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By choosing WPI’s Master of Science in Computer Science, you immediately become part of our international reputation for innovative excellence, advancing the ever-growing computer science field, and working beside principal investigators in the labs and in collaboration with industry partners. Your work ventures outside of the ordinary at WPI, incorporating core CS competencies with research in areas like artificial intelligence, data mining, learning sciences, game development, mobile computing, and security.

Whether you choose the thesis or non-thesis option for your MS degree in computer science, you will emerge as a well-rounded, confident, socially aware, globally focused leader who is ready to solve real-world problems throughout your computer science career.

computer science
Graduate Admissions at: https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/graduate

Curriculum for MS in Computer Science

No matter what areas of the computer science field interest you most, you’ll find a supportive infrastructure and encouraging environment at WPI. Meaningful collaboration with other fields is a deeply held value here, and with our interdisciplinary curriculum for the Master of Science in Computer Science, you’ll be able to forge ahead in diverse areas like medical imaging, systems security, intelligent tutoring, health informatics, and data mining.

As you fulfill requirements for your MS in computer science, you have the flexibility to choose the right blend of courses to suit your interests and career goals, choosing from courses such as Advanced Systems Architecture, Multimedia Networking, Artificial Intelligence, and Biovisualization.  

Learn more about WPI's MS in Cyber Security and Cybersecurity at WPI. A computer security specialization is available for this MS in computer science degree program.

Graduate Catalog

Is the Master of Science in Computer Science the Right Degree for You?

If you’re looking for a similar degree but don’t have a computer science bachelor’s degree background (but you have earned a bachelor’s degree), WPI’s Master of Computer Science (MCS) is a good alternative to the Master of Science in Computer Science degree. The MCS is an applied degree for students who would like to gain additional computer science training for their professional roles, but don’t need the deep technical training the MS requires and don’t plan to seek a PhD path. The MCS offers a thorough computer science skill set that can be applied immediately in a professional setting and does not offer options for thesis work. Find out which degree is right for you.

The Clinic in Our Pockets

Building Strong Defenses against Cyber Threats

Similar Degrees

Research for MS in Computer Science

Our MS in computer science program gives students opportunities to conduct advanced research with our renowned faculty members in core research groups supported by agencies like the National Science Foundation, US Department of Education, and US Army, including the following:

ComputerScience
At WPI, students venture deeply into the design, application, and ethics of cutting-edge technology.
ComputerScience
At WPI, our approach means you’ll consider the additional social, ethical, and technological implications of your research and solutions so your work becomes more applicable and effective.
ComputerScience
Areas of study at WPI are relevant in every area of industry, government, and academia, so our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach gives your research the potential to make an even greater impact in the world.
ComputerScience
Building better cybersecurity tools, using smartphone apps to detect mental health changes, or using data to find previously unknown patterns—all things WPI computer science students do.
ComputerScience
Our state-of-the-art facilities give students access to powerful supercomputers and to facilities that support research in computer security, artificial intelligence, database systems, human interaction in virtual environments, robotics, data mining, and more.
  • Applied Logic and Security Group (ALAS)
  • Artificial Intelligence Research Group (AIRG)
  • Database Systems Research Group (DSRG)
  • Human-Robot Interaction (HRI)
  • Image Science Research Group (ISRG)
  • Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining Research Group (KDDRG)
  • Mobile Graphics Research Group (MGRG)
  • Performance Evaluation of Distributed Systems (PEDS)
  • Software Engineering Research Group (SERG)
  • Theory Umbrella Group (THUG)
  • Tutor Research Group (TRG)
Explore our Research at: https://www.wpi.edu/academics/departments/computer-science/research

Research Facilities

When you pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science, you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art research facilities offering the latest in computers and software. These resources, such as the Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Lab and the Applied Logic and Security Lab, allow for creative and inspired exploration in areas like Internet privacy, next-generation user interfaces, and artificial intelligence.

View our Facilities about Research Facilities
Students Getting involved

Getting Involved As You Earn Your MS in Computer Science

WPI actively supports lots of ways for you to interact with other students and the campus community through clubs, organizations, and more. Some are even designed specifically for computer science MS students:

  • Computer Science Graduate Student Organization (CS-GSO)
  • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
  • Women in Computer Science (WiCS)
Learn More about Getting Involved As You Earn Your MS in Computer Science

Computer Science Career Options After Graduation

Earning a computer science MS opens the door to career opportunities in fields like game development, mobile computing, data mining, and many more. As the use of computers and computing devices becomes more pervasive around the world, talented computer scientists will become more in demand with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting about 4.4 million jobs by 2024.

