KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE PROGRAM/CONCENTRATION PROPOSAL
FORM 02/25/04
PROGRAM OR CONCENTRATION NAME:_Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
DEPARTMENT: Computer Science and Information Systems
PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE: Spring 2011
Check One or More of the Following and Complete the Appropriate Sections
_____New Program Proposal**
X
Change in Program/Concentration/Degree Requirements
_____New Concentration Proposal
Sections to be Completed
All
III, VI
I – VII
**A new course proposal is required for each new course that is part of the new program.
Submitted by:
Victor A. Clincy
Faculty Member
2/17/10
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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Department Curriculum Committee
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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Department Chair
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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College Curriculum Committee
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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College Dean
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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GPCC Chair
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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Dean, Graduate College
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
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Vice President for Academic Affairs
Date
___ Approved ___ Not Approved
______________________________________________________
President
Date
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Kennesaw State University
2/17/2010
Computer Science and Information Systems
College of Science and Mathematics
Proposed Start Date: Summer 2010
CIP: 11.070100
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 2 of 11
I.
Program Description
Unique Aspects of Program
Institutional Importance of the Program
KSU's Strategic Plan
System and State of Georgia Goals
Staffing, Facilities and Enrollment
II. Objectives of the Program
III. Justification and Need for the Program
The program originally offered three foundation courses covering five topics. We offered a
courses covering (1) both programming and data structures, (2) both architecture and data
communications, and (3) operating systems. In providing our students more flexibility in taking
the foundation courses, we will like to offer a course for each foundation topic versus combining
topics. By combining topics, we had to cut back on subject matter. By breaking out the topics
into separate courses, we can more adequately cover the topic and subject matter.
We originally offered:
CS 6500 Fundamentals of programming with data structures
CS 6501 Fundamentals of computer and network architecture
CS 6502 Fundamentals of operating systems
We will like to change the course numbers from the 6000-level to the 5000-level in better
representing these courses as graduate courses that will not be used towards the MSACS
graduate degree or non-transferable to other graduate programs.
We will now like to offer:
CS 5000 Fundamentals of programming
[Name change only]
CS 5001 Fundamentals of computer architecture
[Name change and description change]
CS 5002 Fundamentals of operating systems
[No changes]
CS 5003 Fundamentals of data communications
[New course]
CS 5004 Fundamentals of data structures and algorithms
[New course]
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 3 of 11
Some 2009/2010 Catalog corrections and changes
The 2010 catalog currently lists the MSACS program starting on page 89. The actual starting
page in the catalog is 96.
The current 2009/2010 catalog list the following on page 99.
The new course listing on page 99 should be:
 CS 5000 Fundamentals of programming
 CS 5001 Fundamentals of computer architecture
 CS 5002 Fundamentals of operating systems
 CS 5003 Fundamentals of data communications
 CS 5004 Fundamentals of data structures and algorithms
On page 100 of the 2009/2010 catalog only list CS6502 as:
On page 100, the following courses should be listed:
CS 5000. Fundamentals of programming. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
An introduction to problem-solving methods that leads to the development of correct, wellstructured software programs using data structure approaches. Topics include computer systems
fundamentals, use of a programming language, arrays, lists and trees, along with simple methods
for sorting and searching.
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 4 of 11
CS 5001 Fundamentals of computer architecture 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
A study of computer hardware, components and devices. The course explores, synergizes and
focuses on underlying foundational topics relating to computer architecture. Topics include
communication media, encoding systems, data representation, binary arithmetic and numbering
systems for computers, basic structure of computers, machine language, logic circuits,
processing unit, memory systems, and input/output organization.
CS 5002. Fundamentals of Operating Systems 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
An introduction to fundamental operating systems concepts. Emphasis will be on the interfaces
supplied by operating systems. Topics include; job scheduling, memory management, and
process interactions.
CS 5003 Fundamentals of data communications 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
A study of network components and devices. The course explores, synergizes and focuses on
underlying foundational topics relating to data communications. Topics include communication
media, encoding systems, signaling, data security and integrity, multiplexing, modulation, flow
control, error control, medium access methods and network topologies.
CS 5004 Fundamentals of data structures and algorithms 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
Study of the concepts and implementation of data structures with emphasis on their
specifications, representations, and application to problem solving. Topics include Arrays,
Linked-Lists, Recursion, Sort and Search Algorithms, Stacks, Queues, Lists, Trees, Binary
Search Trees, and Graphs. The Java language is used to illustrate the implementation aspects of
covered data structured.
