A Master of Science in computer science from SMU is an advanced degree with practical applications.

Graduate programs

Master’s in computer science

Advance the future of computing

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Program format

In-person and online

Commitment

Full time or part time

Duration

Two years (full time);
Three years (part time)

Overview

SMU Lyle’s Master of Science in computer science with specializations in AI, cybersecurity or software engineering, is a practical degree that empowers students to not only build solutions that can change the world, but also as industry leaders who can communicate these ideas and solutions to a global audience.  

With a curriculum designed by expert faculty and experienced industry professionals, students benefit from a program rooted in real-world considerations. Developed with working professionals in mind, students have the opportunity to pursue their degree in person or online.

Specializations

100% Online AI specialization

Students will learn to implement effective AI and machine-learning solutions as well as develop the tools to mitigate challenges with AI.

M.S. computer science + SMU Cox MBA

Lyle master’s students can pursue their MBA simultaneously at Cox in this two-year program geared toward STEM students and professionals who desire to broaden their skillset.

Thinking Grad School? Think SMU.

Envisioning a brighter future? Think grad school at SMU, where you join a lifelong family network and see immediate returns on your educational investment. Take your new big step at SMU.

Student success

Future-proof your career with a master’s in computer science enhanced by a variety of specializations, including AI, cyber security and computer programming. Expertise in advanced technology solutions is in high demand across both public and private sectors.

This program prepares you to excel in the following areas and professions:

  • Software engineering
  • Full Stack engineering
  • DevOps
  • Machine learning engineer
  • Data engineer
  • Natural language processing engineer
  • Autonomous systems specialist
  • AI infrastructure architect

Top 20%

Best National Universities

U.S. News & World Report (2026)

$102,276

Average M.S. computer science graduate’s starting salary (​2023-2024)

Career Outcomes Dashboard

9:1

Graduate student-to-faculty ratio

Student stories

SMU computer science student Travis Pryor launches Focus Path AI to support focus and productivity for students with learning differences.

Travis Pyror ’26, ’27

SMU computer science student Travis Pryor launches Focus Path AI to support focus and productivity for students with learning differences – and anyone struggling to stay motivated. 

Angel Cuenca

Angel Cuenca ’22

He developed a quantum-powered platform for securing AI models against cyberattacks.

Admissions

Deadlines and details

Key dates and admissions information to help plan your application with confidence.

International students

All the essential admission requirements international students need to know.

Application questions

Find answers to Lyle application questions.

Additional links

Requirements

  1. Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts
  4. English language proficiency documentation (if applicable)
  5. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related discipline

All applications are holistically reviewed.

View all requirements

Ready to apply?

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition and costs

Explore the cost breakdown of tuition for graduate programs.

Financial aid

Find information on scholarships and financial support available at SMU.

Curriculum and learning

Featured courses

CS 7320

Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to using artificial intelligence to problem solve through search, logic, probabilistic reasoning and machine learning.

CS 7317

Leadership for Architecting Software Systems

Developing both personal leadership and software architecture skills with the goal of building large software systems or leading large teams.

CS 7346

Cloud Computing

Explores architectures for cloud computing and provides hands-on experience with virtualization technologies.

View course catalog

Outside the classroom

  • Centers and institutes

    Grow as an engineer with collectives that promote leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.

  • Maria Murad with friends in Jordan

    Internships

    Get practical experience to develop industry skills, build a professional network and gain valuable insights. Internships can open doors to future opportunities and contribute to long-term career success.

  • Clubs and organizations

    Explore interests, develop leadership skills and connect with like-minded peers.

  • SMU students working with plants at Bontham Family Farms

    Community engagement

    Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world issues while making a positive impact.

Research

Participate in graduate research opportunities and tackle real-world challenges that include applied machine learning and AI application domains.

Faculty

Our distinguished faculty are industry leaders and subject matter experts, bringing real-world experience and industry insights to the classroom. SMU Lyle maintains small class sizes, allowing students to develop meaningful mentorships with their professors.

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Dr Jia Zhang

Jia Zhang, Ph.D.

Inaugural Robert H. Dedman Jr. Endowed Department Chair and Professor
Theodore Manikas

Theodore Manikas, Ph.D.

Associate Chair of Computer Science Clinical Professor of Computer Science
Adel Alaeddini

Adel Alaeddini Ph.D.

O'Donnell Foundation Professor Co-Executive Director of Center for Digital and…
Ginger Alford Headshot

Ginger Alford, Ph.D.

Clinical Professor of Computer Science
davila carlos

Joe Camp, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
Headshot of Professor Corey Clark of SMU lyle.

