University Catalog 2005-2006

University Catalog > IT&E > Information and Software Engineering

Information and Software Engineering

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Phone: 703-993-1640
Web: ise.gmu.edu

Faculty

Course Work

The 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. Programs offered are a BS in computer science/accelerated MS in information systems, BS in computer science/accelerated MS in information security and assurance, and a BS in computer science/accelerated MS in software engineering. See below for the descriptions.

Graduate Programs

BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Information Systems

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in information systems.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BS in computer science program can apply to this program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. Criteria for admission are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in information systems program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 144 credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BS in computer science program and those for the MS in information systems program, with 6 credits overlap.

Students register for two of the following courses (6 credits of 500-level computer science core courses) in place of the corresponding 400-level computer science courses, as part of the undergraduate degree requirements: CS 540, 571, 580, and 583.

Students complete all MS in information systems core courses and apply the two courses from above toward the MS in information systems elective requirements. Note: Students who complete CS 571 will be waived from INFS 601.

Degrees Conferral

Students may apply to have the BS in computer science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the requirements. At the completion of the MS in information systems requirements, a master's degree is granted.

BS in Computer Science/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering Program

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing their undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in software engineering.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BS in computer science program can apply to this program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. Criteria for admission are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in software engineering program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 144 credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BS in computer science program and those for the MS in software engineering program, with 6 credits overlap.

Students register for two of the following courses (6 credits of 500-level computer science core courses) in place of the corresponding 400-level computer science courses, as part of the undergraduate degree requirements: CS 540, 571, 580, and 583. Students complete all MS in software engineering core courses, and apply the two courses from the above list toward the MS in software engineering elective requirements.

Degrees Conferral

Students may apply to have the BS in computer science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the requirements. At the completion of the MS in software engineering requirements, a master's degree is granted.

BS in Computer Science/ Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing their undergraduate studies in computer science with graduate studies in information security and assurance.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BS in computer science program can apply for this program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. Criteria for admission are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS in information security and assurance program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 144 credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BS in computer science program and those for the MS in information security and Assurance program, with 6 credits overlapping. Students register for two of the following courses (6 credits of 500-level computer science core courses) in place of the corresponding 400-level computer science courses, as part of the undergraduate degree requirements: CS 540, 571, 580, and 583. Students complete all MS in information security and assurance core courses, and apply the two courses from the above list toward the MS in information security and assurance requirements. Note: Students who complete CS 571 will be waived from INFS 601.

Degree Conferral

Students may apply to have the BS in computer science degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete BS degree requirements. At the completion of the MS in information security and assurance requirements, a master's degree will be granted.

BSIT/Accelerated MS in Information Systems

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing on to graduate studies in information systems.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BSIT program may apply if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. In addition, students must have completed INFS 515 and 590 with a 3.00 or better. Criteria for admission are identical to the criteria for admission to the MS program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BSIT program and those for the MS program, with 6 credits overlapping for two of INFS 601, 612, or 614.

Degree Conferral

Students may apply to have the BSIT degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the BSIT requirements. At the completion of the MS requirements, a master's degree is granted.

BSIT/Accelerated MS in Information Security and Assurance

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing on to graduate studies in information security and assurance.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BSIT program may apply for this program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. In addition, students must have completed INFS 515 and 590 with a 3.00 or better. Criteria for admission are identical to criteria for admission to the MS program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BSIT program and those for the MS program, with 6 credits overlapping with INFS 601 and 612.

Degree Conferral

Students may apply to have the BSIT degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete BSIT requirements. At the completion of the MS requirements, a master's degree is granted.

BSIT/Accelerated MS in Software Engineering

This program is for students interested in immediately continuing on to graduate studies in software engineering.

Admission Requirements

Students in the BSIT program may apply to this program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.30. In addition, students must have completed INFS 515 and 590 with a 3.00 or better. Criteria for admission are identical to criteria for admission to the MSSWE program.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete all credits that satisfy both the requirements for the BSIT program and those for the MSSWE program, with 6 credits overlapping with SWE 619 and 622. Students must also complete INFS 515 and 590.

Degree Conferral

Students may apply to have the BSIT degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete the BSIT requirements. At the completion of MS requirements, a master's degree is granted.

Information Systems, MS

This program 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 theo-retical and pragmatic aspects of specifying, designing, implementing, and deploying information systems. Students are prepared 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. MS students study 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, they acquire knowledge and skills in 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.

Graduates pursue careers in 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 Requirements

To 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 applying to the MS program, applicants are asked to complete a departmental self-evaluation form indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, students are 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, and bring 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 Requirements

Applicants must hold a four-year (120 credits) baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credits. They also must meet the following requirements:

Submit a departmental self-evaluation form that is essential for evaluating foundation requirements by the department faculty. This form may be obtained from the department office or on the department web page.

