BACCALAUREATE AND MASTER’S DEGREES
NEW PROPOSAL FORM: ONE-STEP PROCESS
(Submit One Copy)
REVISED FORMAL PROPOSAL
Institution: Kennesaw State University
Institutional Contact (President or Vice President for Academic Affairs): Dr. Ken Harmon
Date: 10/15/11
School/Division: College of Science and Mathematics
Department: Computer Science
Departmental Contact: Dr. Ken Hoganson
Name of Proposed Program/Inscription: Master of Science in Computer Science
Degree: Master of Science
Major: Computer Science
CIP Code:
11.0701
Anticipated Starting Date: Fall 2012
Indication of Whether the Program is New and Online:
 Replacement for MS-ACS program
 Program is offered both conventionally on-campus, and online.
Indication of whether the program should be listed with the SREB Electronic Campus:
 YES
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
1. Program Description and Objectives:
a. Objectives of the M.S. Computer Science program at Kennesaw State University
This new program is to serve Kennesaw State University’s graduate computer science
students multiple ways: by pushing graduate computer science at KSU in new directions,
with concentrations of courses centered around these themes:
 mobile devices and mobile application development
 database, data warehousing & data mining
 modeling, simulation and game design and development
 interdisciplinary graduate option to combine computer science with:
Information Systems OR Applied Statistics
And by replacing the MS Applied Computer Science for Experienced Professionals
program (MS-ACS), which was suspended July of 2011 due to low enrollment, with a
new more conventional and research-oriented degree program.
Notable Features of the new MS-CS Program:
These innovative features differentiate KSU’s proposed MS-CS program:
 Interdisciplinary graduate-level opportunities through the MS in Applied Statistics
and MS in Information Systems at KSU. Students in these programs have similar
mathematical foundational prerequisites, and MS-CS students must meet all
admission requirements in the secondary field required to take courses. This kind of
interdisciplinary option was not possible with the MS-ACS due to the premium
program structure and pricing.
 The MS-CS will continue to use our outstanding distance learning technology that
allows students to choose how to attend class (either live and in class,
live/synchronous at-a-distance, and asynchronous through recorded lecture), and also
converts recorded lectures to mobile device formats.
 Includes these targeted research areas at the nexus of notable research activity and
KSU CS faculty expertise:
o mobile devices programming, application design and development, mobile
intelligence
o database, data warehousing, and data mining
o game design and development, modeling, and simulation
Reasons for the MS-ACS enrollment suspension
Fall 2011 exhibited a drop in new student enrollment due to the following causes:
 High Premium Price Tuition: The MS-ACS premium tuition, set at $27,500 per semester is
actually closer to $30,000 when including mandatory university fees. This is substantially
higher than comparable and competing programs.
 Loss of Competitive Advantage: When created in 2001, the MS-ACS was the only
computer science master’s degree that was available from a Georgia university that offered
full synchronous and asynchronous distance-learning capabilities, which included live remote
student interaction with the professor and class. Now, a number of MS degrees offered by
Georgia institutions offer their programs partially or completely using distance learning
technologies. These competing programs offer their degrees at much lower cost, roughly a
third of the MS-ACS.
 Reduced Electives and Student Choices, through reduced course offerings and reduced
thesis support. The MS-ACS program was streamlined to reduce the number of courses
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
offered each term and to flatten the prerequisite structure with fewer prerequisites. With
fewer courses offered per semester, students lost the ability to specialize in depth within their
areas of their interest. For instance, in both Spring and Fall of 2011, the program offered a
total of only 4 courses each term, which had to support both 1st- year students and 2nd-year
students. This lead to fewer options and mixing beginning and advanced graduate students in
the same course, thereby limiting the depth of study in a course and building upon
prerequisite knowledge.
Additional Structural Weaknesses of the MS-ACS program:
 Inability to allow Smooth Transition of BS-CS graduates: Due to the premium-price of
the MS-ACS, students are unable to take advantage of the “Accelerated Bachelor-Master’s
option, which allows undergraduate students to complete up to 9 hours of master’s level work
as part of the BS degree requirements. When coupled with the high premium price, our best
BS-CS graduates look to other institutions for their computing graduate study.
 Loss of Strategic Value to Faculty and Administration: The MS-ACS as a premiumpriced program targeting the “Experienced Professional” – basically working students in
industry – is not viewed as an important contributor to faculty and university strategic goals,
particularly as KSU matures as an institution. Working professionals are typically not as
interested in working with faculty on intensive research projects: evidenced by the program
graduating only one thesis student during its entire history. Given the choice, most MS-ACS
students choose to work on a professional certification, as opposed to an applied research
project, and only one student completed a formal thesis.
Characteristics of the MS-CS Proposal which Address Above Weaknesses
This proposal for a replacement MS program remediates the above deficiencies
 Conventional Tuition: The proposed MS-CS has conventional graduate tuition, with a
program fee and lab fees to support distance-learning technology and student lab and research
technology. The total cost to the student (tuition plus all fees) will be about a third of the
MS-ACS cost, or a notable tuition reduction of around 66%.
 Competitive Advantage: The proposed MS-CS retains the superior remote student
interactivity capabilities, now at a competitive price. The new program introduces other
features that will interest prospective students in terms of specialization, electives, and
interdisciplinary study.
 Renewed Student Choices and Thesis Support: The proposed MS-CS will support a wider
number of electives in specialized areas, and will have a more conventional prerequisite
structure in four tiers: 1) required core courses; 2) upper level electives which build on core
course knowledge; 3) research courses and seminars in specialized areas; 4) Thesis research
building from one or more research courses. Student thesis research support will be renewed
and enhanced with assistantships and through a program structure that is more supportive of
thesis research.
Addressing Structural Weaknesses of the MS-ACS program:
 Supports Smooth Transition for BS-CS graduates: The MS-CS program will support the
accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s concept by cross-listing 6000-level core courses as 5000level courses available to advanced undergraduate students. Students may complete up to 9
hours of master’s coursework through this process. The conventional tuition pricing without
the “Experienced Professional” focus, will make the program much more attractive to
traditional computer science students.
 Strategic Value to Faculty and Administration: The new MS-CS program will better
support and develop student research and thesis, better supporting faculty interests and efforts
with a more conventional program design and structure. Stronger MS thesis research benefits
the students, faculty, and supports KSU’s strategic growth as an institution.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
b. Needs the program will meet
The MS-CS will contribute to meet the national and Georgia’s increasing demands for workforce
in computer science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected increase of
employment in Science and Engineering (S&E) occupations reaches 21.4% in the period of 200616, which is more than double than the projected increase in all occupations in the same period
(Table 1 and Figure 1). Furthermore, the projected 29.2% growth in Computer
scientists/mathematicians assumes absolute precedence over all S&E occupations (Table 1 and
Figure 1). Despite the strong demand in employment of computer scientists, the production of
Master degrees in computer science declined consistently from year 2004 through 2007, as
illustrated in Figure 2.
