Master of Science in Computer Science
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science at NIT is developed using Arizona State University’s curriculum and offers a 1+1 pathway with the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU).
Course Curriculum
The Master in Computer Science prepares students to undertake fundamental and applied research in computing. Students can study topics such as: artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical modeling, big data and data mining, computational biology computer design and architecture, including nonvolatile memory computing, computer system security, cybersecurity and cryptography, cyber-physical systems, IoT and robotics, distributed computing and consensus protocols, and much more.
Two Master’s Degrees Instead of One – 1+1 Pathway
Students pursuing their Master of Science in Computer Science from NIT have the unique opportunity to participate in the 1+1 pathway at Arizona State University (ASU) to earn two master’s degrees – one from Pakistan and one from the U.S.
Degree Pathway with ASU – How It Works
Start your master’s degree in Computer Science at NIT and transfer a portion of your NIT credits toward an additional master’s degree from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU (online or on campus in the U.S.), graduating with two master’s degrees in just two years.*
Students choosing to study on campus at ASU may apply for OPT, allowing eligible graduates the opportunity to work legally in the United States for up to three years (depending on program eligibility).
Upon successful completion of the 1+1 pathway, you graduate with two master’s degrees:
- Master of Science in Computer Science from National Institute of Technology, Pakistan
- Master of Science in Computer Science (MS) or Master of Computer Science (MCS) from Itra A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University, United States
*Program details may vary based on academic progress and successful credit transfer and approval by each university. Students participating in the 1+1 pathway must work with their program director at NIT to ensure that credits earned at ASU meet master’s degree requirements at NIT.
Program Duration
2 Years (1st year at NIT and 2nd year at ASU)
Careers
Students completing the Master of Computer Science program in computer science are able to analyze key theories, algorithms and software modules used in the field of computer science. The program prepares them to pursue careers in research and education, including academia, government and industry. Applicable roles:
- Computer network architect
- Computer system analyst
- Computer systems engineer
- Data scientist or engineer
- Machine learning, AI or computer vision engineer
- Software developer
- Software engineer
Master’s degrees available from ASU
- Master of Science in Computer Science (MS) – On Campus
- Master of Computer Science (MCS) – Online
Both Offered by Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU)
Admissions to earn a Master's degree at NIT
Applicants must have completed sixteen (16) years of education, or a four-year bachelor’s degree comprising at least 130 credit hours after HSSC/F.A./F.Sc. or an equivalent Grade 12 qualification.
In addition, candidates are required to successfully pass the prescribed Admission Test and Interview as part of the selection process.
Admission to earn the MS or MCS degree from Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU)
Master of Science in Computer Science (MS) – On Campus:
NIT undergraduate program diploma + official transcripts from every college or institution attended, including NIT’s. Must submit original transcripts and English translated transcripts.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program and a 3.00 for ASU transfer courses:
- CSE 565: Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
- CSE 566: Software Project, Process and Quality Management
- CSE 543: Information Assurance and Security
*Applicants with cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program are still encouraged to apply for consideration.
Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL>90 iBT, IELTS>7, Pearson Test of English>65, Duolingo>115, all taken within the last two years from start date.
Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of “C” (scale is 4.00 = “A”) or higher within two semesters of admission to the program.
Deficiency courses include:
- CSE 230: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
- CSE 310: Data Structures and Algorithms
- CSE 330: Operating Systems
- CSE 340: Principles of Programming Languages OR CSE 355: Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Master of Computer Science (MCS) – Online
NIT undergraduate program diploma + official transcripts from every college or institution attended, including NIT’s. Must submit original transcripts and English translated transcripts.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor’s degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = “A”) in an applicable master’s degree program and a 3.00 for ASU transfer courses:
- CSE 565: Software Verification, Validation, and Testing
- CSE 566: Software Project, Process and Quality Management
- CSE 543: Information Assurance and Security
Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL>90 iBT, IELTS>7, Pearson Test of English>65, Duolingo>115, all taken within the last two years from start date.
Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of “C” (scale is 4.00 = “A”) or higher within two semesters of admission to the program.
Deficiency courses include:
- CSE 230: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
- CSE 310: Data Structures and Algorithms
- CSE 330: Operating Systems
- CSE 340: Principles of Programming Languages OR CSE 355: Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Program Plan
Year One
| Semester 1 | Credits |
|---|---|
Probability and Random Processes | 3 Credits |
Research Methodology | 3 Credits |
Information Assurance and Security | 3 Credits |
Advanced Analysis of Algorithms | 3 Credits |
Applied Programming | 3 Credits |
| Total Credits | 9 (out of 15) |
| Semester 2 | Credits |
|---|---|
Technology Entrepreneurship | 3 Credits |
Theory of Computation / Theory of Programming Languages | 3 Credits |
Software Verification, Validation and Testing | 3 Credits |
Software Project, Process and Quality Management | 3 Credits |
Advanced Operating Systems | 3 Credits |
Natural Language Processing | 3 Credits |
| Total Credits | 9 (out of 18) |
Year Two
| Semester 3 | Credits |
|---|---|
Data Mining | 3 Credits |
Network Protocols and Standards | 3 Credits |
Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 Credits |
Machine Learning Systems | 3 Credits |
Thesis I | 3 Credits |
| Total Credits | 9 (out of 15) |
| Semester 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
Intelligent Computing | 3 Credits |
Distributed Systems | 3 Credits |
Information Retrieval and Text Mining | 3 Credits |
Big Data Analytics | 3 Credits |
Deep Learning | 3 Credits |
Thesis II | 3 Credits |
| Total Credits | 9 (out of 18) |
Core Courses
| Core Courses |
|---|
Probability and Random Processes |
Research Methodology |
Advanced Analysis of Algorithms |
Theory of Computation |
Information Assurance and Security |
Electives
| Electives |
|---|
Advanced Operating Systems |
Applied Programming |
Technology Entrepreneurship |
Software Verification, Validation and Testing |
Natural Language Processing |
Data Mining |
Natural Language Processing |
Advanced Computer Architecture |
Machine Learning Systems |
Intelligent Computing |
Distributed Systems |
Information Retrieval and Text Mining |
Big Data Analytics |
Deep Learning |