Program Description
This program is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the major areas in the discipline and in-depth specialization in at least one area. Course offerings stress the principles and problem solving methodology required by computing professionals working in industry, business and education. Areas of specialization are:
- Programming Languages
- Operating Systems and Computer Architecture
- Theoretical Computer Science
- Data and File Structures
- Systems Science
Admissions Criteria
Some computer science background is required for admission to the program. However, students with an insufficient background may amend this deficiency by taking designated bridge courses. These courses are intended to provide students with fundamental knowledge in mathematics and computer science as appropriate and serve to prepare students for advanced coursework. Although some students may be advised to take up to five bridge courses, only two of these may be counted toward the elective component of the degree requirements. The use of bridge courses allows students with technical backgrounds other than computer science to complete their graduate program within a reasonable period of time.
Depth of understanding in the student's program of study is acquired through completion of core courses and electives, appropriately chosen from the graduate catalog.
Graduate Course DescriptionsA total of 33 graduate credit hours are required to complete the M.S. degree. The program also requires a thesis or project (6 credits and 3 credits, respectively, toward the 33 credit total). Many of the graduate courses require a mathematics background that includes one or more of Calculus, Probability and Statistics, Discrete Mathematics, and Linear Algebra. An adequately prepared student may take up to two graduate courses while in undergraduate standing and, in some cases, count them toward the M.S. degree program.
Degree RequirementsDirect any questions about the program to: Ronald Sarner, Department Chair.