Corey Clark, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science
Jennifer Dworak

Jennifer Dworak, Ph.D.

Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Professor of Computer Science (by…
A headshot of Maya El Dayeh, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty.

Maya El Dayeh, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Mehak Gupta Headshot

Mehak Gupta, Ph.D.

J. Lindsey Embrey Trustee Professor Assistant Professor of Computer Science

Michael Hahsler, Ph.D.

Michael Hahsler, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of Computer Science
LiGuo Huang Headshot

LiGuo Huang, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science
Labiba Jahan Headshot

Labiba Jahan, Ph.D

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Eric Larson Headshot

Eric Larson, Ph.D.

The Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professorship of Engineering Innovation Associate Professor of …
Headshot of David (King Ip) Lin, Ph.D. of SMU lyle.

David (King Ip) Lin, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor, Computer Science
A headshot portrait of Xiao Luo, Ph.D. at SMU Lyle School of Engineering in Dallas Texas

Xiao Luo, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Computer Science Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer…
A portrait headshot of Muhsin Menekse, professor at SMU Lyle in Dallas.

Muhsin Menekse, Ph.D.

Executive Director of the Caruth Institute for Engineering Education Texas Instruments…
Barbara Minsker

Barbara E. Minsker, Ph.D, P.E.

Bobby B. Lyle Endowed Professor of Leadership & Global Entrepreneurship Senior Fellow in …
A headshot of Sukumaran Nair, a member of the Lyle School of Engineering Faculty.

Sukumaran Nair

Vice Provost for Research and Chief Innovation Officer Professor of Electrical &…
K Periasamy Headshot

Kasilingam Periyasamy, Ph.D.

Program Director of Computer Science Graduate Program Clinical Associate Professor of…
Klyne Smith headshot

Klyne Smith, Eng.D.

Program Director of Datacenter Systems Engineering Graduate Program Clinical Associate…
A portrait photo of SMU Lyle faculty Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Himanshu Thapliyal, Ph.D.

Inaugural Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Quantum Informatics Professor
Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Mitchell Thornton, Ph.D.

Cecil H. Green Chair of Engineering Executive Director of Darwin Deason Institute for…
Jeff Tian headshot

Jeff Tian, Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science

A portrait of SMU Lyle Computer Science Faculty Chen Wang

Chen Wang, Ph.D.

O'Donnell Foundation INITIATIVE FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER…
Headshot of Professor Xie Xihao Phd of SMU lyle.

Xie Xihao, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dr Nurcan Yuruk

Nurcan Yuruk, Ph.D.

Clinical Associate Professor of Computer Science

Facilities

Faculty experts in cybersecurity lead the Darwin Deason Institute.

Darwin Deason Institute for Cyber Security

Advancing the science, policy, application and education of cyber security through basic and problem-driven interdisciplinary research.

SMU engineering students use state-of-the-art technology in the Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

Center for Digital and Human-Augmented Manufacturing

Combines research innovation and industry partnerships to explore how digital twins, AI, virtual reality and more will shape the future of manufacturing.

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Frequently asked questions

At SMU Lyle, students who earn an M.S. computer science degree gain practical skills they can immediately use, in a wide variety of computer science industries, as well as in the fields of engineering, economics, public policy, law and social sciences. Additionally, graduates of the program had an average starting salary of over $100,000 (2024).

According to SCI Journal, some of the highest-paying jobs in the computer science industry include software architects, data scientists and security engineers.

You can earn a master’s in computer science in two years. Degree requirements and course credits are explained in full detail in the computer science, M.S., course catalog.

Yes, you can earn a master’s of computer science online from SMU. Lyle Anywhere®, our flexible graduate learning platform, lets you customize your learning experience to fit your schedule with the ability to choose in-person, synchronous online or recorded classes.

Additionally, the master’s of computer science with AI specialization program is 100% online.

Students learn to implement effective AI and machine learning solutions and develop the tools to mitigate challenges with AI, with an emphasis on artificial neural networks and deep learning methods.

Yes, you can obtain an M.S. computer science without a B.S. computer science, but there are some requirements you must meet first:

  1. Able to write programs in a high-level language such as Java, C++, Python, etc.
  2. Demonstrate competence in six core areas of computer science. 

You’ll also need approval in writing from your advisor and department chair.

As AI continues to change the tech landscape as we know it, every industry will be affected and need experts ready to deliver effective AI and machine learning solutions; those industries include information technology, education, manufacturing, financial and many more.

Sample careers with an AI-focused computer science degree include machine learning/deep learning engineers, senior data scientists and computer vision engineers.

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