Course Catalog - Knowledge Systems Institute

COURSE CATALOG 2012-2013 

KNOWLEDGE 

SYSTEMS 

INSTITUTE 

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF 

COMPUTER & INFORMATION SCIENCES

Knowledge 

Systems 

Institute 

Graduate School 

of Computer 

& Information 

Sciences 

Course Catalog 

2012-2013

3420 Main Street 

Skokie, Illinois 60076 

847/679-3135 

www.ksi.edu

Knowledge Systems Institute 

Course Catalog 2012-2013 

Master of Science Degree in: 

Computer and Information Sciences 

on campus and online 

with 

Areas of Concentration in: 

Management Information Systems 

Health Informatics 

Computer-Based Education 

Digital Art 

Information Security 

Knowledge Management 

Computer Networks 

Software Engineering 

and 

Certificate Program in: 


iii

Board, Faculty & 

Administration 

Board of Directors 

Barr, Tony, M.S., North Carolina State University 

Chang, Shi-Kuo, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley 

Chen, Peter, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

Graupe, Daniel, Ph.D., University of Liverpool 

Koss, Nicholas, Ph.D., Indiana University 

Liu, C. N., Ph.D., University of Illinois 

Sitrick, David, J.D., Southern Methodist University 

Zadeh, Lofti, Ph.D., Columbia University 

Dean of Academic Affairs 

Thulin, Frederick, Ph.D., University of Illinois 

Dean of Students Affairs 

Chao, Shih-Chang, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Executive Director 

Pan, Judy, Illinois Institute of Technology 

Director of Research 

Rhem, Anthony J., Ph.D., Walden University 

Chair of Department of Computer and Information Sciences 

Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Director of Digital Art Center 

Rogala, Miroslaw, Ph.D., University of Wales 

iv

Faculty 

Chang, K. P., Ph.D., University of Guelph 

Chang, Pao-Sheng, Ph.D., Northwestern University 

Chang, Pin-Tsang, Ph.D., Northwestern University 

Chao, Shih-Chang, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Hsieh, Cheng-Yuan, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology 

Gao, Jerry Zeyu, Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington 

Grant, Phoebe J., M.S., Massachussets Institute of Technology 

Kordylewski, Hubert, Ph.D., University of Illinois 

Miller, Timothy, M.S., University of Phoenix 

Rhem, Anthony J., Ph.D., Walden University 

Richards, David, M.F.A., School of the Art Institute of Chicago 

Rogala, Miroslaw, Ph.D., University of Wales 

Schmoll, George F., M.B.A., Roosevelt University 

Thulin, Frederick, Ph.D., University of Illinois 

Veselinovic, Dusan, Ph.D., University of Illinois 

Wang, Edward, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University 

Yeh, Shu-Jen, Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Librarian 

Jill Franklin, MLIS, University of California, Los Angeles 

Online Learning Coordinator 

Smith, Gabriel, B.A. & B.M., Oberlin College 

v

Table of Contents 


GENERAL INFORMATION 1-2 

Mission 1 

History and Objectives 1 

Accreditation 2 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS 3-4 

How to Apply 3 

When to Apply 3 

Credit Transfer Policy 3 

Required Documents for Admission 4 

CALENDAR 5 

MS DEGREE PROGRAM 6-15 

Graduate Study in Computer and Information Sciences 6 

Areas of Concentration 6 

Graduate Study in Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) 7 

Area of Concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) 8 

Area of Concentration in Health Informatics (HI) 9 

Area of Concentration in Computer-Based Education (CBE) 10 

Area of Concentration in Digital Art (DA) 11 

Area of Concentration in Information Security (IS) 12 

Area of Concentration in Knowledge Management (KM) 13 

Area of Concentration in Computer Networks (CN) 14 

Area of Concentration in Software Engineering (SE) 15 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 16-30 

Graduate Course Descriptions 16 

Prerequisite Course Descriptions 25 

vi

KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INSTITUTE 

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER & INFORMATION SCIENCES 

www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PROGRAM 31-32 

English as a Second Language (ESL) 31 

ESL Level Description 32 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 33 

Comprehensive Examination 33 

MS Thesis Project 33 

TOEFL 33 

Awarding of the Diploma 33 

ONLINE LEARNING 34 

TUITION AND FEES 35-36 

Tuition and Fees 35 

Audit Policy 35 

Registration and Refund Policy for Domestic Students 36 

Registration and Refund Policy for International Students 36 

Withdrawal Policy 36 

Textbooks 36 


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND STUDENT LOANS 37-38 

Financial Assistance 37 

Student Loans 37 

Federal Stafford Loan Amounts 37 

Federal Stafford Loans 38 

VA Benefits 38 

vii


STUDENT REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES 39-45 

General Requirements 39 

Approval 39 

Non-Discrimination Policy 39 

Time Schedule 39 

Holidays 39 

Academic Calendar 39 

Academic Integrity 39 

Student Obligations 39 

Procedure for Adjudication 40 

Appeal Procedure 40 

Faculty Responsibilities 40 

Grievance Procedure 40 

Academic Advisor 40 

Credit Deficiency 41 

MS Comprehensive Examination 41 

The Master of Science Project Requirement 41 

Academic Load 41 

Full-time Domestic Students 41 

Part-time Domestic Students 42 

International Students 42 

Grading 42 

Incomplete Grade Policy 43 

Grade Point Average 43 

Transcripts 43 

Academic Progress, Probation, and Dismissal 43 

Change of Schedule 44 

Class Attendance 44 

Illness or Emergency 44 

Self-Discipline 44 

Immunization and Health Report 45 

Reinstatement of Student Status and Reinstatement of Aid 45 

Student Rights and Privileges 45 

Health Insurance Policy 45 

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www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

FACILITIES 46 

Classrooms & Laboratory 46 

Library 46 

Digital Art Studio & Gallery 46 

Wireless Network 46 

WHERE IS KSI ? 47 

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES 48 

2012-2014 CALENDAR 49-50 

CONTACT KSI 51 


To receive an application form and/or to 

request more information, please contact: 

ix 

Admissions Office 

Knowledge Systems Institute 


Skokie, IL 60076 

tel: 847-679-3135 

fax:847-679-3166 

e-mail: office@ksi.edu 

web: http://www.ksi.edu

General Information 

MISSION 

General Information 

Knowledge Systems Institute is a degree granting not-for-profit institution of higher learning 

governed by an independent Board of Directors. Its mission is to provide instruction in graduate 

level academic programs emphasizing computer and information sciences and management 

information systems, with a faculty of recognized experts using state-of-the-art research facilities 

and advanced computer systems; to assist and facilitate student learning through the assessment of 

student academic achievement; to offer such services and facilities to professionals in the Chicago 

metropolitan area; and to serve the domestic as well as international student populations. 

Knowledge Systems Institute grants the Master of Science (MS) Degree in Computer and Information 

Sciences. The MS degree program in Com puter and Information Sciences also offers various areas 

of concentration. The remaining areas of concentration are: Management Information Systems, 

Health Informatics, Knowledge Management, Software Engineering, Digital Art, Information Security, 

Computer Networks, and Computer-Based Education. 

HISTORY & OBJECTIVES 

Knowledge Systems Institute (KSI), originally established in 1978 for research and profes sional 

education, has grown in its scope, purpose and design. Originally founded in response to the needs 

of the business and engineering communites, KSI has developed into a graduate school, dedicated 

to training professionals in solving complex problems in science, business and engineering by 

employing advanced computer and information sciences methodologies. 

The school’s excellence is maintained by its dedicated faculty and distinguished advi sors, its low 

student-to-faculty ratio, and the philosophy of granting ample opportunity for students to combine 

theory with practice. Besides learning advanced theory and concepts of computer and information 

sciences, students at KSI learn to translate theory into practical applications by conducting research 

projects under the guidance of faculty advisors. Through such projects, students gain technical 

experience, improve their abilities to carry out applied re search and develop a critical appreciation 

of the engineering/scientific/management dimensions of the computer profession in the course of 

developing new and specialized knowledge. 

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www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

The combination of theoretical and applied knowledge is fundamental to the educational 

philosophy at KSI. This educational approach is both sound and meaningful for professionals in the 

Chicago area seeking advanced education relevant to their jobs. To train scientists and engineers, 

it is not enough just to put them to work in the classroom and the laboratory. They must also 

experience the frustration and the excitement of putting advanced technology to work. KSI’s small 

size provides students with a high degree of specialized training and education through one to one 

work with professors and advanced research. 

KSI has an international standing and reputation. It organizes the annual International Conference 

on Software Engineering and Knowledge Engineering (SEKE) and the annual International 

Conference on Distributed Multimedia Systems (DMS). 

ACCREDITATION 

Knowledge Systems Institute Graduate School is accredited 

by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central 

Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). 

Accreditation 

The contact information for the NCA: 

Higher Learning Commission 

30 N. LaSalle Street Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504 

Phone: (800) 621-7440, (312) 263-0456 

Fax: (312) 263-7462 

http://www.higherlearningcommission.org/ 

http://www.ncahlc.org/ 

2

Admission Requirements 

3Admission Requirements 

Admission as a graduate student requires a Bachelor’s Degree. A student may be required to take 

prerequisite courses to make up for deficiency in previous education. Students with inadequate 

background are required to complete a program of up to 20 prerequisite courses before being 

considered for admission to the graduate program. Such prerequisite courses shall not be counted 

to ward the fulfillment of degree requirements. 

An applicant from a country whose native lan guage is not English must submit the Test of English as 

a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores be fore admission. Based upon the student’s scores, a student 

may be required to take ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. Such courses shall not be 

counted toward the ful fillment of degree requirements. International students can only be admitted 

as full-time stu dents. Before a student may matriculate, he or she must have an official transcript of 

previous college work on file in the registrar’s office. 

How to Apply Students must send the completed application form, three reference letters, official 

transcripts, a copy of their diploma (no certificates) and the applica tion fee to the Admissions 

Office. International/foreign students also need to submit TOEFL scores of 80 iBT(internet-Based Test) 

or higher grade report and financial support documents. This grade report should be sent directly 

from the testing center to the school using the school’s TOEFL test center code, which is 1379. 

For the MS Degree Application please refer to KSI’s website at: www.ksi.edu/application 

When to Apply Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. Classes begin at 

various times as indicated in the academic calendar. 

Credit Transfer Policy Students who have completed graduate-level coursework in computer 

and information sciences but did not earn a Master’s Degree in computer science or computer 

engineering at an accredited institution may request the credit of equivalent graduate courses be 

applied towards a graduate degree. Students may transfer a maximum of 6 credits. For more details 

please see the current student handbook available on KSI’s website at 

www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf



www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

Required Documents for Admission: 

• Application Form 

• Non-Refundable Application Fee $50 

• Official Transcript(s)* (Photocopy not accepted) 

• Three Reference Letters 

• Affidavit of Support (International Students Only) 

• TOEFL Transcript (International Students Only) 

• 1” to 1 1/ 2 ” standard photo 

* Photocopies of official transcripts are not accepted. The official transcripts must be released and sent directly to Knowledge 

Systems Institute Admissions Office. 

