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

Blacksburg campus: Sharon Kinder-Potter

Northern VA campus: Klaudia Escobar

Eligibility: Available only to Ph.D. students with an approved Ph.D. plan of study. Requires completion of the Ph.D. qualifier process.

Process (must complete in order)

Ph.D. plan of study approval: Ensure your Ph.D. plan of student is approved and on file.
Qualifying exam credit: Complete and receive credit for the Ph.D. qualifier process.
Complete 30 credits of CS Coursework
- If only 29 credits have been completed, students should complete the reuqest CS 5974 Independent Study.
  - Please note that an independent study cannot be added to a student's schedule after the add/drop period has closed.
- Submit the Independent Study request form via the CS Graduate Program Form Submission Portal
  - 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 program coordinator will enroll you.

4. Sumbit a master's degree plan of study

Complete the M.S. Along the Way Plan of Study
Submit it via the CS Graduate Program Form Submission Portal.
View approval in Hokie Spa

5. Application for degree

After your MS Along the Way plan of study has been approved in HokieSpa, you should submit the Degree Conferral Request

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