Figure 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of increase in employment for S&E and selected
other occupations: 2006-16 (From Feference 1: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c3/fig03-a.gif)
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 1: Bureau of Labor Statistics projects of employment and job openings in S&E occupations:
2006-16 (From reference 1: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c3/tt03-b.htm)
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Figure 2. S&E master’s degree, by field: 1993-2007
(This figure is directly copied from reference 1: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c2/fig02-11.gif)
The state of Georgia shows a similar pattern in the demand and supply of S&E workforce. On the
one hand, Georgia has much higher level than national average in net high-technology business
formations as share of all business establishments, as shown in Figure 3; on the other hand, the
production of S&E graduate students per 1000 individuals of 25-34 years old in Georgia was
consistently lower than national average level as illustrated in Figure 4. Therefore, both national
and state data in demand and supply of S&E workforce including computer scientists demonstrate
a strong need for universities in Georgia to produce more graduates with advanced degrees in
S&E, especially computer science/mathematics.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Figure 3. Net high-technology business formations as share of all business establishments (Graph
generated from NSF website http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c8/c8s8.cfm)
Figure 4. S&E Graduate Students per 1,000 individuals of 25-34 years old. (Graph generated from NSF
website http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c8/c8s8.cfm)
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
In Fall 2011, KSU reached a historically high enrollment overall, and also in undergraduate
computer science courses. For instance, the CS department offers 5 sections of our CS1 course
(CS 2301) with 200 seats, 98% of which has been filled. The significant increase of
undergraduate CS students also calls for a Master degree program in CS in order to meet the
needs of KSU computer science majors that have the desire to pursue graduate study in computer
science.
Reference:
1. Science and Engineering Indicators: 2010, http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind10/c/cs1.htm
c. Brief explanation of how the program is to be delivered
The MS-CS program will deliver instruction in multiple ways:


conventional lecture class sessions
hybrid class meetings (where every-other class meeting uses online resources and group
project development)
 online – with live distance lectures that are also recorded lectures and available
asynchronously
The MS-CS will be offered as a traditional in-class program, and as an entirely online program.
Additional details on instruction delivery through the use of hybrid teaching and distance-learning
are included in Appendix A.
d. Prioritization within the institution’s strategic plan
The MS-CS program is important to the institution’s strategic plans to serve our regional service
area with graduate degree opportunities that are in-demand with students. The use of hybrid,
distance-learning and online technologies and pedagogy for instruction delivery supports the
institution’s goals of better serving our community while minimizing infrastructure requirements
including classroom space.
The MS-CS fits within the institutions strategic plans to grow and develop in scholarship
and research significance, in ways that the MS-Applied Computer Science could not, through
stronger research and thesis opportunities.
2. Description of the program’s fit with the institutional mission and nationally accepted
trends in the discipline.
The MS-CS continues KSU’s presence in graduate computer science, and supports KSU’s
strategic growth in graduate programs. As a conventional program replacing the premium MSACS program, the MS-CS will support our growth in undergraduate computer science through
the Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s program, and provide a pathway for KSU computer science
students into graduate study.
The new program will also include a substantial interdisciplinary component, coupling
computer science with other disciplines. It is widely expected that a large part of the growth of
the computing discipline will be in synergistic combinations with other disciplines, including the
sciences, leveraging and applying computing technology.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
3. Description of how the program demonstrates demand and a justification of need in the
discipline and geographic area and is not unnecessary program duplication.
As described in section 1.b, the proposed MSCS will contribute to meet the national and
Georgia’s increasing demands for workforce in computer science. Furthermore, KSU’s
increasing enrollment in CS also demonstrates the need for setting up a Master degree
program in computer science at KSU.
In the following Table 1, we compare the proposed MS-CS with MS degree programs in CS
offered by Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), the University of West Georgia,
University of Memphis, and Georgia State University (GSU). As Table 1 shows, the
proposed MS-CS program has the following significant distinguishing features:
 Interdisciplinary graduate-level opportunities through the MS in Applied Statistics
and MS in Information Statistics at KSU. Students in these programs have similar
mathematical foundational prerequisites, and MS-CS students must meet all admission
requirements in the secondary field required to take courses. This kind of
interdisciplinary option was not possible with the MS-ACS due to the premium
program structure and pricing. KSU is seeing notable employment demand for
employers trained in both computer science and statistics
 The MS-Cs will continue to use our outstanding distance learning technology that
allows students to choose how to attend class (either live and in class, live/synchronous
at-a-distance, and asynchronous through recorded lecture), and also converts recorded
lectures to mobile device formats.
 Includes the following current computing research areas at the nexus of notable
research activity and KSU CS faculty expertise:

mobile computing

game design and development, modeling, and simulation

database, data warehousing, and data mining
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Comparison with other programs of this nature.
.
Table 1. Comparison of the Proposed MS Computer Science with Other Programs of a Similar Nature
Program
Institution Thesis
MSACS (2002 – KSU
2010, suspended)
KSU
MS-CS
(2012)
(proposal)
MS-CS
MS-ACS
MS-ACS
MS-ACS
MS-CS
SPSU
West Georgia
Columbus State
U. of Memphis
Georgia State U.
Interdisciplinary
Graduate Option
N
None
Y
Up to 9 hours of 6000+
level from either:
 Applied Statistics
 Information Systems
Y
N
Y
N
Y
None
None
None
None
None
Targeted Area(s)
Applied Computer Science
Instruction
Delivery
Integrated Distance
learning
Integrated Distance
 Mobile Device App.
learning options:
Development
 Traditional in-class
 Database&DataMining
 Game Design, Modeling &  Online
Simulation
 Hybrid
General Computer Science Some distance
General Computer Science distance learning
General Computer Science distance learning
General Computer Science Conventional in-class
General Computer Science Conventional in-class
Price
Credit
Hours
Premium:
36
$27.5K+fees ≈ $30K
Conventional+Fees: 36 hours.
$8K
With 30
hour
minimum
Conventional
36
Not premium: $10K
36
Not Premium: $11K
36
Not Premium: $18K
36
Conventional
36
The comparison shows that there is a wide variation for program models and curriculum content, as well as pricing and delivery, and that the MSCS at KSU fills a unique niche with innovative program content. The interdisciplinary option is completely unique, and when combined with the
targeted areas and unique student attendance models and options, distinguishes the proposed MS-CS as a unique program with student options
that are not duplicated Georgia.
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Job Trends for selected MS-CS research areas:
The MS-CS curriculum not only covers advanced topics in each essential area of computer science, but
also features the-state-of-the-art research topics in mobile computing, game development, and data
mining. In the following, we present our study of job trends for those featured knowledge themes
offered by the MS-CS by referring to indeed.com. Indeed.com analyzes job trends by first searching
millions of jobs from thousands of job sites and then counting the percentage of jobs that match a given
term.
1) Mobile Application Development
The following figure shows that the number of jobs on Mobile App increases dramatically in
recent years (as of September 25, 2011).
2) Game Development
The following figure shows that the number of jobs on game development has been in
uptrend since 2005 (as of September 25, 2011).
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
3) Data Mining
The following figure shows that the number of jobs on game development has been in
uptrend since 2005 (as of September 25, 2011).
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
4. Brief description of institutional resources that will be used specifically for the program
(e.g., personnel, library, equipment, laboratories, supplies & expenses, capital expenditures
at program start-up and when the program undergoes its first comprehensive program
review.
The MS-CS is designed to be efficient in terms of section offerings and infrastructure
demands.
 The MS-CS will absorb the resources being released by the MS-ACS program, which is
winding down.
 Instructor demand/course offering coverage will be supported by two replacement faculty
hires (retirement and resignation), and existing faculty for the first two years.
 Selected courses in the program will require a lab fee, generating a revenue-stream that
can be used to purchase software and hardware for specific applied and hands-on courses,
including a simple robotics kit, while also generating a revenue stream to support the
instruction delivery technologies.
 Distance-learning technology hardware and software will be supported by a per semester
program fee. Additional details in Appendix A.
 Distance and online technology support will be provided by the CS department. The CS
department employs a technology support staff person, and a faculty member (Lecturer)
with responsibilities for maintaining and administrating our distance-learning
technologies.
 Office supplies and administrative support will be provided by the CS department.
 No additional library resources will be required.
