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Department of Computer Science College of Arts and Sciences

M.S. in Computer Science (MSCS) Prerequisites

The following computer science and mathematics courses should be taken before applying to the MSCS program.

Computer Science Requirements

The reflection of a student can be seen on a computer screen full of code. The following UAB computer science courses, or their equivalents, are required of all applicants before they can apply to our graduate program:

  • CS 103: Introduction to Computer Science in Python
  • CS 203: Object-Oriented Programming in Java
  • CS 250: Discrete Structures
  • CS 303: Algorithms and Data Structures

The following courses are also required but can be taken after the student is admitted, up to three of which may be taken at the 500-level and counted toward the MSCS program:

  • CS 410/510: Database Application Development
  • CS 420/520: Software Engineering
  • CS 332/532: Systems Programming

Mathematics Requirements

Mathematics background equivalent to two terms of calculus (differential and integral calculus) is required. At UAB, these course numbers are MA 125/225: Calculus I and MA 126/226: Calculus II. Linear algebra, statistics, differential equations, and advanced calculus are highly recommended.