2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Computer Science, MS


Banner Code: VS-MS-CS

School: Volgenau School of Engineering 

Department: Computer Science 

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 areas of artificial intelligence and databases, programming languages and software engineering, systems and networks, theoretical computer science, and visual computing. Graduate classes are divided into basic classes, which have no graduate course prerequisite, and advanced classes, which have a graduate class as a prerequisite. 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 Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 310), Automata Theory and Formal Languages (CS 330), and Computer Architecture including Assembly Language (CS 367 and CS 465). Students also must have completed Calculus I and II and 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.
  • 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 post secondary 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:

  • At least five classes (15 credits) must qualify as “advanced” by having suitable graduate courses as prerequisites.
  • Advanced classes must be taken from three different areas. The list of preapproved classes with their areas is provided below.
  • At least six classes, including two advanced classes, must be designated CS.
  • At least eight classes must be taken from the list of preapproved classes. Up to two computer science-related classes that are not on the list of preapproved classes may be taken with Computer Science Department approval.
  • All prerequisites must be satisfied. In some cases, basic classes (including CS 583) may be waived with approval of the Computer Science Department if equivalent undergraduate classes were taken previously.

Preapproved MS CS Courses by Area


Artificial Intelligence and Databases


Project/Thesis (optional):


Three to six credit hours of the advanced classes may be replaced by a project or thesis. The project or thesis must be guided and approved by a committee of three appropriate faculty members and presented at an appropriate forum. The thesis must meet relevant university requirements.

Note:


These courses are not classified by area. Note that CS 695/CS 795 can be used to satisfy the breadth requirement if the area is listed in the syllabus for the course.

Total: 30 credits