 No capital expenditures will be required.
 The program will kick-off Fall 2012, and as a new program, will be evaluated within the
department and college annually. The first comprehensive program review will be
conducted in 2016.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
5. Curriculum: List the entire course of study required and recommended to complete the
degree program. Provide a sample program of study that would be followed by a
representative student.
a. Clearly differentiate which courses are existing and which are newly developed
courses. Include the course titles as well as acronyms and credit hour requirements
associated with each course.
b. Append course descriptions for all courses (existing and new courses).
c. When describing required or elective courses, list all course prerequisites.
d. Provide documentation that all courses in the proposed curriculum have met all
institutional requirements for approval.
e. Append materials available from national accrediting agencies or professional
organizations as they relate to curriculum standards for the proposed program.
f. Indicate ways in which the proposed program is consistent with national standards.
g. If internships or field experiences are required as part of the program, provide
information documenting internship availability as well as how students will be
assigned and supervised.
h. Indicate the adequacy of core offerings to support the new program.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS-CS Curriculum:
30 minimum hours completed at KSU.
NON-THESIS MODEL (Breadth Option):
12 - 18 hours of required computer science core coursework
12 hours of electives/internship/coop/study-abroad
6 hours of Advanced Topics
THESIS MODEL (Depth Option):
12 - 18 hours of required computer science core coursework
6 hours of electives/Internship/coop/study-abroad
3 hours of Advanced Topics
9 hours of Thesis minimum
INTERDISCIPLINARY CS MODEL:
12 - 18 hours of required computer science core coursework
9 hours of interdisciplinary graduate coursework from one of the following areas:
Applied Statistics
Information Systems
6 hours of electives/internship/coop/study-abroad
3 hours of Advanced Topics
Required Common Core 12-18 Hours:
Students must satisfy the requirements of topic
coverage in each of the following 6000-level core course areas, as approved by the program director.
CS 6010 Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, 3-0-3
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5010 for undergrad seniors.
CS 6020 Modern Computing Systems, 3-0-3.
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5020 for undergrad seniors.
CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages, 3-0-3.
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5030 for undergrad.
CS 6040 Computing Security, 3-0-3.
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5040 for undergrad.
CS 6050 Advanced Database Systems, 3-0-3.
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5050 for undergrad.
CS 6060 Wireless and Mobile Computing, 3-0-3.
Prereq: Program Admission.
Cross-list with CS 5060 for undergrad.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Electives: Building from Required Core Courses
CS 7010 Modeling and Simulation, 3-0-3.
Prereq: CS 6010
CS 7015 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, 3-0-3,
Prereq: CS 6010, CS 6020
CS 7020 Game Design and Development, 3 hours, 3-0-3,
Prereq: CS 6030
CS 7030 Mobile Device Application Development, 3-0-3.
Prereq: CS 6030, CS 6060
CS 7040 Digital Forensics, 3 hours, 3-0-3,
Prereq: CS 6040
CS 7050 Data Warehousing & Mining, 3 hours, Fall offering.
Prereq: CS 6010, CS 6050
CS 7060 Mobile Intelligence, 3-0-3.
Prereq: CS 6060, CS 7030
CS 7070 Advanced Networking Protocols, 3-0-3
Prereq: CS 6060
CS 7090 Internship, 3-0-3.
CS 7099 Special Topics in Computer Science, 3-0-3.
Graduate Level Interdisciplinary Coursework, for which the students meet the
prerequisites.
Advanced Topics (Research & Project Courses): Building from Electives
Advanced Topics courses are seminar/research/project courses led by a faculty member. Content will
include individual and group project work, readings, internet work, self-study, seminar participation,
presentations, hybrid teaching, and online content. MS-CS students are required to attend and present
in the department colloquium/seminar as part of their work in advanced topics courses. With
permission of the program director, each course may be taken twice.
CS 7810 Advanced Topics in Modeling & Simulation, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 7010
CS 7820 Advanced Topics in Game Design, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 6010, CS 7020
CS 7830 Advanced Topics in Software Engineering, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 7020
CS 7850 Advanced Topics in Mining & Intelligence, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7050
CS 7855 Advanced Topics in Database Systems, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7050
CS 7860 Advanced Topics in Wireless & Mobile Computing, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7060
Note on Advanced Topics and faculty workload: sections will be counted toward faculty workload:
12 students = full course; 6-11 students = ½ course; 1-5 students = 1/3 course.
Courses will be offered on a staggered schedule and also contingent on student demand.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 2. MS-CS Course Prerequisite Structure.
7000-level electives require 6000level core prerequisites.
Core
6050
6010
6020
6030
Electives
6040
With 6000 and 7000-level prerequisites.
7810
7820
7830
7050
7850
7855
7050
7050
7860
7010
7010
6010
7015
7020
7020
7030
6060
Advanced Topics Research/Project Courses
7020
7060
7060
7070
7040
KSU’s Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s Program:
The Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s Degree Option provides qualified KSU undergraduate students the opportunity
to begin graduate studies at KSU in their senior year and to simultaneously satisfy some remaining requirements
for the bachelor’s degree and the beginning requirements of an advanced degree.
A student may use up to nine credit hours of graduate-level courses offered within a single degree program in
meeting the requirements of both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. Students applying for this program
must:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Have completed at least 18 hours of coursework at Kennesaw State.
Have a KSU GPA of 3.5 or better.
Be within 21 semester hours of graduation.
Have written permission of the chair of the department of the undergraduate major to use the graduate
level courses as acceptable substitutes to fulfill related requirements of the bachelor's degree (students
must satisfy all prerequisites for those graduate courses).
Meet all requirements for admission into the specified graduate program (except for receipt of the
undergraduate degree); and
Submit an application for admission to the Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s Degree Program, along with
all necessary admissions documentation to the Dean of the Graduate College by the deadline dates listed
below.
No more than nine semester hours of graduate credit may be completed prior to the completion of the
baccalaureate degree and admission to a graduate degree program. An undergraduate student enrolled in graduate
classes is limited to six semester hours of graduate course work per term and a total academic course load of 12
semester hours per semester.
For students who work closely with their advisors in planning their course of study at KSU, this option offers the
opportunity of simultaneously satisfying partial degree requirements for a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an
accelerated program of study. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, with a satisfactory undergraduate
grade point average, and a grade of “B ” or better in all graduate courses completed, the student may move to full
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
graduate status in the same graduate program, and the courses taken as an undergraduate can be applied toward
the graduate degree.
Transfer Credit
A student may transfer up to six (6) semester hours of graduate courses taken at an accredited institution. The
transfer of credit for course work completed at another institution will be approved upon meeting all of the
following conditions:





The evaluation of the program director agrees that the content of the course corresponds to a MS-CS Core
course; AND
A minimum grade of ‘B’ was received in the course; AND
The course was restricted to graduate students only; AND
The course work was completed at a regionally accredited institution; AND
The credit to be considered for transfer will not be more than five years old at the time the student
enters the MS-CS program.
Analysis of Alternative Pathways to Complete the Degree
Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of graduate work at KSU for the degree. Students may
transfer in up to 6 hours of core coursework. Students may participate in the Accelerated Bachelor’s – Master’s
program.
Table 4. MS-CS Degree Completion Pathways
MODEL
Credit Hour
Category
Hours of Core
Elective Hours
Non Thesis Advanced Topics Hours
Hours at KSU (30 min.)
Model
Total Program Hours
Hours beyond the B.S.
Hours of Core
Elective Hours
Advanced Topics Hours
Thesis
Thesis Hours (minimum)
Model
Hours at KSU (30 min.)