►Please visit page 51 for KSI’s contact information. 

Admission Requirements 

www.ksi.edu 

• General Information: www.ksi.edu/gen_info.html 

• Admissions: www.ksi.edu/admission.html 

• Online Application: www.ksi.edu/application 

• Application Form: www.ksi.edu/forms/app_form.pdf 

• Prospective Students: www.ksi.edu/pros_students.html 

• Student Handbook: www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf 

4

Calendar 

5Calendar 

Academic Semester Begins Ends 

Year 

2011 - 2012 Fall August 22, 2011 - December 15, 2011 

Spring January 09, 2012 - May 06, 2012 

Summer May 21, 2012 - August 12 , 2012 



Summer May 20, 2013 - August 11, 2013 



Summer May 19, 2014 - August 10, 2014 

Academic Year Spring Break Graduation* 

2011 - 2012 March 05 - 11, 2012 May 06, 2012 

2012 - 2013 March 04 - 10, 2013 May 05, 2013 

2013 - 2014 March 03 - 09, 2014 May 11, 2014 

* The Administration Office must receive the completed graduation application by the dates specified 

below. Please note: graduation ceremonies are held once a year in May (if students plan to participate 

in it, they must register at the office by the middle of March), but degrees maybe conferred in the 

months of August and December. 

Application for Graduation Deadline Comprehensive Examinations 

August Degree Conferral 1st Friday in February The Master of Science and Certificate 

Comprehensive Exams are offered 

December Degree Conferral 2nd Friday in June three times a year: 

- Last week of April 

May Commencement 3rd Friday in November - Last week of July 

- First week of December



www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

MS Degree Program 

Knowledge Systems Institute offers a Master of Science Degree in Computer and Information 

Sciences. The MS Degree Program is offered on-campus, online or in combination. The study of 

computer and information sciences is viewed as the inquiry into the nature of information processing 

systems and computational processes, and the application of information processing tools for 

solving problems in modern society. 

The MS degree program in computer and information sciences covers the core areas of 

programming languages, database systems, operating systems, and theory of computation. 

Therefore, students trained by KSI will be able to apply their knowledge of the newest information 

processing tools in their work environment. 

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION 

Students are required to complete the Required Core Courses listed under the area of 

concentration in which they are enrolled. Courses listed as Area Courses may be substituted with 

other graduate level courses with advisor and Dean approval. 


Areas of concentration are academic programs that allow a student to focus on specialized areas 

of computer and information sciences. The eight areas of concentration including: Management 

Information Systems, Health Informatics, Computer-Based Education, Digital Art, Information Security, 

Knowledge Management, Computer Networks, and Software Engineering. Students who wish to 

specialize in an area of concentration should take one (1) more course in addition to the nine (9) 

courses required by the standard Master’s in Computer and Information Sciences Degree Program. 

6


Degree Requirements for The Master of Science 

in Computer and Information Sciences 

7MS Degree in CIS 

The MS degree program in Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) provides students with the 

advanced knowledge and skills necessary to understand, design and use modern computerbased 

systems. It fosters innovative thinking and encourages new approaches to solving business 

and technological problems through the use of information technology (IT). Students will gain the 

expertise needed to meet the demands of the rapidly growing and changing information industry. 

Graduates can begin an IT career, advance in IT if they already have an IT career, or prepare for 

future advanced studies in computer science. 

Degree Requirements 

The MS degree in Computer and Information Sciences requires twenty seven (27) credit hours of 

coursework (namely, nine (9) graduate courses), a nine (9) credit hour individual research project 

and a comprehensive examination. 

Required Core Courses 

• CIS501 Information System Design 

• CIS502 Database Management Systems 

• CIS503 Theory of Computation 

• CIS504 Programming Languages 

• CIS510 Software Project Management 

• BA531 Data Mining 

CIS599A, B, C Research Project 

(Course Descriptions begin on Page 16.) 

Area Courses 

• CIS506 Advanced Operating Systems 

• CIS507 Principles of Computer Networks 

• CIS509 Knowledge Engineering 

• CIS520 Advanced Computer Networks and 

Security 

• CIS522 Computer Security and Cryptography 

• CIS562 Software Design Workshop 

• CIS563 Information Security Assurance 

• CIS566 Software Testing Techniques



www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS 

Knowledge Systems Institute offers coursework and research in the Management Information 

Systems (MIS) concentration, which is designed for individuals seeking executive positions with 

responsibilities for achieving competitive advantage through the effective integration of information 

technology into organizations. Strategic advantages in the Internet age have been developed in 

adoption of a new paradigm for organizing businesses. In this new paradigm, core competencies 

of information technology, IT management and knowledge management capabilities could 

determine winners and losers in global electronic markets, which results in a growing need for 

managers at all levels in all functional areas of an organization to be conversant with strategies 

and tactics for managing the use of information technology. This MIS concentration is designed to 

fulfill this pressing need and expose students to IT management concepts and theory. The courses 

use an interdisciplinary approach, are project and case based and lay a solid foundation in 

systems analysis and design, IT project management, enterprise information architecture planning 

and design, evaluation of IT value, identification and assessment of opportunities for IT-enabled 

business process reengineering and information systems construction. Most MIS graduates will find 

managerial positions in the information systems departments in organizations and in consulting. 


MIS 

The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in MIS requires 

30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research project and a 

comprehensive examination. 


• BA501 Management Information Systems 

• BA503 Decision Support Systems 






• BA504 Business Management 

• BA511 Statistics 

• BA533 Fundamentals of Knowledge 

Management 




8


9Health Informatics 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN HEALTH INFORMATICS 

The MS Degree in Health Informatics is designed to meet the rapidly growing need for technical 

professionals in the healthcare industry by preparing students through an integration of 

technological expertise in informatics, computer science, mathematical statistics, networks, 

database engineering and knowledge management with a knowledge of the clinical environment 

in the health care professions. This discipline involves the development and application of methods 

for acquiring, representing, retrieving and analyzing biomedical knowledge and data. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Health Informatics 

requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research project 

and a comprehensive examination. 


• HI510 Project Management for Health 

Informatics 

• HI581 Foundations of Health Informatics 

• HI582 Database Management Systems in 

Healthcare 

• HI587 Computer Networks in the 

Healthcare Industry 

• BA511 Statistics 





• HI503 Clinical Decision Systems 

• HI522 Computer & Network Security for 

Healthcare 

• HI533 Fundamentals of Knowledge 

Management for Healthcare 

• HI535 Knowledge Representation in 

Healthcare Informatics



www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN COMPUTER-BASED EDUCATION 

Computer-based education or e-learning is becoming more and more popular in both traditional 

schools and online universities. Learning has three basic ingredients: learning materials, teacher and 

student. In computer-based education, computers and other electronic devices are integrated into 

the learning process to facilitate learning. Computer-based education includes, but is not restricted 

to, computer-aided instruction and distance learning. Knowledge Systems Institute offers coursework 

and research in the field of Computer-Based Education (CBE). This program is designed as an area 

of concentration for the person who wants to combine courses in computer and information systems 

with courses in education management and computer-based instructional systems. It is a very 

useful area of concentration for teachers, education managers and people interested in a career 

in education. Upon completion of all requirements, a Master of Science degree in Computer and 

Information Sciences with a concentration in Computer-Based Education is awarded. Graduates 

from this area of concentration will be able to manage online learning programs, design e-learning 

systems and effectively teach courses in an e-learning environment. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Computer-Based 

Education requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research 

project and a comprehensive examination. 

Computer-Based Education 











• CIS514 User Interface Engineering 

• CIS520 Advanced Computer Networks and 

Security 

• BA521 Computer-Based Instructional 

Systems 

• BA523 Organization and Management in 

Instructional Systems 

10


AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN DIGITAL ART 

The area of concentration in digital art is designed for students and professionals to create art 

forms including interactive multimedia, high definition video and video installations, visual effects, 

advanced 2D and 3D computer graphics and animation, sound design, website design and music 

composition. Students are exposed to in depth discussion of digital arts history, media theory, 

aesthetics and the creative process. Students have the opportunity to take computer science 

courses and tailor the concentration to emphasize either a technical or artistic focus. Students are 

provided with an emphasis on the practical creative approach, working with digital arts faculty 

on projects in studio. The concentration in digital art can lead to businesses involved in creating or 

providing content for other companies. 

Digital Art 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Digital Art requires 

30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research project and 

extended creative work. 



• CIS517 Advanced Computer Graphics 

• CIS571 Introduction to Digital Art 

• CIS572 Digital Art Workshop 

• CIS573 Digital Production Studio 


• CIS513 Multi-Media Information Systems 

• CIS574 Digital Video Production 

• CIS575 Digital Audio Production 

• CIS576 DV Independent Film Production 

• CIS577 Digital Cinematography 

• CIS578 Art and Technology Seminar(I) 

• CIS579 Art and Technology Seminar(II) 


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www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN INFORMATION SECURITY 

Information security attempts to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer 

system components. People involved in information security must be able to comprehend and 

scientifically employ and manage information security concepts, principles, methods, techniques, 

practices and procedures. The nature of information security education demands expertise 

concentrated in areas of information technologies and administrative operations. Knowledge 

Systems Institute provides an area of concentration in information security in its MS degree program, 

which is designed to provide an interdisciplinary education combined with a technical background 

in computer science. The program consists of courses on information security management, 

computer network security, data protection using encryption techniques and information security 

assurance. Upon completion of all requirements, a Master of Science degree in Computer and 

Information Sciences with a concentration in Information Security is awarded. Students not only learn 

how to make an organization’s database more secure and how to protect a computer network 

by a combination of firewalls and encryption techniques, but also acquire the important practical 

knowledge of ISO standards and procedures for assuring an organization’s information security. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Information 

Security requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research 


Information Security 





• CIS522 Computer Security and 

Cryptography 





• CIS520 Advanced Computer Networks 


• CIS566 Software Testing Techniques 



12


Knowledge Management 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 

Knowledge Management is an area of concentration most suitable for people who already have 

a career in a field other than information technology, but now find the need to acquire new IT 

skills in order to remain technologically competent. Since knowledge industry is the wave of the 

future, to acquire the necessary data management and knowledge management skills enables an 

individual to compete successfully in a demanding job market. Knowledge Systems Institute offers 

coursework and research in the field of Knowledge Management (KM). The program is designed as 

concentration for individuals who need to acquire actionable insights, methodologies and strategies 

of knowledge management to enhance knowledge transfer and collaboration as a driving principle 

of organizational success. Business processes naturally involve generating knowledge and sharing 

knowledge to ensure that an organization maximizes the value it achieves through its knowledge 

base. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Knowledge 

Management requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual 

research project and a comprehensive examination. 



