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Master of Science coursework option

Ph.D. students in computer science have the option to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) along the way to earning their Ph.D. This allows students to receive an M.S. degree based on completed Ph.D. coursework and requirements.

Contact your graduate program coordinator with any questions.

Eligibility: Available only to CS Ph.D. students with an approved Ph.D. plan of study. Requires completion of the Ph.D. qualifier process. M.S. Along the Way degree requires 30 credits of CS coursework. Students must fulfill the area of breath requirements, ethics requirements, and CS grad seminar credit requirements. 

Process (must complete in order)

1. Ph.D. plan of study approval: Ensure your Ph.D. plan of student is approved and on file in Hokie Spa.

2. Qualifying exam credit: Complete and receive credit for the Ph.D. qualifier process.

3. Independent Study (CS 5974) registration: Submit the Independent Study request form via the CS Graduate Program Form Submission Portal before the start of the semester you wish to receive your degree. 

  • Your research advisor will serve as the instructor.
  • Submit the request before the semester starts.
  • Once your indpendent study request form is submitted and approved, your graduate coordinator will enroll you.

4. Sumbit a Master's Along the Way degree plan of study 

5. Application for degree

6. Final exam request

  • Obtain and submit the paper Request for Final Exam form.
  •  Contact the Graduate School or visit the "What You Need to Graduate" page for details. 
  • The Graduate School will issue a final exam card.

7. Final exam card submission

M.S. awarded!

Now, back to your Ph.D. work.