The Department of Computer Science at St. Mary's University offers two master's programs with a special focus on the software development process. The programs are intended for students, professionals and managers who are interested in advancing their career by gaining knowledge and skills into the problems and solutions of developing practical software systems. Students develop skills to analyze, design, implement and test stand-alone and embedded software systems.

The department also offers a unique combined Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Computer Information Systems in just five years. An intensive course of study, undergraduate students begin graduate course work during their senior years and pursue a master's degree in one year.

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems and the Master of Science in Computer Systems programs at St. Mary's prepare students to manage a software development project from analysis, design, implementation, testing and maintenance to management of quality, budgets, deliverables, and deadlines. Both programs are designed to provide an understanding of the hardware and software components of computer systems and the following:

• Hardware organization
• Data communication and databases
• Software requirements analysis
• Software design methodologies
• Software implementation and testing
• Computer security
• Project management

Professors in the program have expertise in

• Artificial intelligence,
• Simulation and gaming,
• Languages and
• Computer security.

The program is known for its practical applications and real-world problem solving. Students are able to work effectively in groups and to present information to an audience. The curriculum is continually updated to take advantage of new research findings and advances in technology and methodology. The programs offer students many advantages:

• Current and relevant technical knowledge
• Flexible curriculum including internship and research options
• Evening classes
• Small class sizes with supportive atmosphere
• Multiple class locations
• Faculty with theoretical and real-world experience and lessons
• Academically stimulating community
• Cooperative and collaborative learning enviroment

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems is sometimes offered off-campus at Randolph Air Force Base. This two-year program typically meets Monday and Wednesday evenings in eight-week sessions. For more information, contact the Graduate School Representative at Randolph by calling (210) 658-4852 or email stmurafb@stmarytx.edu.

The Computer Information Systems degree is sometimes offered at Lackland Airforce Base and typically meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. For more information, contact the Graduate School Representative at Lackland by calling (210) 677-8300 or e-mail stmulafb@stmarytx.edu.

Program of Study

The Master of Science in Computer Information Systems degree is a 33-hour program with a comprehensive project. Students complete 11 required classes. Eight of the 11 courses are from the computer science department with the other three courses from business. The comprehensive project is typically started the semester before graduation and is presented to a committee of 3 or more professionals around 6 weeks before graduation.

Required: 15 credit hours.
CS 6310 Systems Analysis and Design
CS 6320 Files and Database
CS 6330 Data Communications
CS 6340 Advanced Software Engineering
CS 6350 HW/SW/OS

Elective CS: 9 credit hours
CS 6185/CS 6285/CS 6385 Internship
CS 6315 Artificial Intelligence
CS 6325 Computer Graphics
CS 6375 Special Topics in Computer Science (may be repeated up to 3 times)

Elective BA: 9 credit hours
BA 6355 Human Resources Core
BA 6365 Accounting/Finance Core
BA 6375 International Business Core
BA 6385 Marketing Management Core
BA 7311 Manage Business Projects
BA 7325 Management of information and Technology
BA 7331 The Management of Quality
BA 8314 Improving the Performance and Productivity of Teams
BA 8352 Data Warehousing and Mining

Admission and Prerequisites

Admissions is granted to those with high promise for success in graduate study. Applicants demonstrate this potential through previous academic records, testing, certification and work performance. For Admissions to the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems program, applicants should have the following prerequisites:

• Undergraduate mathematics class, algebra or higher, with a C or better
• Programming classes including data structures with a C or better
• One other technology-related class

Applicants for other disciplines or those lacking specific classes may be admitted with the provision that they take the prerequisite courses selected by the graduate program director on an individual basis. Some of these prerequisites may be fulfilled by work certification or previous experience. Applicants that fail to meet any of the above standard may be admitted on a conditional basis.

To be considered for admission to this master's program, applicants should have acquired the following prerequisites:

• Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 out of a possible 4.0 in a bachelor's degree
• Minimum Graduate Record Exam (GRE) total score of verbal + quantitative (v+q) of at least 667, or minimum GMAT score of at least 334
• Minimum index of GRE (v+q) times GPA of at least 2514, or minimum index of GMAT times GPA of at least 1260
• For international students, minimum TOEFL scores of at least 213 in the computer-based test or 530 in the paper-based test or 79 on the Internet-based test
• Completed application form with:
• written statement of purpose indicating interest and objective
• two letters of recommendation
• official transcripts of all college-level work

Faculty