Computer and Information Sciences, M.S.

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Program Requirements

Credit Hours: 33
At least 11 credit hours at each institution

Required Courses

Complete an emphasis

Students will complete an emphasis in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or cybersecurity.

Computer Science Emphasis

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

CSIS 612 Advanced Computer Architecture (3)
CSIS 614 Advanced Operating Systems (3)
CSIS 616 Automata Theory (3)
CSIS 618 Programming Languages (3)
CSIS 632 Data Communications and Networking (3)
CSIS 638 Implementation of Database Management Systems (3)
CSIS 674 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (when topic is approved by program director)
CSIS 691 Independent Study (3) (when topic is approved by program director)

Information Systems Emphasis

Complete 9 credits from the following:

CSIS 631 Principles of Computer Security (3)
CSIS 632 Data Communications and Networking (3)
CSIS 638 Implementation of Database Management Systems (3)
CSIS 659 Service-Oriented Computing (3)
CSIS 672 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (when topic is approved by program director)
CSIS 691 Independent Study (3) (when topic is approved by program director)

Software Engineering Emphasis

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

CSIS 603 Object-Oriented Design Patterns (3)
CSIS 634 Project Change and Management (3)
OR
CSIS 635 Fundamentals of Agile Project Management (3)
CSIS 654 Software Requirements Analysis and Specifications (3)
CSIS 656 Software Systems Design and Implementation (3)
CSIS 657 Embedded Systems Design (3)
CSIS 658 Software Testing and Maintenance (3)
CSIS 659 Service-Oriented Computing (3)
CSIS 672 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (when topic is approved by program director)
CSIS 691 Independent Study (3) (when topic is approved by program director)

Cybersecurity Emphasis

Complete 9 credit hours from the following:

CSIS 631 Principles of Computer Security (3)
CSIS 632 Data Communications and Networking (3)
CSIS 641 Advanced Cybersecurity (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (when topic is approved by program director)
CSIS 691 Independent Study (3) (when topic is approved by program director)

Thesis Options

Complete one of the following options:

Project Thesis Option

Complete CSIS 698 Project Thesis (3) and 9 additional credit hours from CSIS 600:691.

The project thesis option requires a proposal for project approval. Proposals must be approved by both the program director and the thesis advisor.

For any project thesis with a duration that extends into additional semesters, including the summer, students are required to register for continuous research enrollment hours. Continuous research enrollment hours do not satisfy elective credit hours.

Research Thesis Option

Complete 6 credit hours of CSIS 699 Research Thesis (3) and 6 additional credit hours from CSIS 600:691.

The research thesis option requires a proposal for project approval. Proposals must be approved by both the program director and the thesis advisor.

For any research thesis with a duration that extends into additional semesters, including the summer, students are required to register for continuous research enrollment hours. Continuous research enrollment hours do not satisfy elective credit hours.

Non-Thesis Option

Complete 12 credit hours from CSIS 600:691

Transfer Credit Policy

An applicant or student of the M.S. in Computer and Information Sciences program can seek approval from the Joint Program Committee to accept up to nine transfer credit hours. These courses must have a grade of B or higher, and can count toward the M.S. in Computer and Information Sciences degree requirements. Courses with a grade of “Pass” or “Satisfactory” will not be accepted.