University of Washington

Professional Masters Degree Program
in Computer Science & Engineering


An Overview

As one component of its 1996 supplemental budget request, the University of Washington proposed to introduce a new Masters degree program in Computer Science & Engineering -- a program designed for active professionals at the forefront of the region's burgeoning information technology industry who wish to further their educational, professional, and business goals.

The program will be offered by UW's internationally renowned Department of Computer Science & Engineering. It will complement the department's existing educational programs: a Bachelors program in Computer Science, a Bachelors program in Computer Engineering, and full-time on-campus Masters and Doctoral programs. Key features of the new program include:

  • The program is made accessible to active professionals in several ways: it is part-time; it is offered through a unique mix of distance learning and evening courses; it is designed to employ Internet technology and corporate and personal computing resources.

  • The program takes direct advantage of UW's outstanding faculty, students, and programs in Computer Science & Engineering, as well as of the large and increasing number of world-class information technology R&D leaders now working in Washington State.

  • The program addresses a critical requirement for building a highly competitive 21st century economy for Washington State: helping our leadership information technology companies recruit the very best people, and keep them at the forefront of this fast-moving field.

  • The program builds upon and strengthens existing partnerships between UW Computer Science & Engineering, UW Computing & Communications, UW Educational Outreach, and many high- technology companies and organizations.

    The Need

    Washington State has one of the fastest growing information technology industry segments in the world. And even companies in other industry segments depend heavily upon state-of-the-art information technology to produce and market their products and to keep their organizations competitive.

    Washington's companies hire large numbers of first-rate young practitioners, from the University of Washington and from across the nation. After a period in industry, often with a deep but narrow technical focus, many of these individuals want to ensure that they remain up-to-date in this broad and fast-moving field. The UW CSE professional Masters program is designed with these individuals in mind, and is planned in a way that lets them complete their studies while continuing to work.

    The program's unique approach of mixing evening courses with distance learning courses is crucial for meeting students' needs. First, this demanding industry places enormous pressures on its employees. Missing a deadline by even a few weeks can cause significant drops in market share for some classes of products, so maximizing options is essential. Second, for students to fully benefit from UW CSE's expertise demands personal interaction. But requiring conventional classes throughout the curriculum would be unnecessary, would discourage students from entering the program, and would not take advantage of the ever-improving technology for distance learning.

    The program will make it easier for Washington companies to compete nationally for the all-too-small number of cutting-edge information technology professionals, because these individuals will be able to join our companies without compromising their ability to get an excellent graduate education in the medium term. The program also will help Washington companies to retain -- and strengthen -- their best mid-level professionals.

    The University of Washington Department of Computer Science & Engineering -- ranked among the top ten programs in the nation -- will provide active information technology professionals with the forefront education that they require.

    The UW CSE professional Masters program is an important investment in the future of our state.

    For Further Information

    Send email to masters@cs.washington.edu

    Brief background on the UW Department of Computer Science & Engineering
    UW Department of Computer Science & Engineering home page
    CSE Professional Masters program home page