Computer Science
- Faculty
- Introduction
- Course Work
- Undergraduate Programs
- Graduate Programs
Phone: 703-993-1530
Web: cs.gmu.edu
Faculty
Professors:DeJong, Hamburger (emeritus), Menasce, Pullen, Rine, Sood (chair), Tecuci, Wechsler
Associate professors: Carver, J. Chen, Duric, Kosecka, Richards, Setia, Simon, Wang, White
Assistant professors: Aydin, S. Chen, Huang, Luke, Zhong
Instructors: Maddox, Maney, McJunkin, Nordstrom
Adjunct professors: Baldo, Clausen, Curts, Evans, Geldon, Kaznachey, Maddox, Mannucci, Obaidi, Otten, Tompkins, Wang, Weigand
Introduction
Computer science is the discipline concerned with the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems used in almost all other professions. Computer scientists must be well grounded in the technologies needed for the acquisition, representation, storage, transmission, transformation, and use of information in digital form, and capable of working closely with members of other professions associated with computing.
Course Work
The Computer Science Department offers all courses designated CS in the “Course Descriptions” chapter of this catalog as well as some of the IT courses.
Undergraduate Programs
Applied Computer Science, BS
This program presents an innovative approach to the integration of computer science with disciplines where knowledge of computation provides the required expertise for an emerging sub-discipline. The ACS degree program is not accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
In addition to university general education requirements, including humanities, social sciences, synthesis and basic science requirements (if needed), the program requires foundation, core, and concentration courses as described below. These course requirements provide expertise in programming, computer systems, software engineering, formal methods, and analysis of algorithms.
ACS foundation courses (22 credits):
CS 112, 211, 105; MATH 113, 114, 203, 125
ACS core (22 credits):
ECE 303; CS 310, 330, 365, 367, 421, 483
One CS course numbered above 400
At least 36 additional credits to meet course requirements of one of the concentrations.
These credits include either STAT 344 Statistics and Probability, or a course in statistics relevant to the concentration. Current concentrations are biology and geography.
Concentrations
Biology
Foundation (24 credits): BIOL 213, 303, 304, and 305/6; CHEM 211, 212
Core: BIOL 311, 312, 385, 482, 580
One BIOL course numbered above 300
Geography
Foundation (18 credits): GEOG 101, 102, 103, 110, 300; STAT 244
Core: GEOG 310, 311, 411, 412, 416, 463
One GEOG course numbered above 300
Students should consult the sample schedules below and ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied. Students should obtain computer-generated audits periodically to ensure that degree requirements are met.
Sample Schedules
Biology Concentration
| First semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| CS 112 Computer Science I | 4 |
| MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 |
| BIOL 213 Cell Structure and Function | 4 |
| Second semester | |
| CS 211 Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| BIOL 303 Animal Biology | 4 |
| CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society | 1 |
| COMM 100 Oral Communications | 3 |
| Third semester | |
| CS 310 Computer Science III | 3 |
| ECE 303 Digital Logic | 4 |
| MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| CHEM 211 General Chemistry I | 4 |
| Fourth semester | |
| CS 330 Formal Methods and Models | 3 |
| BIOL 304 Plant Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 212 General Chemistry II | 4 |
| Western Civics Elective | 3 |
| Fifth semester | |
| CS 365 Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| CS 367 Computer Systems and Programming | 3 |
| MATH 203 Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| BIOL 305/6 Biology of Micro-Organisms | 4 |
| Literature Elective | 3 |
| Sixth semester | |
| CS 421 Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 |
| BIOL 311 Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL 482 Introduction to Molecular Biology | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| ENGL 302 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| Seventh semester | |
| BIOL 385 Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering | 3 |
| BIOL 312 Biostatistics (or STAT 344) | 3 |
| Global Understanding | 3 |
| Social Science | 3 |
| CS 483 Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| Eighth semester | |
| BIOL 580 Computer Applications in the Life Sciences | 3 |
| CS Senior | 3 |
| BIOL Senior | 3 |
| Synthesis | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Geography Concentration
| First semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| CS 112 Computer Science I | 4 |
| MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 |
| GEOG 102 Physical Geography | 3 |
| Second semester | |
| CS 211 Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| GEOG 103 Human Geography | 3 |
| CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society | 1 |
| COMM 100 Oral Communications | 3 |
| Third semester | |
| CS 310 Computer Science III | 3 |
| ECE 303 Digital Logic | 4 |
| MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics | 3 |
| Western Civics Elective | 3 |
| GEOG 101 Major World Regions | 3 |
| Fourth semester | |
| CS 330 Formal Methods and Models | 3 |
