B.S./M.S. in Computer Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Miami

Program Overview

The five-year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of Miami is designed for students who want to combine a comprehensive undergraduate computing education with advanced research training in a single integrated pathway. Students develop expertise in programming, algorithms, computer systems, databases, and software engineering before progressing to graduate-level study and research, preparing them for specialist technology careers or further academic work, including potential Ph.D. study.

Curriculum Structure

The programme combines 120 undergraduate credit hours with 30–36 graduate credit hours, depending on whether students choose the thesis or coursework option. The following outline follows the university's suggested plan of study; progression into the master's phase depends on meeting the programme's academic and research requirements.

Year 1: Programming and Mathematical Foundations

Students begin with Computer Programming I (CSC 120) and Computer Programming II (CSC 220), developing programming skills and learning to structure computational solutions. Calculus I (MTH 161) and Calculus II (MTH 162) build the mathematical foundation needed for algorithm analysis, scientific computing, and more advanced computer science topics.

Year 2: Computer Architecture and Algorithms

Students explore the organisation of computer systems through Computer Organization and Architecture (CSC 314) and learn lower-level programming concepts in System Programming (CSC 322). Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis (CSC 317) develops their ability to organise data and evaluate efficient computational approaches, while Discrete Mathematics I (MTH 309) strengthens their mathematical reasoning.

Year 3: Operating Systems, Databases, and Research Planning

Students develop a deeper understanding of computing infrastructure through Principles of Computer Operating Systems (CSC 421) and Database Systems (CSC 423), exploring how operating systems manage resources and how databases organise information. Computer Science Project Planning (CSC 410) introduces research-oriented project work, while Computer Networks (CSC 424) develops their understanding of communication between connected systems.

Year 4: Software Engineering and Graduate-Level Study

Students complete Computer Science Project Implementation (CSC 411), applying their technical knowledge to a research-oriented project, and study Introduction to Software Engineering (CSC 431) to understand software design and development practices. They also begin taking eligible 600-level graduate courses, allowing them to progress towards master's requirements while completing their undergraduate degree. Entry into this phase requires the specified academic performance, prerequisites, and research credits.

Year 5: Graduate Research and Specialisation

Students complete advanced 600- and 700-level computer science coursework and, for the thesis option, undertake Master's Thesis (CSC 810). This final stage allows students to deepen their specialist knowledge, develop research skills, and investigate a substantial computing problem under academic supervision; students choosing the coursework option follow the corresponding graduate requirements instead.

Focus Areas

Computer programming, data structures and algorithms, computer architecture, systems programming, operating systems, database systems, computer networks, programming languages, software engineering, research methods, advanced computer science, graduate-level specialisation.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop programming and algorithmic problem-solving skills, understand computer architecture and operating systems, design and analyse data structures, work with databases and computer networks, apply software engineering principles, plan and implement research-oriented projects, and undertake advanced graduate study. Students following the thesis option also develop experience in independent computing research and academic communication.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official programme bulletin describes the academic and research requirements for the combined B.S./M.S. pathway but does not establish programme-specific accreditation by a professional computing accreditation body. Students who need a particular accreditation for professional or postgraduate purposes should confirm the current status directly with the university.

Reputation (Employability and Research Preparation)

The programme is specifically designed to provide research training for students interested in computing research laboratories or potential Ph.D. study. Its integration of undergraduate foundations, graduate-level courses, and a research-oriented project offers a structured route towards advanced computing expertise, although the official programme page does not provide a specific graduate employment rate, salary figure, or programme-level employability ranking.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Miami's five-year Computer Science pathway emphasises research-oriented project work, advanced computing, and preparation for graduate-level investigation. Students develop practical skills through project planning and implementation, access to departmental computing labs, and opportunities to participate in supervised research. The master's phase offers a choice between a thesis and coursework, allowing students to align their learning with research ambitions or advanced professional development.

Students can develop practical experience through the following programme-related opportunities and facilities:

- Computer Science Project Planning (CSC 410): Students plan a research-oriented computing project, developing skills in defining a problem, organising project work, and preparing for implementation.

