The Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is a comprehensive master’s program providing in-depth professional training in a range of computer science subjects including database design, computer network and security, informatics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence and computer vision.
It is designed to provide computer professionals with advanced conceptual tools and a strong practical component and prepare students for positions in industry, academia and government. Upon completion, students will be well qualified for a career in a field where an unprecedented demand exists for highly trained men and women.
An important aspect of the MSCS program at CLU is the wealth of “hands-on” opportunities for students. Courses are carefully designed to combine the study of fundamental theory with sound practice, applying technologies to real-world problems in the comfort of the classroom. And, given the constant change that exists in the field, the program offers special topic courses that can keep students abreast of the newest technological advances as they are introduced.
Goals of the Program
The goals of the MSCS program are to produce graduates with a breadth of knowledge in state-of-the-art computer science technologies and depth of knowledge in a chosen field of interest. Such knowledge will allow graduates to make an immediate impact as professionals in their field of choice.
Students accomplish these by:
- Obtaining a broad understanding of the most current topics in computer science through a set of core courses.
- Obtaining a deep understanding of a specific topic in computer science through a sequence of elective courses designed to study various aspects of the chosen topic.
- Completion of a graduate project in a chosen area of interest under the guidance and supervision of a professor skilled in the area.
Upon completion of the MSCS program, graduates will possess the knowledge necessary to make an immediate impact on an institution’s needs in the field of computer science.
Academic Calendar
Four 11-Week Terms
CLU offers Master of Computer Science courses year round in four 11-week terms: Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.
Completion Time
Newly admitted students may start the master’s program in any term (Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer). It is possible to complete the program in five terms for students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related areas when they take two courses per term. Eight units are considered a full load, although some students prefer one course per term. The degree must be finished within five years from the program starting date.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission to the MSCS program should apply at least 45 days prior to the start of the term. Admission decisions for regular graduate standing are based on a review of the following materials in the candidate’s file:
- A completed application form and non-refundable application fee;
- Evidence of an admission interview;
- Meeting with admission counselor and approval from program director;
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Normally, a grade point average of approximately 3.0 or higher in upper division undergraduate work is expected;
- Three letters of recommendation;
- A personal statement;
- Test scores. Applicants whose undergraduate records do not satisfy the criteria set forth in paragraphs A-C below must include Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores in their admission portfolio. The GRE may be waived for candidates who present an official transcript of previous college work from a regionally accredited college or university reflecting any one of the following criteria:
- An undergraduate, upper division grade point average of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale); or
- A combined grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the most recent 60 credits of study consisting of any of the following: graduate course work, upper division postbaccalaureate course work (exclusive of extension or continuing education work), and upper division undergraduate course work: or
- A minimum of nine credits of graduate course work completed and a 3.5 grade point average
International Students
International students have unique admission requirements. They should refer to the admission requirements for international students listed in the general admission section of this catalog.
International applicants should refer to the International Student application available through the Graduate and Adult Programs Office or through the MSCS website: www.callutheran.edu/MSCS.
CS Specific Admission Requirements
- Students who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related areas must include one semester in each of the following subject areas in their undergraduate degree: C+ +/Java programming, Operating Systems, Database, Computer Networks, and Discrete Math.
- For students with a bachelor’s degree in other disciplines, additional course work may be required or recommended as a condition of admission. These students generally take the following courses before they can take any graduate level courses in the CS department. Required courses are:
CSC 210 | Introduction to Computer Programming | 4 |
CSC 340 | Operating Systems | 4 |
CSC 410 | Database Management Systems | 4 |
CSC 350 | Introduction to Data Communications and Networks | 4 |
MATH 241 | Discrete Mathematics | 4 |
Total Hours | 20 |
Students must obtain a B or above in each course.
Note: All applicants who have completed their undergraduate work at an institution outside of the United States must have their transcripts evaluated for equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and submit GRE and TOEFL scores.
Provisional Admission
Under some conditions, after meeting with an admission counselor, a student may register for classes before completing the entire admission process; however, the Application for Admission, the $50 application fee, and a copy of a transcript showing a bachelor’s degree with an acceptable GPA and/or acceptable standardized test score must be on file in the Graduate and Adult Programs Office before the class registration can be accepted. Students are expected to complete all admission requirements before they start taking graduate courses. Provisionally admitted students are not eligible for financial aid.
Requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science
The program leading to the Master of Science degree requires 40 semester credits which must be completed within a five-year period. Additional course work may be required for individuals whose academic records reflect the need for preparation as determined during the academic advisement interview. For students conditionally admitted, successful completion of required undergraduate courses removes conditional admission status.
