Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.)

30 Hours

The Master of Science in Computer Science (M.S.C.S.) degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework for students possessing an accredited undergraduate degree in computer science. Those who have a degree in a closely related field like mathematics or engineering will be considered for admission based on their college work and an appropriately proposed plan of study. To be successful in the M.S.C.S. program, a student should have a background in mainstream computer science. This includes experience with procedural and OO programming languages (e.g., Ada, C, C++, Java, Pascal, or Smalltalk) and a background in computer architecture or assembly language, data structures, operating systems, software engineering and database, and related mathematics (e.g., mathematical logic, discrete mathematics, and calculus). A student who lacks experience in these areas may be admitted with deficiencies and required to take courses to remedy the deficiencies.

A graduate of the M.S.C.S. degree will:

1. Know and be able to demonstrate computer science principles in the use and development of software systems. These include abstraction, binding, encapsulation, algorithms, data information and knowledge, reuse, efficiency, creativity and innovation, and trade-offs and consequences.
2. Possess an advanced understanding of core computer science knowledge. This includes programming languages, data structures, algorithms, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, and internet technologies.
3. Be able to use advanced computer science skills in the use and development of software systems. These include problem solving, programming, software engineering and management processes, communication, team work, and learning.
4. Be able to apply a Christian worldview in the practice of computer science. This includes ethical decision making, using technology for good, using technology to serve others, and using their abilities in a vocation.
5. Be prepared for a career and/or vocation in computer science, especially in artificial intelligence.

12 HOURS COMPUTER SCIENCE FOUNDATION

• CMSC-5003 Foundations of Technology Ethics and Values
• CMSC-5343 Algorithm Analysis
• CMSC-5613 Object Oriented Software Engineering
• CMSC-5713 Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Emphasis

12 HOURS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

• CMSC-5723 Machine Learning
• CMSC-5753 Intelligent Systems
• CMSC-5763 Artificial Intelligence Project I
• CMSC-5773 Artificial Intelligence Project II

Cyber Security Emphasis

12 HOURS CYBER SECURITY

• CMSC-5653 Cloud Architecture and Security
• CMSC-5663 Network Forensics
• CMSC-5673 Computer Systems Risk Management
• CMSC-5683 Offensive Security and Penetration Testing

Data Science Emphasis

12 HOURS DATA SCIENCE

• CMSC-5353 Big Data Management
• CMSC-5363 Data Science Project I
• CMSC-5373 Data Science Project II
• CMSC-5723 Machine Learning

Software Engineering Emphasis

12 HOURS SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

• CMSC-5533 Software System Architecture
• CMSC-5633 Patterns of Object Oriented Systems
• CMSC-5733 Software Engineering Projects I
• CMSC-5743 Software Engineering Projects II

6 HOURS ELECTIVES CHOSEN FROM

• Choose 6 hours of 5000 level CMSC not already taken