- Computer Science Project Implementation (CSC 411): Students put their project plans into practice through a research-oriented project. This work can provide a foundation for the research undertaken during the master's phase.

- Computer Science Undergraduate Lab: The department's lab supports programming coursework and practical computing. Students in introductory programming courses may use IntelliJ IDEA, while Eclipse is available for CSC 220; access to particular tools depends on the course.

- Discovery Lab: This departmental space supports student group meetings and collaboration with teaching assistants. It provides an additional setting for students studying Computer Science and Data Science.

- Unix, Linux and Remote Computing: The department provides guidance on command-line tools and secure remote access using SSH. Students can develop familiarity with Unix-based environments and tools such as Git and build utilities, which are useful for software development and systems programming.

- Graduate-Level Computer Science Courses: Eligible students can take approved 600-level courses during the undergraduate phase that count towards the master's degree. Advanced graduate courses allow students to explore specialised computing topics and develop deeper technical knowledge.

- Master's Thesis or Coursework Option: Students may choose the thesis route, which includes Master's Thesis (CSC 810), or follow the approved coursework option. The thesis route is particularly relevant for students who want substantial research experience and may be considering doctoral study.

- Undergraduate Research Opportunities: The department's Computing for Structure Research Experiences for Undergraduates programme has offered mentored research on discovering and visualising patterns in large datasets. Its activities have included research workshops, GPU programming, collaboration with researchers, and final presentations. Participation depends on programme availability and eligibility requirements.

- Computer Science Graduate Internship: The university's graduate Computer Science curriculum includes an internship course option, CSC 712, under specified master's pathways. Students should check whether this option is applicable to their chosen pathway and study plan.

Official facilities and practical learning information can be found through the University of Miami Computer Science Department's computer labs, the five-year B.S./M.S. programme requirements, and the department's research programme information.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The five-year B.S./M.S. in Computer Science is designed for students who want to build advanced technical expertise and gain research experience beyond a conventional bachelor's degree. Graduates can pursue specialist computing careers or continue towards doctoral study, particularly if they develop strong research skills through faculty-supervised projects and the master's thesis option.

Typical career options include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Research Scientist, Systems Engineer, with further opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, database systems, software development, and advanced computing research.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through the following University of Miami resources and opportunities:

- Career Services and Job Preparation: The Toppel Career Center provides career advising, résumé support, employer events, and access to Handshake, the university's online career management system. Students can use these services to search for internships and graduate-level employment opportunities.

- Career Fairs and Employer Connections: The university's Job and Internship Expo typically attracts more than 100 employers and 1,000 students and alumni twice a year. Industry-specific career fairs and employer information sessions provide additional opportunities to explore vacancies and connect with recruiters.

- Research Experience: The programme's CSC 410 and CSC 411 research-oriented projects help students develop experience in planning and implementing computing projects. Students pursuing the thesis option can build on this foundation through advanced study and supervised research.

- Internship Opportunities: The Toppel Internship Program supports students who have already secured eligible internships by offering a one-credit transcript notation. Graduate Computer Science students may also have access to the CSC 712 internship course when it is included in their approved degree pathway.

- Employment Statistics and Salaries: The official five-year programme bulletin does not provide a specific graduate employment rate, median salary, or programme-level salary breakdown. Students should consult the university's graduate outcomes information for verified employment and earnings data rather than relying on estimates.

- Professional Accreditation: The published programme requirements do not establish specific professional computing accreditation for the combined B.S./M.S. pathway. Students who need formal accreditation for a particular career or further-study destination should verify the current status directly with the university.

- Graduation Outcomes: Students who satisfy the requirements receive the B.S. in Computer Science after completing the undergraduate degree and the M.S. in Computer Science after completing the master's requirements. This provides a defined route to two degrees, with the master's component offering advanced coursework or research training.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates who complete the master's degree may apply for a Ph.D. in Computer Science or a related discipline, subject to the doctoral programme's admission requirements. The University of Miami offers a Ph.D. in Computer Science for students seeking to pursue advanced research and dissertation work. The thesis option can be particularly useful preparation for research-focused doctoral study, although completing the B.S./M.S. does not guarantee admission to a Ph.D. programme.