The Department of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno offers a Computer Engineering program that deals with the theory, implementation and design of computing, communication hardware, and software systems.

Students who wish to enter the graduate program must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in the field of either Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or some other technical field. While such a background is generally required for admission to the graduate program, the Computer Science & Engineering Department will accept applications from students lacking this background if they show exceptional promise.

Applications for admission to the Computer Science & Engineering graduate programs are handled by the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School. Please do not write for, or send any application materials to, the Department of Computer Science & Engineering. Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the Computer Science & Engineering graduate programs:

• Graduate School Admission Criteria
• Be enrolled in, or have taken, courses equivalent to a Minor in Computer Science
• Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We expect successful students to have raw scores above 700 in the Quantitative and above 670 in the Analytical. Students who score below 400 in the Verbal will find it difficult to complete our graduate program.
• International students must complete the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

International students should visit the Office of International Students & Scholars website for more information regarding admissions and requirements. For all students, inquiries with regard to admission to the graduate program should be directed to either the Graduate School or the Office of International Students & Scholars.

The Department of Computer Science & Engineering Master of Science degree program requires both breadth and depth. Broadly speaking, 600-level courses are used to fill the breadth requirement, while 700-level courses usually satisfy the depth requirement. Another requirement handed us by the graduate school states that students seeking a Master of Science degree complete at least 15 credits of 700-level coursework. That is, half your coursework should be at the 700-level. Considering these requirements, there are two ways to obtain a Master of Science degree:

Write a Master's Thesis

This requires a total of 30 credits, of which 6 are thesis credits, while the remaining 24 are coursework. Taking into account the breadth and depth requirements of the program, the coursework will therefore entail four 600-level courses and four 700-level courses.

Write a Professional Paper

This requires a total of 33 credits, of which 3 are professional paper credits, while the remaining 30 are coursework. Taking into account the breadth and depth requirements of the program, the coursework will therefore entail four 600-level courses, four 700-level courses, and two courses that may be either 600- or 700-level.

While it is not necessary for students to immediately decide which path to take, it is important that they meet frequently with their graduate advisor to focus their endeavors. Students are encouraged to read the document How to get a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science for a general description of the graduate process, as well as the document Graduate Student Information to become familiar with the requirements and responsibilities of graduate students. In terms of specific coursework, graduate students must complete the following core courses, if they have not already done so as undergraduates:

• Principles of Operating Systems (CS 446/646)
• Digital Computer Architecture & Design (CPE 411/611)
• Analysis of Algorithms (CS 477/677R) or Data Communications & Computer Networks (CPE 400/600)
• Advanced Microprocessors (EE 439/639) or Real-Time Computer Systems (CPE 406/606)

Besides core courses, graduate students must complete 1 course in each of the following fields to satisfy the breadth requirement of the program, as well as 1 additional course in any one of the fields to satisfy the depth requirement. This sums to 5 courses in 4 fields.

• Theory
• Applications
• Software Systems & Environments
• Computer Systems, Engineering, and Communications

Students who meet any of these course requirements prior to their admission to the graduate program will be allowed greater flexibility in pursuing their own interests, per the approval of their advisor.