Graduate
Thesis
This program leading to the degree of Master of Science
in Computer Science develops expertise in the theoretical
underpinnings and practical applications of Computer Science.
Sub-fields explored include, among others, information systems
analysis and design, software structures, computer graphics,
operating systems, languages and algorithms. The curriculum
is broad-based, with emphasis across a significant spectrum
of key areas. The program ensures that students are exposed
to state-of-the-art as well as state-of-the-practice computer
applications and technologies. Research and analytical skills
are honed and refined. The program is ideal for those seeking
managerial and other positions where a substantial (sophisticated)
knowledge of computer science is requisite.
Program Objectives:
- Effect appropriate system choices for efficient and
usable computer networks.
- Evaluate software or hardware solutions to determine
the best choice for a given situations.
- Apply software development fundamentals, validation,
and maintenance to include the software development process.
- Implement problem-solving, algorithm development, debugging,
revision, and testing programs. Adhere to professional
standards of ethics expected of a computer scientist,
at all levels, and most specifically at the managerial/leadership/team-leader
levels.
- Manifest a sophisticated and in-depth mastery of the
core (and sub-core) areas of algorithms, theory of computation,
operating systems, linguistics of programming languages,
and architecture.
- Demonstrate high-level competency in software development,
including problem analysis, software design, and the use
of programming languages and tools.
- Apply technology-centered theories and practices to
a variety of problem-centered solutions, both standard
and some unconventional and prepare to organize and lead
teams toward the realization of organizational objectives.
- Demonstrate the honed skills required to lead teams
– with a deep-rooted awareness that the computer science
function (in many of its configurations) is inextricably
bound to most organizational areas, which the manager-leader
needs to understand the fundaments of every division as
to facilitate the needs that arise within each.
- Apply sophisticated concepts of discrete and continuous
mathematics, as these are applied to the domain of computer
science and problem resolution.
- Manifest leadership skills.
- Evidence advanced research skills.
- Further hone communicative skills, which underpin the
ability to conduct independent research and to formulate
documents, reports, and publications that manifest mastery
of content and execution.
Career Opportunities: The balance established between
theory and practice prepares graduates for a variety of
professional opportunities in a wide array of professional
contexts. Viable options include management/leadership and
other lead computer professional positions in the corporate
sector, in industry, in government, in non-profit organizations
and agencies and, co-extensively, within other arenas. Those
within the field will be well positioned to assume enhanced
responsibilities, including CS-focused management, research
and analysis functions, always prepared to assume leadership
roles, as suitable.
The Master of Science program in Management Information
Systems (MSIS) focuses on the technical, managerial and
policy issues associated with building computer-based systems
which support modern organizations. The curriculum addresses
the theoretical and practical aspects of specifying, designing,
implementing and managing systems that possess qualities
such as portability, scalability, and interoperability (open
systems). The MSIS program treats information as an organizational
resource subject to managerial planning and control. It
focuses on integration of data and distribution of information
in assisting organizations to be more competitive. The curriculum
includes courses in systems development, such as advanced
database analysis and design, and telecommunications, as
well as those focusing on project management and leading
edge technologies (within corporate and other contexts).
The program provides the student with a broad understanding
of the roles and uses of information systems in various
functional areas of modern organizations. Theoretical grounding
and practical applications reinforce each other as the learning
process unfolds. New MSIS-related applications strike at
the heart of what management does and how organizations
are structured and compete in the contemporary world. To
fill the ever-increasing need for professionals with information
technology expertise, this program is intentionally broad-based
while specialized. Studies balance conceptual, theoretical
and applied multi-focal emphases, with particular focus
on diverse applications.
Program Objectives:
- Promote and lead creative development to remain the
on the cutting edge of technology issues.
- Make recommendations about appropriate software, hardware,
or networking solutions and the correlative procedures
of implementation, personnel requirements and cost analysis.
- Identify and solve challenging computer science and
computer-engineering problems.
- Demonstrate high levels of professional responsibility
and ethical behavior and uphold those standards among
all MIS team members.
- Oversee the choice of appropriate operating systems,
programming languages, databases and networks.
- Apply various configurations and functions of information
technology to revitalize or advance business and achieve
strategic goals.
- Evidence sophisticated research skills: identify, research,
analyze, evaluate and articulately present emerging trends
in information systems and the applications that have
been adapted as a function of those trends.
- Manifest a significant understanding of organizational
and cross-divisional functions -- and the operational
roles of MIS within those.
- Evidence the skills to manage and lead in the CS/MIS
: the implementation and upholding of policies and procedures;
the suitable delegation of responsibilities with oversight
and quality control; presentation of recommendations and
decisions to be shared with teams and the executive corps.
- Apply the concepts of advanced systems analysis and
design to facilitate the forward direction of organizational
units and needs.
- Further hone communicative skills, which underpin the
ability to conduct independent research and to formulate
documents, reports, and publications that manifest mastery
of content and execution.
Career Opportunities: The program prepares future
systems analysts and information technology specialists
for positions at the managerial (decision-making) level.
Graduates will find viable opportunities in programming/analysis,
database management, web development, networking, internetworking
and security positions at professional levels and across
organizational types.
