University of Nevada, Reno

How this program compares

Benchmark this program against our national recognition pages and use the key guides below to evaluate ROI, admissions difficulty, and outcomes.

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or closely related field required. Minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 undergraduate credits) required. Prerequisites: calculus through multivariable calculus, linear algebra, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics, and programming in C++ or Java. GRE General Test: verify current requirement with the department; many CS programs have suspended the requirement. International applicants: TOEFL 61 iBT or IELTS 6.0 minimum. Fall deadline: February 1 (priority); Spring deadline: September 1.

About This Program

The University of Nevada, Reno's MS in Computer Science and Engineering is offered at a Carnegie R1 research university in a rapidly growing technology market. Reno has attracted significant investment from data center operators (Switch, Apple, Google), logistics technology firms (Amazon, Tesla Gigafactory), and gaming technology companies. The department's research specializations in autonomous systems, bioinformatics, and cybersecurity are directly relevant to Nevada's emerging technology economy. The program serves both full-time research-bound students via its thesis track and career-focused professionals via the coursework track.

Career Outcomes

Thesis or coursework-track MS in Computer Science and Engineering at University of Nevada, Reno with research strengths in AI, robotics, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and biomedical informatics—located in a growing technology hub with gaming, mining-tech, and logistics AI employers.

• 1. Software Engineer
• 2. ML / AI Engineer
• 3. Robotics / Autonomous Systems Engineer
• 4. Data Scientist
• 5. Cybersecurity Engineer

What You'll Learn

• Complete 30 credits covering algorithms, systems, and specialized applications in AI, robotics, or cybersecurity.
• Choose electives in machine learning, computer vision, autonomous systems, NLP, or biomedical informatics.
• Conduct faculty-supervised thesis research (thesis track) or pass a comprehensive examination (non-thesis track).
• Build industry connections in Nevada's growing data center, logistics technology, and gaming AI sectors.

Curriculum Highlights

The MS in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno is offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering in Reno, NV. The program requires 30 credit hours for the thesis track (24 course credits + 6 thesis credits, CPE/CS 797) or 30 course-only credits for the non-thesis coursework track plus a comprehensive examination. Core requirements include graduate-level courses in algorithms, computer architecture or operating systems, and an approved breadth distribution covering theory, systems, and applications. Elective specializations span machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, robotics and autonomous systems, natural language processing, cybersecurity, database systems, biomedical informatics, and high-performance computing. The department hosts active research labs in autonomous systems, bioinformatics, and secure computing. Catalog: catalog.unr.edu.

Top Employers

Switch (data center operations), Tesla Gigafactory Nevada, Amazon Fulfillment Technology, IGT (International Game Technology), Nevada state government technology agencies, regional healthcare information technology; verify current recruiting through UNR Career Studio.

Admissions

Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or closely related field required. Minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 undergraduate credits) required. Prerequisites: calculus through multivariable calculus, linear algebra, data structures and algorithms, discrete mathematics, and programming in C++ or Java. GRE General Test: verify current requirement with the department; many CS programs have suspended the requirement. International applicants: TOEFL 61 iBT or IELTS 6.0 minimum. Fall deadline: February 1 (priority); Spring deadline: September 1.

Application Materials

• Official Transcripts: Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (research interests and professional goals)
• Letters of Recommendation: Three required
• CV/Resume: Required
• GRE General: Verify current status with department
• English Proficiency: TOEFL 61+ iBT or IELTS 6.0+ for international applicants
• Application: Via UNR Graduate School portal

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's in CS, CE, or related; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisites: Calculus, linear algebra, data structures, algorithms, discrete math
• GRE/GMAT: Verify current policy
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants (TOEFL 61+ iBT)