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School of Computing

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Computing includes the design and development of software and hardware systems and the study of how people and organizations use and benefit from these systems.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures as a student in SoC can be found in the Clemson University Catalog and the SoC Graduate Handbook. For the BDSI Ph.D. program, please see the BDSI Ph.D. Graduate Handbook.

MSCS and MAC Assessment

Students in class at the Charleston campus.

Build the Foundation for Success in Computer Science

As you prepare for advanced study in computer science, an important step is reflecting on how your skills have developed and how you approach solving complex problems with technology. Prior to submitting your GS2 Plan of Study, students compile a small portfolio of work from their coursework that highlights their progress in core areas of computational thinking.

Demonstrating Your Growth as a Computational Problem Solver

This portfolio includes three assignments, each connected to a key Student Learning Outcome, and a brief reflection on what you learned from the experience. The process is designed not only to demonstrate your technical abilities, but also to help you think critically about how your skills are evolving and where you want to grow next.

The Computer Science M.S. program focuses on three core abilities that form the foundation for advanced study and professional success:

  • Framing real-world challenges as computational problems that can be addressed using computing methods.
  • Evaluating different computational approaches, such as algorithms or software tools, to determine the most effective solution.
  • Applying reasoning and technical skills to solve complex problems with increasing independence.

Your submission is evaluated based on how well each assignment connects to these learning outcomes and how thoughtfully you reflect on your development as a problem solver. The goal is not perfection; it’s growth. Even assignments where you identify areas for improvement are valuable, especially when your reflection demonstrates how you plan to strengthen those skills moving forward.

This reflective process helps ensure that students entering advanced computer science study are building the confidence, problem-solving mindset, and technical foundation needed to succeed in graduate-level work and beyond.

Your GS2 will not be approved until after the M.S. Assessment has been submitted and reviewed. This may take up to 3-5 business days. Please see Graduate Student Deadlines for current GS2 deadlines and plan accordingly.

Visit the Assessment form to begin the process.

NOTE: Office 365 login is required to access the assessment. Please sign in using your Clemson email address (username@clemson.edu), NOT your Google Workspace for Education email address (username@g.clemson.edu).

Apply Now

Computing includes the design and development of software and hardware systems and the study of how people and organizations use and benefit from these systems.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures as a student in SoC can be found in the Clemson University Catalog and the SoC Graduate Handbook. For the BDSI Ph.D. program, please see the BDSI Ph.D. Graduate Handbook.