• BA533 Fundamentals of Knowledge 

Management 

• BA534 Topics in Knowledge Management 

• BA535 Knowledge Acquisition and 

Modeling with UML 



• BA501 Management Information Systems 








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847-679-3135 

AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN COMPUTER NETWORKS 

Computer networks have become the driving force in information systems for the knowledge 

industry. Computer networks can be wired or wireless. They are the ‘glue’ that ties the system 

together. This area of concentration enables individuals to find employment in the fast growing 

fields of computer networks and data communications. Knowledge Systems Institute offers 

coursework and research in the field of Computer Networks (CN). This program is designed as 

an area of concentration for individuals who want to specialize in computer networks and data 

communications, which emphasizes on essential network security concepts, secure information 

transfer and storage, risk management, and perimeter and internal protection. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Computer 

Networks requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research 


Computer Networks 





• CIS520 Advanced Computer Networks 

• CIS522 Computer Security and Cryptography 





• CIS508 Database Network Administration & 

Tuning 



14



AREA OF CONCENTRATION IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 

The goal of software engineering is to adapt engineering practices to software development, so 

we can design better software, which is characterized by maintainability, correctness, reusability, 

portability, and efficiency. Software engineers are in high demand because these are the 

professionals who can design correct, maintainable, reusable and portable software products. 

Knowledge Systems Institute offers coursework and research in the field of Software Engineering. This 

program is designed as an area of concentration for individuals who want to learn the theory and 

practice of software engineering, knowledge engineering and software project management. 


The MS Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, with the concentration in Software 

Engineering requires 30 credit hours of coursework (10 courses), a nine credit hour individual research 
















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www.ksi.edu 

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Course Descriptions 

GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

BA501 

Management Information Systems: This course 

covers introduction to information resource 

management, business systems, economics 

of information, and the information services 

organization. Effective and efficient utilization 

of computer technology, including hardware, 

software, and system development. Role of 

database administration. (3 credits) 

BA502 

Financial Accounting: Based on an overview 

of accounting principles and basic concepts 

of financial reporting, students will conduct 

case studies such as the computerization of a 

general ledger system, information processing 

in accounting systems, global issues in 

understanding accounting practices. Major steps 

in computerization related to financial accounting 

will be explored. Prerequisite: BA302. (3 credits) 

BA503 

Decision Support Systems: This course covers 

introduction to decision support systems and the 

techniques and manner in which these systems are 

constructed and used. This is done through Webrelated 

issues which parallel business intelligence/ 

business analytics for electronic commerce and 

other Web applications. Cases. Prerequisite: 

MA374. (3 credits) 

BA504 

Business Management: This graduate level 

seminar will focus on management concepts and 

techniques for organizations experiencing rapid 

and/or continuous change and/or dedicated 

to technological innovation. Special attention 

will be given to social responsibility, managerial 

ethics, non-traditional organizations and global 

enterprises. Prerequisite: BA301. (3 credits) 

BA505 

Marketing Management: This course covers 

marketing principles, analysis, planning and 

decision making. Special attantion will be given 

to marketing management, buyer behavior, 

segmentation, product policy, forecasting, pricing, 

distribution, advertising, promotion, marketing 

information systems and competitive strategy. 

Prerequisite: BA305. (3 credits) 

BA506 

Organization and Management 

Development: This course covers characteristics 

of business and other types of organization. 

Special attention will be given to system concepts 

in organizations, organization theories, behavioral 

factors in leadership, managing change, 

motivation and interpersonal communication, 

impacts of information technologies and strategies 

for managing organizational change. (3 credits) 


16



BA508 

Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions: 

A study of modern management decision-making 

techniques through theory and hands-on case 

studies in financial analysis, capacity planning, 

inventory control, work-force management, 

transformation process and quality enhancement. 

(3 credits) 

BA509 

Operations and Production Management: 

This course provides a conceptual framework for 

studying and organizing the operation/production 

functions efficiently for management decisions 

involving input-output transformations. Work design 

and processing, capacity planning and laborforce 

management, scheduling, assignment, and 

inventory control. (3 credits) 

BA510 

Corporate Finance: This course provides students 

a comprehensive study of corporate financial 

management. Special attention is given to capital 

budgeting, the role of financial markets, risk and 

return, financial decision, dividend policy and 

capital structure. Prerequisite: BA307. (3 credits) 

BA511 

Statistics: This course provides students with 

a broad overview of statistical methods. The 

emphasis is on interpretation and concepts rather 

than calculations or mathematical details. The 

course intends to provide students with an ability 

to read the scientific literature in order to critically 

evaluate study designs and methods of data 

analysis. Basic concepts of statistical inference 

including hypothesis testing, p-values, and 

confidence intervals will be introduced. Specific 

topics will include comparisons of means and 

proportions, the normal distribution, regression and 

correlation, confounding, and concepts of study 

design including randomization, sample size, and 

power considerations. Examples of the use and 

abuse of statistical methods will be drawn from 

current literature. (3 credits) 

BA512 

Financial Markets and Institutions: This course 

covers the analysis of financial markets and 

institutions. Students will learn the structure of 

financial intermediaries such as banks, investment 

companies and stock exchanges, as well as 

options and future markets. Prerequisite: BA307. 

(3 credits) 

BA519 

Electronic Enterprise Engineering using Java: 

Enterprise engineering is an emerging discipline 

for the 21st century. This course will explore the 

development of electronic enterprise to facilitate 

electronic commerce, to integrate enterprise 

information, and to empower knowledge workers 

of all levels with decision-support capabilities using 

the Java programming language, EJB, J2EE, etc. 

Prerequisite: CIS321. (3 credits) 

BA521 

Computer-Based Instructional Systems: This 

course covers design structures, computer-assisted 

instruction, computer-managed instruction for 

goal-oriented teaching in education, business and 

industry. Students will utilize instruction with the use 

of graphics, multimedia instructional techniques 

and online resources such as the Internet and the 

World Wide Web. Prerequisite: CIS321. (3 credits) 

BA523 

Organization and Management in 

Instructional Systems: This course covers 

management techniques and procedures in 

the planning, design and implementation of 

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847-679-3135 

instructional systems in education, business and 

industry. Fiscal, logistical, allocative, informational 

and planning methods. (3 credits) 

BA531 

Data Mining: This course is intended to explore 

both the data mining and its applications. This 

course is going to cover the principles and 

techniques for extracting information. Students will 

learn the fundamentals of data mining, strategies, 

approaches, techniques to discover intelligence 

from data, and evaluation of data mining models. 

Some examples are, supervised/unsupervised 

learning, classify, cluster, associate, etc. Practical 

applications include sales promotion, marketing 

strategies, and fraud detection. Prerequisite: 

CIS331. (3 credits) 

BA533 

Fundamentals of Knowledge Management: 

This course provides a detailed understanding 

of the practice of Knowledge Management 

(KM). Content includes understanding the best 

practices used in commercial and public sectors 

today, establishing KM practice, defining and 

understanding knowledge modes - tacit/explicit, 

knowledge sharing techniques, communities of 

practice (CoP), conducting after action reviews, 

and case studies and future implications of KM. 

(3 credits) 

BA534 

Topics in Knowledge Management: This 

course provides a detailed understanding of 

the practice of Knowledge Management (KM). 

Content includes KM evolution; best practices 

used in commercial and public sectors today, 

where KM is headed, and why it is so vital to 

an organization’s success. At the end of this 

course, the participants will have an advanced 

understanding of knowledge management, 

knowledge management concepts and principles, 

and how to apply them. (3 credits) 

BA535 

Knowledge Acquisition and Modeling 

with UML: This course will instruct students on 

the various concepts and methods used for 

knowledge representation. Students will learn 

how to apply the Unified Modeling Language 

(UML) and the Knowledge Acquisition Unified 

Framework as a standard process to capture 

and build knowledge models to represent 

knowledge. This course on knowledge modeling 

will focus on three (3) major representations 

of knowledge. These representations include 

Ladders, Network Diagrams and Decision Trees. In 

this course, students will examine the knowledge 

modeling and UML concepts and applying those 

concepts to build knowledge models with UML. 

A demonstration of the Knowledge Acquisition 

Unified Framework software will be incorporated 

within the framework of the course. (3 credits) 

BA563 

Electronic Commerce Workshop: In this 

course, students will engage in group projects to 

go through the entire process of e-commerce 

application development, including the business 

model, materials flow, cash flow and web-based 

system prototyping. Prerequisites: CIS513, BA519. 

(3 credits) 

BA700 

Special Seminars: Under the supervision of 

an instructor, students may request to study 

individually in an advanced subject not included 

in the regular courses. Students are required to 

read one or more textbooks and/or a collection 

of papers, do exercises and take examinations. All 

the requirements are identical to the requirements 

for a regular graduate course. (3 credits) 


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19 

CIS501 

Information System Design: This course covers 

the fundamentals of information structures, 

data compression and indexing techniques. 

It emphasizes the design and implementation 

of web-based information systems, distributed 

systems, knowledge-based systems, XML, ASP. 

Net, etc. Prerequisite: competency in high-level 

languages and data structures. (3 credits) 

CIS502 

Database Management Systems: This course is 

intended to cover both the theoretical concepts 

of modern database systems, and the practical 

usage of commercial database systems (ORACLE). 

Students will learn the fundamentals of relational 

database, relational theory, relational algebra, 

Entity-Relation diagram, normalization and normal 

forms, database integrity, file structure, and 

indexing structure. Prerequisite: CIS331. (3 credits) 

CIS503 

Theory of Computation: This course covers 

computation models and formal languages. 

Students will learn correspondence of machine 

hierarchy with language hierarchy, precise 

definition of the concept of an algorithm and 

turing machines and undecidability results. P and 

NP. Prerequisite: CIS 350. (3 credits) 

CIS504 

Programming Languages: This course covers 

surveys and comparisons of various programming 

languages, including language syntax, grammar, 

parser, procedural, non-procedural, logic, 

functional, object-oriented programming 

languages, VB.Net, Visual C++, Java, C#, etc. 

Visual Programming is emphasized. Prerequisites: 

CIS322 & CIS350. (3 credits) 

CIS505 

Compiling Techniques: This course covers 

marketing principles, analysis, planning and 

decision making. Students will learn marketing 

management, buyer behavior, segmentation, 

product policy, forecasting, pricing, distribution, 

advertising, promotion, marketing information 

systems and competitive strategy. Prerequisite: 

BA305. (3 credits) 

CIS506 

Advanced Operating Systems: This course is 

an introduction to distributed operating systems, 

including communication, synchronization, 

processes, file systems and memory management. 

Four examples of distributed systems are given in 

detail. (3 credits) 

CIS507 

Principles of Computer Networks: This course 

is intended to discuss how local area networks, 

enterprise networks, wide area networks and 

their various hardware and software components 

work. By using the seven-layer OSI/ISO model 

as a framework, students will have an in-depth 

understanding about the protocols of computer 

networks. Class project includes TCP/IP network 

programming using Java and/or Winsockets of 

VB.Net running on Internet. Case studies include 

all kinds of enterprise networks. The course also 

prepares students to the industrial certification 

Network+. Prerequisite: CIS370. (3 credits) 

CIS508 

Database Network Administration and 

Tuning: This course covers database performance 

tuning, SQL and application design tuning, I/O 

tuning, resource management, database network 

architecture and administration, server and client 

configuration, and advanced security options. 

