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
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
221. AI Principles & Techniques 224N. Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning 229. Machine Learning |
Percy Liang Chris Manning Emma Brunskill |
Program Sheets AI Lab Bio-X |
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 |
Program Sheets Bio-X Helix Group |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
155. Computer and Network Security 255. Introduction to Cryptography 144. Introduction to Computer Networking |
Program Sheets Security Lab High-Performance Networking Group |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
147. Introduction to HCI Design 247. Interaction Design Studios |
Program Sheets HCI Group CSLI |
Information Management and Analytics
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
245. Database Systems Principles 246. Mining Massive Data Sets 276. Information Retrieval and Web Search |
Jure Leskovec Matei Zaharia |
Program Sheets InfoLab |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
223A. Robotics |
Program Sheets Graphics Lab Bio-X |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
243. Program Analysis and Optimizations 265. Randomized Algorithms and Probabilistic Analysis |
Monica Lam Greg Valiant |
Program Sheets Theory Group Security Lab |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
190. Software Design Studio |
Dawson Engler Nick McKeown John Ousterhout |
Program Sheets HPNG InfoLab |
Sample Classes | Sample Profs | More Resources |
154. Introduction to Automata and Complexity Theory 261. Optimization and Algorithmic Paradigms |
Program Sheet Theory Group Security Lab |