Total Program Hours
Hours beyond the B.S.
Hours of Core
Interdisciplinary Hours
Elective Hours
InterDisciplinary Advanced Topics Hours
Hours at KSU (30 min.)
Model
Total Program Hours
Hours beyond the B.S.
Transfer 6 9 hours of Accelerated
hours of core Bachelor’s - Master’s
12
9
12
12
6
6
30
36
36
36
36
27
12
9
6
6
3
3
9
9
30
36
36
36
36
27
12
9
9
9
6
6
3
3
30
36
36
36
36
27
No Transfer/No
Accelerated BS-MS
18
12
6
36
36
36
18
6
3
9
36
36
36
18
9
6
3
36
36
36
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Master’s Thesis Process and Requirements:
Undertaking a thesis project is by application, with specific milestones:
1. Students should indicate their desire to pursue a thesis by the end of their first semester of study,
to the program director.
2. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss possible thesis research topics with a faculty member
who would become the student’s thesis committee chair.
3. Upon agreement between the student and faculty member on a topic and methodology, a Thesis
Research Proposal will be created, which will be submitted to the program director for formal
approval by the end of the students 2nd semester of study. The Thesis Research Proposal must
include as a minimum:
a. One paragraph topic description of the research topic, and why it is important to study.
b. Research plan outline, that includes the research methodology, and projected hardware
and software needs.
c. Projected Timeline and Milestones
4. A committee of three to five faculty members will form the thesis committee. Outside readers or
committee members are encouraged.
5. The student and committee chair will meet monthly at a minimum, and more frequently as
needed.
6. The completed research must be defended in a formal presentation to the students committee,
other department faculty and interested students.
7. Once approved by the committee, the thesis will be formatted for binding in accordance with the
university’s requirements, with a bound copy to the student, library, and department. The
department will pay for the costs of binding.
CS 7999 Thesis, Variable Hours.
Prereq: Approval of Program Director
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 5. Mapping of Program Learning Outcomes to Courses
Program Outcomes
P.L.O. 1: Building on their undergraduate
education in computing, students will master
advanced concepts across a targeted breadth of
computer science study.
P.L.O. 2: Students will be required to
demonstrate that they have in-depth knowledge
of at least two fields within computer science.
P.L.O. 3: Students will be required to
demonstrate that they can conduct graduatelevel research in computer science (regardless
of the program option chosen) in one area of
computer science research.
P.L.O. 4: Program option specific objectives.
Students will demonstrate their ability to
complete one of three program options
P.L.O. 5: Function effectively in teams to
accomplish common goals. A number of courses
will include group/team development projects
P.L.O. 6: Demonstrate the ability to deliver a
complete development project, meeting the
standards and requirements.
Relevant Courses
Required Common Core 12-18 Hours
CS 6010 Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, 3 hours
CS 6020 Modern Computing Systems, 3 hours
CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages, 3 hours.
CS 6040 Computing Security, 3 hours
CS 6050 Advanced Database Systems, 3 hours,
CS 6060 Wireless Protocols and Mobile Computing, 3 hours
Electives: Building from Require Core Courses
CS 7010 Modeling and Simulation, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6010
CS 7015 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, 3 hours, Prereq: CS
6010, CS 6020
CS 7020 Game Design and Development, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6030
CS 7030 Mobile Device Application Development, 3 hrs, Prereq: CS
6030, CS 6060
CS 7040 Digital Forensics, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6040
CS 7050 Data Warehousing & Mining, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6010, CS
6050
CS 7060 Mobile Intelligence, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6060, CS 7030
CS 7070 Advanced Networking Protocols, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6060
Advanced Topics (Research & Project Courses):
CS 7810 Advanced Topics in Modeling & Simulation, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 7010
CS 7820 Advanced Topics in Game Design, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 6010, CS 7020
CS 7830 Advanced Topics in Software Engineering, 3 hours
Prereq: CS 7020
CS 7850 Advanced Topics in Mining & Intelligence, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7050
CS 7855 Advanced Topics in Database, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7050
CS 7860 Advanced Topics Wireless & Mobile Computing, 3 hours
Prereqs: CS 7060
CS 7099 Special Topics in Computer Science 3 hours
Prereqs: Director permission
CS 7999 Thesis, Variable Hours
Prereqs: Director permission
Formal Thesis requirements OR
Interdisciplinary Concentration of 9 hours in a related area OR
Additional in-depth study across the computer science discipline
CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages, 3 hours
CS 7015 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, 3 hours
Option: CS 7040 Game Design and Development, 3 hours
CS 6010 Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, 3 hours
CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages, 3 hours.
CS 6050 Advanced Database Systems, 3 hours
Optionally:
CS 7010 Modeling and Simulation, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6010
CS 7015 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, 3 hours, Prereq: CS
6010, CS 6020
CS 7020 Computing Security, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6030
CS 7030 Mobile Device Application Development, 3 hrs, Prereq: CS
6030, CS 6060
CS 7040 Game Design and Development, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6040
CS 7050 Data Warehousing & Mining, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6050
CS 7060 Mobile Intelligence, 3 hours, Prereq: CS 6060
20 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS Computer Science Master Course Planning: 2-Year Full-Time:
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
CS 6030
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
Fall 2
3
3
3
CS 6040
CS 6050
CS 6060
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Wireless & Mobile
Credit
Hours
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Elective
Elective
Elective
3
3
3
CS 7999
Thesis
3
Spring 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
CS 78XX
CS 78XX
CS 7999
Elective
Elective
Advanced Topics
Advanced Topics
Thesis
3
3
3
Credit
Hours
3
3
3
3
6
Course/section offering structure, and
prerequisite constraints.
Note the doubled use of coursesections to meet the needs of the two
offering schedules (full-time and parttime) with a single course section.
Summer course offerings will rotate.
MS Computer Science Master Course Planning: 2-Year Part-Time:
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Summer 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
CS 7999
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
3
3
Fall 2
Credit
Hours
Elective
Elective
Thesis
Steady-state unique sections:
3
3
3-6
6
CS 6040
CS 6050
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Spring 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
CS 78XX
Elective
Elective
Advanced Topics
CS 7999
Thesis
3
3
CS 6030 Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
CS 6060 Wireless & Mobile
Credit
Hours
3
3
3
3-6
6
Credit
Hours
Summer 2
CS 78XX Advanced Topics
CS 7999
Thesis
3
3
Credit
Hours
3
3-6
2
21 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Full-Time: THESIS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
CS 6030
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
Total Semester Hours
Fall 2
3
3
3
9
Elective
Elective
3
3
CS 7999
Thesis
3
9
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Wireless & Mobile
Total Semester Hours
Credit
Hours
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Total Semester Hours
CS 6040
CS 6050
CS 6060
Spring 2
CS 78XX
CS 7999
3
3
3
9
Credit
Hours
Advanced Topics
Thesis
3
6
Total Semester Hours
9
Course/section offering structure, and
prerequisite constraints.
Note the doubled use of coursesections to meet the needs of the two
offering schedules with a single
course.
Summer course offerings will rotate.
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Part-Time: THESIS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Total Semester Hours
Fall 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Elective
Elective
Total Semester Hours
3
3
6
Credit
Hours
CS 6040
CS 6050
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Total Semester Hours
Spring 2
Credit
Hours
Summer 1
3
3
CS 6030 Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
CS 6060 Wireless & Mobile
3
3
6
Total Semester Hours
6
Credit
Hours
Summer 2
Credit
Hours
3
3
6
CS 78XX Advanced Topics
CS 7999
Thesis
Total Semester Hours
3
3
6
CS 7999 Thesis
Total Semester Hours
6
6
22 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Full-Time: NON-THESIS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
CS 6030
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
Total Semester Hours
Fall 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Elective
Elective
Elective
3
3
3
9
9
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Wireless & Mobile
Total Semester Hours
Credit
Hours
3
3
3
Total Semester Hours
CS 6040
CS 6050
CS 6060
Spring 2
3
3
3
9
Credit
Hours
CS 70X0
Elective
3
CS 78X0
CS 78X0
Advanced Topics
Advanced Topics
3
3
Total Semester Hours
9
Course/section offering structure, and
prerequisite constraints.