IV. Procedures Used to Develop the Program
V. Curriculum: Degree Program Requirements
CORE REQUIREMENTS
CS 8450 Software Engineering
CS 8550 Introduction to Bio-informatics
CS 8590 Digital Game Design
CS 8640 TCP/IP and the Internet
CS 8672 Embedded Systems & Micro-controllers
Students must take four of the five required courses (12 semester hours).
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 5 of 11
Credit Hours
12 of 15
3
3
3
3
3
ELECTIVES
CS 8420 Software Project Engineering
CS 8460 Object-Oriented Software Analysis and Design
CS 8530 Database Administration
CS 8560 Data Mining
CS 8620 Modeling and Simulation
CS 8645 Network Security
CS 8675 Advanced Embedded Systems & Network Device Control
CS 8678 Introduction to A.I. and Robotics
CS 8910 Professional Seminar
CS 8916 Co-op
CS 8918 Internship
CS 8940 Directed Studies
CS 8990 Special Topics
12 to 18
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1 to 3
1 to 3
1 to 3
1 to 3
Students must take four to six electives (12 to 18 semester hours) depending on the applied
study option chosen. Any required course not used towards the core requirement can be used
towards filling the elective requirement.
APPLIED STUDY OPTIONS (PROJECT, THESIS OR CERTIFICATION) 6 to 12
CS 8997 Certification Study and Exam
1 to 6
CS 8998 Applied or Research Project
1 to 9
CS 8999 Thesis
1 to 12
A formal detailed project proposal and plan must be completed and approved by a faculty
sponsor and by the program director prior to beginning work on the applied study options.
ADDITIONAL FOUNDATION REQUIREMENTS
CS 5000 Fundamentals of programming
CS 5001 Fundamentals of computer architecture
CS 5002 Fundamentals of operating systems
CS 5003 Fundamentals of data communications
CS 5004 Fundamentals of data structures and algorithms
0 to 15
3
3
3
3
3
Students lacking formal preparation in selected areas may be required to complete one or
more of the foundation courses. Students required to take foundation courses must complete
the courses with a B-grade or better before taking the regular graduate courses. The credit
hours for the foundation courses do not count towards the degree total of 36. The cost for the
foundation courses will be an additional cost on top of MSACS program tuition; however,
the course cost will be at the regular tuition rate, a non-premium graduate tuition rate. The
prerequisites for these foundation courses are program admission.
Course Descriptions
CS 5000. Fundamentals of programming. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 6 of 11
An introduction to problem-solving methods that leads to the development of correct, wellstructured software programs using data structure approaches. Topics include computer systems
fundamentals, use of a programming language, arrays, lists and trees, along with simple methods
for sorting and searching.
CS 5001 Fundamentals of computer architecture 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
A study of computer hardware, components and devices. The course explores, synergizes and
focuses on underlying foundational topics relating to computer architecture. Topics include
communication media, encoding systems, data representation, binary arithmetic and numbering
systems for computers, basic structure of computers, machine language, logic circuits,
processing unit, memory systems, and input/output organization.
CS 5002. Fundamentals of Operating Systems 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
An introduction to fundamental operating systems concepts. Emphasis will be on the interfaces
supplied by operating systems. Topics include; job scheduling, memory management, and
process interactions.
CS 5003 Fundamentals of data communications 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
A study of network components and devices. The course explores, synergizes and focuses on
underlying foundational topics relating to data communications. Topics include communication
media, encoding systems, signaling, data security and integrity, multiplexing, modulation, flow
control, error control, medium access methods and network topologies.
CS 5004 Fundamentals of data structures and algorithms 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program.
Study of the concepts and implementation of data structures with emphasis on their
specifications, representations, and application to problem solving. Topics include Arrays,
Linked-Lists, Recursion, Sort and Search Algorithms, Stacks, Queues, Lists, Trees, Binary
Search Trees, and Graphs. The Java language is used to illustrate the implementation aspects of
covered data structured.
CS 8420. Software Project Engineering. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
Introduction to the foundations and concepts of managing software projects. Topics include;
concepts of software products, process models, project management concepts and metrics,
project planning, risk analysis issues, project scheduling and tracking methods, quality assurance
concepts, and software configuration management.
CS 8450. Software Engineering. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
Techniques and formal methods in modern software design and engineering. Coverage of UML,
design patterns and frameworks.
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
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CS 8460. Object-Oriented Software Analysis and Design. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS8450 Software Engineering
This course covers topics in object-oriented software analysis, design, and development along
with an introduction to the study of algorithms and data structures. Topics include basic analysis
and design concepts, problem solving and programming with Java, and data structures.
CS 8530. Database Administration. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
An introductory course in Database Administration. Students will learn Database Theory, with
hands-on applications.