| GEOG 311 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| GEOG 110 Maps and Mapping | 3 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| MATH 203 Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| Fifth semester | |
| CS 365 Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| CS 367 Computer Systems and Programming | 3 |
| GEOG 300 Quantitative Methods for Geographical Analysis | 3 |
| GEOG 412 Aerial Photography Interpretation | 3 |
| Natural Science | 4 |
| Sixth semester | |
| CS 421 Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 |
| GEOG 310 Introduction to Digital Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG 416 Satellite Image Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 344 Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| Literature Elective | 3 |
| Seventh semester | |
| GEOG 411 Advanced Digital Cartography | 3 |
| GEOG Senior | 3 |
| CS 483 Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| ENGL 302 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Eighth semester | |
| GEOG 463 Applied Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| CS Senior | 3 |
| Synthesis | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
Computer Science, BS
This bachelor’s degree program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD. 21202-4012.
For the BS degree, students must complete 120 credits, including the university general education requirements and all of the following:
- Computer science core (33 credits): CS 105, 112, 211, 306, 310, 330, 365, 367, 421, and 483; and ECE 303. Students should take CS 105 during their second semester. A grade of C or better must be earned in CS 306 for this course to satisfy the university general education synthesis requirement.
- Senior computer science (12 credits): Any four of the following: CS 440, 450, 451, 455, 468, 471, 475, 480, 482, 484, or 490
- Mathematics (23 credits): MATH 113, 114, 125, 203, and 213; OR 481; and STAT 344. MATH 105 and 108 cannot be counted toward this degree.
- Computer science-related courses: 6 credits chosen from STAT 354; OR 335, 441, 442; ECE 280, 431, 442, 447, 450, 511; SWE 432; SYST 371, 470; PHIL 371, 376; and any MATH or CS course numbered above 300 (except MATH 351). Students may need to choose electives to satisfy prerequisites for these courses. Those planning to take MATH 352 may replace STAT 344 with MATH 351.
- Natural sciences: 12 credits in courses intended for scientists and engineers. Two of the courses for this requirement must have laboratory components and constitute a sequence. A list of relevant courses can be obtained from the department office.
- COMM 100 or 104: Computer science students in either course must make a technical presentation. The course fulfills the general education requirement in oral communication for IT&E students.
- 3 credits in arts, humanities, or social science in addition to the general education requirements.
Students should consult the sample schedule below and ensure that course prerequisites are satisfied. Students should obtain computer-generated audits periodically to ensure that degree requirements are met.
Sample Schedule
| First Semester | Credits |
|---|---|
| MATH 113 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I | 4 |
| CS 112 Computer Science I | 4 |
| ENGL 101 Composition | 3 |
| HIST 100 History of Western Civilization | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Second Semester | |
| CS 211 Computer Science II | 3 |
| MATH 114 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II | 4 |
| Fine Arts | 3 |
| CS 105 Computer Ethics and Society | 1 |
| Literature general education course | 3 |
| Total | 14 |
| Third Semester | |
| ECE 303 Digital Design and Hardware/Software Integration | 4 |
| MATH 213 Analytic Geometry and Calculus III | 3 |
| General elective | 3 |
| Social and behavioral science general education | 3 |
| General elective | 1 |
| Total | 14 |
| Fourth Semester | |
| CS 310 Computer Science III | 3 |
| MATH 125 Discrete Mathematics I | 3 |
| ENGL 302 Advanced Composition | 3 |
| Natural science course | 4 |
| COMM 100 Oral Communication or 104 Presenting with Technology | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
| Fifth Semester | |
| CS 330 Formal Methods and Models | 3 |
| CS 421 Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS 367 Computer Systems and Programming | 3 |
| MATH 203 Matrix Algebra | 3 |
| General elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Sixth Semester | |
| CS 365 Computer Systems Architecture | 3 |
| Senior computer science course | 3 |
| STAT 344 Probability and Statistics for Engineers and Scientists I | 3 |
| Computer science-related elective | 3 |
| Arts, humanities, or social science elective | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
| Seventh Semester | |
| Senior computer science course | 3 |
| CS 483 Data Structures and Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
| OR 481 Numerical Methods in Engineering | 3 |
| Computer science-related elective | 3 |
| Natural science with lab | 4 |
| Total | 16 |
| Eighth Semester | |
| Senior computer science courses (2) | 6 |
| Natural science with lab | 4 |
| Global understanding general education | 3 |
| CS 306 (Synthesis general education) | 3 |
| Total | 16 |
Change of Major
Students requesting a change of major to computer science must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and have successfully completed two of the following: CS 112, 211; MATH 113, 114, or 125.