Project Option: Total 40 credits
CSC 599A | Graduate Project (two semesters) | 4 |
CSC 599B | Graduate Project | 4 |
Select three of the following: | 12 | |
Advanced Algorithm and Data Structure | ||
Advanced Database Systems | ||
Advanced Computer System Architecture | ||
Advanced Operating Systems | ||
Advanced Network and Data Communication | ||
Electives 1 | 20 | |
Total Hours | 40 |
1 | Two remaining courses from the required course list above and all other electives except CSC 590. |
Non Project Option: Total 40 credits
Select three of the following: | 12 | |
Advanced Algorithm and Data Structure | ||
Advanced Database Systems | ||
Advanced Computer System Architecture | ||
Advanced Operating Systems | ||
Advanced Network and Data Communication | ||
Electives 1 | 28 | |
Advanced Computer Graphics | ||
Computer Vision | ||
Intelligent Information System | ||
Embedded Systems | ||
Object Oriented Software Development | ||
Web-Based Database Application | ||
Advanced Computer System Security | ||
Creative Technology | ||
Artificial Intelligence and Expert System | ||
Special Topics 2 | ||
Seminar | ||
Independent Study | ||
Total Hours | 40 |
1 | Two remaining courses from the required course list above and all other electives including Independent Study. |
2 | Examples are:
|
Courses
CSC 500. Advanced Algorithm and Data Structure. (4).
Explores fundamental techniques such as
recursion, dynamic programming for efficient
algorithm, graph, pattern matching, sorting,
searching algorithm. Includes use of time
complexity in evaluating algorithms; review of
composite data types such as arrays, records,
strings and sets; definition, implementation, and
application of data structures such as stacks,
queues, linked lists, trees and graphs.
CSC 505. Advanced Computer Graphics. (4).
This course covers the theory, design,
implementation and applications of advanced
computer graphics environment. 3D computer games,
scientific visualization. Includes
transformation, shading, lighting, rasterization,
texturing and other topics.
CSC 508. Computer Vision. (4).
Methods of computer processing of image data.
Description and recognition of objects, shape,
analysis, edge and region segmentation, texture,
image understanding. Overview of image
processing, pattern recognition: image formation,
binary images, edge detection. Prerequisite: Math
241, CSC 220 or equivalent.
CSC 510. Advanced Database Systems. (4).
This course provides students with advanced
skills in the development of medium to very large
database applications in a multi-user environment
using relational database. It includes topics
such as multi-user database issues, database
application tuning and optimization. Query
optimization, data warehousing, data mining,
transaction processing, concurrency control and
recovery.
CSC 512. Intelligent Information System. (4).
Knowledge discovery in database, knowledge base
maintenance, knowledge base and database
integration architectures and scale-up issues and
applications to cooperative database systems,
intelligent decision support systems, and
intelligent planning and scheduling systems.
CSC 521. Advanced Computer System Architecture. (4).
Machine organization and design, formal
descriptions, comparative study of machine
instruction sets and formats, data representation
and floating point, address structures,
mechanization of procedure calls, memory
organization and management, microprogramming,
I/O processing and interrupts, and reliability
aspects.
CSC 522. Embedded Systems. (4).
Students learn how to design, code, debug and
build detailed low-level embedded application
systems using several embedded system tools.
CSC 535. Object Oriented Software Development. (4).
Fundamentals of object-oriented modeling.
In-depth study of object-oriented development
methods. Object-oriented software requirements
analysis and modeling.
CSC 540. Advanced Operating Systems. (4).
Introduction to design and evaluation of modern
operating systems. Organization of
multiprogramming and multiprocessing systems.
Dynamic memory allocation, memory management,
virtual memory, I/O control and file systems.
Resource allocation, scheduling, synchronization,
protection, process model, interlocks and
deadlocks.
CSC 544. Web-Based Database Application. (4).
Course includes architectural concepts, database
application programming, and interfacing on the
Web. Server-side Web development. Database driven
application development using Internet
communications and server-side script
technologies.
CSC 550. Advanced Network and Data Communication. (4).
The principles, techniques and application of
networking and data communications.
State-of-the-art practical technology, WAN,
standards, protocols, topologies,
electronic/voice mail systems, electronic
bulletin boards, and network performance.
CSC 560. Advanced Computer System Security. (4).
Security techniques in operating systems, data
bases and computer networks.
Encryption/Decryption. Supporting techniques such
as auditing, risk, analysis and cost benefit
tradeoffs are discussed. Security analysis of
network protocols and network vulnerabilities.
Analysis of scanning, spoofing, hijacking and
denial of service attacks. Authentication and
access control in computer networks. Firewalls
and network monitoring tools. Intrusion detection
techniques.
CSC 570. Creative Technology. (4).
Introduction to state-of-the-art technology for
networked multimedia systems. Current
media-related issues, algorithms, data handling,
networking and deployment for modern distributed
multimedia systems; efficient design and
standards for multimedia.
CSC 580. Artificial Intelligence and Expert System. (4).
An exploration of the use of computers to perform
computations associated with intelligence. Game
playing, search, problem solving, knowledge
representation, planning, learning. Introduction
to the concepts and techniques of expert systems.
CSC 582. Special Topics. (4).
Examples:
* Pattern Recognition
* Parallel programming/architecture
* VLSI CAD Techniques
* Game development.
CSC 585. Seminar. (1-4).
Research methods in computer science. Student
presentation covering current topics in research,
updating of concepts and verification of
principles of computer science and its
applications. (Graded P/NC).
CSC 590. Independent Study. (1-4).
CSC 593. Practicum. (1).
This course provides an opportunity to enhance
competency in practical computer science skills
that can be applicable in a competitive IT
environment.
CSC 599A/599B. Graduate Project. (4,4).
Integrating computer system and information
system technologies: development of an integrated
technical architecture (hardware, software,
networks, and data) and implementation of the
system in a rapidly changing competitive and
technological environment. Prerequisite: Three
required courses and four electives.