Computer Science
Degree: 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.
Additional Admission Requirements. In addition to the general requirements for admission to the graduate school the following are required for graduate study in Computer Science:
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1. 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. |
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2. A background in mathematics to include at least two semesters of calculus, one semester of linear algebra, and one semester of discrete structures. |
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3. A working knowledge of two high-level programming languages, an assembly language; computer data structures; computer architecture/organization; at least one of which is procedural; and familiarity with computer applications. Such knowledge is usually manifested by completion of university coursework with a GPA of at least 3.0. |
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4. 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.) |
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5. 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. |
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6. 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 or career goals.
A maximum of six semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred from
other institutions.
Comprehensive Examination. Successful
completion of a written comprehensive examination is required. 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.
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