Software Engineering Option
Students pursuing this option should hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field. Other degree areas are acceptable if the applicant has work experience in programming systems of significant size and diversity. Students possessing an undergraduate degree in a nontechnical field will be required to take an extensive sequence of computer science undergraduate courses which will not be credited as part of their graduate program.

A candidate may elect either a thesis or a project.

Prerequisites
Prerequisites for each student will be determined at an initial counseling session with a faculty advisor. Three basic proficiencies must be established:

1. Computer Science Background: Proficiency in three of the following four areas. Proficiency may be demonstrated by either a grade of "B" or better in the course listed (or a similar course) or by passing a special competency exam in the subject.

   CDA 3310	Microprocessor Sys I	. . . . .	3
   COP 4020	Prog Languages	. . . . .	3
   COP 4610	Com Operating Sys	. . . . .	3
   COT 4420	Theory of Computation	. . . . .	3

2. Advanced Programming Skills: Demonstrated advanced programming skills using encapsulated data structures and modern languages. This requirement may be satisfied by either MAD 3104 and COP 3530 or COP 5533.
3. Written Communication Skills: Demonstrated basic proficiency in English communication by satisfying one of the two conditions noted below:
   1. score of 500 or greater on the verbal portion of the GRE;
   2. satisfying the college writing requirement.
   The writing proficiency requirement will be waived for foreign students whose native language is not English.
   Advisors will require students to satisfy all three requirements as early as possible in their graduate programs.

   Major Requirements (33 sh)
   CEN 6055	Software Eng Mgmt	. . . . .	3
   CEN 6064	Software Design	. . . . .	3
   CEN 6070	Softw Verif/Valid	. . . . .	3
   CEN 6075	Softw Specificatn	. . . . .	3
   Choose one:
   CEN 6015	Softw Eng Project	. . . . .	V
   CIS 6971	Thesis	. . . . .	V

   An additional 15 semester hours of major courses is to be chosen in consultation with the advisor. Nine of these hours must be 50006000 graduate level computer science courses. The remaining six hours may be free electives.

SYSTEMS AND CONTROL ENGINEERING PROGRAM
In addition to the University graduate admission requirements (see p. 27), the student must hold a bachelor's degree in computer science (systems and control engineering program), or in a related engineering or science discipline, or have comparable industrial or directly applicable work experience. Typical backgrounds for students interested in pursuing this option would include the systems and control engineering undergraduate program, engineering, physics, and applied mathematics. Candidates writing a thesis may substitute 6 semester hours of thesis research for CDA 6173 and one elective course. No new students are being admitted to this program.

Students without prerequisite knowledge of feedback control systems must take CEN 5655 as an elective in their program. Students without prerequisite knowledge of real-time design and computer interfacing must take CEN 5205.