It focuses on the technological foundations
of computer science, including areas such as database systems,
human-computer interaction, data and computer communications,
computer security, computer graphics, software engineering, and
object-orientation. It is designed to give students a thorough
knowledge of the field and to provide an enduring foundation for
future professional growth. The program blends theory and practice
into a learning experience that develops skills applicable to
complex real-world problems.
Program-Specific Admission Requirements for general admission
requirements.
This program is designed for students with undergraduate
majors in computer science, information systems, engineering,
mathematics, or physics. Applicants must have knowledge of data
structures and algorithms, assembly language and computer architecture,
structured programming in a modern high-level language, college
algebra, and discrete mathematics. An applicant who does not have
an adequate background in mathematics or computer concepts may
be required to take one or more of the following 500 level graduate
courses during the first two terms of the student's program. Courses
at the 500 level, when required, must be completed prior to taking
courses at the 600 level, however, some exceptions may be permitted
by the program office. Students must earn a B or better in 500
level courses. Grades for 500 level courses are not included in
the student's GPA. Courses at the 500 level are offered only in
the online format. MS 501 is prerequisite to MS 503.MS 500 Assembly
Language and Architecture MS 502 Mathematics in Computing MS 501
Java Programming Language MS 503 Data Structures and Algorithms
The Curriculum for the M.S. in Computer Scinece
Core courses and electives are listed below.
Students may substitute up to two electives in lieu of two
core courses. Students who wish to take an additional elective
in lieu of a core course must request approval from the program
office prior to registration. If the thesis option is elected,
two courses may be omitted. (Plans for the thesis option must
be made with the program office.) The student may request permission
from the program office to register for MS 682, Project in Information
Systems, to pursue a project under the supervision of a faculty
member in lieu of a core course. Total credit hours are 51.
Admission Criteria.
Prerequisites Applicants for the AQU Master degree in Computer
Science System must have a:
(1) undergraduate degree or equivalent degree in Computer Science
or Engineering degree from an accredited or approved college or
university or the equivalent.
(2) Minimum grade point average of "B" (or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
(3) A letter of recommendation verifying that the applicant has
the necessary ability and motivation to complete the program within
the allotted time span.
Degree requirements
(1) Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale ("B")
or higher;
(2) Number of units required for graduation: 51 credits hours.
(3) Meet the requirements of earning 12 semester credits or more
at AQU.
(4) Fulfill all the financial obligations to the University.
The Curriculum
(Each course carries 3 credit hour)
(Select five courses)
01: MS 500 Assembly Language and Architecture
02: MS 501 Java Programming Language
03: MS 502 Mathematics in Computing
04: MS 503 Data Structures and Algorithms
05: MS 611 Survey of Programming Languages
06: MS 615 Operating Systems Concepts
07: MS 620 Information Systems
08: MS 625 Computer Graphics
(Select Five Courses)
(Each course carries 3 Credits )
09: MS 630 Database Systems
10: MS 645 Software Engineering
11: MS 650 Data Communications Networks
12: MS 661 Object-Oriented Applications
13: MS 665 Client-Server Computing
14: MS 670 Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
15: MS 671 Decision Support Systems
(Select three courses)
(Each course carries 3 Credits )
16: MS 680 Human-Computer Interaction
17: MS 621 Information Systems Project Management
18: MS 623 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing
19: MS 631 Database Systems Project
20: MS 651 Project in Data Communications Networks
21: MS 652 Computer Security
22: MS 654 Electronic Commerce on the Internet
23: MS 681 Multimedia Systems
24: MS 682 Project in Computer Science Compulsory
25: MS 699 Master's Thesis in Computer Science 12 Credits
Course Descriptions for the M.S. in Computer Science
MS 500 Assembly Language and Architecture (3 credits) A comprehensive
examination of the fundamental concepts and architectural structures
of contemporary computers. Complex instruction set architectures
(CISC) and reduced instruction set architectures (RISC) will be
studied from programming and structural viewpoints.
MS 501 Java Programming Language (3 credits)
An in-depth study of the Java programming language. Principles
of the object-oriented paradigm. Object-oriented programming theory
and practice.
MS 502 Mathematics in Computing (3 credits)
Graph theory, lattices and boolean algebras, state models and
abstract algebraic structures, logical systems, production systems,
computability theory, recursive function theory.
