As an MSCS student, you must choose one of nine predefined specializations. There is some overlap between the different specializations, as some courses can be applied to more than one specialization.
You’re not bound at all by the initial "interest" you list on your application, and you can switch specializations at any time. To do this, just complete a new program sheet and have your advisor approve it.
Note: The lists of "sample" classes, professors, and research groups is in no way exhaustive. Also not all of the sample classes are required.
Remote HCP students: Only the AI and Systems specializations can be completed entirely remotely; for the other specializations, you will need to come to campus for at least some of the classes.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biocomputation
- Computer and Network Security
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Management and Analytics
- Real-World Computing
- Software Theory
- Systems
- Theoretical Computer Science
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Artificial Intelligence includes the study of AI principles and techniques, as well as foundational material on topics such as logic, probability, and language. Topics in the AI concentration include knowledge representation and logical reasoning, robotics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling and inference, natural language processing, cognition, and applications in domains such as biology and text processing. Also consider: Real-World Computing, HCI, Theoretical CS |
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Biocomputation is an interdisciplinary specialization focusing on computational challenges and solutions in the biological and medical informatics application areas. Courses covering advanced algorithms, databases, networking, modeling and simulation, as well as those covering biocomputation, bioengineering, and medical informatics are included in this specialization. Also consider: Real-World Computing, Artificial Intelligence |
| Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
| 235. Computational Methods for Biomedical Image Analysis and Interpretation 273A. The Human Genome Source Code CS274. Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology |
Russ Altman Gill Bejerano Ron Dror Anshul Kundaje Stephen Montgomery James Zou |
Program Sheets Bio-X Helix Group |
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Provides students with an in-depth understanding of the current challenges facing computer scientists designing and developing secure, safety-critical systems. Course work includes networking and network security, advanced operating systems, cryptography, secure databases, etc. Also consider: Systems, Artificial Intelligence |
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How do you design for users? Is a keyboard and mouse the best we can do? Human-computer interaction spans interfaces from large wall-size computing down to handheld devices and invisible "ubiquitous computers". HCI teaches user-centered design thinking and methods for user studies. HCI research applies to areas like collaborative work, information visualization, and "tangible computing". Also consider: Real-World Computing, Systems, Artificial Intelligence |
| Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
| 147. Introduction to HCI Design 247. Interaction Design Studios |
Maneesh Agrawala |
Program Sheets HCI Group CSLI |
Information Management and Analytics
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Information Management and Analytics provides coverage of the principles underlying modern database and information management systems, as well as methods for mining massive data sets. The track spans topics ranging from developing applications for database and information systems; to system design, architecture, and management; to applying algorithms and techniques from data mining and machine learning to perform analyses over massive data sets. Related topics include distributed systems, networking, and security on the system side, as well as text mining, bioinformatics, web search, and social media on the applications side. Also consider: Systems, Theoretical CS |
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Real-World Computing lets you dabble in a little of everything, sharing coursework in common with each of the other specializations. Many people who want to focus on graphics choose Real-World Computing, because it is the only specialization that lets you count all our graphics courses toward your depth. It’s also a popular choice for people who want to study robotics. |
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How do you write secure code? How smart can you make a compiler? Software theory looks at properties of programming languages and applications to areas like security. This area is very similar to Theoretical Computer Science, but slightly more applied: in particular, ST students tend to take more systems-ish courses on programming languages, compilers, and databases. Also consider: Theoretical Computer Science, Systems, Artificial Intelligence |
| Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
| 243. Program Analysis and Optimizations 265. Randomized Algorithms and Probabilistic Analysis |
Alex Aiken Monica Lam Greg Valiant |
Program Sheets Theory Group Security Lab |
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Want to build an operating system? Or a router? The systems specialization is home to most of the "hard-core programming" classes that usually come to mind when you think of CS. But the challenges are bigger--designing the next-generation Internet backbone, managine ever-expanding datasets, and balancing security and privacy. Also consider: Real-World Computing, Software Theory, Artificial Intelligence |
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How do you find the most efficient and fair network topology? How do you make computers reason about logic? Theoretical CS looks at reactive systems, programming language theory, and algorithms. This specialization is very similar to Software Theory, but slightly more abstract. TCS students tend to take more courses in logic and formal methods. Also consider: Software Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Real-World Computing |
