MS in Computer Science and Engineering

Zoom image: CSE Demo Day 2018 participants, December 7, 2018. Photo credit: Ken Smith CSE Demo Day 2023 participants, Photo credit: Ken Smith.

CSE Demo Day 2018 participants, December 7, 2018. Photo credit: Ken Smith

Elevate your expertise.

In our Computer Science and Engineering MS program, you'll immerse yourself in advanced topics and enhance your proficiency in cutting-edge technologies. Beyond expanding your knowledge, this program opens doors to coveted professional opportunities, paving the way for a rewarding career with increased earning potential.

About the Program

Our STEM-approved program will prepare you for not only today’s workforce but tomorrow’s as well. The program has three tracks:

  • Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Track. The AI/ML track is a course-based track where students take a combination of core computer science courses, electives, and courses specific to artificial intelligence and machine learning, such as deep learning, data models and query languages, and computer vision.
CSE MS Program AI ML Checklist, Fall 2025 Download pdf
CSE MS Program AI ML Checklist, CURRENT Download pdf
  • Software and Hardware (Systems) Track. The Systems track is a course-based track where students take a combination of core computer science courses, electives and courses specific to software and hardware systems like computer architecture, modern network concepts and database systems.
CSE MS Program Systems Checklist, Spring 2025 Download pdf
CSE MS Program Systems Checklist, CURRENT Download pdf
  • Research Track. The Research track is more selective and provides more in-depth learning than the course-based tracks. Students take a series of breadth and depth courses in a computer science research area such as AI, hardware and networked systems, software and information systems, or theory and algorithms. Students then have the option of completing the program with a project (software, a proof, an AI model, hardware, etc.) or by defending a thesis.  
CSE MS Research Track Checklist Fall 2025 Download pdf
CSE MS Honors Program Checklist Fall 2024 Download pdf
CSE MS Honors Program Checklist (Prior to Fall 2024) Download pdf
CSE MS Research Track Project Form Download pdf
CSE MS Thesis Form Download pdf

Additional CSE MS forms and checklists

For more details on your specific program, separate from the tracks above, please review the following forms/checlists:

CSE BS/MS Checklist, Fall 2025 Download pdf
CSE BS/MS Checklist, CURRENT Download pdf
CSE BS/MS Project Form Download pdf
Carefully select your track when applying

Because each track has different evaluation criteria, you can only apply to one track in a given entry term. Please carefully select your track when applying. Once your application is submitted, you will not be able to change tracks. If, after reviewing your application, we feel you would be a better fit for a different track than the one you applied to, we may offer you admission to a different track. 

Learn more about CSE MS tracks
Admissions Information

Admission to the PhD Program from the MS Program

Whether or not they have completed all the MS course requirements, any CSE master's students who have completed the core PhD course requirements and made arrangements with a major professor may apply for admission to the PhD program. Students must apply before the end of their second year. Interested students should see our Graduate Academic Coordinator in 338V Davis Hall for the appropriate application forms. 

MS students who have not completed the core course (breadth) requirements specified in the PhD Qualifying Process by the end of their second year or have not made an arrangement with a major professor by the end of their second year will not be admitted to the PhD program.

Degree Requirements

The Graduate Handbooks below outline our degree requirements. Computer Science and Engineering MS degree requirements are defined by the handbook that was in force during your matriculation year. 

Please see the Computer Science and Engineering BS/MS page for combined degree requirements. 

Current Student Forms

CSE Force Registration Form

Any graduate student who wishes to be enrolled in a course and cannot do so via the HUB must complete a CSE Force Registration request online:

https://academics.eng.buffalo.edu/force-registration/request

UB Graduate School Forms

UB Graduate School - Current Student Forms

Program Enrollment

The MS in Computer Science and Engineering program currently enrolls 687 master's candidates. (April 30, 2025)