Catalog 73 - National University

School of Engineering and TechnologyGRADUATE DEGREES■ MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTERSCIENCE (720-609)Faculty Advisor: Pradip Peter Dey • (858) 309-3421 • pdey@nu.edu andMudasser F. Wyne (858) 309 3433 mwyne@nu.eduThe Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program atNational University provides students with a solid foundation, inthe fundamental knowledge and skills of software engineering,database theory and design and cloud computing, exposing them tobest practice methodologies using a variety of tools and techniquesrequired for solving real world problems and to be of immediatebenefit to the computing industry.National University’s MSCS program not only prepares students inthe theoretical and practical aspects of solving complex computingproblems but also it develops other essential communication skills.MSCS graduates are able to clearly discuss issues, trends, andsolutions with both technical and non-technical audiences. Inaddition, every part of the curriculum is devoted towardsdeveloping “people skills,” ethics, and standards ofprofessionalism.The rigorous scientific and analytical techniques taught in theMSCS program have four primary goals: (1) to provide a clearunderstanding of scope and limitations of computational models,(2) to facilitate acquisition of marketable skills throughout theprogram, (3) to facilitate logical discussion of concepts, trends andissues including cloud computing and security in computing, andunderlying problem solving strategies, and (4) to facilitate lifelonglearning. National University’s approach to teaching in the MSCSprogram allows graduates to immediately become highlyproductive members of a real-world computing team.SpecializationsAfter acquisition of common fundamental concepts, students selectone of the following three specializations in order to concentrate onspecialized knowledge and skills in one of the advanced areas: (1)Advanced Computing, (2) Software Engineering, and (3) DatabaseEngineering.IntegrationThe two master’s project classes provide an integrating mechanismfor acquiring realistic experience through building acomputationally complex project. It is a three-month project solvinga real problem for a real client against a time deadline using allavailable tools and resources as students work together in teams.This component addresses the need to integrate a broad range oftechnologies and skills. Students are given the opportunity tocrystallize the ideas learned earlier and to implementcomprehensive systems across an organization.Career TracksIn the MSCS program, graduates are proficient in analytical andcritical thinking skills, have a sense of professionalism, and areinstilled with a strong set of values essential for success incomputer science. This program reflects current and future industryneeds, and graduates are trained and prepared to assume aleadership role in the field.Program Learning OutcomesUpon successful completion of this program, students will be ableto:• Create software requirements specifications, and design anddevelop complex software systems using software engineeringprocesses and tools.• Evaluate computer security vulnerabilities and threats, andcountermeasures that are both effective and ethical to addressthem• Analyze, design and develop database solutions by translatingdatabase modeling theory into sound database design andimplementation.• Analyze and design complex front-end applications for cloudand client-server architectures and integrate them with backenddatabases.• Compare & contrast alternative systems for process and memorymanagement.• Demonstrate ability to conduct in-depth research, bothindividually as well as in teams, in a specific computer sciencearea and ability to maintain currency in computer sciencethrough lifelong learning• Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to analyze andsynthesize computer science concepts and skills with ethicalstandards through graduate-level evaluative and creative writtenassignments and oral reports.Admission RequirementsCandidates seeking admission to the program should possess abaccalaureate degree in Computer Science (CS), SoftwareEngineering (SE), Information Systems (IS), Information Technology(IT) or a closely related area. Non-CS students should fulfill theprogram prerequisites either through additional equivalentcoursework or waiver through a course challenge exam.MSCS Transition ProgramNational University students who completed a transition programas part of their undergraduate degree and who satisfy MSCStransition program requirements described in the catalogdescription of various undergraduate programs must complete aminimum of 45 quarter units for their MSCS degree. The number ofunits required for the MSCS program is dependent on thecoursework completed in the Bachelors transition program and thegrades earned.Degree Requirements(14 courses; 63 quarter units)The MSCS program requires the completion of 54 quarter units ofgraduate coursework. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduatecredit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed atanother accredited institution, as it applies to this degree, andprovided the units were not used in earning another advanceddegree. The degree program consists of ten courses plus the twopartMSCS graduate project (two courses, 4.5 quarter units each)that cannot be taken until all other courses have been completed.Program Prerequisites(2 courses; 9 quarter units)Students with non-computer related baccalaureate degrees canqualify for admission to the program by choosing one or acombination of the following options:Complete the following prerequisites:CSC 252 Programming in C++CSC 300 Object Oriented DesignorGain permission of the lead faculty of the MSCS program based onequivalent coursework supported by verifiable documented proof.Engineering andTechnology245