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2022-2024 Graduate Catalog
Advanced Computing (MS), Program Information
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 Return to: School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
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Program Faculty
Program Chair
Dr. Shuangbao Wang
Professor
Program Faculty
Dr. Md Mahmudur Rahman
Associate Professor
Dr. Vojislav Stojkovic
Associate Professor
Dr. Eric Sakk
Associate Professor
Dr. Monir Sharker
Assistant Professor
Dr. Edward Dillon
Assistant Professor
Dr. Abdollah Dehzangi
Assistant Professor, MS Bioinformatics Program Director
Dr. Monireh Dabaghchian
Assistant Professor
Dr. Gholam Khaksari
Lecturer
Dr. Sam Tannouri
Lecturer
Mr. Roshan Paudel
Lecturer
Ms. Grace Steele
Lecturer
Dr. Arthur Willoughby
Lecturer (Part-time)
Dr. Harriett Gantt
Lecturer (Part-time)
Program Description
This new program is designed for students who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science or a related field and wish to enhance their career, explore research opportunities in Computer Science, and apply their acquired skills in multi-disciplinary teams or for specific focus. The program will also meet the needs of students who are already in the workforce and wish to update or improve their knowledge of current computer science. It aims at providing a platform for a growing population of students who are under-represented minorities (URM) to advance their skills necessary for attaining better opportunities in complex and rapidly evolving technological environment and high-tech companies. Graduates will be prepared for specialized jobs with focus on an area of emerging technology, involving cutting edge aspects of Computer Science that are fundamentally important and practically relevant. The possibility of completing a Master’s degree in Advanced Computing online in one year make it possible for working professionals to enroll into this program that would otherwise not be possible to study in classrooms during the working hours. Data show that the one year 100% online option and the advanced computing nature with emerging areas of computer science for this MS program are unique in the State of Maryland.
The program will prepare students to enter the local, national, and global workforce as leaders and innovators; which is in line with MSU’s mission to “Serve the community, region, state, nation, and world as an intellectual and creative resource by supporting, empowering and preparing high-quality, diverse graduates to lead the world”. This in also in line with the new designation of MSU as Maryland’s preeminent public urban research university and is consistent with the University’s Carnegie Foundation classification as a doctoral research university with high research activities (R2) to serve the State of Maryland’s urban and underrepresented minority population in an affordable manner by “transitioning from a comprehensive university focused primarily on teaching and instruction, to one with an emphasis more on research and innovation”.
The enrollment in computer science at MSU has doubled in the last five years and students have constantly shown interests to pursue an MS degree, but the department was unable to provide them with this opportunity. Surveys conducted by the department indicated that almost half of the students showed interest in pursuing a MS degree.
The mission of the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) is to “provide a comprehensive offering of undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral programs to educate and nurture the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and technologists; to advance the frontiers of science and technology through scientific research and innovation; and to serve the local, regional and global communities.” The CS department is dedicated to fulfilling these missions by preparing students to be the next generation of scientists and professionals who will be able to effectively compete in the challenging global society. The proposed degree program fully supports this mission statement and MSU’s vision, “Growing the Future, Leading the World”.
Program Objectives
The Master of Science in Advanced Computing will be offered in both online and onsite formats. For the online only delivery, students take courses only and can complete the degree in a 12-month period. Both the project and thesis tracks can be completed completely online.
Learning Outcomes:
Students pursuing the Master of Science degree in Advanced Computing, upon completion of requirements, will be able to:
- Understand and explore in-depth knowledge in Computer Science, its impact, and connect Computer Science from the perspective of different disciplines and application domains;
- Demonstrate high-level understanding of principles, contributors, developments and contemporary applications of Computer Science in specific area of interest;
- Demonstrate competency, commitment, knowledge and skills in applying principles to practical situations in any area of interest;
- Solve practical and challenging Computer Science problems;
- Use and deploy Computer Science principles and tools;
- Visualize complex and heterogeneous data in user-friendly ways with perceivable inferences and interpretations;
- Collect data through extensive reading, viewing, listening and researching in both print and electronic media online and in databases and evaluate sources for credibility and appropriateness;
- Demonstrate knowledge of problem-solving techniques in the basic concepts and principles of both theoretical and applied sciences;
- Enhance knowledge and demonstrate the impact through both project and thesis; For professionals, to gain necessary foundations and skills through appropriate course work;
- Use the knowledge and skills acquired for advancement in the workplace in different application domains.
MS in Advanced Computing students are expected to proactively pave a foundation of knowledge and skills in computer science out of course work, independent study, projects, and research. Along with completion of the graduate degree, students will identify and address problems in heterogeneous domains, use the foundation and skills to the professional domain, and contribute and disseminate the progress with the community and to the science.
