Computer Science, M.S.C.S.

Degree offered at: Louisville, Los Angeles, Available Online

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is a STEM program that requires 30 semester hours. The program combines theory and practice in order to prepare students to meet the growing demand of the many disciplines of Computer Science (CS). Students entering the program must hold a bachelor’s and have adequate background in computer science to successfully complete the program.

The MSCS program is offered in two formats. The program is available as a hybrid program, and it is also offered fully online.

Student outcomes for the program include the following:

• Students will be able to apply advanced theory and applied principles so solve a variety of problems using current CS related technologies
• Students will be able to work effectively in teams and have strong communication skills.
• Students will be able to design, develop, analyze software, and algorithmic models.
• Students will have sufficient knowledge and background to be successful in the industry or work on a doctorate in computer science.

Course prerequisites for the program are as follows

• Undergraduate CS /CIS major or
• Selected courses such as
  • CS 450 Software Engineering or equivalent or consent of professor
  • CS 420 Database Program Development or equivalent or consent of professor
  • CS 161 CIS II or equivalent or consent of professor
  • CS 374 Computer Operating Systems or equivalent or consent of professor
  • 1 semester of Calculus; 1 semester of Discrete Math; 1 semester of Linear Algebra
  • CS501 - Computer Science Foundations I or CS502 - Computer Science Foundations II

Program Format

The MSCS program is available in two formats:

• Offered at the Louisville Education Center and Los Angeles Education Center as a hybrid program
• Offered Online

Hybrid courses will be taught in 16 weeks (combining two graduate terms) as the following. The online courses will be offered using the existing eight-week term dates.

Graduate Hybrid Terms for Business
Graduate Terms 1 and 2	Early July to Mid October
Graduate Terms 2 and 3	Late August to Mid December
Graduate Terms 3 and 4	Late October to Mid March
Graduate Terms 4 and 5	Mid January to Mid May
Graduate Terms 5 and 6	Late March to Early July
Graduate Terms 6 and 1	Mid May to Late August

The MSCS complete online program courses also will be offered using the existing eight-week term dates. Online courses will be scheduled as follows:

Grad Term 1	late June - Mid August
Grad Term 2	Mid August -Mid October
Grad Term 3	Mid October-Mid December
Grad Term 4	early January-early March
Grad Term 5	early March-late April

Standards and Evaluation Achievement

Each course in the MSCS program has its own method for evaluating student performance. The particular methods of assessment will be explained to students and included in the written syllabus for the course at the beginning of each course. A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the program. All course grades assigned in the program are entered on the student’s official transcript and counted toward the cumulative grade point average. A student who earns a grade lower than C will be subject to academic dismissal. A student who earns more than two grades of C or lower will be subject to academic dismissal. A student may repeat a course in which a grade of C was earned; however, a course may be repeated only once. In cases where a course was repeated, both grades remain on the transcript, but only the last grade will count toward the grade point average. Student academic transcripts are reviewed at the end of each session. A student who fails to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and will have one academic term to remove the probationary status or be dismissed from the program. A student will have six years from the date of entry into the program in which to complete all of the requirements for graduation.

International students are required to be enrolled full-time and register for the appropriate course when applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.