


UNH’s Master of Science in Computer Science helps you increase the breadth and depth of your computer science knowledge, strengthen your software development skills and build your research skills. It suits both professionally oriented students who want industry internships and research-oriented students who want a thesis that can lead to a Ph.D., and applicants whose undergraduate degree isn’t in computer science are welcome, completing a defined set of prerequisites along the way.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Building depth and hands-on skills. Everyone takes CS 900 Graduate Seminar and must complete either CS 858 Algorithms or CS 845 Formal Specifications and Verification of Software Systems. You’ll also take two implementation-intensive courses, where you build real systems, such as CS 830 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, CS 820 Systems Programming or CS 852 Foundations of Neural Networks. You learn from at least five different faculty members, which gives you a wide range of perspectives.
Year 2: Advanced study and your capstone. You’ll take at least three courses at the 900 level and choose electives such as CS 881 Building with AI: Text and Knowledge or CS 853 Information Retrieval and Generation Systems. You then finish through the option that suits your goals: CS 899 Master’s Thesis (6 credits, with a faculty advisor and a committee of at least three), CS 898 Master’s Project (3 credits) or the course option. In every option you publicly present your work as a required capstone experience.
Focus Areas: Algorithms, formal specification and verification, artificial intelligence and neural networks, information retrieval and generation systems, systems programming, compiler design, parallel and distributed programming, and computer graphics.
Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to apply computer science theory to increase the breadth and depth of their knowledge, use advanced software development skills and carry out guided computer science research. They will also be prepared to obtain an advanced position in industry or continue to a PhD program.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the regional accrediting agency for colleges and universities in the six New England states, and all UNH programs fall under that accreditation. The program connects directly to industry through its internship opportunities for professionally oriented students and its implementation-intensive coursework. Research-oriented students complete a thesis that usually leads to publication.
Reputation (Employability Rankings): The program reports an outstanding job placement record for its graduates. UNH is a public land-grant research university and is classified as an R1 institution (very high research activity), and it is one of only nine land, sea and space grant universities in the U.S. Together, that gives you a respected research university credential backed by a program with a strong track record of placing graduates in industry and doctoral study.
At the University of New Hampshire (UNH), the MS in Computer Science program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools that enhance their learning and prepare them for real-world challenges. The program emphasizes experiential learning through collaborative projects, internships, and research opportunities, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped for their careers.
Here are some key aspects of experiential learning in the MS Computer Science program at UNH:
- Research Laboratories: Students can engage in cutting-edge research in specialized labs, such as the UNH InterOperability Laboratory, which focuses on networking and telecommunications, and the Data Science Research Center, where students can work on data analytics projects.
- Group Projects: The curriculum includes collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and problem-solving, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
- Internship Opportunities: UNH has strong connections with local and national tech companies, providing students with internship opportunities that offer valuable industry experience and networking.
- Software and Tools: Students have access to a variety of software tools, including MATLAB, Python, R, and various machine learning frameworks, which are essential for modern computer science applications.
- Field Trips and Industry Visits: The program often organizes visits to tech companies and research institutions, giving students insights into industry practices and innovations.
- Libraries and Resources: The UNH library system offers extensive resources, including access to academic journals, databases, and a dedicated computer science collection to support research and learning.
- Student Organizations: Students can join organizations like the UNH Computer Science Club, which hosts workshops, hackathons, and networking events, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
The Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of New Hampshire prepares graduates for a dynamic and rewarding career in technology. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of computer science, students can expect to pursue roles such as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, and Cybersecurity Specialist. Here’s how the program supports your future success:
- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals.
- Employment Statistics: Graduates of the program have a high employment rate, with over 90% securing jobs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates is around $85,000, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the field.
- University–Industry Partnerships: UNH has established partnerships with leading tech companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world project experience.
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that the education you receive meets high standards of quality and relevance in the industry.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work at top firms and have reported high job satisfaction, often advancing to leadership positions within a few years of graduation.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the MS in Computer Science, students have the option to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science or related fields, allowing for deeper specialization and research opportunities. This can lead to careers in academia, advanced research positions, or high-level consulting roles. Additionally, graduates may choose to obtain professional certifications in areas such as cloud computing, data analytics, or cybersecurity to further enhance their qualifications and career prospects.



Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