Advanced Placement, Credit by Exam
Some students may receive credit for CS 112 or 211 by passing departmentally administered exams. In addition, a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam qualifies the student for credit in CS 112. An AP score of 4, together with demonstrated competence in the programming language used in CS 211, qualifies students for credit in CS 211. A score of 4 on the International Baccalaureate (IB) program computer science exam qualifies students for credit in CS 112, and a score of 5 or more qualifies students for credit in CS 211.
Writing-Intensive Requirement
Computer science majors complete the writing-intensive requirement through a sequence of projects and reports in CS 421 and 306. Faculty members provide feedback on students’ expository writing.
Grades
Students must earn a C or better in any course intended to satisfy a prerequisite for a computer science course. Computer science majors may not use more than one course with grade C- or less toward departmental requirements.
Cooperative Education
Students may participate in the Mason cooperative education program or in a work-study program in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
BS/Accelerated MS in Computer Science
This program is for those interested in immediately continuing on to graduate studies in computer science.
Admission Requirements
Students in the BS program may apply for the BS/accelerated MS program if they have earned 90 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA of at least 3.50. Criteria for admission are identical to criteria for admission to the MS program.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete 144 credits that satisfy requirements for the BS program as well as those for the MS program, with 6 credits overlap.
Students register for 6 credits of CS 500-level core courses in place of the corresponding CS 400-level courses required for the undergraduate degree requirements. That is, students must register for two of the following courses: CS 540, 571, 580, and 583 in place of the corresponding 400-level courses.
Students are permitted to take additional graduate core courses in their undergraduate programs. In such cases, they must satisfy core requirements for the MS by taking more advanced courses from the same concentration. For example, if CS 580 and 583 are the two overlapping core courses, and CS 540 is taken as part of the BS program, then the student needs to take a more advanced course from the concentration (systems) corresponding to CS 540 to satisfy core requirements for the MS.
Degree Conferral
Students may apply to have the BS degree conferred during the semester in which they expect to complete BS requirements. At the completion of MS requirements, a master’s degree is granted.
BS in Computer Science/ Accelerated MS in Related Fields
The BS program in computer science coordinates with the MS programs in information systems, software engineering and telecommunications. For information on these accelerated programs, please refer to the MS program in the appropriate section of this catalog.
Minor in Computer Science
The minor requires completion of at least 17 credits. Required courses are CS 105 or 306, 112, 211, and 310.
Two additional computer science courses should be selected from the following: CS 330, 332, 363, 365, 367, 421, 450, 451, 455, 468, 471, 480, 483, and 484. Students should pay careful attention to prerequisites when selecting courses.
Computer Science, Computer Engineering Double Major
Computer science majors can earn a double major in computer science and computer engineering if they complete an additional 17 credits of courses beyond the 120 credits required for the computer science degree. The additional 17 credits must be part of an approved plan of study. For more information, go to ite.gmu.edu.
Post Bachelor in Computer Science Certificate
This certificate targets students who are either working on or possess an undergraduate degree in a technical (science or engineering) field but lack formal certification in the computer science field. The certificate also targets students who have shown an aptitude for graduate study but do not have the academic prerequisites required for admittance into a graduate MS CS program.