Note the doubled use of coursesections to meet the needs of the two
offering schedules with a single
course.
Summer course offerings will rotate.
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Part-Time: NON-THESIS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Summer 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Total Semester Hours
Fall 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Elective
Elective
Total Semester Hours
3
3
6
CS 6040
CS 6050
Total Semester Hours
Credit
Hours
3
3
6
Computing Security
Adv. Database Sys.
Spring 2
CS 70X0
CS 70X0
Elective
Elective
Total Semester Hours
Credit
Hours
3
3
CS 6030 Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
CS 6060 Wireless & Mobile
3
3
6
Total Semester Hours
6
Credit
Hours
3
3
6
Summer 2
Credit
Hours
CS 78XX Advanced Topics
CS 78XX Advanced Topics
3
3
Total Semester Hours
6
23 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Full-Time: INTERDISCIPLINARY CS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
CS 6030
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
Total Semester Hours
CS 70X0
Interdisc.
Interdisc.
3
3
3
9
Fall 2
Credit
Hours
Elective
Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
3
3
3
Total Semester Hours
9
CS 6040 Computing Security
CS 6050 Adv. Database Sys.
CS 6060 Wireless & Mobile
Total Semester Hours
Spring 2
3
3
3
9
Credit
Hours
CS 70X0 Elective
Interdisc. Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
3
3
CS 78X0 Advanced Topics
3
Total Semester Hours
9
Course/section offering structure, and
prerequisite constraints.
Note the doubled use of coursesections to meet the needs of the two
offering schedules.
Summer course offerings will rotate.
MS Computer Science Plan-of-Study Part-Time: INTERDISCIPLINARY CS
Credit
Credit
Fall 1
Spring 1
Summer 1
Hours
Hours
CS 6010
CS 6020
Adv. Alg. & Data Struct.
Modern Computing Sys
Total Semester Hours
CS 70X0
Interdisc.
3
3
6
Fall 2
Credit
Hours
Elective
Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
3
3
Total Semester Hours
6
CS 6040 Computing Security
CS 6050 Adv. Database Sys.
Total Semester Hours
Spring 2
CS 70X0 Elective
Interdisc. Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
Total Semester Hours
3
3
6
Credit
Hours
3
3
6
CS 6030
CS 6060
Credit
Hours
Agile SW & Mod. Lang.
Wireless & Mobile
Total Semester Hours
3
3
6
Credit
Hours
Summer 2
Interdisc. Applied Stat or Info. Sys.
CS 78XX Advanced Topics
3
3
Total Semester Hours
6
24 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
MS-CS Course Descriptions
CS 6010 Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
This course covers advanced topics in algorithms and data structures, including advanced solutions
to basic data structuring problems, String algorithms, Linear programming, approximation
algorithms, fixed-parameter algorithms, parallel algorithms, and external-memory algorithms.
CS 6020 Modern Computing Systems, 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
This course focuses on advanced topics in modern computer architecture, recent developments in
grid and cloud computing, Enterprise Systems architectures, and recent developments in operating
systems design, including mobile platforms. The course includes a review of architecture and
operating systems foundation and performance-optimization concepts.
CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages, 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
Study of Agile development methodology with emphasis on the agile process and methodologies.
Study of programming languages including scripting languages.
CS 6040 Computing Security 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
This course covers concepts and practices in computer and network security. This includes topics
such as cryptography, authentication, authorization, secure protocols and principles for developing
secure software. Applications will include using security frameworks to develop software and
configuring security support systems.
CS 6050 Advanced Database Systems, 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
This course includes advanced topics such as database security, database forensics, active
databases, deductive databases, temporal databases, object-relational databases, object-oriented
databases, distributed databases, and multimedia database systems. Team projects will be assigned.
CS 6060 Wireless and Mobile Computing, 3-0-3
Prerequisites Program Admission
This course covers concepts of mobile computing and current technologies including mobile
communication, the 2G and 3G communication systems, mobile IP, and mobile TCP. This will also
include coverage of databases in mobile systems, methods of data caching, dissemination and
synchronization, Bluetooth, IrDA and ZigBee protocols, data security, mobile ad hoc and wireless
sensor networks, and languages and operating systems for mobile devices.
25 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
CS 7010 Modeling and Simulation, 3-0-3
Prerequisite: CS6010 Adv Algorithms and Data Structures
This course will cover modeling and simulation of real-world systems using object-oriented discreteevent simulation techniques and methods. The course emphasizes the design and implementation
of simulation models with programming in an object-oriented simulation language, OOSimL.
Students will also be exposed to commercial integrated simulation software tools.
CS 7015 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 6010 Advanced Alg. and Data Struct. and CS 6020 Modern Computing Systems
This course is an introduction to autonomous robotics, with a survey of AI methods and approaches
from search methods to neural networks. AI concepts needed to provide autonomous capability to
Robots will be covered. A robotics kit will be included to allow students to analyze, design, build,
and test simple autonomous robotic systems that can interact with their environment to solve
problems.
CS 7020 Game Design and Development 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 6030 Agile Software Design & Modern Languages
An introduction to computer game design, game design engines, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, mobile
device platforms, software design process for games, agile software design approach, game control
structures, and games as simulations. Also includes a discussion of Artificial Intelligence for
computer games. Students will work in teams to develop a game targeted for a specific platform.
Teams will develop their project, beta-test peer projects, and will make presentations.
CS 7030 Mobile Device Application Development, 3-0-3
Prerequisites CS 6030 Agile SW Des. & Modern Lang. and CS 6060 Wireless and Mobile Computing
This course covers the fundamental principles of developing applications targeted for mobile
platforms. Topics to be covered will include design requirements necessary to accommodate limited
resources, working with the human computer interface and making use of services available on
mobile devices. Course presentations and student work will be in the context of development
methodologies.
CS 7040 Digital Forensics, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 6040 Computer Security
A comprehensive study of the technological, systematic inspection and analysis of the computing
systems and its contents for evidence or supportive evidence of a crime. Includes focus on legal
systems, digital forensics and its relationship to other forensic disciplines, rules of evidence, search
and seizure, digital evidence, and media analysis. Students will conduct in-depth research and
maintain advanced proficiency in tools, techniques, countermeasures, and trends in digital forensics
field.
CS 7050 Data Warehousing and Mining, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 6010 Advanced Alg. and Data Struct. and CS 6050 Advanced Database Systems.
This course covers prominent algorithms and techniques for developing effective, efficient, and
scalable data warehousing and data mining tools. Topics discussed in this course include: data
visualization, data integration, data warehousing, online analytical processing, data cube
technology, advanced pattern mining, advanced classification analysis, advanced clustering analysis,
outlier detection, data mining trends and research frontiers.
CS 7060 Mobile Intelligence, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 7030 Mobile Device Application Development
This course covers advanced and/or intelligent mobile application development. Topics include
cross-platform mobile application development, mobile augmented reality, and mobile business
intelligence.
CS 7070 Advanced Networking Protocols, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 6060 Wireless and Mobile Computing
A study of the modern networking protocols, including the TCP/IP protocol suite, addressing, IPV6,
routing, security.
