2012-2013 University Catalog 
  
  Catalog Home
  Programs of Study
  Courses
  Schedule of Classes
  About George Mason University
  Admission
  Tuition, Expenses, and Financial Aid
  Academic Policies
  Student Rights and Responsibilities
  General Policies
  University Academic Programs and Resources
  University General Education
  College of Education and Human Development
  College of Health and Human Services
  College of Humanities and Social Sciences
  College of Science
  College of Visual and Performing Arts
  Krasnow Institute for Advanced Study
  School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
  School of Law
  School of Management
  School of Public Policy
  Volgenau School of Engineering
  Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Programs
  Programs by Department
  Administration and Faculty
  Transcript Key
HELP
2012-2013 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.

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 score.

Degree Requirements (30 credits)

In addition to general university requirements, completion of the MS in CS program requires 30 credits of graduate courses.

Courses are grouped in the following five broad areas: Artificial Intelligence and Databases, Programming Languages and Software Engineering, Systems and Networks, Theoretical Computer Science, and Visual Computing. The list of preapproved courses with their areas is provided below.

All the following requirements should be satisfied for the MS in CS degree:

  •    (from the Theoretical Computer Science area) and two additional core courses from two other areas must be successfully completed with a grade of B- or better.
  • At least five courses (15 credits) must be chosen from the advanced courses in the list of preapproved courses from at least three different areas.
  • At least six courses, including two advanced courses, must be designated CS.
  • At least eight courses must be taken from the list of preapproved courses. Up to two computer science-related courses that are not on the list of preapproved courses may be taken with the approval of the Computer Science Department.

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.

Core Courses by Area

The following basic courses are designated as “core” courses in their respective areas:

Artificial Intelligence and Databases

Programming Languages and Software Engineering

Systems and Networks

Theoretical Computer Science

Visual Computing

Preapproved Basic and Advanced MS CS Courses by Area

The preapproved courses are explicitly classified as “basic” or “advanced” below.

Artificial Intelligence and Databases

Programming Languages and Software Engineering

Systems and Networks

Theoretical Computer Science

Visual Computing

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