The Department of computer science at St. Mary's University offers two master's degree programs with a special focus on the software development process. Students can also pursue a joint Master of Science and Juris Doctorate degree. 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 Master of Science in Computer Science and the Master of Science in Computer Information 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 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

Study with professors who 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: 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 environment

Computer scientists are in high demand in organizations that develop or use software. Most companies have information technology (IT) departments or at least an IT expert on staff. Typical employers include computer companies, research and development laboratories, educational organizations, entertainment industries, aerospace contractors, financial institutions, telecommunication sector, and government agencies. Types of positions held by graduates of the Computer Information Systems program include consultant, director, analyst, operations officer, programmer, quality assurance representative, software engineer, and technical director, to name a few.

Program of Study

The Master of Science in Computer 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 four courses from engineering.

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 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

Electives: 9 hours
CS6185/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: 9 hours
EG 6306 Software Project Planning and Management
EG 6309 Human Factors/ErgonomiEG
EG 6327 Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Robotics
EG 6338 Special Topics
EG 6356 Computer Networking
EG 6370 Parallel Processing
EG 6374 Computer Architecture
EG 6376 Neural Networks
EG 6378 Microprocessors
EG 6396 Computer Security
EG 7305 OOP, Analysis, and Design Methodology
EG 7306 Total Quality Systems

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. 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 2500, or minimum index of GMAT times GPA of at least 1250

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. The IELTS test will be accepted with a score of 6.5 or better.

Completed application form with:

• written statement of purpose indicating interest and objective
• two letters of recommendation
• official transcripts of all college-level work

Prerequisites

For Admissions to the Master of Science in Computer Science program, applicants should have the following prerequisites:

• Undergraduate mathematics class, calculus preferred, 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 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 standards may be admitted on a conditional basis.

Faculty