MS Program 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.

As the field of computer science evolves, our department continues to lead and grow with innovative academic tracks.

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

Students enrolled prior to Fall 2026

Students enrolled in the MS Computer Science and Engineering program prior to Fall 2026 may take advantage of the updated curriculum by changing their track to any of our new optional specializations. Interested students should contact csegradcoord@buffalo.edu. Students may not extend their study to pursue a specialization.

Learn more about the MS program specializations. 

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 focus 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. This track is ideal for current UB undergraduate students.

Please select the research track when applying.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) Track

The AI/ML track is a course-based track where students take four 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.

Only available to students enrolled prior to Fall 2026

Software and Hardware Systems (Systems) Track

The Systems track is a course-based track where students take four 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.

Only available to students enrolled prior to Fall 2026

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.