Computer Science and Engineering

Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs


Graduate opportunities

Where will your graduate studies take you in the future? Will you break new ground in artificial intelligence, computer security or something entirely new? The University of North Texas can give you the tools you'll need.

Our Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers course work leading to a Master of Science degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science and Engineering.

You can choose from a variety of courses and research areas ranging from software engineering to engineering of energy efficient computer systems.

The College of Engineering is a pioneer in developing project-oriented curricula that allow you to apply knowledge in real-world situations. You'll be able to work closely with distinguished faculty members to solve complex problems faced by businesses and consumers. You also can take advantage of the many research relationships we have with leading companies.

UNT provides a wide variety of services exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office can help you with writing, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research offers assistance with statistical research.

The Toulouse Graduate School® offers several professional development workshops, including a Thesis Boot Camp. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Faculty research

UNT is committed to excellence in teaching and the discovery and application of knowledge through research and creative activities. We invest in programs, infrastructure and leading faculty members who partner with students on many unique research projects.

Faculty research has been supported through grants from federal and state institutions and private industry, including the:

  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute for Standards and Technology
  • National Science Foundation
  • Texas Department of Transportation
  • Texas State Energy Conservation Office
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • U.S. Department of Energy

The department enjoys a friendly working relationship with local and national companies, and its Industrial Advisory Board is composed of representatives from high-tech firms. During the past few years, they've helped obtain research funding, fellowships and internships for students in the department.

Research centers and laboratories

Classes and research are conducted at Discovery Park, a 300-acre facility located four miles north of the main campus and serviced by a free shuttle. In addition to instructional facilities with cutting-edge equipment, the department supports numerous centers and research laboratories that offer unlimited possibilities for study and research.

The department has a comprehensive research program that focuses on:

  • Algorithms and Computational Science
  • Computer Security
  • Computer Systems and Networks
  • Databases and Data Mining
  • Intelligent Systems
  • Software Engineering

Research centers housed in the department include the Center for Computational Epidemiology and Response Analysis, the Center for Information and Computer Security and the Net-centric and Cloud Software and Systems Center.

To learn more about our research centers and laboratories, visit www.cse.unt.edu.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

Departmental application deadlines are Jan. 15 for the fall semester and Sept. 15 for the spring semester.

M.S. degree

You must meet the admission requirements for the graduate school and the following program requirements:

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
  • GRE scores (quantitative reasoning: 155-61%, verbal reasoning: 148-36%, analytical writing: 3.5)
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 83 on the Internet-based test for applicants whose native language isn't English and who don't have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution (A minimum IELTS level of 7.0 is also acceptable.)

An undergraduate degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering is desired. You may take leveling courses to complete necessary requirements.

Ph.D. degree

You must meet the admission requirements of the graduate school and the following program requirements:

  • Minimum 3.5 GPA
  • GRE scores (quantitative reasoning: 156-65%, verbal reasoning: 151-49%, analytical writing: 4.5)
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 83 on the Internet-based test for applicants whose native language isn't English and who don't have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution (A minimum IELTS level of 7.0 is also acceptable.)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose

An overall evaluation of your credentials will be used as a basis for admission.

Degree requirements

M.S. degree

You have two options for earning a master's degree. The thesis option consists of 30 credit hours of course work, including 6 credit hours of thesis.

The non-thesis option consists of 36 credit hours of course work. That may include 3 credit hours of project or 6 credit hours of problem in lieu of thesis.

Leveling and internship courses don't count toward either option. You can select a specialization area in a consultation with a major professor and the graduate coordinator.

Ph.D. degree

You must complete 42 credit hours beyond the master's degree or 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. At least 6 credit hours should be from 6000-level courses. Enrollment in at least 9 credit hours during two long consecutive semesters or 6 credit hours in three consecutive semesters is required to meet the residency requirement.

In addition to the course work, you need to find a research topic, organize and pass an oral exam related to the topic, and write and defend a dissertation to a committee of at least four faculty members.

Financial assistance

Many students receive financial support through teaching and research assistantships with the department. Applications and deadline information for assistantships are at www.cse.unt.edu using the education and student services link.

Information about other financial assistance programs is available at financialaid.unt.edu.