Academic Catalog 2021–2022

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Online Master of Science in Computer Science

Overview

The online MS Computer Science Degree caters for the local, regional, and international markets.  The program ensures depth and breadth in fundamental computer science areas.  It is designed to attract working professionals who would like to refresh and/or advance their knowledge and skills especially with the rapid growth of the computer science discipline. It requires 18 credits in the core area that includes a practical project.  Moreover, it allows students to choose from four emphasis areas (3 specific and one general).   

Mission

The mission of the Computer Science program is to provide students with the ability to integrate the theory and practice of computing in the representation, processing, and use of information while upholding tradition of the liberal arts education.

Program Educational Objectives

The program aims to:

  1. prepare graduates for computer science related careers with advanced knowledge and expertise in the computing field,
  2. prepare graduates for postgraduate studies with the ability to conduct independent research in the computing field.

Admission Requirements

The requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The bachelor’s degree final cumulative GPA must be at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent. The candidate’s work history, and other personal qualities will be considered if the GPA requirement is not met.

In case a student’s bachelor’s degree is in an area not (directly) related to computing, then the student is required to take a semester long foundation course.

Curriculum

A total of 30 credits are required as follows:

  • Core Area Courses (18 credits)
  • Emphasis Area Courses (12 credits)

Core Area Courses (18 credits)

  • CSC612  Foundations of Computer Science (3 cr.)  
  • CSC616  Data Science (3 cr.)
  • CSC631  Advanced Database Systems (3 cr.)
  • CSC694  Software Quality Assurance (3 cr.)
  • CSC696  Fundamentals of Computer Networks (3 cr.)
  • CSC699  Project (3 cr.)

Emphasis Area Courses (12 credits)

Choose any 12 credits from the courses below:

Emphasis 1 – Computer Networks

  • CSC636  Networks Security (3 cr.) (cross listed with Secure Computing)
  • CSC634  Network Programming (3 cr.)
  • CSC635  Internet of Things (3 cr.)
  • CSC637  Pervasive Computing and Wireless Networking (3 cr.) or
  • CSC688  Advanced Topics in Computer Networks (3 cr.)

Emphasis 2 – Artificial Intelligence

  • CSC613  Deep Learning for Natural Language Processing (3 cr.)
  • CSC615  Machine Learning (3 cr.)
  • CSC624  Data Mining (3 cr.)
  • CSC660  Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques (3 cr.) or
  • CSC688  Advanced Topics in Artificial Intelligence (3 cr.)

Emphasis 3 – Secure Computing

  • CSC633  Ethical Hacking, Defenses and Penetration Testing (3 cr.)
  • CSC636  Networks Security (3 cr.)
  • CSC638  Digital Forensics (3 cr.)
  • CSC639  Secure System Modeling and Engineering (3 cr.) or
  • CSC688  Advanced Topics in Secure Computing (3 cr.)