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Computer Science M.S.

Dr. Leonard Brown, Interim Chair

The Master of Science in Computer Science offers individuals an opportunity to become more competent and productive in a variety of computing environments as computer science professionals and to prepare for further graduate study. The program is oriented toward the design, implementation and application of computer software. The program includes study in the various types of software such as compilers, operating systems, database systems and real-time systems.

The program is designed for graduates of computer science programs as well as baccalaureate graduates in other disciplines. Preparation in computer science will determine the point at which the student will enter this program.

Mission Statement

The Department of Computer Science supports the mission of the College of Engineering and Computer Science through its teaching, research, and service activities. The department is committed to excellence in graduate computer science education and provides students with a strong theoretical foundation, proficiency in programming skills, experience in communications, insight into computer systems security, and training in ethics and professional conduct. In a broad sense, graduate studies provided by the department are intended to increase students' understanding and intellectual maturity in computer science. The curriculum is designed to be responsive to the dynamic requirements of the computer science field and to the needs of the variety of students.

Program Outcomes

Computer science students at the time of graduation are expected to attain:

    1. ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
    2. an ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
    3. and ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
    4. an ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
    5. an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, and social issues and responsibilities;
    6. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
    7. an ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society;
    8. a recognition of the need for an ability to engage in continuing professional development;
    9. an ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice;j. an ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices;
    10. an ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Admission Requirements

  1. A satisfactory score on the General Test (verbal and quantitative) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
  2. A satisfactory grade point average on all prior advanced-level (junior, senior, and graduate) work taken
  3. A demonstrated proficiency in the use of the English language. If a student’s verbal score on the General Test of the GRE is below an acceptable minimum, the student must pass an English proficiency test.
  4. An undergraduate major in computer science or course work in computer science including the content of COSC 1437, COSC 2315 and COSC 2336 or equivalent.
  5. No more than nine semester credit hours of graduate credit earned prior to acceptance into the program, including transfer credit, may be applied to the MS degree. Students seeking admission to the MS program who have not yet satisfied admission criteria will be considered conditional. Conditional students must earn a grade of “B” or better in all work attempted. A conditional student who earns a grade of “C” or lower will be denied admission to the program..
  6. Approval by the departmental chair.

Consideration is also given to one or more of the following: the applicant's demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study, socioeconomic background, first generation college graduate, multilingual proficiency, geographic region of residence, and level of responsibility in other matters including extracurricular activities, employment, community service, and family responsibilities.

Prerequisites

In order to take a COSC course numbered 5326 or higher, a student must have satisfactorily completed six hours of calculus, COSC 2315 and COSC 2336 or equivalent.

Transfer of Credit

A student may transfer a maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit in which a grade of “B” or better has been earned from approved institutions. Transfer credit is subject to the approval of the student’s advisor and departmental chair.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Master of Science in Computer Science must satisfactorily complete one of the following options:

Option 1—Thesis (30 SCH): This option requires 30 hours of graduate level course work in computer science including 18 semester hours of core courses and 6 hours of thesis COSC 5395/ COSC 5396.

Option 2- Project (30 SCH): This option requires 30 hours of graduate-level course work in computer science including 18 semester hours of core courses, COSC 5380, Research Project, and the completion of the Comprehensive Exam.

Option 3 - Professional (36 SCH): This option requires 36 hours of graduate-level course work in computer science including 18 semester hours of core courses and the completion of the Comprehensive Exam. At least 30 hours must be in Computer Science. Up to 6-hours of approved non-Computer Science may be permitted.

Core Requirements (18 hours)

The 18-semester-hour core requirement for the Master of Science in Computer Science is as follows:

COSC 5330Operating Systems
COSC 5340Programming Languages
COSC 5350Data Communication and Networks
COSC 5360Database Design
COSC 5393Graduate Seminar
COSC 5320 Algorithm Analysis and Foundation

All candidates for the computer science degree must also meet the following requirements:

  1. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on all graduate level work taken at UT Tyler. No course with a grade below "C" may be applied toward this degree.
  2. Students must complete each core course (COSC 5320, COSC 5330, COSC 5340, COSC 5350, COSC 5360 and COSC 5393) with a grade of “B” or better.
  3. (Options 2 and 3 only) Satisfactory performance on a comprehensive written examination. After two failed attempts of the comprehensive examinations, the department chair may recommend that the class/classes for the failed subject(s) must be retaken before another attempt of the exam is given.
  4. Students must have completed all of the core courses (COSC 5320, COSC 5330, COSC 5340, COSC 5350, COSC 5360, and COSC 5393) with a grade of “B” or better in order to register for COSC 5380 or COSC 5395/ COSC 5396.
  5. All COSC 5380 and COSC 5395/COSC 5396 students will have a committee composed of their advisor plus two additional Computer Science faculty members.