Computer Science
Degree: M.S.
Department: Computer Science
College: Science & Technology

The Department of Computer Science offers the M.S. degree in computer science, which consists of 33 semester hours of approved course work, with at least 15 semester hours at the 6000 level. A student's degree program may also contain a maximum of 6 semester hours at the 4000 level in courses approved in advance by the student's advisor.

This program comprises two options. The computer science option provides advanced course work and research opportunities in both theoretical and applied computer science. The software engineering option provides instruction in advanced concepts in software engineering, including software specification, design, verification, and validation.

A thesis is optional. Students writing a thesis may be permitted to include academic credit for research and thesis in their program. An examination and oral defense of the thesis will be required.

Course descriptions are listed alphabetically by prefix at Course Listings/Descriptions.

In addition to the general University requirements, students seeking the M.S. degree in computer science must meet the following admissions and degree requirements.

COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION
Students pursuing this option must hold an undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related field and have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to general University requirements, students seeking a degree in this option must achieve an overall score on the GRE (verbal and quantitative) of 1100, with a minimum of 450 in each of the two sections.

A candidate may elect either a thesis or a project. Candidates writing a thesis may be awarded 9 semester hours of credit for thesis research. Candidates not writing a thesis must take a 3 semester hours project course.
Prerequisites
CDA 4313 Microprocessor Systems II 3
COP 3530 Data Structures 3
COP 4020 Programming Languages 3
COP 4610 Computer Operating Systems 3
COT 4420 Theory of Computation 3
MAD 2104 Discrete Mathematics for Information Science 3
STA 4321 Introduction to Mathemtaical Statistics I 3

Major Requirements (33 sh)
CDA 6158 Advanced Computer Architecture 3
COP 5025 Programming Languages 3
COP 6611 Advanced Computer Operating Systems 3
COT 5405 Analysis of Algorithms 3
COT 5315 Theory of Computation 3
Major Electives (chosen in consultation with advisor according
to area of emphasis) 18

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 non-technical 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 Systems I 3
    COP 4020 Programming Languages 3
    COP 4610 Computer Operating Systems 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 2104 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; or
    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 Engineering Management 3
    CEN 6064 Software Design 3
    CEN 6070 Software Verification & Validation 3
    CEN 6075 Software Specification 3
    Choose one:
    CEN 6015 Software Engineering Project 6
    CIS 6971 Thesis 6

An additional 15 semester hours of major courses is to be chosen in consultation with the advisor. Nine of these hours must be 5000-6000 graduate level computer science courses. The remaining six hours may be free electives.
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Adrienne Turner
Enrollment Services
June 13, 1997