Information and Software Engineering
Web: ise.gmu.edu FacultyProfessors: Gomaa (chair), Jajodia, Kerschberg, Motro, Sandhu, Sibley Associate professors: Ammann, Barbara, Baum, Brodsky, Parisi-Presicce, Offutt Assistant professors: Domeniconi, Wijesekera, Wu Instructor: Bechtold Adjunct professors: Dinh, Duan, Hinchey, Lanman, Mills, Nidiffer, Obenland, Pettit, Schneider, Smith, Tudor, Wang, Webber Course WorkThe Department of Information and Software Engineering (ISE) offers courses designated INFS, ISA, and SWE in the "Course Descriptions" chapter of this catalog. Although there is no undergraduate degree program in information systems, courses are offered as electives in other programs. Students also may elect an information systems engineering emphasis in the systems engineering degree program. We also offer a BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems program, BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance program and a BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering program. See below for the descriptions. Graduate ProgramsBS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information SystemsThe BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems is for those students interested in immediately continuing their undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in information systems. Admission RequirementsStudents in the BS in Computer Science program can apply for the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.300. Criteria for admissions to the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems program are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in Information Systems program. Degree Requirements
Degrees ConferralStudents in the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems program may apply to have the BS in Computer Science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the BS in Computer Science requirements. At the completion of the MS in Information Systems requirements, a master's degree will be granted. BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering ProgramThe BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering program is for those students interested in immediately continuing their undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in software engineering. Admission RequirementsStudents in the BS in Computer Science program can apply for the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.300. Criteria for admissions to the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering program are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in Software Engineering program. Degree Requirements
Degrees ConferralStudents in the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering program may apply to have the BS in Computer Science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the BS in Computer Science requirements. At the completion of the MS in Software Engineering requirements, a master's degree will be granted. BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and AssuranceThe BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance program is for those students interested in immediately continuing their undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in information security and assurance. Admission RequirementsStudents in the BS in Computer Science program can apply for the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.300. Criteria for admissions to the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance program are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in Information Security and Assurance program. Degree Requirements
Degree ConferralStudents in the BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance program may apply to have the BS in Computer Science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the BS in Computer Science requirements. At the completion of the MS in Information Security and Assurance requirements, a master's degree will be granted. Information Systems, MSThe MS in Information Systems focuses on the underlying principles and practical issues associated with building computer-based information systems for modern organizations. Information is the lifeblood of every enterprise, both private and public, and the MS program addresses the theoretical and pragmatic aspects of specifying, designing, implementing, and deploying information systems. The program prepares students for professional practice and research in these areas. The MS program is unique in two respects: it provides a balance between the theoretical and practical aspects of information systems, and it accepts students with baccalaureate degrees in such disciplines as business, arts and sciences, computer science, and engineering. The MS student studies the core topics of operating systems, database management, computer communication networks and distributed applications, systems analysis and design, and information systems policy and administration. Through elective courses, the student acquires knowledge and skills in the areas of secure information systems; software engineering; information systems engineering; data engineering; knowledge engineering; information retrieval; decision support systems; user interface design; artificial intelligence; network management; and object-oriented analysis, design, and programming. An MS graduate may pursue a career in areas such as database administration, management and engineering, database application programming, systems analysis and design, information engineering, knowledge engineering, information security engineering, electronic commerce, network design and administration, systems integration, and the management of information systems. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students. Foundation RequirementsTo ensure that students have an adequate background in mathematical methods, computer technology, and business knowledge, the program requires the following five foundation courses, or their equivalents:
When a prospective student applies to the MS program, he or she is asked to fill out a departmental self-evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, the student is advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum. Students may "test out" to indicate that they have the requisite knowledge for those foundations of INFS 501, 515 and 590. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only to be present at the date, time, and location specified with some form of photographic identification. Detailed information is available on the ISE web page. Students failing any one of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses. Admission RequirementsEach applicant for the MS program must meet the following requirements:
AdvisingBefore the beginning of each semester, ISE holds an orientation meeting in January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and to offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the ISE web page. The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the Student Advising form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom the student may confer on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. The plan serves as a guide for the student. Degree RequirementsCompletion of the MS program requires a minimum of 30 approved graduate credits (10 courses). To provide a common background in the fundamentals of information systems, the following four courses are required of all students:
Students must also take one of the following two courses:
The research project is intended for research-oriented students who have discussed a project with an ISE graduate faculty member who has agreed to supervise the project. Electives In order for students to pursue their individual interests, they must select five elective courses. A list of pre-approved qualified electives is available from the department office. However, a student may choose other electives from offerings within IT&E with the consent of his or her faculty advisor. A thesis option is available; a student may elect to complete a thesis for up to 6 elective credits. Only two 500-level electives can be selected. Software Engineering, MSThe MS in Software Engineering provides specialized knowledge and experience in developing and modifying large, complex software systems. It emphasizes technical and management aspects of the software engineering process. Software engineering is an established discipline based on requirement analysis, design, construction, testing, maintenance, economics, and management issues of software engineering. A pragmatic approach to problem solving is the hallmark of a software engineer. Software engineers are concerned with the theoretical and practical aspects of technology, cost, and social impact of software systems that are both effective and efficient. Software engineers are in demand in every segment of society affected by computing technology. Potential employers include all software vendors and Internet-based companies, electronic business organizations, businesses that build and sell computers, research and development laboratories, aerospace companies, government contractors, banks, insurance companies, and manufacturing organizations. The master's program is concerned with both technical and managerial issues, but primary emphasis is placed on the technical aspects of building and modifying high quality software systems. Successful applicants have a broad variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including computer science, science and mathematics, engineering, liberal arts, and business. Many of our students are working or have worked in the software industry. The contents of the MS in Software Engineering program are revised on a regular basis to stay abreast of the latest developments in information technology. Recent additions to the program include software construction with the object-oriented Java programming language, requirements analysis with use cases and the Unified Modeling Language (UML), object-oriented software design with the UML, graphical user interface design, software engineering for the World Wide Web, software project management using the spiral life cycle model and the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), software architecture, design patterns, system testing and testing of object-oriented components, and formal methods using the Object Constraint Language (OCL). All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students. Foundation RequirementsStudents entering the MS program must have course work or equivalent knowledge in the following areas: a modern, block-structured programming language such as Java, Ada, C, C++ or Pascal; data structures and algorithms; machine organization (e.g., as given in computer system architecture or assembly language courses); and topics in discrete mathematics, including sets, relations, functions, trees, graphs, and inductive proofs. The level of knowledge required in these areas is equivalent to that taught in undergraduate courses, and may be achieved by taking the following foundation courses from George Mason:
In addition, it is desirable, though not required, that entering students have at least one year of work experience in building and/or modifying software systems. When a prospective student applies to the MS program, he or she is asked to fill out a departmental self-evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, the student is advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum. Students may "test out" to indicate that they have the requisite knowledge for those foundations of INFS 501, 515 and 590. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only to be present at the date, time, and location specified with some form of photographic identification. Detailed information is available on the ISE web page. Students failing any one of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses. Admission RequirementsIn addition to the general admission requirements of the university, each applicant to the MS program must meet the following minimum entrance requirements:
Acceptance into the MS program is based on an overall assessment of the applicant's ability to complete the program of study satisfactorily. Well-qualified students with minor deficiencies may be admitted to the program in provisional status, with specified course work to be completed within a specified time. AdvisingBefore the beginning of each semester, ISE holds an orientation meeting each January and August to advise incoming and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and to offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the ISE home page. The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the Student Advising Form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom the student confers on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. The plan serves as a guide for the student. Degree RequirementsThe MS in Software Engineering requires a minimum of 30 approved graduate credits (10 courses). The following six core courses (18 credits) are required:
In addition, students may choose between the professional option, consisting of four electives, or the research option, consisting of two electives and a 6-credit thesis, which is primarily intended for students planning to pursue a PhD with a concentration in software engineering. Electives Electives provide students the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in a selected area, to gain breadth of knowledge, or, by careful selection, to complete some of the core course requirements for the PhD program. A listing of approved qualified electives is available from the department office. However, students may choose other electives from offerings within IT&E with the consent of his or her faculty advisor. Only two 500-level electives can be selected. Information Security and Assurance, MSThe Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance program is designed to prepare graduates to fill the current and future need for information security and assurance professionals to work in a wide variety of capacities to protect the information systems of different types of organizations and to support the nation's information infrastructure. The objective of the MS degree provides students with the general and technical knowledge and skills to understand the relationship between information security and advanced information systems technology. It also provides a theoretical understanding of the science and methodologies for ensuring the secrecy and integrity of data and the availability and legitimate use of data and information systems. Students will develop core competencies in database and information systems, in operating systems and networks, and in software development. They will focus on the technical and management aspects of information security, examining ways to provide secure information processing systems by investigating operating systems security, distributed secure system architectures, database security, software applications security, security policies, secure e-commerce, network and distributed systems security, cryptography, and security protocols. Graduates of the program will be actively recruited by federal, state and local governments, and by the private sector. Typical employers include Internet-based companies, software companies, banks and insurance companies, and other organizations that depend heavily on the use of information technology. All classes are scheduled in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate employed students. Foundation RequirementsTo ensure that students have an adequate background in mathematical methods and computer technology, the program requires the following four foundation courses, or their equivalents:
When a prospective student applies to the MS program, he or she is asked to fill out a departmental self-evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, the student is advised of the necessary foundation courses to be satisfactorily completed to meet this requirement. Foundation courses do not earn credit toward the MS degree; however, they must be successfully completed with a grade of B or better before enrolling in the core curriculum. Students may "test out" to indicate that they have the requisite knowledge for those foundations of INFS 501, 515 and 590. The exams are given before classes begin in January and August, and can only be taken once. Registration is not required; students need only to be present at the date, time, and location specified with some form of photographic identification. Detailed information is available on the ISE web page. Students failing any one of the exams must take the equivalent course before enrolling in the core curriculum courses. Admission RequirementsEach applicant for the MS program must meet the following requirements:
AdvisingBefore the beginning of each semester, ISE holds an orientation meeting each January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and to offer advice concerning programs of study. Detailed information is available on the ISE home page. The department also provides an advising function to students, as outlined in the Student Advising form available from the department. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor with whom the student may confer on matters related to degree requirements. A plan of study form for the MS degree should be completed and submitted by the student soon after admission to the program. This serves as a planning guide for the student. Degree RequirementsCompletion of the degree program requires a minimum of 30 approved graduate credits (10 courses). To provide a common background in the fundamentals of information systems, the following two courses are required of all students:
To provide the fundamentals of information systems security and assurance, the following two courses are required of all students:
Electives In order for students to pursue their individual interests, they may elect six courses. At least four of these electives are to be chosen from the selection of information security courses (available from the department office) that provide in-depth knowledge in selected areas. The list includes:
The remaining two courses may be chosen from a list of pre-approved qualified electives available from the department office. A student may, however, choose other electives from courses offered within IT&E with the consent of his or her faculty advisor. A thesis option is available whereby a student may elect to complete a thesis for up to 6 elective credits. Certificate in Database ManagementThe graduate certificate program in database management provides students who are interested in this essential area with comprehensive coverage that includes theoretical foundations, practical experience and recent advances. The area of databases is considered by most experts to be a fundamental area of computer and information science. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from ISE. The form provides information concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:
Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply for the database management certificate program through the IT&E Graduate Admissions Office. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission to any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate students must complete five course in information systems and information technology with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study. To obtain the certificate, a student must take the following two compulsory courses:
Plus three courses from the list below:
Applicants may obtain more information by contacting ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. Certificate in Data MiningThe graduate certificate program in data mining is intended for people interested in the analysis and knowledge discovery from large and diverse data sources. The goal of the program is to study data mining concepts and successful applications. The certificate in data mining may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate programs in IT&E. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Additionally, applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from the ISE department. This form provides summary information concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:
Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason University should apply for the data mining certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply to the ISE department for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate students must complete five courses, at least one from three of the following groups, to obtain the certificate: Group I
Group II
Group III
Group IV
Certificate in Electronic CommerceThe Internet and World Wide Web are having significant impacts on the way people interact with each other, with government, and with business. The graduate certificate program in electronic commerce is intended for persons who are interested in the use of Internet-based technology by people, government, and industry. We are witnessing the emergence of e-tailing, e-government, e-business, and business-to-business applications that are transforming our society. The impact of electronic commerce is also being felt across international boundaries where it affects the management and administration of international business. The goal of the certificate program in electronic commerce is to study the concepts, tools, policies and underlying technology that enable Internet- and web-based applications. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program in electronic commerce must meet the following requirements before admission into the certificate program: 1. Possess a BS degree with a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits 2. Possess knowledge equivalent to the following three George Mason University courses, which are considered foundation courses:
3. Possess the equivalent knowledge of INFS 601, 612 and 614 or of SWE 619, 620 and 621, or the prerequisite courses required for the selected electives. Applicants are required to submit a brief (one- to two-page) statement of educational and work experience in the computing field. Applicants also need to complete a self-assessment form. This form provides summary information concerning background and preparation for the program. For those students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason, application for the electronic commerce certificate program is made through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission into any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate candidates must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study. To obtain the certificate a student must complete the following: 1. Two of the following courses for 6 credits:
2. Three additional courses for 9 credits from the following (note that the electives have been organized into concentrations, but students may mix and match elective courses subject to satisfying the course prerequisites): Information Security
Database Management
Internet Software Engineering
Health Medical Information Systems
* This course may be waived by a person with experience in health care systems management and permission of the instructor. E-commerce master's students who wish to obtain the certificate in electronic commerce should contact ISE for special instructions. Applicants may obtain more information by contacting ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. Certificate in Information EngineeringThe graduate certificate program in information engineering has been designed for persons who are involved in the specification, design, implementation, and management of data- and knowledge-intensive information systems. The certificate program prepares students for research, development, and professional practice in information engineering by providing a hands-on set of courses designed to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience with methods and tools associated with the areas of database management systems, data modeling, knowledge acquisition, data/knowledge representation, and information and software engineering. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Additionally, applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from ISE. This form provides summary in formation concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:
Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason University should apply for the information engineering certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate candidates must complete five courses with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 graduate credits. To obtain the certificate, a student must complete the following:
as well as one of the following:
Note: Students enrolled in the MS in Information Systems program may substitute SWE 620 for INFS 622 to obtain this certificate. Credit is not given for taking both INFS 622 and SWE 620; only 3 credits are awarded. Applicants may obtain more information by contacting ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. Certificate in Information Security and AssuranceThe graduate certificate program in information systems security is intended for persons who are interested in science and methods for ensuring secrecy, integrity, availability, and legitimate use of information systems. The certificate in information systems security may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate programs in IT&E. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Additionally, applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from ISE. This form provides summary information concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:
Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason University should apply for the information systems security certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate candidates must complete five courses with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 graduate credits. To obtain the certificate a student must complete the following: 1. INFS 601, 612, and 614, or their equivalents, with grades of B or better. This requirement can be waived if equivalent graduate courses have been previously completed. 2. ISA 662 Information Systems Security 3. Three additional courses from the following:
Items 2 and 3 must be completed with an average grade of B or better. Students in the MS in Computer Science program can substitute CS 697 Independent Reading and Research in the information security area for one of the courses in item 3. Prior approval of the specific independent study course should be obtained. Applicants may obtain more information by contacting ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. Certificate in Software EngineeringThe graduate certificate program in software engineering provides knowledge, tools, and techniques to those who are working in, or planning to work in, the field of software engineering, but who do not want to complete all the requirements for a master's degree in software engineering. The certificate in software engineering may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in IT&E. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the software engineering certificate program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Additionally, applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from ISE. This form provides summary information concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to the following undergraduate courses: structured programming in a modern programming language, data structures, discrete mathematics, and machine organization. The level of knowledge may also be achieved by taking the following foundation courses from George Mason:
In addition, it is desirable, but not necessary, for applicants to have at least one year of appropriate work experience in building and/or modifying software systems. Applicants are required to submit a brief (one- to two-page) statement of educational and work experience in the computing field that includes a statement of career goals in software engineering. Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply for the certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate candidates must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 graduate credits. To obtain the certificate, a student must complete the following: 1. SWE 619 Software Construction
2. Two additional courses (subject to satisfying prerequisites) from the following:
Note: Students enrolled in the MS in Information Systems program may substitute SWE 620 for INFS 622 to obtain this certificate. Credit is not given for taking both INFS 622 and SWE 620; only 3 credits are awarded. Computer science master's students who wish to obtain the certificate in software engineering should contact ISE for special instructions. Applicants may obtain more information by contacting the department in Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. Certificate in Web-Based Software EngineeringThe graduate certificate program in web-based software engineering provides knowledge, tools, and techniques to those who are working in, or plan to work in, the field of web and distributed software applications. Graduate students in IT&E may pursue a specialization in web-based software engineering leading to this certificate. Admission RequirementsApplicants to the certificate program must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.000 or better in the last 60 credits. Applicants must complete a self-assessment form, which can be obtained from ISE. The form provides information concerning background and preparation for the program. Each applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:
Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should apply for the web-based software engineering certificate program through the IT&E Graduate Admissions Office. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at George Mason should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission to any MS program. Certificate RequirementsCertificate students must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study. To obtain the certificate, a student must take the following three compulsory courses:
Plus one of the following courses in computer networks:
Plus one related course from the following:
Applicants may obtain more information by contacting ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640. PhD Study in Information Systems, Software Engineering and Information Security and AssuranceDoctoral study in information systems, software engineering and information security is available through the PhD in Information Technology program, which offers advanced courses in these disciplines. The doctoral program allows the student to take a broad range of courses and research options. The program is described in the information technology section immediately following. Students can specialize in various areas, including information systems, software engineering, and information security, as described below. Students can also pursue the PhD in Computer Science jointly offered by the Computer Science and Information and Software Engineering Departments. PhD Study in Information SystemsStudents may designate a concentration in information systems in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student would be "PhD in Information Technology with Concentration in Information Systems." Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title. RequirementsStudents seeking this concentration must satisfy all the requirements for the PhD in Information Technology degree. In addition, the following requirements must be met. Plan of StudyAll decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor/director, with the consent of ISE's doctoral coordinator. Doctoral Supervisory CommitteeThe dissertation director must be a faculty member of ISE or CS departments. The composition of the doctoral supervisory committee is to be approved by the ISE doctoral coordinator, ISE chair, and IT&E associate dean for graduate studies and research. Permission for the comprehensive examination and the dissertation defense are requested from the IT&E associate dean on the basis of a written request and plan that has been approved by the supervisory committee and the ISE doctoral coordinator. Qualifying ExaminationsTo satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying examinations designed to test a student's fundamental knowledge. The general IT PhD requirement is that each student must take four exams from three different master's programs. For the concentration in information systems: Two exams from the following:
Two exams from software engineering, computer science, and statistical science (at most one exam may be taken from each of these three master's programs): Software Engineering
Computer Science
Statistical Science
Restrictions:
Advanced Emphasis RequirementFor students specializing in information systems, at least 18 of the 24 credits in the advanced emphasis requirement must be taken as follows: At least 12 credits from Group A:
The remaining 6 credits from Groups B and C:
Proposed lists in these 3 groups are listed below:
PhD Study in Information Security and AssuranceStudents may designate a concentration in information security in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student would be "PhD in Information Technology with Concentration in Information Security." Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title. RequirementsStudents seeking this concentration must satisfy all the requirements for the PhD in Information Technology degree. In addition, the following requirements must be met. Plan of StudyAll decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor/director, with the consent of ISE's doctoral coordinator. Doctoral Supervisory CommitteeThe dissertation director must be a faculty member of IT&E. The composition of the doctoral supervisory committee is to be approved by the ISE doctoral coordinator, ISE department chair, and IT&E associate dean for graduate studies and research. Permission for the comprehensive examination and the dissertation defense are requested from the IT&E associate dean on the basis of a written request and plan that has been approved by the supervisory committee and the ISE doctoral coordinator. Qualifying ExaminationsTo satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying examinations designed to test a student's fundamental knowledge. The general PhD IT requirement is that each student must take four exams from three different master's programs. The exams for the Information Security track are: ISA 662 Information Systems Security One exam from INFS 601, INFS 612, INFS 614, CS 571/656 Two exams from the following, at most one from each master's program:
Restrictions:
Advanced Emphasis RequirementIn addition to courses taken to prepare for the qualifying exam, students must take at least eight courses (24 credit hours), including: ISA 780 Theoretical Foundations of System Security and IT 862 Computer Security Models and Architectures Of the remaining six courses, at least three courses (9 credit hours) at the 700 level or above must be chosen from the following:
Where appropriate, one or two relevant courses may be substituted with courses from other IT&E departments. The student's overall course work must satisfy the university requirement for the PhD. PhD Study in Software EngineeringStudents may designate a concentration in software engineering in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student would be "PhD in Information Technology with Concentration in Software Engineering." Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title. RequirementsStudents seeking this concentration must satisfy all the requirements for the PhD in Information Technology degree. In addition, the following requirements must be met. Plan of StudyAll decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor/director, with the consent of the ISE doctoral coordinator. Doctoral Supervisory CommitteeThe dissertation director must be a faculty member of either ISE or the Computer Science Department. The composition of the doctoral supervisory committee is to be approved by the ISE doctoral coordinator, ISE chair, and IT&E associate dean for graduate studies and research. Permission for the comprehensive examination and the dissertation defense are requested from the IT&E associate dean on the basis of a written request and plan that has been approved by the supervisory committee and the ISE doctoral coordinator. Qualifying ExaminationsTo satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying examinations designed to test a student's fundamental knowledge. The general IT PhD requirement is that each student must take four exams from three different master's programs. For the specialization in software engineering, each student should take the following qualifying exams (and courses if needed): Two SWE exams from SWE 619, SWE 621, SWE 637 Two exams from the following, at most one from each master's program
Restrictions:
Advanced Emphasis RequirementIn addition to the IT PhD requirements, the software engineering track requirements are as follows: 3 hours of CS 700 12 hours from SWE 700-level courses and IT-SWE courses (defined below) 9 hours from the complete list of IT-SWE and SWE courses below
IT-SWE courses:
SWE relevant courses:
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