Applied Computer Science—M.S.
Department of Computer Science
TLC 2200 • 678-839-6485
Professor:
A. Abunawass (Chair)
Associate Professors:
L. Baumstark, W. Lloyd, A. Remshagen, D. Rocco, L. Yang, D. Yoder
The M.S. in Applied Computer Science program offers individuals holding Bachelors of Arts or Science degrees the opportunity to pursue advanced skills in the exciting and dynamic field of computer science and information technology. The program offers courses in the areas of software engineering, database systems, networking, operating systems, artificial intelligence, as well as traditional computational theory. Students have great flexibility in choosing a course of study that best fits their needs, whether they are interested in entering the industry after degree completion, or in pursuing further graduate studies in computer science or other related fields. In addition to coursework, interested students have the opportunity to work directly with computer science faculty on various application- and research-oriented projects.
A student entering this program is normally expected to have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science; however, the program is open to all students holding Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees. Students without a degree in Computer Science or students lacking certain background courses are expected to complete undergraduate and/or graduate course work to compensate for deficiencies. All students must have: 1) a 2.5 overall GPA in undergraduate work, 2) taken the GRE general test (see Graduate School admission requirements for score requirements), 3) three letters of reference, and 4) an intellectual biography, not to exceed 500 words, which includes the reason for seeking the degree.
Students are required to select an advising committee after being admitted to the candidacy of the degree, after completing 9 graduate hours and before completing 16 graduate hours. Failure to select an advising committee will delay the completion of the degree. The Chair of the Department of Computer Science shall serve as the advisor for all students prior to the selection of an advising committee. The chair of the advising committee shall serve as the advisor for the student.
There are two plans for degree completion. The first plan, Plan I (with Thesis), is designed for students who plan to pursue further graduate education, or who plan to enter research-oriented careers. The second plan, Plan II (without Thesis), has two options. The first option, Project Option, is designed for students who wish to pursue further studies of an applied area of computer science and plan to join the workforce as computer specialists upon graduation. The second option, All-Course-Work option, is designed for students who wish to enter industry upon graduation. Persons wishing to have a broad background in computer science often prefer the All-Course-Work Option of Plan II. In all cases, the student, in consultation with her/his advising committee, shall design a course of study specifically to meet the needs of the individual student. Students are expected to successfully complete 36 hours of graduate work for the Master of Science degree with a major in Applied Computer Science. The specifics of the various plans are provided below.
Students without a degree in Computer Science or students lacking certain background courses are expected to complete one of the following two sets of courses (A or B):
Set A
CS 5201: CS Fundamentals I
CS 5202: CS Fundamentals II
Each course must be completed at West Georgia with a minimum letter grade of B, and only 3 hours, for both courses combined, may apply toward the degree. No hours shall be counted if only one of the courses is completed at West Georgia or if the minimum grade has not been earned in one of the two courses.
Set B
Students may elect to take the following courses in lieu of CS 5201 and CS 5202 (above):
CS 1301: Computer Science I
CS 1302: Computer Science II
CS 3151: Data Structures & Discrete Mathematics I
CS 3152: Data Structures & Discrete Mathematics II
No hours may apply toward the degree. Students must complete the course with a minimum letter grade of B.
Required Courses for All Students
CS 6261: System and Network Administration I |
3 |
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Select one of the following two sequences: |
6 |
|
CS 6241: Software Development I |
|
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CS 6242: Software Development II |
|
|
OR |
|
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CS 6251: Web Technologies I |
|
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CS 6252: Web Technologies II |
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Plans (Students must choose one of the following plans)
Plan I: Thesis
CS 6999: Thesis |
6 9 |
Plan II: Non-Thesis
Option 1: Project (up to 6 hours with a change in topic)
CS 6900: Project |
3 6 |
Option 2: All Course Work
Students take CS approved graduate electives.
Electives |
18-27 |
Total |
36 |
Students may take CS graduate elective courses approved for Computer Science graduate students to complete the required 36 hours for the degree. The advising committee and the Chair of the Department must approve all non-CS electives on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, each student must complete a Comprehensive Personal Portfolio in lieu of a Comprehensive Examination. The portfolio shall be reviewed by the student's advising committee and shall be modified, when necessary, for the committee's approval. Each student will complete the Comprehensive Personal Portfolio under the guidance of the student's advising committee Chair. General recommendations and guidelines for the length and the content of the portfolio are available from the Department of Computer Science.