Purpose
The main objective of the M.S. Concentration Option is to expose students to state-of-the-art concepts and techniques in the areas of web services, graphics and animation, database technologies, software testing and verification, system security and the infrastructure of modern computer information systems.
Program Description
A total of ten (four core and six elective) courses is the minimum for obtaining an M.S. degree in Computer Science with any of the following concentrations:
Concentration Coordinator Information Sciences (IS) Dr. Jonathan Hodgson Graphics and Visualization (GV) Dr. Betul Atalay, Dr. George Grevera, Dr. Susanna Wei Software Engineering (SE) Dr. Stephen Cooper System Security and Management (SSM) Dr. Jonathan Hodgson, Suzan Köknar-Tezel Web and Database Technologies (WDBT) Dr. Babak Forouraghi
Of the ten courses, a maximum of two courses may be for an approved research project.
Requirements for Four Core Courses
Students take the following two required core courses during their first and second semesters, respectively:
The two elective core courses are taken from the following list:
- CSC 4035: Computer Systems
- CSC 4045: Theory of Computation
- CSC 4055: Computer Architecture
- CSC 5105: Software Engineering
- CSC 5225: Database Systems
- CSC 5805: Artificial Intelligence
- CSC 5815: Programming Paradigms
The core courses require that a student must earn a grade of B or better.
Requirements for Six Elective (Concentration) Courses
Students who do not need prerequisite courses take four courses from the same concentration plus any other two CSC courses numbered 5000 and above to receive a specialized M.S. degree from that concentration:
Software Engineering (SE)
The Software Engineering option aims at providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills relating to SE processes, models, reliability, verification and testing methods, CASE tools, and new SE-related development concepts and paradigms. Students will be prepared for careers in the areas of design, development, analysis, and testing and verification of large software systems.
Web & Database Technologies (WDBT)
The Web & Database Technologies option exposes students to the XML technologies and Web services that are fast becoming the basis for virtually all Web-based and database-centric applications, coupled with datamining and data warehousing, and Web security. Students will be prepared for careers in Web and database management, Web security, and declarative data preprocessing in distributed and heterogeneous computing environments.
- CSC 5205: Internet Application Development
- CSC 5215: Networks and Distributed Systems
- CSC 5225: Database Systems
- CSC 5235: Data Communications and Networking
- CSC 5245: Advanced Database Concepts
- CSC 5255: Cryptography and Network Security
- CSC 5265: Web Technologies
- CSC 6015: Research I
- CSC 6025: Research II
Graphics & Visualization (GV)
The Graphics & Visualization option exposes students to state-of-the-art graphics, 3D animation, and gaming technologies. Students will be prepared for careers in the areas of computer art and animation, creative design, and scientific simulation and visualization.
System Security and Management (SSM)
The System Security and Management option provides the necessary background for managing the security of modern computer systems by introducing students to the most recent security theories and technologies. Students will be prepared for positions in network and computer systems security management.
Information Sciences (IS)
The Information Sciences option builds a strong technical understanding of modern information systems. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of information systems to the organization as well as understanding the underlying technical requirements of the design, implementation, and maintenance of the system. This program will prepare students for highly technical managerial positions.
- MBA 4115: Creating and Measuring Shareholder Value
- MBA 4535: Empowering Human Potential at Work
- MBA 4415: Emerging Technology and E-business
- DSS 5045: Case Studies in Information Resource Management
IS concentration students whose business background is deficient may be required to take one or both of the following in addition to any mathematics or computer science prerequisite courses required: MBA 3115 Accounting Concepts, MBA 3515 Managing Work Organizations.
Typical Program of Study For Qualified Students Not in Need of Prerequisites
Year/Semester Fall Spring Year One Required Core 1
Elective
Elective
Required Core 2
Elective
Elective
Year Two Elective Core 3
Elective
Elective
Elective Core 4
Note: Students wishing to graduate in 1.5 years may do so by taking four courses during their last fall semester.
Typical Program of Study For Students Not in Need of All Prerequisites
Year/Semester Fall Spring Year One CSC 3405/3605
Elective
Required Core 1
Elective
Elective
Year Two Required Core 2
Elective
Elective
Elective Core 3
Elective Core 4
Elective
Note: Students who do not meet prerequisites requirements may also need to take CSC 3675.