Introduction

Master of Science in Computer Science is being offered by the Department of Computer Science. The program is designed to produce academicians and professionals of high quality. The designed course work provides depth and breath-based knowledge of core computer science areas (as identified by the HEC), moreover specialization courses enable students to develop advanced expertise in their chosen area of specialization. Currently, following specializations are being offered:

• Software Engineering
• Computer Networks
• Databases

Note:

• The admission in MSCS program is offered only once a year in the Fall semester.
• The MSCS Program is available for applicants residing within Pakistan only and is not available for overseas students (w.e.f. Fall 2018). If any student wishes to move overseas after gaining admission, he/she will be required to withdraw from the program.

Program Mission

The program is designed to meet the growing need for IT experts in the rapidly evolving 21st century economy. The mission is to provide post-graduates with a strong software engineering, computer networks and databases expertise. The study program enables students to capitalize on the increasing career opportunities in the information technology sector, to expand the limits of their knowledge, and to pursue further doctoral studies.

Program Objectives

MS in Computer Science (MSCS) Program aims to:

1. Enlighten students with advanced theoretical and practical computer science knowledge.
2. Impart research capabilities in the students.
3. Enable students to add fruitful research contribution in the area of their specialization.

Program Admission Eligibility Criteria

• A degree earned after sixteen years of education in computing or a related discipline from an HEC recognized institution.
• Candidate must have at least CGPA 2.00 out of 4 or first division wherein GPA system is not implemented.
• Each candidate is required to pass the University’s Entry Test (with minimum 50% marks).
• Limited seats on merit basis.

Deficiency Courses

If the schedule of courses pursued by a candidate does not provide adequate background for the degree course, which he/she intends to take up, he/she may be required to make up the deficiency by taking one or more additional course (s) of deficiency level as may be prescribed by the University.

The following core courses are recommended to be completed before entering the MS (CS) program:

1. Analysis of Algorithms
2. Assembly Lang. / Computer Architecture
3. Computer Networks
4. Computer Programming
5. Data Structures
6. Database Systems
7. Operating Systems
8. Software Engineering
9. Theory of Automata

A candidate will be eligible for admission only if he/she has a deficiency of no more than four courses from the above list. Deficiency courses shall be determined by the Graduate Studies Committee at the time of admission. Student has to pass the deficiency courses in the first two semesters.

Merit Calculation Formula for Admission to MSCS Program

• Limited seats are available on merit basis.
• The MSCS Program is available for applicants residing within Pakistan only and is not available for overseas students (w.e.f. Fall 2018). If any student wishes to move overseas after gaining admission, he/she will be required to withdraw from the program.

Click here  to Download Entry Test Sample

Course Exemption

Course(s) exemption is not allowed.

Duration

It is a two-year duration program spread over four semesters. Each semester has at least 18 weeks duration.
Degree Completion Duration

Courses of Study

Virtual University of Pakistan has revised the study scheme for two-year MS in Computer Science (MSCS) degree program as per the guidelines of HEC curriculum. Following are the revisions carried out in the study scheme:

• The MSCS program is offered with thesis only now.
• The number of core/requisite courses has been increased to four. Now the core/requisite courses are CS701 – Theory of Computation, CS702 – Advanced Algorithms Analysis and Design, CS703 – Operating Systems, and CS704 – Advanced Computer Architecture-II.
• A three credit hour “Research Methodology” course is added in the study scheme. A student must pass this course in order to be eligible to enroll thesis.
• The minimum credit hours for degree completion are increased to 33 (due to the inclusion of “Research Methodology” course).

Click here to view “Study Scheme”

Course Enrollment

A student can enroll MS level course(s) only if he/she has already passed its respective pre-requisite course(s). A student may attempt to improve a 'C' or a 'D' grade in a course at most once.

Assessment of Study Progress

Students’ study progress is evaluated continuously throughout the semester using the assessment tools as described below. The mid-term and final-term exams are conducted at VU’s designated exam centers.

Guidelines for Thesis Enrollment

Registration in “CS720 - Thesis” is allowed provided the student has:

1. Earned at least 18 credit hours with CGPA ≥ 2.50
2. Passed the “Research Methodology” course.

Degree Requirements

For the completion of MS (CS) degree program, a student is required to pass: four core courses, minimum two courses from the area of specialization, Research Thesis (six credit hours) and remaining credit hours from the list of available courses.

Award of Degree

To become eligible for the award of MS in Computer Science (CS) degree, a student is required to complete minimum 33 MS level credit hours according to prescribed scheme of studies with at least CGPA of 2.50 out of 4.

Fee Structure

Click here  to View Fee Structure

Disclaimer

• The courses may be revised time to time as a result of continuous review to bring them at par with courses from being taught at top-class foreign universities. While reviewing the courses, needs of local industry and job market are also given full consideration.
• The University reserves the right to change fee structure from time to time.

Master of Science in Computer Science (upto fall 2018 session)

Master of Science in Computer Science (upto Spring 2016 session)

Master of Science in Computer Science (upto Fall 2013 session)