Admissions Requirements
Students must have programming experience at the level of CS 112 and 211, and either a BS in a technical field with a 3.00 GPA or higher, or current enrollment in a technical undergraduate major.
Certificate Requirements
Basic Computer Science:
CS 310, 330, 365, 367; and ECE 303
Math:
MATH 125, 213
Completion of one of the following:
CS 483; and two of CS 421, 440, 450, 451, 455, 468, 471, 480 and 484
CS 583; and two of CS 540, 571, and 580
Graduate Programs
In addition to offering the MS and PhD in computer science, the department participates in the PhD in Information Technology.
Computer Science, MS
The graduate program leading to an MS in computer science prepares students for research and professional practice in computer science and related technologies. The program includes both fundamentals and advanced work in the core areas of algorithms, artificial intelligence, image processing and graphics, software engineering, and computer systems and networks. In addition, students have the opportunity to receive in-depth understanding in current technologies associated with adaptive systems, agent systems, distributed systems, embedded computing, graphics, image analysis, robotics, and web technologies. Certificates in computer networking, biometrics, and intelligent agents are available. Graduate classes are generally offered in the late afternoon and evening. Financial aid in the form of graduate assistantships may be available for full-time, degree-seeking students.
Plan of Study
Before the end of the second semester, students must have a plan of study approved by their academic advisor. This plan should be kept up to date by regular consultation with the academic advisor. A final, signed version of the plan must be included when the student submits a graduation application.
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling Mason’s admission requirements for graduate study, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree that includes CS 310 Computer Science III, CS 330 Formal Methods and Models, CS 365 Computer Systems Architecture, and CS 367 Assembly Language and Systems Programming. Students also must have completed one year of mathematics beyond first-year calculus, including a substantial course in discrete mathematics (such as MATH 125). Students with some deficiencies in preparation may be admitted provisionally pending completion of foundation courses in mathematics or computer science. Undergraduate credit earned for this purpose may not be applied toward the graduate degree.
- Have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate work, preferably with a major in a technical field such as computer science, mathematics, physical sciences, engineering, or information systems.
- Submit transcripts of all postsecondary education; a self-assessment form (included in the application package or available from the department); three letters of recommendation; and an official GRE report.
Degree Requirements
In addition to general university requirements, completion of this program requires 30 credits of graduate courses, as follows:
Core Courses (12 credits):
- CS 540 Language Processors
- CS 571 Operating Systems
- CS 580 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- CS 583 Analysis of Algorithms
Additional 18 credits of computer science or computer science-related courses
At least 15 of these credits must qualify as “advanced” by having suitable graduate courses as prerequisites. At least 12 of these credits must be in courses specifically designated CS. The courses must include entries in three different concentration areas. Courses listed under more than one concentration count only once for satisfying this requirement. The Department of Computer Science maintains a list of computer science-related courses, indicating which are at an advanced level. These are available on the web and in the department office, as are lists of courses in the concentration areas.
Project/Thesis (optional):
3 to 6 of the advanced credits may be replaced by a project (3 credits of CS 798) or a thesis (3 to 6 credits of CS 799). The project or thesis must be guided and approved by a committee of three appropriate faculty members, and presented at an appropriate -forum. Theses must meet relevant university requirements.
Certificate in Computer Networking
When brought together to form computer networks, the technologies of computing and communications exhibit a synergy that is revolutionizing our world. In-depth knowledge of the new discipline of computer networking increasingly is in demand as a basis for design and deployment of new information systems ranging from aspects of the global Internet to distributed systems in a variety of application domains. The courses for this certificate have been selected to provide a solid basis for understanding the core software and communications technologies upon which today’s networks are based, and how they may be combined to create effective computer networks. Courses cover both mainstream and leading-edge technology considerations, ensuring that students are prepared to function at the professional level in this fast-moving and technologically challenging field. Course work toward the graduate certificate can be used for credit toward the MS in computer science with a specialization in networks. However, the certificate also may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in IT&E.
Admission Requirements
The certificate program is open to all students who are eligible for entrance into the master’s degree program in computer science, or in any scientific or engineering discipline at Mason.
