Participants at Grace Hopper

Computer Science MS (Regular Track)
MS

The thesis track for a Master’s in Computer Science from UWM is ideal for students who want to pursue advanced research or continue on to a PhD. And qualified UWM undergraduate students can apply to begin this program during their senior year.

Prepare for Research-Driven Careers and PhD Study

As a CS MS student, you’ll work closely with our top computer science faculty mentors to explore complex problems, contribute original discoveries, and build a strong academic foundation for future research careers.

Our faculty who are active researchers in cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, data science, high-performance computing, algorithms, human-computer interaction, and more. Their mentorship helps you shape your research interests and open doors to academic and industry research roles.
 
Conduct Research at an R1 University

UWM is one of Wisconsin’s two Carnegie R1 research universities—an elite designation recognizing the highest level of research activity. This means you’ll have access to cutting-edge labs, advanced computing resources, and opportunities to publish and present your work.

Build Deep Expertise in a Specialized Area

The thesis track allows you to focus your studies and develop mastery in a specific domain. Your research demonstrates depth beyond coursework—making you highly competitive for specialized positions in industry and academia.

Gain Experience That Sets You Apart

The computer science program at UWM is among the top 25% programs nationally in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Completing a graduate thesis strengthens your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technical writing skills. Employers value candidates who can independently tackle complex questions, manage long-term projects, and communicate technical results clearly.

Opportunities to Publish and Present Your Work

UWM’s research environment encourages dissemination of your work through conferences, journals, and research symposia—valuable experiences that enhance your résumé and open career pathways.

A Strong Foundation for High-Level Roles

Graduates of the CS MS thesis track are well-prepared for roles such as:
– Research scientist
– Machine learning or AI researcher
– PhD student or academic researcher
– Data scientist
– Systems or algorithm specialist
– Technical innovator in R&D-focused companies

Program Type

Master’s

Program Format

On Campus

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Boost Your Career

A computer science master’s degree will broaden your knowledge and open the doors to senior positions and career changes. Those holding master’s degree are in high demand and the pay is excellent.

Sample positions, median salaries and projected growth from 2019-2029:*

  • Information security analyst. Salary: $103,590. Growth: 31%
  • Software developers, quality assurance analysts, testers. Salary: $110,140. Growth: 22%
  • Computer and information research scientist. Salary: $126,830. Growth: 15%
  • Computer and information systems manager. Salary: $151,150. Growth: 10%
  • Computer systems analyst. $93,730. Growth: 7%

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Satya Nadella and Dean Brett Peters
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella (left) earned his master’s degree from UWM. Shown here with Dean Brett Peters.

What to Expect

This program provides a broad background in critical and emerging aspects of computer science. You can select your own program of study from the courses we offer with your advisor.

Either Thesis or Non-Thesis (capstone)

Full-time or part-time

Most students choose to attend full time, in-person, but the program also welcomes part-time students. You can complete your 30-credit degree in as few as 24 months.

Deadlines to Enroll:

  • Fall: March 15
  • Spring: September 15

International Students

If you are on a student visa in our masters program, you are normally eligible for “Curricular Practical Training” after two full semesters (Fall and Spring).  You can apply for an internship at a US company (100% time during summer or 50% during a later semester) and concurrently take 1 credit toward your graduate program under the supervision of a professor.

More Information

Contact the College of Engineering & Applied Science Graduate Programs Office or the Computer Science Graduate Program Representative.

Get Hands-on Computer Science Experience

UWM is a top tier R1 research university, and you’ll have the opportunity work with faculty engaged in leading-edge research in areas such as:

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Computational robotics
  • Extensible languages
  • Intelligent dialog systems
  • Machine Learning
  • Object-oriented programming

Research Labs & Institutes

Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab

This lab is focused on developments of new computational approaches and software tools for various types of massive data processing, data mining and visualization using both knowledge-based and data-driven techniques.

BioRobotics Lab

This lab works with previously gathered data in order to create a design whose aim is to assist disabled individuals.

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab

This lab strives to enhance people’s health and well-being by designing software that will help identify health problems early, suggest a plan of action, and provide evidence that justifies that plan.

Connected Systems Institute

CSI works with students, faculty and private sector partners to help ensure that industry has the talent it needs to benefit fully from Industrial Internet of Things connectivity.

Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute

This collaboration between UWM, Marquette University and a Fortune 500 company in downtown Milwaukee is helping researchers and students benefit from using big data.

Computer Science Faculty

Boyland, John
  • Professor, Computer Science
Cheng, Christine
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Dabagh, Mahsa
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
  • Associate Professor, Biomedical Engineering
  • Affiliate Associate Professor, Computer Science
Kate, Rohit
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Kouklin, Nikolai
  • Professor, Computer Science
Law, Chiu
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Luo, Jake
  • Associate Professor, Health Informatics & Administration
  • Affiliate Professor, Computer Science
  • Graduate Program Director, Health Care Informatics
Mali, Amol
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
McRoy, Susan
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Department Chair, Computer Science
Nipu, Ayesha Siddika
  • Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
Nowrin, Sadia
  • Teaching Faculty II, Computer Science
Rahman, Mohammad Habib
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
  • Professor and Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering
  • Affiliate Professor, Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering
  • Switzer Research Distinguished Fellow
Rock, Jayson
  • Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
  • Web Development Certificate Coordinator
Sorenson, Robert
  • Teaching Faculty 3, Computer Science
Thomas, Jerald
  • Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Wang, Weizhong
  • Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Yu, Zeyun
  • Professor, Computer Science
  • Professor, Biomedical Engineering
  • Director, Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab
Zeng, Zhen
  • Assistant Professor, Computer Science
Zhang, Jun
  • Professor, Electrical Engineering
  • Professor, Computer Science
Zhao, Tian
  • Associate Professor, Computer Science
Two men testing computer science VR equipment. The one on the right is wearing the VR goggles.
Jerald Thomas, assistant professor, computer science, demonstates walking with VR goggles and a joystick. Doctoral student Md Azizul Hakim assists.

Graduate Advising

Crary, Therese
  • Advisor, Graduate Programs
  • Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Health Informatics
Packard, Robert
  • Advisor, Graduate Programs
  • Civil/Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering

Departmental Support

Students in the regular track are eligible for, but not guaranteed departmental support. To apply for a teaching assistantship, complete the teaching assistant application. You can follow-up with the department chair to see about your application status. Your application is strengthened if you have a recommendation from a local professor with whom you have already worked.

Research assistantships are available only from individual faculty members who have openings. They typically only hire students who have demonstrated strength in the faculty member’s area of research.

CLICK FOR FAQS

Undergraduate Requirements Assessment Form: Regular Track (PDF)

Program of Study Form: Thesis-Regular Track (PDF)

Program of Study Form: Non-Thesis, Regular Track (PDF)

Academic Catalog
Schedule of Classes
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Contact
Computer Science
Contact Info: ceas-cs@uwm.edu

Street Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
3200 North Cramer Street
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 784
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0784