Admission
Admission Requirements
- Minimum GPA and application requirements of the School of Graduate Studies determined by the program director
- BS degree in Computer Science or related areas (assessment/approval needed by the program director or department chair)
Degree Options
MS in Advanced Computing (Course Only, Project or Thesis):
- Course Only: 10 Graduate level courses including 4 core courses, 6 elective courses.
- Master’s Project: 9 Graduate courses including 4 core courses and 5 elective courses (9x3=27 credits) and 1 Project Course (3 credits).
- Master’s Thesis: 8 Graduate Courses including 4 core courses and 4 elective courses (8x3=24 credits), 1 Research Seminar (3 credits) and 1 Thesis Guidance/Thesis Defense (3 credits).
Estimated Time to Complete the Degree:
One year or 12-months for both the course only and project options and 16 months for Thesis. The estimated time can be more flexible for those who study part-time or want to take traditional approach with a slower pace.
Program Course Requirements
MS Advanced Computing 30 credits
Core Courses 12 credits
One must complete, with a grade of “B” or higher, the following four (4) courses:
Note
Prerequisite courses: data structure, discrete math, computer organization, computer architecture, intro to cybersecurity, software engineering, computer networks. Applicants whose prior education does not include the prerequisites may be admitted under provisional status, followed by full admission once they have completed the missing prerequisites. Exception can be made by the program director or the department chair.
Elective Courses 18 credits
Students must complete 6 elective courses from the list below:
Note
There are two more elective courses, Independent Study and Special Topics in Computer Science (depending on the need and availability), that a student can choose as approved by the Program Director.
Core Courses 12 credits
One must complete, with a grade of “B” or higher, the following four (4) courses:
Note
Prerequisite courses: data structure, discrete math, computer organization, computer architecture, intro to cybersecurity, software engineering, computer networks. Applicants whose prior education does not include the prerequisites may be admitted under provisional status, followed by full admission once they have completed the missing prerequisites. Exception can be made by the program director or the department chair.
Elective Courses 15 credits
Students must complete 5 elective courses from the list below
Note
There are two more elective courses, Independent Study and Special Topics in Computer Science (depending on the need and availability), that a student can choose as approved by the Program Director.
Special & Culminating Courses 3 credits
Note
*The student will continuously register in Fall and Spring terms for COSC 797 (Thesis Guidance) until the Master’s Thesis is completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for review. The course is used only when the curriculum has been completed, and the student is completing the research and writing of the thesis. The course registration maintains the student status as a matriculated, full-time student (student registers for 3 credit hours each semester, but is acknowledged as having a 9 credit hours load). After the Intent to Defend the Master’s Thesis form has been accepted by the School of Graduate Studies, this course registration will be changed to COSC 799 (Thesis Defense) for the given semester and count for 3 credit hours of curricular coursework (COSC 799 will also count for 9 credit hours of load). Other courses cannot be substituted for COSC 797. The only eligible grade for COSC 797 (Thesis Guidance) is the grade of “S” and the only acceptable grade for COSC 799 (Thesis Defense) is “P/F” (Pass/Fail).
Core Courses 12 credits
One must complete, with a grade of “B” or higher, the following four (4) courses:
Note
Prerequisite courses: data structure, discrete math, computer organization, computer architecture, intro to cybersecurity, software engineering, computer networks. Applicants whose prior education does not include the prerequisites may be admitted under provisional status, followed by full admission once they have completed the missing prerequisites. Exception can be made by the program director or the department chair.
Elective Courses 12 credits
Students must complete 4 elective courses from the list below
Note
There are two more elective courses, Independent Study and Special Topics in Computer Science (depending on the need and availability), that a student can choose as approved by the Program Director.
Special & Culminating Courses 6 credits
Note
*The student will continuously register in Fall and Spring terms for COSC 797 (Thesis Guidance) until the Master’s Thesis is completed and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for review. The course is used only when the curriculum has been completed, and the student is completing the research and writing of the thesis. The course registration maintains the student status as a matriculated, full-time student (student registers for 3 credit hours each semester, but is acknowledged as having a 9 credit hours load). After the Intent to Defend the Master’s Thesis form has been accepted by the School of Graduate Studies, this course registration will be changed to COSC 799 (Thesis Defense) for the given semester and count for 3 credit hours of curricular coursework (COSC 799 will also count for 9 credit hours of load). Other courses cannot be substituted for COSC 797. The only eligible grade for COSC 797 (Thesis Guidance) is the grade of “S” and the only acceptable grade for COSC 799 (Thesis Defense) is “P/F” (Pass/Fail).
Suggested Curriculum Sequence
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Return to: School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences
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