Certificate Requirements
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 15 credits:
Required courses (6 credits):
- CS 571 Operating Systems
- CS 656 Computer Communications and Networking
At least one of the following (3-6 credits):
- CS 755 Advanced Computer Networks
- CS 756 Performance Analysis of Computer Networks
One or two of the following electives (3 or 6 credits):
- ECE 542 Computer Network Architectures and Protocols
- ECE 642 Design and Analysis of Computer Communication Networks
- ECE 742 High-Speed Networks
- ISA 662 Information Systems Security
- ISA 666 Internet Security Protocols
- IT 657 Advanced Network Science
Certificate in Biometrics
Biometrics, the science of recovering or verifying a person’s identity, measures the physical characteristics that make people unique—including fingerprints, an eye’s retina or iris, face, hand geometry, signature and voice—and uses those measurements for recognition or authentication.
Admission Requirements
The certificate is open to all students who are eligible for entrance into the master’s degree program in computer science, or in any scientific or engineering discipline at Mason.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate reflects depth rather than breadth in CS. It requires completion of 15 credits, and consists of two required courses and three additional courses. Project (3 credits) can substitute for one of the choice courses. One of the three choice courses can be taken from another department, with advisor’s approval, provided that it belongs to the certificate’s area.
Required Courses (6 credits):
- CS 667 Biometrics
- CS 775/IT 844 Pattern Recognition
Three from the following list (9 credits):
- CS 580 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
- CS 652 Computer Graphics
- CS 673 Multimedia Computing and Systems
- CS 682 Computer Vision
- CS 686 Image Processing
- BINF 739 Signal and Image Processing for Bioinformatics
- CS 750 Theory and Applications of Data Mining
- CS 774/IT 835 Computational Vision
- CS 777 Human-Computer Interaction
Certificate in Intelligent Agents
This certificate concentrates on the theory and practice of designing and developing systems that rely on knowledge and reasoning, generically called Intelligent Agents: expert, knowledge-based, knowledge-based decision support, expert database, and intelligent tutoring systems. Capturing, using, preserving, transferring, and sharing knowledge is of critical importance to any organization as society evolves from an information society to a knowledge society. Therefore, the ability to design and develop intelligent agents for a wide variety of domains is becoming a highly valuable expertise. The courses in this certificate program cover the basics of knowledge engineering and intelligent agents as well as advanced research topics. Basic topics include knowledge representation, knowledge acquisition, heuristic search, problem-solving and planning, uncertainty reasoning, machine learning, natural language processing, design of expert systems, human-computer interaction, data mining, knowledge discovery, and knowledge management. Advanced topics include the development of multiagent systems, mixed-initiative intelligent systems, web-based intelligent agents, and distributed ontologies. Course work toward this certificate can be used for credit toward the MS or PhD in computer science or information technology. However, the certificate also may be pursued concurrently with any of the graduate degree programs in IT&E.
Admission Requirements
The program is open to all students who are eligible for entrance into the master’s degree program in computer science, or in any scientific or engineering discipline at Mason.
Certificate Requirements
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 15 credits:
Required (3 credits):
- CS 580 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Plus four of the following elective courses (12 credits):
- CS 680 Natural Language Processing
- CS 681 Designing Expert Systems
- CS 685 Intelligent Systems for Robots
- CS 687 Advanced Artificial Intelligence
- CS 750 Theory and Applications of Data Mining
- CS 777 Human-Computer Intelligent Interaction
- CS 782 Machine Learning
- CS 785 Knowledge Acquisition and Problem Solving
- CS 798 Project Seminar
- CS 811/IT 811 Research Topics in Machine Learning and Inference
- CS 880/IT 910 Research Topics in Artificial Intelligence
One of the four courses can be taken from another MS or PhD program in IT&E with advisor approval, provided that it belongs to the certificate area.