Prerequisite: CIS331. (3 credits)



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CIS509 

Knowledge Engineering: This course discusses 

the use of heuristics, production rules, and 

theorem-proving techniques to design expert 

systems and knowledge-based systems. Class 

projects include the design of knowledgebased 

systems using CLIPS, an expert-system-tool 

designed by NASA. Prerequisite: CIS504. (3 credits) 

CIS510 

Software Project Management: Students 

will learn software engineering techniques and 

management practices for large scale information 

system development, including the software 

development process, methodology, environment, 

tools and teamwork concepts. Communication, 

presentation and documentation skills will also 

be emphasized. A group project is required in this 

course. Prerequisite: CIS331. (3 credits) 

CIS511 

Mini/Micro-Computer Systems: This course 

examines survey of popular microprocessors 

and their architectures, hardware design 

considerations and trade-offs. Students will 

learn memory, interrupt handling, I/O structures, 

interfacing techniques, hardware and software 

design tools. Troubleshooting, Real-life applications 

are also emphasized. This course includes several 

laboratory projects. Prerequisite: CIS506. (3 credits) 

CIS513 

Multimedia Information Systems: This course 

concentrates on the design of multimedia 

information systems involving the integration of 

contemporary media formats including video, 

audio, graphics, text and interactive elements. 

Students engage in discussions about the 

conception, creation and distribution of media 

across systems as well as a survey of system types. 

(3 credits) 

CIS514 

User Interface Engineering: This course 

examines the principles of user interface design, 

including discussions of visual, usability, and 

technical considerations. Various media editing 

and design tools are utilized with an emphasis on 

interactive content. (3 credits) 

CIS516 

Computer Vision: This course discusses 

image processing techniques which include 

segmentation, boundary detection, object 

recognition, 3D object representation and 

recognition. Students will learn knowledge 

representation for computer vision. Applications 

to industrial robotics, parts inspection and factory 

automation will be discussed. Prerequisites: CIS503 

& CIS504. (3 credits) 

CIS517 

Advanced Computer Graphics: This course 

covers advanced graphic authoring including 

2D animation and 3D modeling techniques. 

Various 2D, 3D and interactive authoring tools are 

utilized. In addition, there is discussion of narrative 

presentation, output for various media and modes 

of distribution. Prerequisites: CIS393 & CIS395. (3 credits) 

CIS518 

Computer Architecture: This course is an 

introduction to computer architecture. Students 

will learn processor architecture, sequential 

and microprogramming controls, memory 

organizations, I/O structures, bus structures, 

peripherals and interfacing, computer 

communication. Prerequisite: CIS506. (3 credits) 


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CIS519 

Electronic Enterprise Engineering: Enterprise 

engineering is an emerging discipline for the 21st 

century. This course will explore the development 

of electronic enterprise to facilitate electronic 

commerce and to integrate enterprise information 

and empower knowledge workers of all levels 

with decision-support capabilities using the Java 

programming language, EJB JEE5. Prerequisite: 


CIS520 

Advanced Computer Networks: This course 

discusses advanced issues of TCP/IP networking. 

Class project includes the implementation of TCP/ 

IP applications using WinSockets, JavaMicroEdition. 

The content covers Client/Server Model, Network 

Management, Network Security, Cisco Router 

Configuration, broadband communication 

and ATM concepts, Enterprise Network Systems, 

etc. The course also prepares students to the 

industrial certification Network+ and CCNA/CCNP 


CIS521 

Queueing Theory and Simulation: This course 

covers queuing models of computer networks and 

systems. Students will learn birth-death systems; 

single and multiple server systems, steady-state 

behavior of general service time queues, priority 

queues, approximation methods and algorithms 

for complex queues. Simulation. Prerequisites: 

CIS350 & CIS370. (3 credits) 

Encryption and Certificate Basics, Network 

Infrastructure Security, TCP/IP Basics and port 

security, Communications Security, Application 

Security ,User Security, Security Baselines, 

Operational Security, Organizational Security, 

Incident Detection and Response. The course 

also prepare students to the industrial certification 

Security+. (3 credits) 

CIS562 

Software Design Workshop: Students will 

engage in group projects on software factory, 

software reuse, reverse engineering, reengineering 

and other topics of current interest. 


CIS563 

Information Security Assurance: Students will 

learn how to accomplish information security goals 

by following assurance standards, ISO standards, 

the certification process, and planning for 

assurance certification of level-2 security. (3 credits) 

CIS564 

Software Agents: The content of this course 

consists of the introduction to software agents, 

basic modules of software agent systems, software 

agent development methods and tools, mobile 

agents, agent communications, and various 

software agent applications and related research 

issues. Students will have various software agent 

laboratories by using fixed and mobile agent tools 

to implement software agents. (3 credits) 

CIS522 

Computer Security and Cryptography: This 

course will present a practical survey of concepts, 

principles and practice of cryptography and 

computer security. Course content include: 

General Networking and Security Concepts, 

CIS566 

Software Testing Techniques: This course 

presents a comprehensive study of software 

testing and quality control concepts, principles, 

methodologies, management strategies and 

techniques. The emphasis here is on understanding 

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software testing process, planning, strategy, 

criteria, and testing methods, as well as software 

quality assurance concepts & control process. It 

covers the various subjects, including test models, 

test design techniques (black box and white-box 

testing techniques), integration, regression, and 

system testing methods. (3 credits) 

CIS567 

Software Test Automation: This course presents a 

comprehensive study of software test automation, 

including concepts, principles, methods, test 

automation scripting, and test tools. The course 

covers the major software test automation topics: 

test automation infrastructure, test generation, test 

scripting and execution, test tool development, 

auto-test regression, and automatic test coverage 

analysis. By providing different types of test 

automation tools (black-box and white-box 

test tools), this course covers several important 

test automation topics, such as automatic 

GUI testing solutions and tools, b) automatic 

component testing and testability, c) model-based 

test automation, d) performance testing and 

automation, e) web-based and SOA-based test 

automation. This course provides students with test 

automation project experience based on existing 

test tools and created automation solutions. 

(3 credits) 

CIS568 

Software Quality Assurance: This course 

presents a comprehensive study of software quality 

assurance, including software quality control 

management, processes, systems, methods, 

standards, certification, and measurement. 

The emphasis here is on understanding how to 

select and define quality assurance standards 

and control processes, and how to establish a 

cost-effective quality control system with welldefined 

quality measurement metrics. The course 

covers various quality inspections and verification 

techniques, expose to popular quality audit and 

certification processes and systems, such as ISO 

9000 and SEI SW-CMM. (3 credits) 

CIS571 

Introduction to Digital Art: This course gives an 

in-depth introduction to digital art which includes 

elements of drawing, music composition, sculpture 

and other forms of artistic expression, digital 

media, 3D graphics and time-based media. 

(3 credits) 

CIS572 

Digital Art Workshop: This workshop provides 

an intensive training environment for students to 

engage in individual experiments on digital art 

and design applications utilizing various media, 

including images, sound and other sensory 

information. Prerequisite: CIS571. (3 credits) 

CIS573 

Digital Production Studio: This course will enable 

students to understand the theory and practice 

of a multimedia, multichannel production and 

installation and display techniques, and allow 

students to develop skills and attitudes that 

foster creativity, innovation and collaboration. 

Prerequisites: CIS517 and CIS571. (3 credits) 

CIS574 

Digital Video Production: The goal of the course 

is for each student to gain in-depth experience 

throughout a video production process as a 

crew member and to explore wide variety of 

new techniques like HDR / High Dynamic Range 

digital photography and new aesthetics in DV film 

making. (3 credits) 


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CIS575 

Digital Audio Production: This course is a studiolecture-discussion 

course that investigates the 

artistic potential of sound and media performance 

and installation art making and explores the 

intricate dynamics and relationships of electronic 

and digital music and sound environment in 

design for public presentation of multi-media 

performance and installation. (3 credits) 

CIS576 

DV Independent Film Production: This course 

requires students to engage themselves in DV film 

production with a focus on the art, technology 

and business of low-budget digital filmmaking. 

Students will work through the several key phases 

of independent film, High Definition video creation 

process: pre-production, production and postproduction, 

editing and worldwide promotion. 

(3 credits) 

CIS577 

Digital Cinematography: This course introduces 

the theories and innovative, state of the art 

techniques used in scripting, scene composition, 

lighting and design when creating a setting for 

digital video, animation and/or game projects. 

Students will also learn to apply these hands-on 

production techniques like multi-channel design 

and digital story telling, the lighting elements of 

visibility, selective focus, modeling and setting the 

mood of a scene in order to create a physiological 

portraiture or a composite, multilayered 

landscape. (3 credits) 

CIS578 

Art and Technology Seminar I: This course is 

intended to help students at the graduate level 

find their own voice or vision as artists. The idea 

is to help them to investigate and bring together 

their various fields of interest, deepen these fields 

through research and explore ways of putting 

them into play in their work. The course is not 

media specific and students are expected to 

come to the class already possessing a degree of 

competency in their media of choice and access 

to equipment to execute their work. The course 

will consist of weekly presentations and lectures on 

a variety of topics and individual meetings with the 

instructor to discuss and critique their work. Most 

work will be completed outside of class. (3 credits) 

CIS579 

Art and Technology Seminar II: The process 

of helping students develop their individual voice 

or vision is continued in this course, which focuses 

on the dark side of human experience. Students 

will do research and develop artwork based on 

various themes. The course is not media specific 

and students are expected to come to the class 

already possessing a degree of competency in 

their media of choice and access to equipment 

to execute their work. The course will consist of 

weekly presentations and lectures on the topics 

listed above and individual meetings with the 

instructor to discuss and critique their work. Most 

work will be completed outside of class. (3 credits) 

CIS599 

Research Project for MS Degree: Nine credit 

hours are required. Students will be guided 

individually to do an advanced project. (9 credits) 

CIS700 

Special Seminars: Under the supervision of 

an instructor, students may request to study 

individually in an advanced subject not included 

in the regular courses. Students are required to 

read one or more textbooks and/or a collection of 

papers, do exercises and take examinations. All 

the requirements are identical to the requirements 

for a regular graduate course. (3 credits) 

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HI503 

Clinical Decision Systems: An introduction 

to basic concepts surrounding clinical decision 

systems, with emphasis on electronic health 

records - terminology and standards, clinical 

configuration, user interface design, computerized 

physician order entry, clinical decision support, 

and clinical reporting. The course then focuses 

on the practical application of these concepts, 

including implementation, clinical workflow, 

privacy and security, certification, medical device 

integration, and community health information 

exchange; includes guest lecturers presenting realworld 

case studies. (3 credits) 

HI510 

Project Management for Health Informatics 

This course will introduce the students to managing 

health-care informatics projects, including the 

techniques, process and procedures used to 

manage small, medium, and large software and 

systems projects. The students will be introduced 

to the waterfall, iterative and agile methodologies 

and will also include topics such as project 

planning, estimating, budgeting, and human 

resource management. The course will also discuss 

administrative and clinical applications, evidencebased 

medicine, information retrieval, decision 

support systems, security and confidentiality, 

bioinformatics, electronic health records, as well 

as, key health information systems standards and 

regulations. (3 credits) 

HI522 

Computer & Network Security for Healthcare: 

The major objective of this course is to introduce 

the basic concepts of computer and network 

security. The course covers general security 

concepts, TCP/IP protocol, communications 

security, infrastructure security, basics of 

cryptography, and operational/organizational 

security. The course provides students with 

knowledge to create a more secure computing 

environment for business professionals. (3 credits) 

HI533 

Fundamentals of Knowledge Management 

for Healthcare: This course provides a detailed 

understanding of the practice of knowledge 

management (KM) within the healthcare industry. 

