 9 semester hours
- Research methods courses: 9 semester hours
- Total minimum for degree completion: 33 semester hours
Click on each course name for more information. Visit the ASU Class Search for availability of courses.
CST 500 Research Methods
- Description: Course on research methods in a specific discipline.
CST 584 Internship OR CST 590 Reading and Conference
- Description (CST 584): Structured practical experience following a contract or plan, supervised by faculty and practitioners.
(CST 590): Independent study in which a student meets regularly with a faculty member to discuss assignments. Course may include such assignments as intensive reading in a specialized area, writing a synthesis of literature on a specified topic, or writing a literature review of a topic.
CST 591 Seminar
- Description: A small class emphasizing discussion, presentations by students, and written research papers.
CST 593 Applied Project
- Description: Preparation of a supervised applied project that is a graduation requirement in some professional majors.