Computer and Information Sciences, M.S.

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Program Requirements

33 credit hours
Optional thesis
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

The student will complete 9 credit hours from the following:

3 additional 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 638 Advanced Topics in Database Systems (3)
CSIS 674 Introduction to Computer Graphics (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (if subject matter is appropriate for the Computer Science emphasis as determined by the Joint-Committee for the MS-CSIS)

Information Systems Emphasis

Complete the following two courses:

6 additional credit hours from the following:

CSIS 634 Project Change and Management (3)
CSIS 636 Information Technology, Policy, Strategy, and Governance (3)
CSIS 638 Advanced Topics in Database Systems (3)
CSIS 659 Service-Oriented Computing (3)
CSIS 672 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (if subject matter is appropriate for the Information Systems emphasis as determined by the Joint Committee for the MS-CSIS)

Software Engineering Emphasis

The student will complete:

CSIS 656 Software Systems Design and Implementation (3)

One of the following:

6 additional credit hours from the following:

CSIS 634 Project Change and Management (3)
CSIS 654 Software Requirements Analysis and Specifications (3)
CSIS 658 Software Testing and Maintenance (3)
CSIS 657 Embedded Systems Design (3)
CSIS 659 Service-Oriented Computing (3)
CSIS 672 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
CSIS 690 Special Topics in Computing (3) (if subject matter is appropriate for the Software Engineering emphasis as determined by the Joint Committee for the MS-CSIS)

Cybersecurity Emphasis

The emphasis will consist of four courses:

Thesis Options

Complete one of the following options:

Project Thesis Option

Complete CSIS 698 Project Thesis (3) and 6 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 CSIS 699 Research Thesis (6) and 3 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 9 credit hours from CSIC 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.