Content includes: Critical Aspects of Healthcare 

Operations, Knowledge Strategies for Healthcare 

Operations, Knowledge Essential Elements for 

Healthcare, Knowledge Mapping and Medical 

Informatics, Knowledge Creation and Discovery in 

Medical Informatics, Applying KM to Healthcare, 

Knowledge Tools and Techniques for Healthcare. 

(3 credits) 

HI535 

Knowledge Representation in Healthcare 

Informatics: Healthcare IT researchers are mining 

information from electronic patient records 

and clinical guidelines to better understand the 

relationship between symptoms/conditions. As this 

knowledge is discovered a clear way to model 

and represent this knowledge is needed. In this 

course students will examine and apply knowledge 

acquisition and modeling that includes leveraging 

the Knowledge Acquisition Unified Framework 

(KAUF) as a standard process to capture and build 

knowledge models as it pertains to healthcare 

informatics. This course will examine Medical 

Concept Representation, Biomedical Ontology’s 

and Modeling Text Retrieval in Biomedicine. The 

students will build comprehensive taxonomies, 

ontology’s, and knowledge architectures to aid 

in the understanding the relationships between 

symptoms, conditions and treatments. The KAUF 

software tool will be incorporated within the 

course. (3 credits) 


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HI581 

Foundations of Health Informatics: The health 

care industry has recently been greatly impacted 

by technologies which facilitate patient care, 

management and research. The Association 

of American Medical Colleges has recognized 

and defined the field of health informatics 

as combining “medical science with several 

technologies and disciplines in the information and 

computer sciences and provides methodologies 

by which these can contribute to better use of 

the medical knowledge base and ultimately to 

better medical care”. This course will introduce the 

basic concepts and concerns of the burgeoning 

health informatics environment on both the 

institutional and patient-physician levels and 

provide a foundation for the health informatics 

concentration. (3 credits) 

HI582 

Database Management Systems in 

Healthcare: This course is intended to cover 

both the theoretical concepts of modern 

database systems and the practical usage of 

commercial database systems. Students will learn 

the fundamentals of relational database, SQL 

language, Database composite data types and 

database integrity. (3 credits) 

HI587 

Computer Networks in the Healthcare 

Industry: This course has two purposes. One is to 

explain how computer networks and their various 

hardware and software components work. The 

second is to do enterprise-network survey on many 

medical institutions. This is to study their network 

configuration and administration features. By using 

the seven-layer OSI/ISO model as a framework, 

students will have a solid understanding about the 

protocols of computer networks in depth. Class 

project includes implementing wired and wireless 

Local Area Network using TCP/IP protocol to 

connect to Internet. (3 credits) 

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PREREQUISITE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 

ART381 

Digital Video Production: Students will become 

familiar with the tools used during the process of 

digital film making, including production and post 

production. Students will receive an introduction 

to digital video editing and sound editing. 

Additionally, there will be discussion of various 

techniques and aesthetics in DV film making. 

(3 credits) 

ART382 

Advanced Digital Video Production: Students 

will continue to explore the tools used during the 

process of digital film making, including digital 

video editing and advanced sound techniques. 

Some basic effects will be explored and there 

will be a continued discussion of techniques and 

aesthetics in DV film making. Prerequisite: ART381. 

(3 credits) 

ART393 

Basic of Digital Art I: This course explores the 

fundamental concepts of visual design which 

range from the functional aspects of design, such 

as communication and the production process, 

to the visual aspects of design. The course will 

use Illustrator or Photoshop as the medium for 

examining the design process. Output of images 

to paper prints will be the student’s final objective. 

(3 credits)



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ART394 

Basic of Digital Art II: A continuation of the 

topics introduced in ART 393, this course will cover 

the creative compositional and artistic visual 

aspects of design as well as the practical use of 

the software application Adobe Illustrator(AI). AI 

is the main software for the course. An additional 

software, Adobe Photoshop, will present a 

relationship between AI software and students will 

learn how to manipulate AI to create art works in 

the future and understand which software should 

be utilized according to a student’s project. 

(3 credits) 

ART395 

3D Animation I: This course exposes students to 

all the facets of 3D Animation by introducing and 

explaining its tools and functions to help students 

understand how 3D Animation operates. The 

course covers the basic training of 3D modeling 

with Polygons, 3D modeling with NURBs, 3D 

Animation, and 3D shading, Texturing and Lighting. 

The course explains workflow - not only how 

specific 3D Animations are accomplished, but why 

that is and how they fit into the larger process of 

producing 3D animation films. (3 credits) 

BA301 

Principles of Management: This course provides 

the foundation for a thorough and systematic 

understanding of management theory and 

practice, including organizational concepts; the 

basic roles, skills and functions of management 

particularly as related to planning, organizing, 

leading and controlling, with special attention 

to managerial responsibility for effective and 

efficient achievement of goals; special attention 

is given to social responsibility, managerial ethics, 

non-traditional organizations and multi-national 

corporations. (3 credits) 

BA302 

Accounting Principles and Computerized 

Applications: This course covers basic 

accounting theory and its computerized 

applications. Both financial and managerial 

accounting concepts, standards and practices will 

be mastered. Students will learn how to develop 

computerized applications for accounting 

exercises as well as explore model building to 

solve financial and managerial accounting issues. 

Special attention is given to managerial ethics and 

non-traditional organizations. (3 cred its) 


ART396 

3D Animation II: This course trains students in the 

advanced features of 3D Animation by studying 

projects related to character animation in movie 

making. This course covers advanced topics of 

3D Animation, including articulated and skinned 

character animation, dynamics with rigid body 

and liquid, matrials, textures, mental ray rendering, 

hair, clothes, fur and fluid. Students will engage 

in many workshop projects using Maya. Working 

through these, students will master the knowledge 

and hone the skills of 3D animation. Prerequisites: 

ART395. (3 credits) 

BA305 

Principles of Marketing: This course introduces 

students to principles of marketing in the context 

of organizational operations - for both for-profit 

companies and not-for-profit agencies - including, 

but not limited to: buying motives, habits and 

demands of consumers; channels of distribution; 

marketing functions and policies; marketing costs 

and marketing; marketing trends and innovations 

including e-commerce; and, government relations. 

Special attention will be given to organizations 

strategic integration of marketing, to ethical 

marketing and to socially responsible marketing. 

Prerequisite: BA301. (3 credits) 

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BA307 

Managerial Finance: This course is an 

introduction to capital budgeting and 

financial accounting practies in organizational 

management. Topics include external and internal 

sources of funds, risk analysis, dividend policy and 

retained earnings. Prerequisite: BA302. (3 credits) 

BA308 

Managerial Economics: This course covers 

economics principles. Students will learn 

the application of micro-economics and 

macroeconomics to managerial decision making 

to help organizations better forecast, plan and 

control their environments. (3 credits) 

CIS310 

Introduction to Programming: This course 

covers fundamental concepts in programming 

using the Visual Basic programming language. 

Data structures and file management techniques 

are also covered in this course. (3 credits) 

CIS311 

Introduction to Object Oriented 

Programming: This course covers fundamental 

concepts in programming using the C# 

programming language. (3 credits) 

CIS320 

Computer Systems: This course introduces 

computer architecture and organization, 

machine instructions and reading assembly code. 

Operating systems concepts and software tools 

such as the assembler, linker and debugger are 

discussed. (3 credits) 

CIS321 

Computer Languages: In this course, students 

are exposed to the basic concepts of Java, 

fundamental syntax, statements, and basic 

programming skills. In addition, this course 

introduces students OOP techniques, such as, 

inheritance, method overriding/hiding, and 

overloading. This gives students the chance to 

experience the concepts and techniques from 

beginning to end. (3 credits) 

CIS322 

Object-Oriented Programming: C# is an 

object-oriented programming language and is 

designed to work with Microsoft’s .NET platform. 

C#, aims to facilitate the exchange of information 

and services over the Web and to help developers 

to succeed in creating a safe, component-based, 

portable console or web application. (3 credits) 

CIS323 

Java Graphical User Interface: This course 

will emphasize Java Swing, the framework that 

defines the look and feel of the modern Java 

Graphical User Interface (GUI). Swing streamlines 

the design of Java GUI and allows users to 

create an attractive and efficient GUI that can 

be customized for relevant applications. In this 

course, students will be exposed to the basic 

concepts, design philosophy and core features of 

Java Swing. It examines the Swing component set. 

Prerequisites: CIS321. (3 credits) 

CIS331 

Database Programming: This course introduces 

students to database technology and the 

role of databases within an organization. The 

main concepts and functions from a Relational 

Database Management System (RDBMS) are 

studied. Structured Query Language (SQL) and 

PL/SQL (Procedural Language/SQL) are covered. 

Students will learn how to create and alter tables, 

how to insert, update, and delete data. Students 

will also learn the powerful SQL query with join, 

aggregation, and ordering. (3 credits)



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CIS333 

Database Administration: This course 

covers the techniques and procedures for 

database administration, maintenance, change 

management, backup and recovery, which are 

all studied in the environment of Oracle database 

systems. Prerequisite: CIS331. (3 credits) 

CIS338 

Web Programming using ASP.NET: ASP. 

NET is a part of the Microsoft .NET framework, 

and a powerful tool for creating dynamic and 

interactive web pages. In this course, students will 

learn complete ASP.NET references about built-in 

objects and components, and their properties and 

methods, such as HTML server controls reference, 

Web server controls reference, and Validation 

server controls reference are studied. Prerequisite: 


CIS340 

Operating Systems: In this course, students will 

learn the principles of modern operating systems, 

processor management, scheduling, memory 

management, paging, virtual storage, and virtual 

machine concepts are introduced. Students will 

also learn features of such operating systems 

as Windows, UNIX, and the .NET architecture of 

Windows. Prerequisite: CIS310 or CIS321. (3 credits) 

CIS341 

UNIX Operating System: This course is an indepth 

study of the UNIX/LINUX operating system. 

In this course, shell programs and commands of 

UNIX are analyzed. Students will gain insight into 

the inner workings of a modern operating system. 


CIS345 

Game Programming: This course is an 

introduction to the principles of game 

programming. Students draw from prior knowledge 

in multiple fields including software programming, 

digital graphic arts, and computer generated 

audio and combine these fields in the effort of 

making a complete video game. The game loop, 

rendering engine, OpenGL, and basic control 

logic are all covered. (3 credits) 

CIS346 

Advanced Game Programming: This course is 

a further study in the field of game programming. 

A game state structure is formally introduced, and 

more advanced rendering techniques (such as 

HDR rendering and particle effects are covered). 

