Computer Science and Engineering MS Tracks

Zoom image: The NYCE project team celebrates its CSE Demo Day Spring 2023 first-place award with CSE 611 advisor Alan Hunt.  Photo credit: Ken Smith  The NYCE project team celebrates its CSE Demo Day Spring 2023 first-place award with CSE 611 advisor Alan Hunt. Photo credit: Ken Smith.

The NYCE project team celebrates its CSE Demo Day Spring 2023 first-place award with CSE 611 advisor Alan Hunt.  Photo credit: Ken Smith 

Preparing you for tomorrow's workforce.

As the field of computer science evolves, our department continues to lead and grow with innovative new courses and academic tracks. Our goal is to provide you with a curriculum that you can customize while ensuring you’re prepared for not only today’s workforce but tomorrow’s as well.

Students can apply to one of three tracks:

These tracks, which set UB apart from other computer science/engineering programs, allow students to gain a deeper understanding of specific facets of the field to stay ahead of ever-changing industry trends. 

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 admit you to a different track. 

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Track

The AI/ML track is a course-based track where students take five core computer science courses, two electives, and three courses specific to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Students will also complete a capstone class (CSE 573) that brings together concepts from across the degree into a single, semester-long group project.

Software and Hardware Systems (Systems) Track

The Systems track is a course-based track where students take five core computer science courses, two electives and three courses specific to software and hardware systems. Students will also complete a capstone class (CSE 562) that brings together concepts from across the degree into a single, semester-long group project.

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.) to be presented at CSE Demo Day, or by defending a thesis. 

*CSE 611: MS Project Development

We are exceptionally proud of our 611 MS Project Development class. In partnership with members of the community, local startups, researchers, or UB students and faculty with ideas, CSE 611 provides master's students with real world experience, as well as a unique project and educational experience that they can't get through a normal class.

Enrollment to CSE 611 is limited; students must apply to course instructors to take part in it as an elective. During the first week of classes, accepted students will hear and select from a range of projects presented by sponsors such as members of the UB community or partners from local startups. Over the semester-long project, students will conduct requirements-gathering, design a solution, and implement it. Final outcomes will be presented at the end of the semester at CSE Demo Day.

Course Schedules

To ensure all CSE master's students can get into the classes they need, we have devised specific course schedules for each track, depending on which semester students enter the program. 

BS/MS Students and Course Transfer

BS/MS Track: Students in the BS/MS program must fulfil the requirements of the Research track, but have the thesis requirement waived (or optional).

Transferring Classes/Credits: Up to six credits may be transferred from a graduate degree program at another school, and may only be used to satisfy AI/ML or Systems track requirements. Up to three credits may be transferred to satisfy the elective requirement. Up three additional credits must articulate to either the AI/ML or Systems track requirements.