Graduate Program

Guidelines for Computer Science Master's Thesis

Candidates in the Computer Science Master of Science degree program must complete a Master's Thesis based on original research. The thesis is six credits, supervised by a faculty advisor, graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis, and submitted to the Graduate School. (Students entering the program before Fall 2001 may complete a Master's Project instead of a Master's Thesis. The Master's Project does not have a requirement for original research but it does have detailed requirements for software development and its documentation in a project report. See the document Guidelines for Computer Science Master's Projects for details.)

The thesis should present an original research contribution, which is also the subject of a paper submitted for publication. The research contribution may be part of a larger project with multiple investigators. In this case, the paper submitted for publication may have multiple authors, including more than one MS student; however, each MS student must submit an individual thesis that clearly identifies the student's individual contributions.

In addition, the thesis should demonstrate a student's skill in problem-solving and application of software engineering principles such as algorithm and data-structure design, programming language and software systems usage, program testing and debugging, and software documentation.

Students must register for CSCI-6990 Master's Research prior to completion of the thesis, but normally earlier (even in the first semester of the program) as they begin exploratory research for the thesis. Students should be registered in CSCI-6990 for total of six credits (out of the 30 credits needed to complete the Master of Science program in Computer Science). A grade of IP (in progress) is assigned for CSCI-6990 until the thesis is completed. The final grade of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory then replaces the IP grade.

The Graduate School regulations in the Rensselaer Catalog for Master's Theses apply, including the following. The thesis must be presented to the candidate's advisor for review at least two weeks before the end of the term in which the degree is to be awarded. Theses are graded either S (satisfactory) or U (failed). The candidate must deposit a copy of the thesis, together with the advisor's written approval of both content and format, at the Graduate School at least one week before the end of classes in the term in which the degree is to be awarded. The Graduate School must certify that the approved document has been deposited before the degree is awarded. Only work meeting the highest standards of integrity will be accepted for degree requirements at Rensselaer. Academic integrity is a requirement of continued good academic standing and for the awarding of a graduate degree.

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