Computer Science, PhD
Because research in computer science at Mason is distributed across the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Information and Software Engineering, the PhD program is coordinated by a committee drawn from these two departments. The program is designed for breadth, depth, flexibility, and interaction. In recognition of the diverse forms of preparation and experience that students may possess, the foundational breadth requirement takes the form of a qualifying exam rather than specified course work. Standard courses are available to help prepare for these exams, but not all students need all the courses. In the next phase, individuals pursue unique combinations of courses, including individual study, selected with the guidance of their advisory committee. This advanced work leads to a comprehensive exam, and culminates in a dissertation. The general doctoral requirements of Mason apply to this program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are evaluated on an individual basis by the PhD Admissions Committee. A master of science degree with a very strong background in computer science or a closely related field, such as software engineering or information systems, is required. The admission process involves submitting the application for admission, all postsecondary transcripts, GRE scores in computer science, three letters of reference, a resume, and a short statement of career goals and aspirations. Application forms are available online at www.admissions.gmu.edu.
Qualifying Exam
Students take a written qualifying exam, given twice a year, in the fall and spring semesters. This must be done before continuing beyond 36 credits. Students must choose four areas in which to be examined, one of which must be algorithms and theory. The other three are chosen from among the following: language processing and formal models, artificial intelligence, computer systems, software engineering, and databases and information engineering. The exams are pass/fail. To qualify, a student must pass all four exams. Students who pass three of four at the first attempt are permitted to retake the one failed exam. Students who pass fewer than three exams must retake the entire set of exams. Any retaking must occur within a year of the original exam. Failure after two attempts is grounds for dismissal from the program.
Course Requirements
In addition to courses taken to prepare for the qualifying exam, students must take at least eight courses, including three computer science courses at the 600 level or above; CS 700 Quantitative Methods and Experimental Design in Computer Science; and four other courses in computer science at the 700 level or above, chosen from a list maintained by the program.
Planning and Advising
Each student forms a faculty advisory committee to advise in establishing and carrying out a plan of study that meets the above requirements, and to help prepare the student properly for the dissertation phase. The members and chair of this advising committee must qualify as a dissertation committee, as specified below. Usually some or all members will later belong to the student’s dissertation committee, so these individuals will be able to ensure relevance of the plan of study to an emerging dissertation topic.
Seminar
Each PhD student is required to attend a seminar series in the first year, at which faculty members present their own computer science research. The purpose of the seminar is to provide common experiences for new students, familiarize new students with the computer science research done at Mason, and help students choose a dissertation director and committee.
Comprehensive Exam
Each student must take a combined written and oral comprehensive exam after completion of all course requirements. The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the student’s knowledge and ability to complete a PhD dissertation. The student must pass both the written and oral parts. Each part can be retaken no more than once if it is failed.
Dissertation Committee Selection
The student forms a dissertation supervisory committee consisting of four or five appropriately qualified individuals, three of whom must be tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the Computer Science Department or Information and Software Engineering Department. Committee membership must transcend a single department. It is recommended that the committee include a member outside the two departments. The chair of the supervisory committee, who is also the dissertation director, must be tenured or tenure-track in IT&E. The committee must be approved by the chair of the Computer Science Department and the associate dean for graduate studies of IT&E.
Dissertation Proposal Defense
Each student prepares a written dissertation proposal, which is presented to the supervisory committee. The student may enroll in CS 998 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal to complete this effort. The committee assesses the proposal and assists the student in fulfilling the responsibility to have a clear topic with the potential to make a significant contribution to the field, along with a clear methodology. The committee also assesses whether the student has the intellectual background and resources to have a good chance of completing a successful dissertation in a timely manner. After successfully completing this requirement, the student is formally advanced to candidacy for the PhD degree.
Dissertation and Defense
Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits from CS 990, 998, and 999, with a minimum of 12 credits of CS 999. The work must represent an achievement in research; be a significant contribution to its field; and deemed publishable in refereed journals or conferences. The document must meet format guidelines specified by the Guide for Preparing Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Projects.
The student prepares to defend the dissertation in consultation with the dissertation director. Usually, there is a predefense with only the committee members present. There must be a public defense at a date that is agreed upon by all members of the committee and preceded by at least two weeks of public announcement by the program. The dissertation must be made available to the committee at least two weeks in advance. If the candidate successfully defends the dissertation, the committee recommends that the final form of the dissertation be completed and the candidate be accepted for the PhD by the graduate faculty of Mason.