Nov 21, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Computer Science, Computer Science Option, M.S.


Master of Science in Computer Science


Mission

The mission of the graduate program in Computer engineering and Computer Science at CSULB is to provide a high-quality educational experience and the technical specialization required to become successful leaders in industry. The program also prepares the students to pursue advanced degrees if they so desire. The graduate program involves advanced courses in analysis and design in computer software and hardware. The students may choose to do a thesis or take a comprehensive examination as the culmination of their program.

Program Objectives

Graduates of the MS program will:

  1. have technical competency in their field of study.
  2. have technical knowledge and skills needed to conduct independent and/or innovative research.
  3. keep current with state of the art technologies and advancements in their area.

Admission Procedures


To be considered for admission the graduate applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science or sufficient background in computer engineering or computer science from a college or university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter upper division major units attempted. The general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is strongly recommended. The student should apply online at www.calstate.edu/apply. Do not send an application to the Department. International students should apply online at Cal State Apply.

Requirements


All deficiencies must be removed before attempting graduate-level courses.

Failure to attempt to fulfill the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) during the first semester in the program will prevent registration in engineering courses in subsequent semesters.

Advancement to Candidacy


Students applying for advancement to candidacy must:

  1. have completed all undergraduate deficiencies with grades of “C” or better;
  2. have attained an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0;
  3. have completed at least 9 units of required courses applicable to the degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 for the completed units;
  4. have fulfilled the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR);
  5. and have their plans of studies approved by the CECS department graduate advisor.

Option in Computer Science


This option offers advanced study in software development and engineering, networking, operating systems, distributed computing, artificial intelligence, security, and analysis of algorithms.

Requirements


There are two areas of concentration:

  1. Advanced Systems
  2. Software Development.

Students should meet with the Adviser at the beginning of the first semester and make a tentative plan of study. The detailed list of required and allowed elective courses for the two concentrations are available from the Web site of the Graduate Program Adviser.

Advanced Systems Concentration


Comprehensive Exam Option:


15 units of required courses specified for the area of concentration chosen

15 units from allowed electives for the concentration

(No more than 9 units may be from the 400 level courses.)

Comprehensive examination covering the following required courses

Thesis Option:


(Successful completion of a thesis provides a unifying culmination to the program, and an enhanced resume for future industrial or academic endeavors)

15 units of required courses specified for the area of concentration chosen

9 units from allowed electives for the concentration

(No more than 9 units may be from the 400 level courses.)

6 units of thesis with written report and oral presentation approved by the thesis committee.

At least 3 units taken from the following course

Remaining 3 units

Remaining 3 units may be taken from either of the following courses

Software Development Concentration


Comprehensive Exam Option:


18 units of required courses specified for the area of concentration

12 units from allowed electives for the concentration

(No more than 9 units may be from the 400 level courses.)

Comprehensive examination covering the following required courses:

Thesis Option:


(Successful completion of a thesis provides a unifying culmination to the program, and an enhanced resume for future industrial or academic endeavors)

18 units of required courses specified for the area of concentration chosen

6 units from allowed electives for the concentration

(No more than 9 units may be from the 400 level courses.);

6 units of thesis with written report and oral presentation approved by the thesis committee.

At least 3 units must be taken from the following course

Remaining 3 units

Remaining 3 units may be taken from either of the following courses