Students learn about physics engines to simulate 

real world physics laws. All of this knowledge is 

combined to make an advanced game. (3 credits) 

CIS347 

Web Game Programming: This course is an 

in-depth course on Javascript based game 

programming. The web offers a unique delivery 

mechanism for games, and making games in 

HTML and Javascript can take advantage of those 

unique points. A full browser based game will pull 

together everything learned here, including game 

states, rendering/manipulating via DOM elements, 

and browser game logic. (3 credits) 

CIS350 

Data Structures & Advanced Programming: To 

write good programs, a thorough understanding 

of data structures and their mathematical 

basis in discrete structures is necessary. In this 

course, students will learn basic data structures 

- stacks, queues, trees, lists, graphs - and their 

implementation. Prerequisite: CIS321. (3 credits) 


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29 

CIS360 

Digital Systems: This course covers fundamentals 

of digital systems, integrated circuit (IC) 

components, microprocessors and peripherals. 

Several laboratory experiments are included in the 

course. Prerequisites: CIS320 & CIS321. (3 credits) 

CIS363 

Systems Programming: This course is an 

introduction to basic software component and 

hardware features of computer systems. This 

course also covers machine architecture of several 

computer systems, interrupt and trap systems, I/O 

programming at the hardware level, interface 

design, operating systems, Windows programming 

and networking. Prerequisites: CIS322 & CIS340. 

(3 credits) 

CIS367 

Computer Graphics: This course is an 

introduction to software and hardware for 

computer graphics. Students will have handson 

exercises to develop graphics applications. 


CIS370 

Introduction to Computer Networks: This 

course provides an introduction to networking, 

local area network operation, configuration, and 

management. Client/server PC networking is 

emphasized. Laboratory project Includes network 

setup, administration, trouble shooting, and 

configuration of wired/wireless routers/firewalls, 

etc. The course also prepare students to the 

industrial certification Network+. (3 credits) 

CIS391 

Introduction to Web Design: This course is an 

introduction to the principles and tools of design 

for the web. Students begin with fundamental 

issues of composition and coding, and then 

introduce more advanced techniques of layout 

and image editing. The creative compositional 

and artistic visual aspects of web design as well as 

practical use of software is covered. (3 credits) 

CIS392 

Advanced Web Design: This course will build 

upon the basic principles of design and focus on 

more advanced techniques. Students will continue 

to develop the creative compositional and artistic 

visual aspects of web design as well as their use of 

design tools, incorporating some new behaviors 

and interactive design techniques. Prerequisite: 


HM381 

Global Communications: This course is 

an examination of the structure and flow of 

international communication and media 

products. Studnts learn the organization of media 

and international impact of new media and 

information technology. The global village and the 

electronic cottage are also discussed. (3 credits) 

HM382 

Introduction to Computer Law: Computer 

professionals need to understand the legal issues 

involved in the computer industry including 

copyright and patents, confidentiality, ownership, 

licensing, consulting, fraud, privacy, the Internet, 

and international law. Students will gain an 

understanding of the use of law as a management 

tool and legal responsibilities required in the 

industry. (3 credits) 

HM383 

Advanced Computer Law: This course focuses 

on specialized legal issues relating to commerce 

and the computer industry. Students will explore 

legal issues associated with the Internet and 

electronic commerce leading to an understanding



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of the law as a management tool for commerce 

in the context of the Internet environment. 

Prerequisite: HM382. (3 credit) 

HM384 

Introduction to Psychology: This course is an 

introduction to the modern theories of psychology, 

cognitive science and learning for computer and 

information scientists. (3 credits) 

HM385 

Computers and Thought: This course will explore 

different ways of thinking: logical thinking, levels 

of thinking, cultural differences in thinking, and AI 

models in thinking and knowledge representation. 

(3 credits) 

HM388 

Manuscript Writing and Communications: 

This course covers theory and practice in writing 

manuscripts for presentation and communications 

in academics, business, industry and government. 

(3 credits) 

MA177 

Introduction to Statistical Computing : This 

course is an introduction to statistical computing 

focused on data analysis and reporting 

applications. The course offers both conceptual 

and applied knowledge. It also provides an indepth 

working knowledge of the SAS language 

with or without prior SAS knowledge. (3 credits) 

MA371 

Boolean Algebra and Logic: Boolean algebra 

and mathematical logic will be explored in 

this course. Topics include: Boolean algebra, 

applications to computer design, propositional 

and predicate logic, and logic of programs. 

(3 credits) 

MA374 

Continuous Mathematics: This course is 

designed for students who have inadequate 

background in continuous mathematics. Topics 

include: basic concepts in calculus, differentiation, 

integration, numerical analysis and differential 

equations. (3 credits) 

MA377 

SAS Programming: This course is designed for 

new SAS users who are interested in learning 

the SAS base programming. It provides students 

a start in all basic concepts and techniques of 

SAS base programming in both the SAS and SAS 

Enterprise Guide programming workspace , which 

includes creating data, modifying and combining 

data sets, summarizing and presenting data, and 

debugging SAS programs. (3 credits) 

MA379 

Advanced SAS Programming: The course 

discusses how to read external data in relational 

databases or spreadsheets, perform queries 

on data using SQL queries, as well as use SAS 

macro facility to build macro-based systems. 

This is an advanced course for experienced SAS 

programmers. Prerequisite: MA377. (3 credits) 


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English Language Program 

English Language 

Proficiency Program 

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) 

International students at KSI are required to attain a certain level of proficiency in the English 

language in order to receive their degree. Applicants may meet this proficiency requirement by 

submitting an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report of 80 iBT (internet- 

Based Test) or higher. International students without the required TOEFL score will be required to 

enroll in the ESL program in order to be accepted into the graduate program. 

TOEFL grade reports should be sent directly to the school using the school’s TOEFL test center code, 

which is 1379. 

The English Language Program is a fulltime non-credit program. We offer English as a second 

language (ESL) courses at five levels of English proficiency: 

FIVE LEVELS OF PROFICIENCY 

• Foundation Level 

• Intermediate Level 

• High Intermediate Level 

• Advanced Level 

• University Level 

COURSES OFFERED AT EACH LEVEL 

• Writing 

• Reading and Vocabulary Development 

• Grammar 

• Spoken English and Listening Comprehension 

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ESL LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS 

Level - 1 

Foundation: Develop basic language skills needed in classroom and in day-to-day adult situations. 

Focus on listening and minimal speaking tasks necessary to satisfy routine classroom and social 

demands and limited work requirements. Introduction to reading and writing skills. For those with little 

or no literacy in English. Develop greater skills in listening and speaking for basic communication in 

the classroom, outside the classroom and at work. Expand reading and writing skills, introduction of 

basic grammar. 

Level - 2 

Intermediate: Listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to function satisfactorily in most real-life 

situations related to immediate needs. Must have completed Beginning Low 2 or equivalent. 

Refine skills needed in conversations beyond survival needs. Function independently in most 

familiar situations and use appropriate language in routine social situations. Must have completed 

Foundation level. 

Level - 3 

High Intermediate: Skills needed to function effectively in familiar and unfamiliar social situations 

and familiar work situations. Communication needed to discuss/interpret cultural differences and 

use English to solve problems outside the class. Must have completed Intermediate level. 

English Language Program 

Level - 4 

Advanced: Fluency and communication skills. Self-monitor effectively when using basic 

grammatical structure and introduction to more complex structures. U.S. cultural values and thinking 

patterns are introduced through discussions, readings and writing. Must have completed High 

Intermediate level. 

Level - 5 

University: Demonstrate knowledge of written and spoken English well enough to pass the TOEFL 

and/or participate in a college or university program. Must have completed levels one through four. 

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Graduation Requirements 

Graduation Requirements 

The MS Degree Program in Computer and Information Sciences requires a curriculum of 27 credit 

hours of coursework, nine credit hours of MS Thesis Project, Comprehensive Exami nation and TOEFL. 

The MS Degree Program in Computer and Information Sciences with an area of concentration, 

requires a curriculum of 30 credit hours of coursework, nine credit hours of MS Thesis Project, 

Comprehensive Examination and TOEFL. 

MS THESIS PROJECT 

Each MS degree program student must have a Project Advisor. By default, the Academic Advisor 

will be his or her Project Advisor. However, another faculty member may be selected as a coadvisor 

depending on the nature of research project proposed. The Dean of Academic Affairs must 

approve the student’s selection of the advisor. Once the Project Advisor is selected, the Project 

Advisor will provide the project guidebook and supervise the progress of the student’s research 

activities. The MS Project Report must be signed by the Dean of Academic Affairs and by the 

Project Advisor for final approval (for MS Thesis Project Advising Procedure and Forms, please refer to 

KSI’s website at www.ksi.edu/forms/msprojectworksheet.pdf). 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 

A student can take the Comprehensive Examination only when he or she is about to complete all 

coursework in a designated program. The student should obtain the “Comprehensive Examination 

Request” form from the Administration Office or refer to KSI’s website at www.ksi.edu/forms/compexam.pdf 

and formally submit the request to the school. If the request is approved, the school will inform the 

student of the date of the ex amination (for an exam schedule listing refer to page 3). A written 

report will be mailed to the student after the Comprehensive Examina tion is graded. The student 

must follow the recommendation of the report, which may specify retaking certain courses or 

retaking the examination. 

TOEFL 

International Students must submit TOEFL scores of 80 iBT or higher four(4) months before graduation. 

AWARDING OF THE DIPLOMA 

After the student has fulfilled all the above mentioned graduation requirements, the student will 

be awarded the diploma at the end of the semester he or she is currently registered. A formal 

Graduation Ceremony is held for all graduates during the month of May. (Please refer to the 

Academic Calendar). 

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Online Learning 

Online Learning at KSI offers a unique approach. Our expertise as a leading provider of 

advanced computer science education has allowed us to develop a flexible and robust 

approach to course content and student-faculty interaction through various online platforms 

and media. In addition, we continue to offer traditional interaction by phone and email to 

provide students with the ultimate flexibility to determine their own style of learning. 

Here are some KSI advantages: 

• Fully accredited online MS Degree program 

• Faculty-authored courseware with multi-media content 

• PhD faculty providing personal attention through chat, email and phone 

• Full on-campus facilities for students wanting a hybrid approach 

• Technical support offered online, by phone or in person according to student needs 

• An online chat forum developed in house with increased capabililty to communicate with 

teachers and other students 

• Other tools such as discussion thread forum, faculty blogs, video conferencing and shared 

video as needed 

Online Learning 

The online content and presentation of KSI programs and courses are substantially the same as 

the program that is offered on the premises of the facility. Our online program includes lessons 

presented by KSI faculty, and employs the methods of multimedia, online learning education: 

online video, PowerPoint presentations, flash graphics, pdf documents, programming code 

examples, and relevant resource hyperlinks. Archived online discussions are also available. KSI 

faculty remain available via e-mail and, during normal business hours, via telephone. 