MS 503 Data Structures and Algorithms (3 credits)
Sorting and searching, algorithms for tree structures, advanced
data structures, graph algorithms, complexity, dynamic programming,
optimization problems. Prerequisite: MS 501 or equivalent.
MS 611 Survey of Programming Languages (3 credits)
Organization and types of programming languages. Analysis of imperative,
object-oriented, and declarative language paradigms. Higher-level
languages. Comparative analysis of programming languages used
in the development of computer information systems.
MS 615 Operating Systems Concepts (3 credits)
Objectives of managing computer system resources. Memory management,
process management, file system management, scheduling, synchronization,
interrupt processing, distributed processing, and parallel systems.
An analysis of the role of operating systems in computer information
systems development, operation, and evolution.
MS 620 Information Systems (3 credits)
Covers major concepts and architecture of computer information
systems, including information concepts; information flow; types
of information systems; the role of information in planning operations,
control, and decision-making; integrated information systems across
a range of functional elements. Computer information systems in
organizations.
MS 621 Information Systems Project Management (3 credits)
Life-cycle models/paradigms. Project planning and risk analysis.
Project control including work breakdown structures, project scheduling,
activities and milestones. Software cost-estimation techniques/models.
Software quality assurance and metrics for software productivity
and quality. Inspections, walkthroughs, and reviews. Approaches
to team organization. Configuration management. Automated project
management tools. Software maintenance. Information system security.
Procurement of software services and systems. Management of operational
systems. Legal/ethical issues associated with CIS and software.
MS 623 Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computing (3 credits)
Focuses on issues that involve computer impact on society and
related concerns. Transitional data flow; copyright protection;
information as a source of economic power; rights to access computer
systems; computer crime; data privacy; establishing national priorities
in the technical and social aspects of computing; current and
anticipated uses of computer prediction; and protection of personal
ethical concerns. National computer policies of Japan, France,
Great Britain, and the European Economic Community. The status
of regulation and emerging standards.
MS 625 Computer Graphics (3 credits)
Presents computer graphics as an aid to information managers who
need a clear means of presenting the analysis of information.
Topics include basic graphic techniques (e.g. histograms, bar
charts, pie charts), the theory of graphic presentation of information,
desktop publishing software, presentation software, graphics monitors
(EGA, CGA, VGA, RGB, composite), laser printers, computer-screen
projection systems, and standards.
MS 630 Database Systems (3 credits)
Methodologies and principles of database analysis and design are
presented. Conceptual modeling and specifications of databases,
database design process and tools, functional analysis and methodologies
for database design, entity relationship model and advanced semantic
modeling methods are discussed. Topics include theories of database
systems, including the architectures of database systems, logical
and physical database organizations, data models for database
systems (network, hierarchical, relational, and object-oriented
model), relational algebra and calculus, query languages, normal
forms, null values and partial information, relational database
design utilizing dependencies, view design and integration, concurrency
control, query optimization, client/server database applications,
distributed databases, object-oriented databases, and the current
research and development trends of database analysis, design,
modeling, and applications.
MS 631 Database Systems Project (3 credits)
The techniques of database management systems are applied to practical
projects. Prerequisite:
MS 630. MS 645 Software Engineering (3 credits)
The development of software-intensive systems; software quality
factors; software engineering principles; system life-cycle models
and paradigms; requirements definition and analysis; behavioral
specification; software design; implementation; software testing
techniques; verification and validation; system evolution; software
project management.
MS 650 Data Communications Networks (3 credits)
This course covers the technical concepts of data networks, network
components, associated network technologies, and data communications
protocols. Specification, design, testing, managing, and updating
of data networks from legacy systems through terabit networks
are discussed. Examination of associated network components (modems,
multiplexers, hub, gateways, etc.), guided and unguided media
(wire, coax, fiber, terrestrial, and satellite microwave, etc.)
and routing and high-speed switching systems. Network architecture
topics include software and conceptual models (OSI, TCP/IP, HDLC
and SDLC, SNA, AIX, etc.), error detection and prevention systems,
transfer and routing protocols, congestion and flow control, and
current and future applications (SNMP2, HTTP, X.400/500, ANS.1,
ISDN and B- ISDN, ultra-high-speed networks, etc.).
