Graduate Programs
Computer Science
Degree Offered:
Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, M.S.
Coordinator: Ken Chen
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
The object of the computer science program leading to the Master
of Science degree is to provide advanced skills and knowledge
in the planning, design, implementation, testing, and management
of computer systems. These skills are necessary for dealing with
the problems encountered in business, industry, and governmental
computer applications; for holding administrative or engineering
positions requiring the planning and implementation of computer
systems; for teaching computer science; and/or for further study
in computer science, in particular, for doctoral study.
The primary areas of interest are artificial intelligence and
its applications, computer engineering, database design and implementation,
distributed systems, operating systems, and theoretical computer
science.
Minor in Operations Research. The department of Computer
Science participates in the program leading to an interdisciplinary
graduate minor in Operations Research. See Operations Research
Section of this Catalog for complete information and
program requirements.
Admission Requirements. In addition to the general requirements
for admission to the graduate school the following are required
for graduate study in Computer Science:
- Evidence of satisfactory undergraduate preparation, with an
overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 (on
a 4.0 scale) and a grade point average of at least 3.0 on the
last 60 hours attempted.
- A background in mathematics to include at least two semesters
of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, and one semester
of discrete structures.
- A working knowledge of two high-level computer languages, at
least one of which is procedural; an assembly language; computer
data structures; computer architecture/organization; and familiarity
with computer applications. Such knowledge is usually manifested
by completion of university coursework with a GPA of at least
3.0.
- Submission of satisfactory scores on the Aptitude Portion of
the Graduate Record Examination. (The advanced test in Computer
Science is not required, but may be submitted for consideration.)
- Individuals who have worked at a high professional level in
the computer industry may be able to substitute work experience
for specific subject area admission requirements. Approval of
such substitution is at the discretion of the Computer Science
Department.
- Students with special backgrounds who do not meet all of the
above requirements may be considered for admission on a conditional
basis. Any such conditions will be clearly stated and agreed to
before admission is completed.
Degree Requirements. Candidates for the Master of Science
degree in Computer Science have the option of : (a) completing
30 semester hours of coursework, writing an expository essay,
and passing a comprehensive examination; or (b) completing 24
hours of coursework, writing a thesis for six hours of credit,
and passing a comprehensive examination. Either option can be
completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
All students are required to complete or have the equivalent of
CSCI 5102, 5112, 6114 , and CPGR 5141 for a total of 12 semester
hours. Each student will select with his or her academic adviser
12 to 18 semester hours of additional coursework to meet program
requirements/ career goals.
A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred
from other institutions.
Comprehensive Examination. All Computer Science master's
students are required to pass a written comprehensive examination.
The examination covers the following core areas: algorithms and
data structures, computer organization and architecture, and programming
languages. The examination is given twice a year in March and
October. A student is allowed to repeat the examination only once.
Failure on the comprehensive examination a second time results
in the student's removal from the program.
Graduate Assistantships. Graduate teaching and research
assistantships are available to qualified students on a competitive
basis. The deadline for graduate teaching assistantship applications
is March 31 for the following academic year.
[Graduate Programs]