Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. It offers flexibility with various options for completion, including a Thesis Option (requiring significant original research), a Project Option (combining coursework with an applied project), or an All-Course Option (culminating in a comprehensive examination). Students can choose from a wide range of specialization areas, allowing them to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career goals, whether in software development, data science, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous technical and scientific curriculum.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering emphasizes a strong foundation in core computer science principles and advanced topics. Students are required to take courses in foundational areas such as algorithms, operating systems, and computer architecture. Beyond the core, a vast array of electives allows for specialization in areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, networking, distributed systems, human-computer interaction, computer vision, and bioinformatics. The specific course load varies depending on the chosen program option (thesis, project, or all-course), with the comprehensive exam or thesis serving as the capstone experience.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering at UB boasts a highly active and diverse research focus, with faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge investigations across nearly all major areas of computer science. Key research thrusts within the department include artificial intelligence and machine learning (e.g., deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision), cybersecurity and privacy (e.g., network security, cryptography, secure software), data science and analytics (e.g., big data, data mining, distributed databases), human-computer interaction (e.g., virtual reality, ubiquitous computing), and systems (e.g., operating systems, distributed systems, cloud computing). Students pursuing the thesis or project options work closely with faculty mentors on original research, contributing to advancements in these rapidly evolving fields.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering program at UB has strong ties to the technology industry, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in leading companies. The department maintains close relationships with a wide range of tech firms, from startups to Fortune 500 corporations, facilitating internship opportunities, career fairs, and direct recruitment. Many faculty members have industry experience or engage in collaborative research with industry partners, ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant to current industry needs. Graduates are highly sought after by companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and numerous other tech and financial firms, reflecting the program's effectiveness in producing industry-ready professionals.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges and opportunities in the digital world. Computer science is a globally interconnected field, and the program's research often tackles problems with international implications, from global cybersecurity threats to the development of AI tools that serve diverse populations. As a major public research university, UB attracts a highly diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex computing problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational teams and contribute to global technological innovation.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from UB are exceptionally well-prepared for a wide array of highly sought-after technical roles across virtually all industries.
Software Engineer/Developer: Design, develop, test, and deploy software applications for various platforms (web, mobile, desktop, cloud) in tech companies, financial institutions, healthcare, or entertainment.
Machine Learning Engineer: Design, build, and deploy machine learning models and systems for applications such as predictive analytics, recommendation systems, natural language processing, and computer vision.
Data Scientist: Analyze large, complex datasets to extract insights, build predictive models, and inform business decisions across industries like tech, finance, and healthcare.
Cybersecurity Engineer/Analyst: Design and implement secure systems, identify vulnerabilities, and protect data and networks from cyber threats for companies, government agencies, or consulting firms.
Cloud Engineer: Design, deploy, and manage applications and infrastructure on cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for scalability, reliability, and security.
AI/Research Scientist: Conduct advanced research in artificial intelligence, robotics, or related fields, often in corporate R&D labs, academic institutions, or specialized AI companies.
DevOps Engineer: Bridge the gap between software development and IT operations, focusing on automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle.
Embedded Systems Engineer: Design and develop software for specialized computer systems embedded within larger devices, such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, or medical devices.
Database Administrator/Engineer: Design, implement, and maintain complex database systems to ensure data integrity, security, and performance for various organizations.
Solutions Architect: Design high-level technology solutions that meet business needs, involving system architecture, technology selection, and integration across various platforms.
