Computer Science (M.S.)

Created for individuals seeking to enhance their professional qualifications and stature through graduate study in computer science, the Master of Science in Computer Science program blends a dynamic, responsive curriculum with a part-time evening format convenient for working professionals. Students who graduate from the program will acquire up-to-the-minute industry knowledge and develop problem-solving skills that prepare them to hold a variety of scientific and technical positions in the area of computer application development.

The M.S. in Computer Science degree is designed to engage students in a technical, in-depth study of computer science theory and application. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and design of algorithms, the software engineering life cycle, principles of operating systems, distributed computing, the object-oriented programming paradigm, and databases. Students have the opportunity to gain experience programming in the languages Java, C++, C#, and Perl. Elective courses are offered in such areas as security, Web programming, data mining, networking, and neural networks.

The program allows students, in consultation with an advisor, to tailor the program to meet their professional goals or enhance specific job knowledge. Students may select an optional specialty track in Artificial Intelligence or Networks and Distributed Computing, or create an individualized program of study.

The M.S. in Computer Science is one of several graduate level offerings sponsored by the Department of Computer Science. Master’s programs in Management of Information Technology and Computer and Information Sciences with an Information Technology Concentration are also available.

Entrance Requirements:

Application
Complete and submit the Graduate School Application (available on-line at www.hood.edu/graduate). If you apply online, the $35 application fee will be waived.

Transcripts
Request one copy of official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended. Transcripts should be sent directly from each institution to the Graduate School. A résumé is also required.

Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
A minimum 2.75 undergraduate G.P.A. is required for admission to the Graduate School and to the M.S. in Computer Science program.

Prerequisites
Applicants to the program should have completed undergraduate courses, or their equivalent, in differential and integral calculus.

Program Overview

The Master of Computer Science degree requires the completion of 33 credits beyond prerequisite courses, including 18 credits of Core Requirements. The program offers students an opportunity to select from optional Specialty Tracks in Artificial Intelligence or Networks and Distributed Computing.

Prerequisite Courses

Students without a strong foundation in Computer Science, including those changing careers or individuals looking to move into a more technical area, have an opportunity to enroll in carefully designed prerequisite courses that provide the background knowledge and skills required for successful degree completion.

MATH 505 Discrete Mathematics (3 cr.)
CSCI 503 Programming and Algorithms I (3 cr.)
CSCI 504 Programming and Algorithms II (3 cr.)
CSCI 508 Computer Organization and Design (3 cr.)
CSCI 519 Advanced Data Structures (3 cr.)

Those students holding a baccalaureate degree in computer science will normally be exempted from all prerequisite courses. Other students may, depending on their academic background and upon review by the department, be exempted from some or all of the prerequisite courses. The program director works closely with accepted students to determine necessary prerequisites.

Degree Requirements

The Core courses represent the general body of knowledge and skills that all students in the program are expected to master.

Core Requirements

CSCI 520 Algorithm Analysis (3 cr.)
CSCI 524 Principles of Software Engineering (3 cr.)
CSCI 564 Operating Systems (3 cr.)
CSCI 567 Distributed Computing (3 cr.)
CSCI 571 Programming Languages (3 cr.)
One of the following courses:
CSCI 565 Database System Concepts (3 cr.)
CSCI 572 Compiler Construction (3 cr.)

Students may choose one of the following options to complete the program:
• 15 credits of elective courses in an individualized program of study
• 9 credits in an available specialty track with 6 credits of elective work.
The required elective work may, with permission of the department, be a 6 credit thesis (CSCI 580), a 3 or 6 credit fieldwork project (CSCI 585), or a 6 credit Software Engineering Project (CSCI 595). Faculty advisors are available to work closely with a student in selecting the option that best suits the student’s goals.

To complete the program, a student may opt to enroll in 15 credits of elective work in an individualized program of study, or may complete 9 credits in an available Specialty Track together with 6 credits of elective work.

As part of the required elective work a student may, with permission of the department, choose to do a six credit thesis (CSCI 580), a 3 or 6 credit fieldwork project (CSCI 585), or a 6 credit Software Engineering Project (CSCI 595). Faculty advisors are available to work closely with a student in selecting the option that best suits the student’s goals.

Specialty Track in Artificial Intelligence

Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles, techniques, and tools of artificial intelligence, including current applications and future directions. Students choosing this track will also explore the field of computer learning, current approaches to knowledge representation, and the simulation of human perception.

Requirements: CSCI 528 Artificial Intelligence (3 cr.)
Two of the following courses:
CSCI 542 Perception in Artificial Intelligence (3 cr.)
CSCI 543 Machine Learning (3 cr.)
CSCI 544 Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (3 cr.)

Specialty Track in Networks and Distributed Computing

Students will be introduced to such topics as Web services, P2P, grid computing, data communications and computer networks, and the theory of concurrent and distributed algorithms.

Requirements: CSCI 536 Web Services (3 cr.)
CSCI 553 Data Communication and Network Architectures (3 cr.)
CSCI 573 Selected Topics in Distributed Computing (3 cr.)
CSCI 576 Concurrent Algorithms (3 cr.)

Meet the Faculty:

Elizabeth Chang, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and computer science, actively investigates topics in Web site design and programming, with emphasis on developing Web-based front ends to databases using Perl. She authored the recently published text Practical Perl with CGI Applications. Dr. Chang also has interests in assessment and accreditation issues in higher education.

George Dimitoglou, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science, earned his doctorate in computer science from the George Washington University. He has extensive industry experience and worked at NASA Goddard Flight Center before coming to Hood College. His research interests include distributed systems, networks, databases and software engineering.

Gary Gillard, assistant professor of information technology, specializes in database systems, Web design and graphics, and ethical and social issues associated with computing technology.

Paul J. Gowen, Ph.D., chair of the computer science department and professor of mathematics and computer science, specializes in applied mathematics, database systems and the UNIX operating system.

Xinlian Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science and director of the graduate program in computer science, received his doctorate from Louisiana State University. He worked for Control Data Corporation, National Meteorological Center and Argonne National Laboratory before coming to Hood College. His research interests include scientific visualization and grid computing.

Bill Pierce, assistant professor of computer science, has worked in the computer industry for more than 20 years in the areas of systems programming, engineering and consulting. His research and teaching interests include the areas of computer architecture and system design, digital electronics, microprocessors, computer systems performance and computer operating systems.

Visit the Hood College Department of Computer Science web site for more information.

Graduate School.