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Thesis Option: MSCS Program

Overview

The thesis option in the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program exists for students who wish to explore an area of contemporary computer science or software engineering in depth and conduct original research in that area. A thesis is not required for an MS degree, and it is assumed that students who choose this path have especially strong aptitude and motivation. It is recommended that students who may continue their graduate education at the doctoral level pursue the thesis option.

Content

A masters thesis will generally involve (a) original formulation of research hypotheses supported by computational modeling and simulation and/or mathematical arguments, or (b) construction of a software product of significant originality and complexity. In all cases, MS thesis work will require a review of recent pertinent research literature and, if applicable, existing software solutions. Although joint projects may be undertaken for thesis work, the responsibility of each thesis author in the project must be clearly delineated.

Committee

Each student initiates the thesis option by making contact with one graduate faculty member in computer science who will serve as principal thesis advisor and thesis committee chair. The advisor and the student will assemble a thesis committee consisting of at least two additional faculty members. One of these two committee members must come from outside the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science.

Proposal

The student must submit a formal thesis proposal to the prospective thesis committee. This is a document approximately six pages in length describing the work proposed and providing preliminary references to the literature. This proposal must be approved by each member of the thesis committee as well as the MSCS program director. Thesis proposals will not be approved until the student has completed at least 6 hours of 600-level coursework in computer science with a GPA of at least 3.5. Once the proposal is approved, the student may register for CSC 691 Thesis Direction.

Thesis Credit

The amount of work required for an MS thesis is roughly equivalent to 6 hours of 600-level coursework in computer science. Accordingly, thesis students are required to register for CSC 691 (Thesis Direction) for a total of 6 credit hours. Typically this will be spread over 2 semesters. A letter grade (A,B,C,F) will be awarded once the thesis is successfully defended (see below). During this period it is expected the student will remain in regular contact with the thesis advisor, and consult periodically with the other committee members. All additional graduate credit must be in regular coursework; no credits of CSC 699 may count toward MSCS requirements.

Format

The format for the thesis must conform to the requirements of the NKU Office of Graduate Programs.

Defense

Successful completion of an MS thesis requires a public defense, a presentation of the results of the thesis to the committee and an audience of faculty and students. The student and the thesis advisor must make arrangements for a place and time that are generally accessible to the university community. Notification of time and place of a public defense must be provided to the MSCS program director at least 3 weeks in advance of the defense.

Completion

The thesis is regarded as complete when each member of the thesis committee certifies that both the public defense and production of the thesis manuscript are concluded satisfactorily. Submission dates and procedures for the manuscript must follow the timeline given by the NKU Office of Graduate Programs. In particular, there is a time limit of one year from the time a student first registers for CSC 691 to the time the thesis must be completed.