Computer Science

The Department of Computer Sciences at Kennesaw State University offers the program of graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). The MSCS features excellent curriculum that blends theoretic foundations of computer science with the state-of-the-art computing technologies. The program provides students with opportunities in computer science research, advanced project development and interdisciplinary study, with maximum of flexibility in study plans and class attendance options. Major areas of study include mobile and wireless computing, game development, artificial intelligence, modeling and simulation, data mining, cloud computing, and computing security.

The MSCS is designed to serve two kinds of qualified students who want to further their study in computer science: those who have undergraduate degree in computer science and those with undergraduate degrees in areas other than computer science but having taken required computer science and mathematics courses. Students can choose one of the following three models to pursue their master degrees: thesis model, non-thesis model, and interdisciplinary model. The thesis model is designed for students who plan to conduct computer science research under the supervision of faculty members in selected areas. The non-thesis model requires students take a wide range of computer science courses including two advanced topics courses. The interdisciplinary model encourages interdisciplinary studies by allowing students to take 9 hour graduate credits from an approved discipline.

The MSCS program has a number of premium features, including the integrated use of distance learning technology. Students have a choice of attending class on-campus, remote but “live” at the assigned class time, or remote and viewing the recorded lecture at their convenience. Moreover, the MSCS program is structured with both full-time and part-time study options in order to provide students with maximum flexibility of study.

General Requirements for Admission

1. Competitive GRE Score

2. EITHER a BS in Computer Science from an accredited university with a Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in core computer science and mathematics courses, OR a BS or BA with a Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4-point scale) in the following computer science and mathematics coursework:

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
2.9 Discrete Modeling or Linear Algebra

3. Students lacking coursework in no more than two of the above eight coursework areas, may be admitted to the MSCS 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

4. 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

5. Two letters of recommendation.

6. Meet all KSU Graduate College Admissions Requirements.

Grades

Expectations for satisfactory graduate level student performance are detailed in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Petition to Graduate

Candidates of the MSCS program must petition to graduate at least one semester prior to completion of their degree requirements.