Stanford Masters Computer Science

Hi I would like to have the details of the Computer Science program offered at Stanford University as I like to gain admission for it?

[Kiran Chandar]

Stanford Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program degree requirements is seen a little complicated at first.

But below the course structure will a high-level overview on how to approach the program:

The Detailed Course Structure:

Foundations (up to 10 units)
These courses are required for all the students in the program, but they may be waived if a student has engaged a similar previous course. All waivers should be approved by a student’s advisor.
• CS103: Mathematical Foundations of Computing. CS103 will give students the mathematical foundations necessary for computer science. Topics include proof techniques and logic; induction; sets, functions, and relations; an introduction to formal languages; DFA’s, NFA’s, and Regular Expressions; Context-Free Grammars, Turing Machines, and NP-Completeness.
• CS 107: Computer Organization and Systems CS107 transitions students to programming on the UNIX machines. The class aims to teach students about computer systems from the hardware up to the source code. Topics include machine architecture (registers, I/O, basic assembly language), memory models (pointers, memory allocation, data representation), compilation (stack frames, semantic analysis, code generation), and basic concurrency (threading, synchronization).
• CS110: Principles of Computer Systems. CS110 will teach students how to build larger scale systems using operating system and networking abstractions. Topics include processes (threading, context switching, interprocess communication), storage and file management (file systems, virtual memory), networking (sockets, TCP/IP, routing) and an understanding of distributed systems.
• CS109: Introduction to Probability for Computer Scientists. Topics include: counting and combinatorics, random variables, conditional probability, independence, distributions, expectation, point estimation, and limit theorems. Applications of probability in computer science including machine learning and the use of probability in the analysis of algorithms.
• CS161: Design and Analysis of Algorithms. CS161 builds mostly on CS103, teaching students algorithmic efficiency strategies for more advanced data structures (binary search trees, heaps, hash tables), popular algorithmic design techniques (divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, amortized analysis, randomization) and fundamental graph algorithms (minimum-cost spanning tree, connected components, topological sort, and shortest paths).

Depth Options (choose one):
1. Single Depth
o Depth (27 units) - Aspirants are required to complete 27 units of course study in their chosen specialization area, satisfying the specific requirements of that specialization area. Most Aspirants complete one of the 9 approved specializations, but one may also petition the MSCS committee to approve a specialization of own design. In order to be accepted, individually designed specializations must represent a coherent area of learning and must include courses at both the 200 and 300 level. All course work should be taken for a letter grade.
o Breadth (3 course minimum) - The extensiveness requirement is aimed at giving students exposure to topics in computing outside of their chosen depth area. The list of wideness courses generally includes the majority of non-experimental courses in CS, with one important caveat: for Aspirants in a particular depth area, courses that are part of the depth requirements in that area are not included in the list of breadth courses. This enforces wideness beyond the student`s chosen depth area. Note that more higher versions of courses satisfying the breadth requirement can be substituted (e.g., CS 245 instead of CS 145). The breadth requirement should be satisfied by course work at Stanford – this requirement may not be waived by coursework elsewhere. All course work should be taken for a letter grade.
2. Dual Depth
o Primary Depth (21 units) - Aspirants are required to complete 21 units of course work in their chosen primary specialization area, satisfying the specific desires of that primary specialization area. All course work should be taken for a letter grade.
o Secondary Depth (5 courses, 15 units minimum) - Aspirants are required to complete 5 courses with minimum of 3 units each in their chosen secondary specialization area, satisfying the specific requirements of that secondary specialization area. All course work shoould be taken for a letter grade.
Significant Implementation (SI)
If a student has not already finished a SI course in his or her breadth, depth, or electives, he or she must complete one before graduating. The following is a list of the approved noteworthy implementation courses:
• CS 140: Operating Systems and Systems Programming
• CS 143: Compilers
• CS 144: Introduction to Computer Networking
• CS 145: Introduction to Databases
• CS 148: Introduction to Computer Graphics and Imaging
• CS 210B: Software Project Experience with Corporate Partners
• CS 221: Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques
• CS 243: Program Analysis and Optimizations
• CS 248: Interactive Computer Graphics
• CS 346: Database System Implementation

Electives
After concluding one of the two depth requirements, students may take qualified electives to get up to 45 units. "Qualified" electives are:
• Any CS course numbered above 110 (other than CS 196 and 198), including independent study and research units
• Courses from other departments numbered 100 or higher, that are technical in nature, relevant to your degree program, and approved by your advisor and the MS program administrator.
The Fine Print

Here are the erstwhile rules:
• Grades
o At least 36 of your 45 units (including all your depth and breadth units) must be taken for a letter grade.
o The GPA for all courses on your program sheet must be at least a 3.0 (B).
o Units previously applied toward a BS program may not be double-counted toward the MSCS.
o You must complete at least 45 units at Stanford to receive the degree. Transfer credit is not allowed.
• Deviations
Up to one deviation may be granted from one’s advisor in the depth. No deviations may be approved in the breadth.

Contact Details:

Computer Science Graduate Admissions
Gates Bldg. Room 196
353 Serra Mall, Stanford University,
Stanford, CA 94305-9015
Email: admissions@cs.stanford.edu
Telephone: (650) 725-3140
Fax: (650) 723-3827