Advising

ISE holds orientation meetings in January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and 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 to confer with 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 plan serves as a guide for the student.

Degree Requirements

Completion 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 work.

Electives

Students 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 the faculty advisor. A thesis option is available; students may elect to complete a thesis for up to 6 elective credits. Only two 500-level electives can be selected.

Software Engineering, MS

This program 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. 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 students are working or have worked in the software industry.

The program is revised on a regular basis to stay abreast of the latest developments in information technology. The program introduced a major revision for fall 2005; recent additions 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 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 Requirements

Students 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 (such as those 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 Mason:

In addition, it is desirable, though not required, that entering students have at least one year of work experience in building or modifying software systems.

Prospective students are asked to complete a departmental self-evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, students are 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 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 and bring 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 Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of the university, each applicant to the MS program must hold a four-year (120 credits) baccalaureate degree in an appropriate discipline from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study. Other requirements are as follows:

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.

Advising

ISE holds orientation meetings each January and August to advise incoming and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and 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 to confer with 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; this plan serves as a guide for the student.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the university, the MS in software engineering requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits. The course work is divided into three categories: a breadth requirement of 12 credits of core courses, a depth requirement of 9 credits of concentration courses, and 9 credits of elective courses.

Four core courses (12 credits) are required of all SWE graduates:

Concentration courses (9 credits). Students may choose a concentration by taking three courses from one of the concentrations defined by ISE:

Software Design

Software Assurance

Software Management

Web Applications

With permission from the advisor, a student may choose not to take a concentration.

Elective courses (9 credits). Students may select the remaining courses from the list of approved courses, including other concentrations, available from ISE and at www.ise.gmu.edu. Students may choose other graduate electives with the consent of their faculty advisers.

In addition, students may choose between the professional option, consisting of three electives, and the research option, consisting of one elective and a 6-credit thesis, which is primarily intended for students planning to pursue a PhD with a concentration in software engineering.

Information Security and Assurance, MS

This program prepares 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 MS degree provides 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 develop core competencies in database and information systems, operating systems and networks, and software development. They 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 are 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 Requirements

To ensure that students have an adequate background in mathematical methods and computer technology, the program requires the following four foundation courses, or their equivalents:

Prospective students are asked to complete a departmental self-evaluation form, indicating whether previously taken courses may satisfy these foundation requirements. Upon acceptance, students are 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 Requirements

Applicants must hold a four-year (120 credits) baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or better in the last 60 credits. Other requirements are as follows:

Advising

ISE holds orientation meetings each January and August to advise newly admitted and continuing students. Members of the faculty are present to answer questions and 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 to confer with 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 Requirements

Completion 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

Students may select six courses as electives. At least four 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 preapproved qualified electives available from the department office. A student may, however, choose other electives from courses offered within IT&E with the consent of the 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 Management

This graduate certificate program provides 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 Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 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.

Applicants must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:

Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at Mason should apply for the database management certificate program through the IT&E Graduate Admissions Office. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at Mason should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission to any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

Students must complete five course in information systems and information technology with an average grade of B or higher, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study. To obtain the certificate, students must take the following:

Required courses

Three courses from the following:

For more information, contact ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

Certificate in Data Mining

This graduate certificate program 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 Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 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 Mason should apply for the data mining certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a graduate degree program at 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 Requirements

Students must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study. At least one course from three of the following groups must be taken to obtain the certificate:

Group I
Group II
Group III
Group IV

Certificate in Electronic Commerce

The Internet is having a significant impact on the way people interact with each other, government, and business. This graduate certificate program is for people 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 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 Requirements

Applicants must hold a BS degree with a 3.00 or higher in the last 60 credits. They also must possess knowledge equivalent to the following three Mason courses, which are considered foundation courses: INFS 501 Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems, INFS 515 Computer Organization, and INFS 590 Program Design and Data Structures. Applicants also must possess 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 must submit a 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 Mason graduate degree program, application for the certificate program is made through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission into any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

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 complete the following:

Two courses (6 credits):

Three additional courses (9 credits) from the following (electives have been organized into concentrations, but students may mix and match elective courses subject to satisfying course prerequisites):

Information Security

Database Management

Internet Software Engineering

Health Medical Information Systems

* 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. For more information, contact ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

Certificate in Information Engineering

This graduate certificate program is for people 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 providing theoretical knowledge and practical experience with methods and tools associated with database management systems, data modeling, knowledge acquisition, data/knowledge representation, and information and software engineering.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or higher 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.

Applicant must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:

Students not enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply for the information engineering certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

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, students must complete the following:

Four required courses:

One of the following courses:

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. For more information, contact ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

Certificate in Information Security and Assurance

This graduate certificate program is for people who are interested in science and methods for ensuring secrecy, integrity, availability, and legitimate use of information systems. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate programs in IT&E.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or higher 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.