26 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
CS 7810 Advanced Topics in Modeling & Simulation, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 7010 Modeling and Simulation
This course covers various research/development topics in modeling and simulation. Course may be
taken up to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7820 Advanced Topics in Game Design, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 6010 Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures, CS 7020 Game Design and
Development
This course covers various research/development topics in game design. Course may be taken for up
to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7830 Advanced Topics in Software Engineering, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 7020 Game Design and Development
This course covers various research/development topics in software engineering. Course may be
taken for up to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7850 Advanced Topics in Mining & Intelligence, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 7050 Data Warehousing and Mining
This course covers various research/development topics in mining and intelligence. Course may be
taken for up to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7855 Advanced Topics in Database Systems, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 7050 Data Warehousing and Mining
This course covers various research/development topics in database systems. Course may be taken
for up to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7860 Advanced Topics in Wireless & Mobile Computing, 3 hours
Prerequisites: CS 7060 Mobile Intelligence
This course covers various research/development topics in wireless & mobile computing. Course
may be taken for up to 6 credit hours as topics vary.
CS 7090 Internship, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: permission of program director.
This course provides a supervised, credit-earning experience of research or development in
computer science with an approved organization or institution. Each student will also be required to
complete a research/development project.
CS 7099 Special Topics in Computer Science, 3-0-3
Prerequisites: depending on topic
This course covers selected advanced topics in computer science that are interests to faculty and
students.
CS 7999 Thesis, 3-0-3(Repeatable until thesis is complete; 9 hours minimum)
Prerequisites: permission of program director.
Candidates will conduct thesis research in computer science and complete their theses under the
direction of university supervisors who serve as their major professors.
27 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
6. Admissions criteria.
1. Combined GRE/GPA scores greater than or equal to 1700, using the following
formula: (GPA on a 4-point scale)
(GPA × 100) + (GRE-quantitative × 2) + GRE-verbal
2. BS or BA from an accredited university with a major in Computer Science or closely
related field, with a minimum combined average of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in
coursework covering the following areas:
2.1. Data structures
2.2. Computer Organization & Architecture
2.3. Operating systems
2.4. Software development
2.5. Database
2.6. Data communications or networking
2.7. Calculus including limits and sequences
2.8. Probability and statistics
Students lacking coursework in no more than two of the above eight coursework areas,
may be admitted to the MS-CS with conditional status, and required to complete the
appropriate undergraduate course(s) at KSU in by the end of their second semester of
study. Students that do not complete these courses with a grade of ‘B’ or better will not
be allowed to continue taking graduate courses
3. Evidence of competency in programming in Java and at least one other programming
language. This requirement can be met by grades of A or B in appropriate
coursework and/or submission of representative programs
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. Meet all KSU Graduate College Admissions Requirements
7. Availability of assistantships (if applicable).
Graduate Research Assistantships are provided & funded by the Graduate Dean’s
office. The MS-CS program will also fund Teaching Assistantships.
8. Student learning outcomes and other associated outcomes of the proposed program.
Table 7. Program Learning Outcomes (from Table 5)
P.L.O. 1: Building on their undergraduate education in computing, students will master advanced concepts
across a targeted breadth of computer science study.
P.L.O. 2: Students will be required to demonstrate that they have in-depth knowledge of at least two fields
within computer science.
P.L.O. 3: Students will be required to demonstrate that they can conduct graduate-level research in
computer science (regardless of the program option chosen) in one area of computer science research.
P.L.O. 4: Program option specific objectives. Students will demonstrate their ability to complete one of
three program options
P.L.O. 5: Function effectively in teams to accomplish common goals. A number of courses will include
group/team development projects.
P.L.O. 6: Demonstrate the ability to deliver a complete development project, meeting the standards and
requirements.
28 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
9. Administration of the program:
a. Indicate where the program will be housed within the academic units of the institution.
b. Describe the administration of the program inclusive of coordination and
responsibility.
Housed within the Department of Computer Science, within the College of Science
and Math.
The program will be coordinated by a faculty member receiving one course release
per semester, with assistance by the department chair and department staff.
10. Waiver to Degree-Credit Hour (if applicable): If the program exceeds the maximum
credit hour requirement at a specific degree level, then provide an explanation supporting the
increase in hours (Note: The maximum for bachelor’s degrees is 120-semester credit hours and
the maximum for master’s degrees is 36-semester credit hours).
Not applicable.
11. Accreditation: Describe disciplinary accreditation requirements associated with the
program (if applicable).
Not applicable.
12. Projected enrollment for the program especially during the first three years of
implementation. Please indicate whether enrollments will be cohort-based.
The program is not cohort based.
Table 8. Enrollment Projections
I. ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS
Student Majors
Shifted from other KSU programs
10 students per year shifting each from existing BS-CS and 10
from IS programs no longer existing (absorbed into the BBA).
New to the institution (10% annual growth)
Continuing program enrollment
Cumulative Total Majors
First Year
FY 2012
Second Year
FY 2013
Third Year
FY 2014
Fourth Year
FY 2015
0
0
0
0
20
0
20
22
20
42
24
22
46
26
24
50
29 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
13. Faculty
a. Provide an inventory of faculty directly involved with the administration of the
program. For each faculty member, provide the following information:
Faculty Name
Ying Xie
Rank
Associate
Professor
Ken
Hoganson
Professor
Highest
Degree
Ph.D.
Degrees
Earned
Ph.D., MS,
BS
Academic
Discipline
Computer
Science
Ph.D.
Ph.D., MS,
BS
Computer
Science
Current
Workload
MSACS
and MS-CS
Director
Interim
Dept. Chair
Explanation of how workload will be impacted by the new program: Dr. Xie has a course
release each semester including summer for program administration. The MS-CS will replace
the MSACS with not appreciable change in administrative load. Dr. Hoganson is Interim
Department Chair, who will continue to oversee all department degree programs.
Expected responsibilities in the program: Dr. Ying Xie, MS-CS Director
Dr. Ken Hoganson, Interim Department Chair
Total Number of Faculty: _____________
b. If it will be necessary to add faculty in order to begin the program, give the desired
qualifications of the persons to be added, with a timetable for adding new faculty and
plan for funding new positions.
The CS department is NOT planning to request an additional line as a requirement to
offer this new degree program, even when the program has rolled-out its complete
course offerings in 2015. However, it seems possible that enrollment growth in the
department’s other programs may justify a request for a new faculty line in 2014.
30 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
CS Dept & MS-CS Faculty Section Coverage: Planning and Analysis
The CS department is currently supporting both the BS-CS and the MS-ACS with 10 teaching faculty
members, a bit under our allocated strength, due to a retirement and resignation. Courses are being
covered at this level without difficulty. This MS-CS is replacing the MS-ACS program.
For Fall 2012, the department will have 14 teaching faculty members (two additional assistant
professors, one additional lecturer; these positions use current budget lines) with a additional section
teaching capacity of 11 additional courses per fall/spring term.
In addition, the department has backup/surge/growth capacity in the form of available adjunct faculty
and teaching assistants (graduate CS students), who will not be the instructor-of-record, but can
leverage a faculty member’s ability to teach a large section or two sections of the same course.
Faculty overload pay will not be utilized.
Table 9 analyzes the faculty teaching load capacity, as assigned for Fall 2011 and planned for Spring
2012. This analysis does not include the CS department chair, who will teach one course per year,
which can be regarded as fall teaching surge capacity beginning in Fall 2012.
Table 10 analyzes the assignment of teaching resources to programs, Fall 2011. The department is
supporting the BS-CS program, MS-ACS, and CSED Endorsement, with most of the teaching
capacity allocated the BS-CS program.