CS 8550. Introduction to Bio-Informatics. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
Students will understand the theoretical data manipulation strategies fundamental to bioinformatics, and will examine the successful application domains and techniques. Students will
apply their knowledge through programming and database exercises.
CS 8560. Data Mining. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS 8530. Database Administration
This course covers major Data Mining concepts and techniques for uncovering interesting data
patterns hidden in large data sets, including Data Warehousing and OLAP technology,
association mining, classification and predication, clustering analysis, and time-series analysis.
CS 8590. Digital Game Design. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
Introduction to computer game design and artificial intelligence for computer game playing, with
practical projects in game design for computers. The game design component will include
graphics, human-computer interface design, real-time response programming and game strategy
“intelligence.” Students will explore game design and programming using a software system and
language compiler targeted for the standard personal computer.
CS 8620. Modeling and Simulation. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
A study of the use of simulation in the design and verification of complex software systems,
specifically including real-time systems with hard timing constraints.
CS 8640. TCP/IP and the Internet. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
A study of the TCP/IP Protocol Suite and the Internet. The course will also cover some topics
relating to wireless networking and technologies.
CS 8645 Network Security 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS 8640 TCP/IP and the Internet
The course covers selected areas in network security such as domain naming service, traffic
monitoring and intrusion detection, authentication and access control, routing, firewalls, IP
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
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traceback schemes, IPSec, malware propagation and detection, secure auditing and searchable
encryption, cryptography, Web security and privacy, wireless network security, and etc.
CS 8672 Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director
An introduction to embedded systems, embedded systems programming, microcontrollers and
embedded system analysis and design. Discussion of real-time systems, operating systems,
timing constraints and execution size limitations. Laboratory experience will realize theoretical
concepts.
CS 8675 Advanced Embedded Systems and Network Device Control. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS 8672 Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
Advanced topics in embedded systems, including the use of multitasking and real-time operating
systems.
Real world examples will be used, including network-enabled devices for
communications, remote sensing, and device control.
CS 8678 Introduction to A.I. and Robotics. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: CS 8672 Embedded Systems and Microcontrollers
This survey course covers topics in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. A survey of AI methods
and approaches from search methods to neural networks will include hands-on with expert
systems. A robotics kit will be included to allow students to analyze, design, build, and test
simple robotic systems.
CS 8910. Professional Seminar. 1-0-1
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director.
Students may complete up to three hours of CS8910 Professional Seminar
CS 8916. Co-op. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director.
Students may receive credit for co-op work through this course.
CS 8918. Internship. 3-0-3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director.
Students may receive credit for internship work through this course.
CS 8940. Directed Study. 1 to 3.
Requires permission of the Program Director and a Faculty Sponsor/Mentor.
CS 8990. Special Topics. 1 to 3.
Prerequisite: Permission of Program Director.
Current topics in applied computer science, offered on an as needed basis.
CS 8994. Certification Study and Exam 1-6
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program and approved Plan-of-Study
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 9 of 11
Students take a preparatory course towards some professional certification in the computing field
and must pass the certification exam. The student will need to generate a plan-of-study showing
the timeline for the prep course and exam. The student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours
during the semester, the student is taking the certification prep course. The student is able to
enroll in a variable number of graduate credit hours per semester in completing their certification
prep course and exam.
CS 8995. Applied Project 1-9
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program and approved Plan-of-Study
Students will develop a formal and detailed project proposal and plan for completing an applied
project with a faculty sponsor. The project proposal must be approved by a Faculty Sponsor and
by the program Director prior to beginning work on the applied project. The student is able to
enroll in a variable number of graduate credit hours per semester in completing their applied
project.
CS 8996 Thesis 1-12
Prerequisite: Admission to the MSACS program and approved Plan-of-Study
Students will develop a formal and detailed thesis proposal and plan for completing a thesis
under the direction of a program Director and thesis committee chair. The thesis proposal must
be approved by the program Director and thesis committee chair prior to beginning thesis work.
The student is able to enroll in a variable number of graduate credit hours per semester in
completing their thesis.
VI. INVENTORY OF FACULTY DIRECTLY INVOLVED
VII Outstanding programs of this nature at other institutions
VIII Inventory of pertinent library resources
IX Facilities
X Administration
XI Assessment
XII Accreditation
XIII Affirmative Action Impact
XIV Degree Inscription
XV Fiscal and Enrollment Impact, and Estimated Budget
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 10 of 11
1. ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS
2. COSTS
A. Personnel -- reassigned or existing positions
B. Personnel -- new positions
C. One-Time Startup costs
D. Operating Costs
3. REVENUE SOURCES
Master of Science in Applied Computer Science
Program Update
2/17/2010
Page 11 of 11