Applicants must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:

Students must also possess the equivalent knowledge of INFS 601 and 612, or the prerequisite courses required for the selected electives. Students not enrolled in a graduate degree program at Mason should apply for the certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

Students must complete five courses with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study.

Two required courses:

Three additional courses from the following:

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 the second list. Prior approval of the specific independent study course should be obtained. For more information, contact ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

Certificate in Software Engineering

This graduate certificate program provides knowledge, tools, and techniques to those who are working in or planning to work in software engineering, but who do not want to complete all the requirements for a master's degree in the field. The certificate may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in IT&E.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, and have earned a GPA of 3.00 or higher 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.

Applicants 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 Mason: INFS 501 Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems, INFS 515 Computer Organization, and INFS 590 Program Design and Data Structures. In addition, it is desirable, but not necessary, for applicants to have at least one year of appropriate work experience in building or modifying software systems.

Applicants must submit a 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 Mason graduate degree program should apply for the certificate program through the Graduate Admissions Office of IT&E. Students enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply to ISE for admission into the certificate program. Admission into the certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

Students must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or better, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study.

Three required courses:

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. For more information, contact the department in Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

Certificate in Web-Based Software Engineering

This graduate certificate program provides knowledge, tools, and techniques to those who are working in or planning to work in web and distributed software applications. Graduate students in IT&E may pursue a specialization in web-based software engineering leading to this certificate.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and have earned a GPA of 3.00 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.

Applicants must possess knowledge equivalent to that provided by the following courses:

INFS 501 Discrete and Logical Structures for Information Systems, INFS 515 Computer Organization, and INFS 590 Program Design and Data Structures. Students not enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should apply for the certificate program through the IT&E Graduate Admissions Office. Students enrolled in a Mason graduate degree program should contact ISE for admission to the certificate program. Admission to the certificate program does not guarantee admission to any MS program.

Certificate Requirements

Students must complete five courses, with an average grade of B or higher, for a total of 15 credits of graduate study.

Three required courses:

One of the following courses:

One of the following courses:

For more information, contact ISE, Science and Technology II, Room 330, 703-993-1640.

PhD Study in Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Information Security and Assurance

Doctoral 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 students to take a broad range of courses and research options. Students can specialize in various areas, including information systems, software engineering, and information security. 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 Systems

Students may designate a concentration in information systems in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student is PhD in information technology with concentration in information systems. Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title.

Requirements

Students 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 Study

All decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor or director, with the consent of ISE doctoral coordinator.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

The dissertation director must be a faculty member of ISE or CS. 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 exam and the dissertation defense is requested from the IT&E associate dean on the basis of a written request and plan approved by the supervisory committee and the ISE doctoral coordinator.

Qualifying Exams

To satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying exams designed to test 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 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: Only one from CS 571 and INFS 601; only one from CS 656 and INFS 612; only one from SWE 620 and SWE 620/621.

Advanced Emphasis Requirement

For 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 three groups are listed below:

Group A: INFS and IT courses in information systems

Group B: SWE and IT courses in software engineering

Group C: CS and IT courses in computer science

PhD Study in Information Security and Assurance

Students may designate a concentration in information security in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student is PhD in information technology with concentration in information security. Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title.

Requirements

Students 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 Study

All decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor or director, with the consent of ISE's doctoral coordinator.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

The 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 exam and dissertation defense is 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 Exams

To satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying exams designed to test 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 as follows:

Restrictions: CS 571/CS 656 and INFS 601 cannot both be taken; CS 571/CS 656 and INFS 612 cannot both be taken.

Advanced Emphasis Requirement

In addition to courses taken to prepare for the qualifying exam, students must take at least eight courses (24 credits), including:

Two required courses:

At least three courses (9 credits) 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 Engineering

Students may designate a concentration in software engineering in their doctoral degree title. The degree conferred upon a graduating student is PhD in information technology with concentration in software engineering. Students may also pursue such doctoral studies without designating a concentration in their degree title.

Requirements

Students 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 Study

All decisions concerning the student's course requirements and plan of study must be approved by the advisor or director, with the consent of the ISE doctoral coordinator.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

The 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 exam and dissertation defense is 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 Exams

To satisfy the breadth requirement of the PhD degree, each student must pass a set of qualifying exams designed to test 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 exams from the following, at most one from each master's program:

Restrictions: Only one from CS 571 and INFS 601; only one from CS 656, INFS 612, and ECE 542.

Advanced Emphasis Requirement

In addition to the IT PhD requirements, the software engineering track requirements are as follows:

9 credits from the complete list of SWE, IT-SWE and SWE relevant courses below

SWE 645 Component-Based Software Development

SWE 796 Directed Readings in Software Engineering

IT 860 Software Analysis and Design of Real-Time Systems