MS 651 Project in Data Communications Networks (3 credits)
Students pursue a project, research study, or implementation in
data communications networks. Prerequisite:
MS 650. MS 652 Computer Security (3 credits)
Concepts and principles of system and data security. Risks and
vulnerabilities, policy formation, controls and protection methods,
database security, encryption, authentication technologies, host-based
and network-based security issues, personnel and physical security
issues, issues of law and privacy. Discussions include firewall
design and implementation, secure internet and intranet protocols,
and techniques for responding to security breaches.
MS 654 Electronic Commerce on the Internet (3 credits)
Electronic commerce ha s grown a t a n incredible rate, and experts
forecast extra ordinary growth over the near- term and long- term.
It will be examined from three perspectives: (1) customer-business;
(2) business-business; and (3) intra-organization. The Internet,
intranets and extranets, electronic data interchange (EDI), security,
electronic payment systems, tax issues, and global policy will
be investigated. The student will participate in an Internet shopping
experience and create or enhance a Web page.
MS 661 Object-Oriented Applications (3 credits)
Principles of the object-oriented paradigm. Application of object-oriented
methods in computer information systems. Object-oriented languages
and design methods for class creation. Study of the use of object-oriented
techniques in applications such as user interfaces, graphics,
database systems, visual programming, hypermedia, office automation
systems, and decision support systems. Techniques for software
reuse.
MS 665 Client-Server Computing (3 credits)
Concepts and principles of client/server architecture, security,
networks, and distributed computing. Topics include IPC, RPC,
sockets, the role of the GUI and front-end development tools,
middle ware, two-tier and three-tier architectures, operating
systems, and database interaction. The role of standards in client/server
development is discussed, including DCE, CORBA, ODBC, COM, and
OLE, along with object-oriented aspects of client/server and distributed
computing. Discussions include the various relationships between
client/server computing and business process reengineering, workflow
automation, and group ware. Migration from legacy systems is considered
along with concerns for meeting customer requirements.
MS 670 Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems (3 credits)
Includes an introduction to artificial intelligence as well as
historical and current trends and characterization of knowledge-based
systems. Search, logic and deduction, knowledge representation,
production systems, and expert systems will be examined. Additional
areas include architecture of expert systems and criteria for
selecting expert system shells, such as end-user interface, developer
interface, system interface, inference engine, knowledge base,
and data interface. The student will use a commercial shell to
build a working expert system.
MS 671 Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
Examines concepts of decision support in both non-automated and
automated environments. Focuses on structures, modeling, and the
application of various decision support systems in today's corporate
environment. Additional emphasis is placed on the use of executive
information and expert system applications. Case studies examine
applications of each of these types of technology.
MS 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits)
Focuses on the dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI). Provides
a broad overview of HCI as a sub-area of computer science and
explores user-centered design approaches in information systems
applications. Addresses the user interface and software design
strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability
engineering, and collaborative systems technology. Students will
perform formal software evaluations and usability tests.
MS 681 Multimedia Systems (3 credits)
Introduction to multimedia systems. Definition of terms and concepts
related to multimedia. Trends in the development and the use of
multimedia. Tools, techniques, and guidelines facilitating the
planning, design, production, and implementation of multimedia
products.
MS 682 Project in Information Systems (3 credits)
Students pursue a project, research study, or implementation under
the supervision of a faculty member.
MS 688 Continuing Thesis in Computer Information Systems (3 credits)
Students who have not completed the thesis by the end of the second
thesis registration must register for continuing thesis. This
allows the student to receive faculty and administrative advice
and support related to the thesis. Prerequisite: Completion of
second thesis registration.
MS 691 Special Topics in Computer Information Systems (3 credits)
This seminar focuses on the professor's current research interests.
Requires consent of instructor and program director.
MS 699 Master's Thesis in Computer Information Systems (3 credits)
The student develops a framework within which research will be
conducted and offers evidence of qualifications to pursue the
research. Concepts and theories underlying the student's thesis
research are articulated, the problem is clearly stated, specific,
measurable goals are specified, a literature review is presented,
the methods of conducting research are delineated, and strategy
to achieve the goal is given.