Career Outlook at: https://www.wpi.edu/student-experience/career-development/majors/career-outlook/...

Faculty Profiles

Emmanuel O. Agu

Emmanuel Agu

Professor-Computer Science
, Computer Science

Emmanuel Agu is currently an associate professor in the computer science department at WPI having received his Masters and PhD in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. His research interests are in the areas of computer graphics, mobile computing, and wireless networks. He is especially interested in research into how to use a smartphone as a platform to deliver better healthcare.

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Lorenzo DeCarli

Lorenzo De Carli

Assistant Professor-Computer Science
, Computer Science

I am generally interested in network security and traffic analysis, and in the challenges that arise when attempting to design security systems which are performant, effective, and usable. My interests cover:

  • IoT and residential network security
  • Web and cloud security
  • Software security
  • Malware detection and understanding
  • Usable security
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Mohamed Y. Eltabakh

Mohamed Eltabakh

Associate Professor
, Computer Science

Professor Eltabakh’s research is in the broad area of Database Management Systems and Information Management. In particular, his work is in the areas of query processing and optimization, indexing techniques, scientific data management, and large-scale data analytics. Prof. Eltabakh is currently exploring possible extensions to both database management systems and Hadoop framework to support scientific applications and health-care systems. He is a member of the Database Systems Research Group (DSRG) and a faculty member of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (BCB) program.

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Tian Guo

Tian Guo

Assistant Professor
, Computer Science

I am an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst advised by Prof. Prashant Shenoy in 2016.

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Lane T. Harrison

Lane Taylor Harrison

Associate Professor-Computer Science
, Computer Science

Information visualization is a powerful means for understanding data and informing human minds. As people begin to rely on visualizations to make high-impact and even life-critical decisions, there is a growing need to ensure that information can be perceived accurately and precisely.

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Kyumin Lee

Kyumin Lee

Associate Professor
, Computer Science

Dr. Lee’s research interests are in social computing, information retrieval, data science, and cybersecurity over large-scale networked information systems like the Web, social media, crowdfunding, and crowd-based systems. My research focus has both positive and negative dimensions. On one hand, I focus on threats to these systems and design methods to mitigate negative behaviors; on the other, I look for positive opportunities to mine and analyze these systems for developing next generation algorithms and architectures that can empower decision makers.

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Craig A. Shue

Craig A. Shue

Associate Professor
, Computer Science

I am interested in computer networking and security. Given the significance of the Internet in our economy and society, I am interested in improvements and studies that can have a real-world impact. My recent work has focused on how to make both enterprise and residential networks more secure. In my research work, I am exploring ways to change the traditional computer network communication model using techniques such as software-defined networking and network function virtualization.

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Erin Solovey

Erin Solovey

Assistant Professor
, Computer Science

My research is in human-computer interaction. One focus of my research is on next-generation interaction techniques, such as brain-computer interfaces, physiological computing, and reality-based interaction. I design, build and evaluate interactive computing systems that use machine learning approaches to adapt and support the user’s changing cognitive state and context. I also investigate novel paradigms for designing with accessibility in mind, particularly for the Deaf community.

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Explore More Computer Science Graduate Programs

Maybe you're working in the field, but are looking to advance your career and gain new skills. Computer science field professionals appreciate the ease and flexibility of a concentrated program. WPI’s computer science graduate certificate gives you the information you’ll use right away in your computer science career. You'll take graduate-level courses in a specialized area of CS whether it be database design, AI, programming, or even software engineering. Are you already a step ahead and have a master's? Consider earning a PhD in computer science which enables students to dive into their own research areas. WPI has built an international reputation for research excellence over the past 40 years, giving students the access they need to world-class labs and industry software.

Need to Earn a Bachelor’s in Computer Science First?

Are you ready to start your path to a computer science career? Check out WPI’s BS in computer science which explores the connected world and global perspectives. If you’re looking for a background in the computer science field that will complement your major, try WPI’s minor in computer science. This will give you background on computing skills applicable to almost any field.

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