Overview
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program will provide students with the mathematical foundations and information processing skills required for solving real world problems.
National University's MSCS program not only prepares students in the theoretical and practical aspects of solving complex computing problems but we also develop other essential communication skills. MSCS graduates are able to clearly discuss issues and answers with both technical and non-technical audiences. In addition to those communication skills, every part of our curriculum develops "people skills," ethics and standards of professionalism.
The curriculum is built upon mathematical foundations, programming techniques and problem solving skills. The unique combination of these skills enables graduates of National's MSCS program to be of immediate benefit in the computing industry. The rigorous mathematical foundations of the MSCS program have 4 primary goals: (1) to provide a clear understanding of scope and limitations of computational models, (2) to facilitate acquisition of skills in subsequent courses of the program, (3) to facilitate logical discussion of concepts underlying problem solving skills, (4) to facilitate acquisition and employment of new skills required by the introduction of new technology. National University's approach to teaching in the MSCS program allows our graduates to immediately become highly productive members of a real-world computing team.
The MSCS curriculum provides models of computation that remain appropriate over long periods of time. Our foundation courses equip students from a wide variety of backgrounds with the essential and necessary tools to be successful in the computing industry.
Skill Courses
The set of primary courses are designed for acquisition of marketable skills. These courses reflect the demands in the computer industry:
· Analysis, modeling, design, and development
· Computational tools and processes
· Operating Systems and Languages
· Data Base Systems
· Applications Systems and Graphical User Interfaces
· Artificial Intelligence
· Computational Problem Solving
Integration
The capstone project class is an integrating mechanism to provide realistic experience for the student. It is a two-month project solving a real problem for a real client against a time deadline using all available tools and resources as students work together in teams. This component addresses the need to integrate a broad range of technologies and skills. Students are given the opportunity to crystallize the ideas learned earlier and to implement comprehensive systems across an organization.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
· Construct a computational model for a given problem that allows examination of consequences
· Prove that the model is correct
· Describe properties of computational models.
· Describe programming principles such as abstraction, encapsulation, localization.
· Analyze a computational problem and produce a requirements analysis specification of the problem
· Given a problem, develop a use-case analysis of the problem
· Apply computational principles such as abstraction, encapsulation, localization to real world problems
· Apply programming models such as Object Oriented Programming, Structured Programming to develop a programming solution
· Apply design tools for designing a computational system
· Apply CASE tools to develop a computational solution to a problem
· Develop a software system based on a given design and requirements
Requirements
Admission Requirements
It is assumed that candidates seeking admission to the program possess a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science (CS) or a closely related area. Non-CS students should fulfill the program prerequisites either through additional equivalent coursework or waiver through a course challenge exam in order to satisfy the program prerequisites.
Degree Requirements
(20 courses, 90 quarter units)
Curriculum Requirements for MSCS Degree Program
The MSCS program requires the completion of 54 quarter units of graduate course work. Where appropriate, a maximum of 13.5-quarter units of graduate work completed at another accredited institution may be transferred to meet stated requirements in the program. The degree program consists of ten courses plus the two-part MSCS graduate project (two courses; 4.5 quarter units each) that cannot be taken until all other courses have been completed.
Program Prerequisites
(8 courses, 36 quarter units)
Students with non-computer baccalaureate degrees can qualify for admission to the program by choosing one or a combination of the following options:
Complete the following prerequisite courses:
MTH 215 College Algebra and Trigonometry
(Prerequisite: Placement Evaluation)
CSC 208 Calculus for Computer Science
(Prerequisite: MTH 215)
CSC 331 Discrete Structures and Logic
(Prerequisite: CSC 252, CSC 310)
CSC 242 Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methods
(Prerequisite: MTH 215)
CSC 252 Programming in C++
(Prerequisite: CSC 242)
CSC 300 Object Oriented Design and Analysis
(Prerequisite: CSC 252)
CSC 335 Data Structures and Algorithms
(Prerequisite: CSC 300, CSC 331)
CSC 422 Principles of Data Base Design
(Prerequisite: CSC 300)
or
Gain permission of the lead faculty of the MSCS program based on equivalent coursework supported by verifiable documented proof.
Core Requirements
(12 courses, 54 quarter units)
Students are encouraged to take the following 12 courses in the order of presentation.
CSC 610 Mathematical Foundations
SEN 620 Principles of Software Engineering
SEN 621 Software Tools and Processes
SEN 625 Basic Software Architecture
CSC 630 Operating Systems
CSC 640 Database Systems
CSC 650 Programming Languages
(Prerequisite: CSC 610)
CSC 655 Compilers and Interpreters
(Prerequisite: CSC 610)
CSC 660 Artificial Intelligence
(Prerequisite: CSC 610)
CSC 670 User Interface Engineering
(Prerequisites: CSC 630, SEN 620)
CSC 686 Computer Science Project I
(Prerequisites: All core requirements)
CSC 687 Computer Science Project II
(Prerequisite: CSC 686)
Careers
Career Tracks
With National's MSCS program, faculty, students, and employers will be assured that our graduates are proficient in analytical and critical thinking skills, they have a sense of professionalism, and are instilled with a strong set of values essential for success in the computer science field. This program reflects current and future industry needs and graduates from the MSCS program are trained and prepared to assume a leadership role in the field.
| Degree Program Locations | |
|---|---|
| La Mesa Campus | |
| Mission Valley Campus | |
| South Bay Campus | |
| Spectrum Business Park Campus | |
| Kearny Mesa Campus | |