Current Graduate Students

The M.S. in Computer Science requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Students complete two required core courses—Research Methods in Computer Science (CS 5050) and Design and Analysis of Algorithms (CS 5120)—which establish advanced foundations in research and algorithmic thinking.

Students then complete 15–21 credit hours of approved computer science or software engineering electives at the 5000 and 6000 levels, with at least 18 total credits at the 6000 level or higher.

The program offers two culminating pathways: a thesis option (Plan I) for students interested in research or doctoral study, or a project/internship option (Plan II) designed to emphasize applied professional experience. A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 is required.

 View full M.S. in CS degree requirements in the Graduate Catalog

The fully online M.S. in Software Engineering follows a structured 30-credit curriculum that progresses from foundational coursework in programming and databases to advanced topics in requirements analysis, quality assurance, DevOps and agile project management.

The program culminates in a two-course capstone experience in which students design and implement a comprehensive software solution. This degree is designed for working professionals and career changers seeking structured, practice-oriented preparation in modern software engineering. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

View full M.S. in SE degree requirement in the Graduate Catalog - coming soon

The M.S. in Data Science requires 30 credit hours integrating computer science and statistical foundations. Students complete required coursework in data science programming, artificial intelligence, statistics and data mining, providing a strong analytical core.

Students also select approved electives to further develop expertise in areas such as machine learning, visualization, big data analytics and statistical modeling. The program concludes with a data science project or internship that applies analytical methods to real-world problems. At least 18 credits must be at the 6000 level or higher, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.

View full M.S. in Data Science degree requirements in the Graduate Catalog

The Ph.D. in Data Science requires a minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Students complete advanced core coursework in computer science and statistics, followed by interdisciplinary electives that support depth and methodological breadth.

The program includes an applied data science experience and culminates in dissertation research, along with successful completion of a preliminary examination and dissertation defense. A minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 is required.

View full Ph.D. in Data Science degree requirements in the Graduate Catalog

Students in programs offering a thesis option (Plan I) must complete original research under faculty supervision and successfully defend their thesis.

Eligibility

Before proposing a thesis topic, students must:

• Remove any conditions of admission
• Be in good academic standing
• Meet all program-specific eligibility requirements
  

Forming a Thesis Committee

After identifying a thesis topic, the student must form a thesis committee, which includes:

• A thesis advisor (committee chair)
• At least one additional graduate faculty member

All committee members must have Graduate Faculty Status. Any change to the committee after topic approval requires submission of a Thesis Committee Change form.

Thesis Topic Approval

Students must prepare a written thesis proposal outlining the research question, methodology and expected contribution. The proposal must be presented to and approved by the thesis committee.

A Thesis Topic Approval form must be submitted to the Graduate College. If substantial changes occur in topic or methodology, a new approval form is required.

Thesis Research Registration & Continuous Enrollment

Students must:

• Register for a minimum of 3 credit hours of 6990 (Thesis Research)
• No more than 6 credit hours of 6990 may count toward the degree
• Maintain continuous registration (at least 1 credit of 6990 each fall and spring semester) until the thesis is completed

Summer registration is required only if defending, graduating or using university services during that term.

Failure to maintain continuous registration will require retroactive enrollment and tuition assessment.

Final Manuscript & Oral Defense

To complete the thesis requirement, students must:

1. Submit a final draft of the thesis to the committee prior to the defense.
2. Participate in a final oral examination (thesis defense) administered by the committee.
3. Obtain committee approval of the manuscript.
4. Submit the Thesis Defense and Manuscript Approval form to the Graduate College by the published deadline.
5. Submit the final, properly formatted thesis to OhioLINK before graduation.

If the student does not pass the defense, one re-examination is permitted after a minimum four-month interval. Failure of the second attempt results in dismissal from the program.

Doctoral students must complete advanced coursework, pass a preliminary experience and conduct original research culminating in a defended dissertation.

Preliminary Experience

Before advancing to candidacy, doctoral students must successfully complete a preliminary examination or project, which includes both written and oral components.

To be eligible, students must:

• Remove any conditions of admission
• Complete or nearly complete required coursework
• Maintain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0

Students must submit a Preliminary Experience Application form at least eight weeks prior to the proposed examination date.

A student passes the preliminary experience if there is no more than one vote for failure and any conditions set by the committee are satisfied. One second attempt is permitted following a remediation period.

Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR)

A Graduate Faculty Representative (GFR) is appointed by the Graduate College when the preliminary application is submitted. The GFR:

• Is not affiliated with the student’s program
• Participates in preliminary and dissertation processes
• Ensures fairness, equity and rigor

The GFR continues with the student through the dissertation defense.

Dissertation Committee & Topic Approval

The dissertation committee must include:

• At least four members
• The GFR
• Faculty with appropriate Graduate Faculty Status

Students must submit and orally defend a written dissertation proposal. Committee approval is documented via a Topic Approval form. Substantial changes to topic or methodology require submission of a new approval form.

Upon successful completion of the preliminary experience and topic approval, the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy.

Dissertation Research Registration & Continuous Enrollment

Doctoral students must:

• Register for a minimum of 16 credit hours of 7990 (Dissertation Research)
• Not exceed 30 credit hours of dissertation research applicable to the degree
• Maintain continuous registration (minimum 1 credit each fall and spring semester) until the dissertation is completed

Summer registration is required only if university services are used or graduation occurs in that term.

Missed terms must be made up with tuition assessed at current rates.

Final Dissertation & Oral Defense

To complete the doctoral degree, students must:

1. Submit a complete final draft of the dissertation to the committee prior to the defense.
2. Successfully complete a final oral examination (dissertation defense).
3. Receive committee approval (no more than one dissenting vote).
4. Submit the Defense and Manuscript Approval form to the Graduate College by the deadline.
5. Submit the final, approved manuscript to OhioLINK in accordance with formatting guidelines.

If the student fails the final oral examination, one second attempt is permitted following a remediation period. Failure of the second attempt results in dismissal from the doctoral program.

For complete and official university requirements, please refer to:

• Master’s Degree – General Requirements:
  https://www.bgsu.edu/policies/academic-affairs/3341-3-16.html
• Doctoral Degree – General Requirements:
  https://www.bgsu.edu/policies/academic-affairs/3341-3-6.html
• Graduate College Thesis & Dissertation Forms:
  https://www.bgsu.edu/graduate/documents-and-forms.html