Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of South Florida offers students a dynamic and research-driven environment in the heart of Florida’s thriving tech corridor. Ranked among the top 50 public universities by U.S. News & World Report and a proud member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), USF is a recognized leader in graduate education and innovation.
In 2025, USF launched the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, the first named college in the nation focused exclusively on these converging disciplines. The college is building the future of computing, and this degree puts students at the center of it. This 30-credit-hour program prepares students for impactful careers in industry or continued study. The curriculum blends core computing principles with opportunities to specialize in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, and more. Students can choose either a thesis or non-thesis track.

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

• The GRE is required except for US domestic applicants with an undergraduate degree from ABET-accredited degree programs, or from a Carnegie R1 university, or for applicants who have successfully completed USF Pathway to Computing (PTC) Graduate Certificate
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose.
• Resume.
• PDF of unofficial GRE Scores.
• PDF of unofficial transcripts.
• PDF of English proficiency, if needed.
• Students applying to this program are expected to have a solid foundation in mathematics and core areas of computer science and computer engineering, such as logic design, computer architecture, data structures, operating systems, and algorithms.
• Applicants without the required background in computing must complete the Pathway to Computing (PTC) Graduate Certificate Graduate prior to taking the rest of the coursework in the curriculum. This certificate helps them acquire the necessary mathematical and computing foundations. Must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in all referenced graduate certificate coursework. PTC courses cannot be counted as electives toward the degree. (Note: PTC is a program with a different tuition rate.)