2012-2013 University Catalog

Computational Techniques and Applications Graduate Certificate

Banner Code: SC-CERG-CTA

This certificate program focuses on mastering a variety of basic computational skills. The certificate is independent of the doctoral and master’s programs and is designed primarily for professionals in technical fields who seek to upgrade their computer expertise. This program is also available as an option for prospective or currently enrolled doctoral or master’s degree students.

The program comprises 15 credits of course work designed to provide an accelerated introduction to concepts in modern computation. Topics include operating systems, environments, languages, graphics, databases, and applications. Special course schedules may be designed depending upon the background and qualifications of the student.

Special course schedules may be designed depending upon the background and qualifications of the student. For example, some (or all) of the tool and techniques courses may be waived if the equivalent knowledge can be adequately demonstrated by the student. The waived credits are to be replaced with applications courses approved by the director of the certificate program. The recommended course sequence is tools and then applications.

The graduate certificate in computational techniques and applications may be pursued only on a part-time basis.

This program of study is offered by the School of Physics, Astronomy, and Computational Sciences in the College of Science.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have an academic background in physical or biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. They should have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. In addition, applicants should have taken at least one course in differential equations and have facility in using a high-level computer programming language. To apply, prospective students should forward a completed Mason graduate application, two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé to the COS Fairfax Campus Graduate Admissions Processing Center. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

Certificate Requirements

The required 15 credits of course work is selected as follows:

Tools Courses (3-12 credits as needed) chosen from:

The tools courses are practical, skill-based courses covering specific software packages commonly used by scientists and engineers to solve problems. Depending on the student’s background, 3-12 credit hours of tools courses are required. These courses are designed for professionals who are already familiar with other languages, packages and operating systems, but need a rapid introduction to specific software and mathematical methods used by scientists and engineers. One 3 credit tools course is required.

CSI 500 - Computational Science Tools Credits: 3
CSI 501 - Introduction to Scientific Programming Credits: 3
CSI 600 - Quantitative Foundations for Computational Sciences Credits: 3
CSI 700 - Numerical Methods Credits: 3

Applications Courses (minimum 3 credits)

The applications courses provide content from a specific scientific domain and demonstrate the utilization of techniques within the context. These courses are electives and can be selected from any CSI emphasis area. One 3 credit applications course is required.

Any CSI courses excluding CSI 796, 798, 799, 898, 899 996, 991, 996 and the courses listed in the tools category

Total: 15 credits

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