34

Tuition & Fees 

Description of Services * 

Fees 


Application Fee (Nonrefundable) $ 50.00 

Domestic Students per credit hour* $ 450.00 

International Students per credit hour* $ 540.00 

ESL Courses per course $1,620.00 

Late Registration Fee $ 50.00 

Distance Learning Lab Fee per course $ 150.00 

Laboratory Fee per semester $ 50.00 

Materials Fee per course $ 5.00 

Library Overdue Fee (late charge) per day / per book $ 0.25 

Transcript Request $ 5.00 

Transcript Request (Expedited processing: same day) $ 10.00 

International Student Status Conversion $ 150.00 

International Student Reinstatement $ 150.00 

Re-issue of I-20 Form for International Students $ 25.00 

Returned Check Fee** $ 35.00 

Student ID Card (renewed every year) $ 5.00 

Preparation of Specialty Letters per letter $ 25.00 

Statement Letter for conversion/reinstatement per letter*** $ 50.00 

Preparation of OPT Package $ 45.00 

*Effective Fall 2012. Tuition and Fees subject to change without notification. 

**For all checks returned by the bank. 

***Specialty and Statement Letter, please see the current student handbook available on KSI’s website at 

www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf 

Shipping and handling costs differ on case by case basis and will be charged separately. 

AUDIT POLICY 

A student may elect to take a course on a listen-in basis. However, his/her decision must be 

made when he/she registers for the course. Students taking an audited course are to finish all 

coursework as required and will not receive a grade for the course or credit for the completed 

course. Tuition fees must always be paid in full for an audited course. No student will be 

allowed to audit the same course twice. 

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REGISTRATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR DOMESTIC STUDENTS 

Domestic students must register at least one week prior to the beginning of each semester. 

Domestic students may cancel registration and obtain a full refund within six class hours from 

the beginning of the course. However, a completed “Add/Drop Form” must be completed 

and turned into the Administration Office in order to be eligible for refund. 

REGISTRATION AND REFUND POLICY FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 

International students must register at least one week prior to the beginning of each semester. 

The tuition of the full-year must be paid in full at the time of registration. International students 

may cancel registration and obtain a full refund prior to their arrival in the United States. A 

written cancellation letter must be sent to the Administration Office. Once an international 

student has entered the United States using an I-20 form issued by KSI, no refund of tuition will 

be given, regardless of a withdrawal or transfer. 

WITHDRAWAL POLICY 

A student may withdraw from a course within the first six (6) class hours from the beginning 

of the course and a tuition refund or credit may be granted. The student should come to the 

Administration Office and complete an “Add/Drop” form in order to withdraw from a course. 

The Form must be signed by the instructor of the course from which he/she withdraws. Any 

student who fails to follow this procedure or does not withdraw until the seventh class hour shall 

receive no refund or credit. 


TEXTBOOKS 

Each student is responsible for the purchase of textbooks required by the instructor. 

36

Financial Assistance 

Financial Assistance 

KSI is certified by the Department of Education to participate in the Title IV Student Financial 

Assistance Program. The school offers College Work Study (CWA) and offers loans through the 

William D. Ford Federal Direct (Stafford) Loan program, in which borrowers obtain loan funds 

directly from the US Department of Education. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. 

Application materials are available from the Administrative Office. 

STUDENT LOANS 

Direct Stafford Loans include the following two types of loans: 1) Direct Subsidized Loans for 

students with financial need. KSI will review the results of your Free Application for Federal 

Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine the amount you can borrow. You are not charged interest 

while you’re in school at least half-time and during grace periods and deferment periods. 

2) Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive a 

Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Like subsidized loans, your school will determine the amount you can 

borrow. Interest accrues (accumulates) on an unsubsidized loan from the time it’s first paid out. 

You can pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or 

forbearance periods, or you can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the 

principal amount of your loan). In order to qualify for a Direct Student Loan, a student must 

be a U.S. citizen (including a U.S. National or a permanent resident of the Trust Territory of the 

Pacific Islands, Guam, or the Northern Mariana Islands), or an eligible noncitizen*. 

*An eligible non-citizen must be: 

A U.S. permanent resident who has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551), or a noncitizen with a Departure Record (I-94) from the 

U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service showing any one of the following designations: (1)”Refugee,” (2)”Asylum Granted,” (3) “Indefinite 

Parole” and/or “Humanitarian Parole,” or (4) “Cuban-Haitian Entrant.” 

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN AMOUNTS 

Stafford Loan Limits 

Dependent Students 

First Year 

Second Year 

Third Year and Beyond 

Independent Students 

First Year 

Second Year 

Annual Loan Limits 

$5,500 ($3,500 subsidized/$2,000 unsubsidized) 






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Independent Students 

Third Year and Beyond 

Graduate or Professional 

FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS 




Lifetime Limits 

Undergraduate Dependent 

$31,000 (Up to $23,000 may be subsidized) 

Undergraduate Independent $57,500 

Graduate or Professional 

$138,500 (Up to $65,000 may be subsidized) 

or $224,000 (for Health Professionals) 

• Interest rate: variable, but never exceeds prime rate. 

• For undergraduates and graduates enrolled at least half-time. 

• Students can get a loan regardless of income, but federal government pays interest only on 

need-based loans. 

• Maximum award depends on length of enrollment and year in school. 

• Students must sign a promissory note, agreeing to repay the loan. 

• Under certain conditions, repayment may be deferred (postponed) or canceled. 

• Please see the Financial Assistance Policy Handbook for complete information about student 

loan policy. 

Financial Course Descriptions Assistance 

VA BENEFITS 

Veterans will receive VA benefits for accredited courses offered by Knowledge Systems 

Institute, as approved by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs of the State of Illinois. Knowledge 

Systems Institute has been approved by the State of Illinois, Department of Veterans Affairs to 

accept the Montgomery GI Bill for those active duty personnel of the Armed Forces wishing to 

pursue or enhance their education. 

38

Student Requirements & Policies 


For complete student policies and requirements please see the current student handbook. Specific 

policies and requirements may change, please see the current student handbook available on KSI’s 

website at www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf 

GENERAL REGULATIONS 

Approval 

The approval to grant Master of Science degrees to qualified candidates is conferred to Knowledge 

Systems Institute by the Board of Higher Education of the State of Illinois. This school is authorized 

under Federal Law to request SEVIS I-20 and enroll nonimmigrant international students. 

Non-Discrimination Policy 

Knowledge Systems Institute admits students of any race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin to 

all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students 

at this school. KSI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, national or ethnic origin 

in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or 

school administrative programs. 

Time Schedule 

The academic year at Knowledge Systems Institute consists of the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. 

The fall and spring semesters are sixteen weeks in duration. The summer term is twelve weeks in 

duration. Classes are scheduled from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm during weekdays and from 9:30 am to 4:30 

pm on Saturdays. The Instructional Computer Laboratory is open during normal school hours. 

Holidays 

New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas. 

Academic Calendar 

KSI reserves the right to change dates, offerings or requirements without notice with the assurance to 

concerned parties that such changes will not alter the integrity or continuity of programs offered. 

39 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY 

Student Obligations 

Academic integrity is one of the primary expectations all academic institutions require of their 

members. At Knowledge Systems Institute, a student violates academic integrity when he/she 

participates in one of the following: cheating, plagiarism, deceitful practice and/or unauthorized 

collaboration.



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Procedure for Adjudication 

When a faculty member becomes aware of a possible academic integrity violation either on or 

off campus, the faculty member should first discuss the matter with the suspected violator. If the 

discussion leaves the faculty member convinced that a violation has occurred, then he/she will 

prepare an “Academic Integrity Violation Report” specifying the sanction recommended ranging 

from grade reduction on an assignment to receiving a failing grade for that course. The student will 

have an opportunity to review the violation report prior to both the faculty member and student 

signing the report. The completed report will then be forwarded to the Administration Office of 

Knowledge Systems Institute. 

Appeal Procedure 

A student who wishes to appeal a sanction should contact the department chair. The department 

chair will then conduct either a formal or informal hearing(s), and communicate the determination 

in writing to both the student and the reporting faculty member. 

Faculty Responsibilities 

Faculty members are also expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, including 

the following: conduct their classes when scheduled, be available for appointments, keep 

appointments, make appropriate preparations for classes, grade and return tests and assignments 

promptly, grade fairly and give appropriate recognition to contributions made by students in 

research, publication, service or other activities. 

Student Policies & Requirements 

Grievance Procedure 

A student (or group of students) who wishes to voice a grievance should contact the department 

chair. The department chair will then conduct formal or informal hearings, and communicate the 

determination in writing to both the student (or group of students) and the faculty member. 

ACADEMIC ADVISING 

Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor. During the registration period, before each 

semester, the student should discuss courses to be taken with his or her Academic Advisor who will 

then fill out the Advising Form. The Advising Form is a permanent document to be kept as part of the 

student’s academic record. 

40


41 


CREDIT DEFICIENCY 

Students with an inadequate background shall complete additional courses in computer and 

information sciences, mathematics and the humanities and social sciences, as described below. 

These courses are designed to fulfill the credit requirements before the student can be considered 

for admission to the MS degree program. 

MS COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION 

The MS comprehensive examination is given three times a year in May, August and December. 

Students must pass the comprehensive examination to graduate. All students enrolled in the MS 

program must complete and submit the Comprehensive Exam Application Form for MS Degree to 

the administration office two months prior to the scheduled date of the exam. The student should 

obtain the “Comprehensive Exam ination Request” form from the Administration Office or refer to 

KSI’s website at www.ksi.edu/forms/compexam.pdf 

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE PROJECT REQUIREMENT 

All tracks leading to the Master of Science degree at KSI require an individual thesis project. The MS 

project is the most important component of the program. Courses at KSI are developed to aid in 

this project so that the skills and understanding of coursework may be utilized integrated and further 

developed. The MS project advisor will work closely with the student, so that he or she may acquire 

the skills to conceptualize, define the goals and objectives, work out the experimental design, and 

carry out the project in an organized, structured way. Three copies of the project report must be 

submitted. Detailed requirements of format, contents, and method of presentation are available 

upon request. The student is required to give a project presentation, which all graduate students 

are encouraged to attend (for MS Thesis Project Advising Procedure and Forms, please refer to KSI’s 

website at www.ksi.edu/forms/msprojectworksheet.pdf). 

ACADEMIC LOAD 

Full-time Domestic Students 

The full-time academic load for domestic students during the fall or spring semester ranges between 

nine (9) and twelve (12) credit hours. The minimum registration required for full-time status during the 

fall or spring semester is nine (9) credit hours. The minimum registration required for full-time status 

during the summer term is six (6) credit hours. However, registration in the summer is optional. To 

maintain full-time status, full-time students must register in both the fall and spring semesters each 

year. Students of exceptional ability who wish to enroll for more than fifteen (15) credit hours during 

the fall or spring semester must obtain written permission from the Dean of Academic Affairs.



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Part-time Domestic Students 

To maintain part-time status for domestic students, students must register for at least three (3) credit 

hours during one of the three semesters. 

International Students 

As mandated by immigration law, all International Students must be registered for a full course 

of study (18 credit hours per year) to be consider full time students. Each course at KSI Graduate 

School is three (3) credit hours. KSI Graduate School offers three semesters per year: Fall, Spring and 

Summer. Thus the student has the ability to utilize KSI’s three semesters and register accordingly to 

achieve the full course of study requirement by immigration law. (Further information is available in 

the online KSI Student Handbook.) 