Projections for teaching capacity and program allocations for future years are detailed in Tables 11,
12, and 13, demonstrating that the CS department has sufficient capacity to offer the new MS-CS
program, when currently open faculty lines are filled.
31 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 9. CS Department Fall 2011 Teaching Capacity
Fall/Spring 2011/2012
Faculty
Fall
Research Track Faculty with 3-3 Teaching Load
Current Faculty Members
Vacant Asst. Prof. Lines
Teaching-Service Faculty on 4-4 Teaching Load
CS Lecturer Faculty, with 5-5 Teaching Load
CS Lecturer 5-5 Teaching Load
Vacant CS Lecturer Line 5-5 Teaching Load
Additional Adjunct and Emeritus
Emeritus Faculty Sections
Adjunct Faculty Sections
CS Section Offering Capability
Spring
6
18
18
2
0
0
3
12
12
1
5
5
1
0
0
-
2
2
39
2
2
39
-
Table 10. Fall 2011 CS Department Section Offerings & Allocations
Fall 2011CS Department
Section Offerings & Allocations
BS-CS Undergraduate
BS-CS Undergraduate Double-Load Sections (2301,
2302, 2350)
CSED Endorsement
MS-ACS
Math 3323 + Honors Colloquium
Total CS 2011 Section Offerings
Admin loads/re-assignments
Total CS 2011 Section Capacity
12
18
(9 sections)
1
4
1
36
3
39
Percent of
Total
31%
46%
77%
2.6%
10%
2.6%
92%
8%
100%
32 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 11. Projected CS Department Fall 2012 Teaching Capacity
Fall/Spring 2011/2012
Faculty
Fall
Spring
Research Track Faculty with 3-3 Teaching Load
Current Faculty Members
Filled Asst. Prof. Lines
Teaching-Service Faculty on 4-4 Teaching Load
CS Lecturer Faculty, with 5-5 Teaching Load
CS Lecturer 5-5 Teaching Load
Filled CS Lecturer Line 5-5 Teaching Load
Additional Adjunct and Emeritus
Emeritus Faculty Sections
Adjunct Faculty Sections
CS Section Offering Capability
6
18
18
2
6
6
3
12
12
1
5
5
1
5
5
-
0
0
46
0
0
46
-
Table 12. Projected Fall 2012 CS Department Section Offerings & Allocations
Percent of
Projected Fall 2012 CS Department
Total
Section Offerings & Allocations
BS-CS Undergraduate
BS-CS Undergraduate Double-Load Sections (2301,
2302, 2350)
CSED Endorsement
MS-CS
BA-ACST
Math 3323 + Honors Colloquium
Total CS 2012 Section Offerings
Admin loads/re-assignments
Total CS 2012 Section Allocations
12
16
(8 sections)
1
3
2
1
35
4
39
CS Department Section Offering Capability
Surge Emeritus Faculty Capacity
Surge Department Chair Section
46
2
1
Available department capacity for program
roll-out, growth and initiatives
10
31%
46%
77%
2.6%
10.0%
5.1%
2.6%
92%
8.0%
100.0%
This analysis demonstrates that the CS department has the instructor section-load capacity to support the
replacement MS degree. The new BA Applied Computer Science & Technology is expected to come
online in Fall of 2012.
33 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Table 13 highlights that as the new program rolls-out over time, with full demand reached in the second
year of the program reaching 3 sections in the fall to support the program, the section teaching-load
demands for department programs remains within the CS department capacity, with additional department
growth capacity remaining.
Table 13. Projected Fall 2015 CS Department Section Offerings & Allocations
Percent of
Projected Fall 2015 CS Department
Total
Section Offerings & Allocations
BS-CS Undergraduate
BS-CS Undergraduate Double-Load Sections (2301,
2302, 2350)
CSED Endorsement
MS-CS
BA-ACST
Math 3323 + Honors Colloquium
Total CS 2015 Section Offerings
Admin loads/re-assignments
Total CS 2015 Section Allocations
12
16
(8 sections)
1
3
10
1
43
4
47
CS Department Section Offering Capability
Surge Emeritus Faculty Capacity
Surge Department Chair Section
46
2
1
Available department capacity for program
growth and initiatives
2
31%
46%
77%
2.1%
6.4%
27.0%
2.1%
91.5%
8.5%
100%
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
14. Fiscal, Facilities, Enrollment Impact, and Estimated Budget
a. Provide a narrative that explains how current institutional resources will be expended
specifically for this program. Provide a narrative that explains how the institution will
fiscally support the establishment of the new program through the redirection of existing
resources and acquisition of new resources. Indicate whether the institution will submit a
request for new funds as part of its budget request. The narrative also needs to explain the
basis of the institution’s projections with regard to anticipated EFT, head count, student
enrollment, estimated expenditures, and projected revenues.
First Year
FY 2012
I. ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS
Student Majors
Shifted from other KSU programs
10 students per year shifting each from existing BS-CS and 10
from IS programs no longer existing (absorbed into the BBA).
New to the institution (10% annual growth)
Continuing program enrollment
Cumulative Total Majors
Course Sections Satisfying Program Requirements
Third Year
FY 2014
Fourth Year
FY 2015
0
0
0
0
20
0
20
22
20
42
24
22
46
26
24
50
New MS-CS courses introduced per year
Cumulative MS-CS course sections
Second Year
FY 2013
6
6
1
1
6
12
13
14
Already existing course sections needed
Total Course Sections Supporting Program
0
6
0
12
0
13
0
14
Credit Hours Generated by Those Courses
Enrollment in new MS-CS courses
420
882
966
1050
0
420
0
882
0
966
0
1050
0
0
20
20
22
42
24
66
Projecting one section\ of each course will be offered.
Estimating 21 credit hours per year per student average
Enrollment in existing courses
Total Credit Hours
DEGREES AWARDED
Annual
Cumulative
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
II. EXPENDITURES
CS Personnel – reassigned or existing positions
CS Professors, Professor cost projected at $9,000 per course
CS Lecturer, Lecturer cost projected at $6,000 per course
Administrators (coordinator one section release per year)
Fringe Benefits (30% professor & lecturer & administrator)
Total Existing Personnel Costs
EFT Dollars
1
$27,000
EFT Dollars
2
$54,000
EFT Dollars
2 1/3
$63,000
EFT Dollars
2 2/3
$72,000
0
0
0
0
$9,000
$10,800
$46,800
$9,000
$18,900
$81,900
$9,000
$21,600
$93,600
$9,000
$24,300
$105,300
Personnel – new positions
CS Professors, Projected at $9,000 per course. 1/2 of a new
0
0
0
0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Start-up Costs (one-time expenses)
Library/learning resources
AI & Robotics Lab Equipment
Distance Learning SW License
Physical Facilities: construction or major renovation
Total One-time Costs
$0
$6,000
$5,500
$0
$11,500
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Operating Costs (recurring costs – base budget)
Course-Specific Lab Kits & Licenses (lab fee)
Distance Learning Hardware (program fee, App. B)
Distance Learning Licenses (program fee)
Student Events (program fee)
Student research SW & equip funding (program fee)
Library/learning resources
Total Recurring Costs
$2,000
$2,000
$6,000
$4,000
$3,500
$0
$17,500
$4,000
$4,000
$12,000
$4,000
$7,000
$0
$31,000
$4,000
$4,000
$12,000
$4,000
$7,000
$0
$31,000
$4,000
$4,000
$12,000
$4,000
$7,000
$0
$31,000
$75,800
$112,900
$124,600
$136,300
faculty position allocated to the new program in 2014
Adjunct CS Faculty, projected at $3,000 per course
Teaching Assistants, projected at $9,000 for 3 sections
Fringe Benefits (30% professor & T.A.s)
Total New Personnel Costs
GRAND TOTAL COSTS
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
III. REVENUE SOURCES
Source of Funds
Reallocation of existing funds
New student workload
New Tuition (est. at 5% over Fall 2011 tuition, enrollment in
$0
$0
$0
$0
new BS-ACT course sections only, 3 hours = $498, 6 hours =
$994)
$59,760
$116,532
$170,316
$271,704
Federal funds
Other grants
Program Fee
Course-Specific Lab Fees
New state allocation requested for budget hearing
$0
$0
$13,500
$2000
$0
$0
$27,000
$4000
$0
$0
$27,000
$4000
$0
$0
$27,000
$4000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$75,260
$147,532
$201,316
$302,704
($3,540)
$34,632
$76,716
$166,404
Nature of Funds
Base budget
One-time funds
GRAND TOTAL REVENUES
TOTAL REVENUES less EXPENSES
(Does not include state tuition formal revenue. Also does not
include a program growth factor.)
