Course variations

Course summary

This program curriculum is designed to prepare those who aspire to careers related to networking, database design and intelligent systems. It is an excellent program for those who have a background in computer science, but it is designed so that those without such a background can still complete the requirements for the degree within 2 years. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available. The objective of the master's degree is to produce professional computer scientists capable of contributing technically to the basic core areas of computer science as well as to application areas. A mixture of course, laboratory and research work in the program is designed to place graduates at the forefront of technical excellence. Completion of the core requirement. Students may take one or two courses outside of computer science with the approval of the department chair. At least a "B"(3.0) grade point average must be maintained in course work. At most three "C" grades are permitted in courses work, and each "C" must be balanced by an "A" in another computer science graduate level course. Students may not count courses taken in other department to balance "C" grades made in the Computer Science Department. All non-thesis students must take and satisfactorily complete COSC 5369. This course consists primarily of a significant research project and the submission of a written professional report. Completion of a total of 37 hours in graduate level courses. Successful completion of an eight hour comprehensive examination, which may be written, oral, or a combination of both upon determination of the Computer Science faculty. This comprehensive exam will cover the four core areas and may also include a programming component. Material to help the student prepare for the comprehensive examination will be posted in the departmental office at least one month prior to scheduled testing time. Failure to pass this examination in two attempts will result in the student being dropped from the degree program in Computer Science.

Program modules

The core courses are Graduate Seminar COSC 5100, Analysis of Algorithms COSC 5313, Advanced Operating Systems COSC 5302, Computer Networks COSC 5328, Foundation of Computer Science COSC 5315 or COSC5320 or COSC 5330 3 Software Engineering CPSC 5360.

Entry requirement for international students

Admission requirements are student must have a minimum combined score of 1000 on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE and a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work. A ranking in the 34th percentile of the verbal portion of the GRE; for applicants whose native language is not English, a TOEFL score of at least 550 also is required; Students with minor deficiencies may be admitted to the program if these deficiencies can be removed within approximately one long semester. However, major deficiencies must be removed before a student is admitted to the degree program; and at least 15 hours of mathematics including differential and integral calculus, discrete mathematics and two other courses selected from statistics, linear algebra, abstract algebra, numerical analysis and differential equations.

Qualification

Masters

Awarding body

LAMAR UNIVERSITY

Department name

College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Computer Science