GRADING 

Letter grades will be given for all courses, except those courses that are related to a student’s thesis 

project. MS project courses will be graded as either “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory.” MS students 

must maintain a “B” average to graduate. If a student receives a grade below minimal passing 

standard (C for graduate and D for prerequisite course) for a required course, he/she must repeat 

the course and the new grade will replace the previous grade. If the course is an elective, he/ 

she may take a different course and the new course will replace the previous course taken. Any 

student receiving a failing grade will not be entitled to any type of refund or credit on their tuition. 

Furthermore, if the student has received a failing grade in a required course, that student will have 

to retake the course and pay the appropriate tuition fee. 

The following grades, listed in the table below, are used to report the quality of work for both 

prerequisite and graduate courses. KSI is on the semester hour system. 


Grading Scale 

Quality Points 

A Excellent 4.0 

B Good 3.0 

C Satisfactory 2.0 

D Minimal Passing 1.0 

F Failing 0.0 

I Incomplete None 

N Non-Credit None 

S/U Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (MS Project only) None 

W Withdraw None 

X Audit None 

O Maternity Leave or Other Leave None 

+/- (plus/minus) can be attached to grades A, B, C, or D to modify the grades further: 

0.25 quality point is added by each plus, except grade A. 0.25 quality point is subtracted by each minus. 

42



Incomplete Grade Policy 

Any student who has failed to fulfill all of the requirements of the class when the grades are turned 

in will automatically receive an “I” (incomplete) grade from the professor. Thirty (30) calendar days 

after receiving an “I” grade, the grade will be converted into an “F” grade if the student fails to 

finish the required coursework. Any student who receives the grade of “F” on a required course will 

have to retake the course and pay the full tuition fee associated with that course. In no event shall a 

student who has received an “I” grade be entitled to a grade higher than a B+. 

Grade Point Average 

The computation of cumulative total grade point average (GPA) takes into account the 500-level 

courses exclusively. A grade point system is used to determine academic rank. To determine grade 

point average (GPA), divide the total number of grade points earned by the total number of 

graded semester credits. Note: graded semester credits do not include course registrations graded 

“I”, “W” or “X”. 

Transcripts 

Transcripts may be requested from the Administrative Office by completing a “Transcript Request 

Form” (available at www.ksi.edu/forms/transcriptrequestform.pdf) and paying the document 

preparation fee per transcript. Requests must bear the signature of the student. 

ACADEMIC PROGRESS, PROBATION, AND DISMISSAL 

All full-time and part-time students who are degree candidates are expected to maintain a 

satisfactory grade point average and a satisfactory rate of progress toward the completion of 

their degree program. An unsatisfactory grade point average and/or lack of a satisfactory rate 

of progress will result in academic probation or dismissal from the school. A graduate student is 

required to maintain a “B” average in the required nine (9) graduate courses for the CIS program or 

the required ten (10) graduate courses for any chosen area of concentration. Furthermore, students 

are to maintain a “C” average in any and all prerequisite (300 level) courses. Any student failing 

to meet these requirements will be placed on academic probation. Any student whose grade 

average falls below the requirements must raise their grades in the following semester; otherwise, 

the student may continue only at the discretion of the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student may 

proceed toward a degree as either a full-time student or a part-time student. A full-time student 

is expected to complete the degree program within three calendar years from the time of initial 

registration earning a minimum of nine (9) credit hours per semester (excluding the summer term). 

If during any semester a student’s rate of progress falls below the standard outlined above, the 

student will be placed on academic probation. If the student does not bring his/her rate of progress 

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up to the minimum standard, that student may only continue with the permission of the Dean of 

Academic Affairs. A part-time student is expected to complete the degree program within eight 

calendar years from the time of initial registration. If a student’s rate of progress is unsatisfactory, he/ 

she may only continue with the permission of the Dean of Academic Affairs. 

CHANGE OF SCHEDULE 

Students who wish to change their class schedule must contact at the Administration Office for the 

necessary forms. Dropping and/or adding classes will be accepted within the first six (6) class hours. 

CLASS ATTENDANCE 

All students are expected to attend class regularly. Any student who attends less than fifty percent 

(50%) of the classes will receive an “F” grade for the course and will not be entitled to any type 

of tuition refund. Excessive absences may cause a student to be dropped from a course at the 

discretion of the instructor and the department chair. 

ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY 

In the case of illness or hospitalization which will require a student to be absent for two or more 

days, the student is required to give the professor(s) written notice explaining the reason for nonattendance. 

Furthermore, the student will be required to provide documentation for the absence 

such as a statement from a hospital indicating admittance/release dates or an attending physician 

letter stating the nature of the illness. 


SELF-DISCIPLINE 

KSI believes that acquiring self-discipline is part of the educational process. As in any civic 

community, students will be held accountable for their own conduct. They are therefore responsible 

for any damage they may do to the school property and/or dorms and should observe satisfactory 

standards of conduct both on and off campus. Complaints of student misconduct are handled 

by the Committee on Discipline. Students are expected to keep themselves informed of all school 

regulations. 

44



IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH REPORT 

International students are required to get immunization shots and provide personal health reports to 

the Administration Office. To receive immunization shots (MMR and TD) free of charge, the student 

must make an appointment through the Administration Office. The other option is for a student to 

schedule his/her own appointment for immunizations through a private physician or health care 

facility. Furthermore, all international students should get a medical examination from their own 

physician and request the physician to provide the school with a proper medical report. 

REINSTATEMENT OF STUDENT STATUS AND REINSTATEMENT OF AID 

After a prolonged absence of enrollment students may be required to reapply to KSI for continued 

student status. 

STUDENT RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES 

Each student is expected to be thoroughly familiar with the school’s policies for maintaining the 

privacy of education records. Students may obtain access to their own educational records by 

presenting proper identification with their written request to view their records. Petitions and redress 

of grievances are noted by the administration when fully explained in writing before presentation. 

HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY 

International students are required to carry health insurance. KSI students may obtain health 

insurance information and forms from the Administration Office. 

www.ksi.edu 

• Student Handbook: www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf 

• Download Forms: www.ksi.edu/forms.html 

◊ Transcript Request Form: www.ksi.edu/forms/transcriptrequestform.pdf 

◊ MS Project Worksheet: www.ksi.edu/forms/msprojectworksheet.pdf 

45



Facilties 

www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

CLASSROOMS & LABORATORIES 

KSI Classrooms and Instructional Laboratories are equipped with the latest workstations and servers 

and include various platforms. In addition, classrooms are equipped with projectors and other 

multimedia capabilities. Students enjoy broadband Internet connections and large flat screen 

monitors. 

LIBRARY 

Knowledge Systems Institute’s library contains books on all aspects of computer science, as well as 

computer industry journals. A full-text article database is available for in-depth research in computer 

science and general subjects. Students have remote access to the database, while the campus 

library offers comfortable seating and research consultation with the librarian. Research assistance is 

available during library hours or by appointment. Visit the online library at www.ksi.edu/library. 

DIGITAL ART STUDIO & GALLERY 

KSI maintains a space for digital art which is used as a gallery and performance space for KSI 

students, faculty and community members. The space is also used as a digital art laboratory in 

conjunction with campus classrooms and the private studios of KSI faculty. The dynamic quality of 

the digital arts and media equipment allows for an adaptable approach to the format and quality 

of the instructional and exhibition spaces on campus. 

Facilties 

WIRELESS NETWORK 

KSI maintains a wireless network available for student access from classrooms, labs and work areas. 

Registered students will be provided with the access key by the IT support staff. Students may bring 

their own laptop computers to class in order to get the network access via KSI’s wireless network. It is 

the students’ responsibility to purchase and install their own wireless network card. 

46

Where is KSI? 

Where is KSI? 

To KSI from I-94: 

Exit Dempster Street East and proceed to 

McCormick Boulevard. (The last major traffic light 

preceding McCormick is at Crawford.) Turn right 

on McCormick, going south, and proceed to the 

first traffic light at Main Street. Turn right on Main, 

going west, and proceed 3 blocks to KSI. Look for 

the Institute’s blue sign. 

To KSI from I-294: 

Exit Dempster Street East and proceed to 

McCormick Boulevard. (You will pass Milwaukee 

Road, Waukegan Road, Edens Expressway (I-94) 

before you reach McCormick. The last major 

traffic light preceding McCormick is at Crawford.) 

Turn right on McCormick, going south, and 

proceed to the first traffic light at Main Street. Turn 

right on Main, going west, and proceed 3 blocks to 

KSI. Look for the Institute’s blue sign. 

To KSI from Lake Shore Drive: 

Go north on Lake Shore Drive. Lake Shore turns 

into Devon. Remain on Devon and proceed 

to Ridge. At Ridge turn right, going north, and 

proceed to Main Street. (Watch for Oakton for 

Main is after Oakton.) At Main, turn left, going 

west, and proceed towards McCormick Boulevard. 

Cross McCormick and proceed 3 blocks to KSI. 

Look for the Institute’s blue sign. 

41 

Golf 

N 

I-294 

I-94 

Skokie Blvd 

Crawford 

Dempster 

KSI 

Main 

Oakton 

Touhy 

McCormick 

47



www.ksi.edu 

847-679-3135 

International Conferences 

KSI Supports an ongoing commitment to furthering research and scholarship in 

the computer science industry through the hosting of two globally recognized 

international industry conferences; the Software Engineering and Knowledge 

Engineering (SEKE) and Distributed Multimedia Systems (DMS) 

The 24th International 

Conference on 


and Knowledge Engineering (SEKE 2012) will be held at the Hotel 

Sofitel, Redwood City, California, USA, July 1-3, 2012. 

The 18th International 

Conference on Distributed 

Multimedia Systems (DMS’2012) will be held at the Eden Roc 

Renaissance Miami Beach, USA, August 9 - August 11, 2012

Registration Semester Begins Semester Ends Holiday Spring Break 

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KSI Gallery 

3414 Main St. Skokie, IL 60076 

+1-847-679.3135 

Curator: Gabriel Smith 

gsmith@ksi.edu

Contact KSI 

KSI staff and student advisors are available to assist you in obtaining 

information and answering your questions. Please contact us by 

phone or email any time. Visit the KSI campus (see page 47), or visit 

our website at www.ksi.edu 

MAILING ADDRESS: 


Skokie, IL 60076 

EMAIL ADDRESS: office@ksi.edu 

PHONE: (847)679-3135 

FAX: (847)679-3166 

www.ksi.edu 

• General Information: www.ksi.edu/gen_info.html 

• Admissions: www.ksi.edu/admission.html 

• Online Application: www.ksi.edu/application 

• Application Form: www.ksi.edu/forms/app_form.pdf 

• Prospective Students: www.ksi.edu/pros_students.html 

• Student Handbook: www.ksi.edu/studenthandbook.pdf

Knowledge Systems Institute Graduate School of 


Course Catalog 2012-2013 

3420 Main Street, Skokie IL 60076 

Phone: 847/679-3135 Fax: 847/679-3166 

Email: office@ksi.edu Web: www.ksi.edu

Course Catalog - Knowledge Systems Institute

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