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Facilities Information for New Academic Programs
Proposed Location for the Program: Clendenin Computer Science Building, KSU main campus
With the transition of the Information Systems programs (BS-IS, BS-ISA, MSIS) and faculty to Coles
College of Business Administration, the Clendenin Computer Science Building will have sufficient
space to support the new program, with excess available for other College of Science and Math needs.
Floor area required for the program (gross and net square feet): (1 classrooms) 2000sqft
Type of spaces required:
 Number of classrooms
 Number of labs
______1_____
______0 our classrooms are equipped computers, and
double as labs
 Number of offices
 Other spaces
______0_____
______0______
No other facilities needed for this new program.
Place an “X” beside the appropriate selection:
___X_____
Existing facility will be used as is (area square footage): 2000sqft
________
Existing facility will require modification (area square footage):
Projected renovation cost:
Estimated relocation cost:
Total funding required:
Source of Funding:
_________
Construction of new facilities will be required (area square footage):
Estimated construction cost:
Estimated total project cost:
Proposed source of funding:
List any infrastructure impacts that the program will have (i.e., parking, power, HVAC, etc.) and
indicated estimated cost and source of funding.
No new impacts.
Other comments:
Note: A system office Facilities Project Manager(through the Office of Facilities) may contact
you with further questions separate from the review of the new academic program.
38 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Appendix A
MS Computer Science Instruction Delivery
The MS-CS will utilize a variety of innovative technologies and pedagogical approaches for
delivering instruction.
The program will utilize distance-learning and hybrid teaching as
appropriate at different levels, for the following reasons:
 Infrastructure resources: hybrid teaching and distance-learning both reduced the
requirement for limited classroom space. KSU has been in a high-growth mode for years,
and as part of KSU’s strategic planning, is expected to continue to grow and mature toward
the 35,000-student level. The innovative use of technology in this program will reduce the
requirement for state funding for new buildings and facilities.
 Student Expectations: Today’s undergraduate student have grown-up with technology
integrated in their lives, and both enjoy and expect to be able to mingle their personal,
professional, and educational activities through the use of computing technology.
 Facilitate Integrated Learning: student success in the computing field is strongly tied to
computing work experience. One of the goals of the MS-CS is to enable and facilitate our
students working coops and internships, as part of a well-rounded computing education. We
also plan to utilize the ‘center” concept to bring part-time work opportunities through
industry and academic contracts. Courses offered using distance learning, both synchronous
distance-learning (live and remote), and asynchronous distance-learning (through recorded
lectures) greatly facilitate the ability of students to participate in work opportunities.
 Enhanced student learning: through our previous masters degree available as an online
program, as well as traditional in-class, we have found the all students, independently of their
preferred mode of class attendance, report enhanced learning through the recording of
lectures. In-class lectures that are streamed live to distance students, and also recorded for
student playback, allow students to repeat a portion or all of a recorded lecture to enhance
understanding.
 Time and financial cost of student commuting: hybrid and distance-learning techniques
reduce the frequency of student commuting to campus: saving students time and money,
reducing the need for limited campus parking, reducing traffic congestion on Georgia’s
roads and highways, minimizing environmental impacts, and saving the student’s vehicle
wear-and-tear and the cost of fuel.
 Enhanced Access to Higher-Education for Georgians: Combined, the above benefits of
using hybrid teaching and distance-learning, will enhance the accessibility of a college
education for Georgia’s students, by facilitating the opportunities for students who need to
work in order to pay for college, by reducing the real cost to the student of attending college,
and by enhancing student learning while in our classes.
The MS-CS technology and pedagogy will be based on the successful model introduced with the
MS-ACS program, in use since 2002, where traditional in-class lectures are also streamed live
over the internet, and are also recorded for later playback. The ability of students to review
recorded lectures is a value-adding feature that enhances student learning and success. The
system also allows students to make remote presentations to the instructor and fellow students.
39 | P a g e
Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
The technology and pedagogy used by the MSACS program (being replaced by this MS-CS
proposal) has been published in peer reviewed venues. A sample of publications:
Hoganson, K., “Distance-Learning and Converging Mobile Devices”. Proceedings of the 2009
International Conference on Information Technology, New Generations (ITNG’09), April 27-29,
2009 , Las Vegas, NV, USA.
K. Hoganson, D. Lebron, “Lectures for Mobile Devices, Evaluating “iPOD/PDA-casting”
Technology and Pedagogy. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Information
Technology: New Generations (IEEE), April 2-4, 2007 , Las Vegas, NV, USA.
K. Hoganson, “Integrating iPOD/PDA-content in a CS program with Integrated Distance
Technology”, Proceedings of the 2006 International Conference on Frontiers in Education:
Computer Science & Computer Engineering, June 26-29, 2006, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Appendix B. MS-CS Program Fees
Steady-state estimates
MS-CS Conventional Tuition Program Revenue Calculation From Fees
Conservative yearly matriculation students per year
20
students
TOTAL
40
students
PROGRAM FEE
Program Fee Revenue
Program Fee per student per semester
$250.00
Three semesters per year (summer est. at 70% of fall/spring)
BALANCE
per semester
#of-sem.
$10,000.00
2.7
$27,000.00
$4,000.00
$12,000.00
$4,000.00
$7,000.00
$23,000.00
$11,000.00
$7,000.00
$0.00
Program Fee Expendatures
Marketing, Recruiting, Student Events
Distance Learning Software licenses
Distance technology equipment
Other Lab Equipment & Software
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Program Proposal: M.S. Computer Science, Kennesaw State University
Appendix C Lab Fees
Table 14. $70 Lab Fee Revenue Calculations
MS-CS Course
CS 6040 AI & Robotics
CS 6060 Mobile Dev. Devel.
Total Lab Fees
Projected Lab Fee Per
Enrollment Student
20
20
$100
$100
Lab Fees
FY 12
$2000
$2000
$4,000
Lab Fees
FY 13
$2000
$2000
$4,000
Lab Fees
FY 14
$2000
$2000
$4,000
Lab Fees
FY 15
$2000
$2000
$4,000
Table 15. Lab Fee Expenses Calculations
MS-CS Course
CS 6040 AI & Robotics
CS 6060 Mobile Dev. Devel
Cost per
Kit/Seat
$400
$200
Number of Technology Replacement Annual Annual Per Student
Kits/Seats Total Cost Cycle
Cost Enrollment Lab Fee
15
$6000
3 $2000
20
$100
20
$4000
2 $2000
20
$100
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