Master of Science in Computer Science
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Program Overview
In the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program at National University, you’ll learn to combine the fundamental knowledge and best practices for software engineering, database theory and design, and cloud computing. You’ll then have the opportunity to use those skills to solve real-world problems. Besides its comprehensive immersion in computing foundations, what sets this program apart is its emphasis on developing essential communication skills so you’ll be able to clearly discuss issues, trends, and solutions with both technical and non-technical audiences.
This online program offers specializations in several advanced areas, a three-month project solving a real problem for a real client against a deadline, and training that reflects current and future industry needs. MSCS degree graduates are prepared to assume a leadership role in the field.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Course Details
Course Listing
Program Prerequisites
- 3 courses; 13.5 quarter units
Candidates seeking admission to the program should possess a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE), Software Engineering (SE), or Information Systems (IS). Students from other undergraduate majors can fulfill the program prerequisites either by taking CSC242, CSC252 and CSC262 courses or by demonstrating proficiency through additional equivalent coursework or taking a course challenge exam for CSC 242, CSC252 and CSC262 before starting MSCS program.
Prerequisite: MTH 215
This course introduces modern programming design techniques using C++. A study of fundamental control structures in C++ as well as syntax and semantics of the constructs in the language. The coverage includes data types, looping and decision statements, functions, and arrays. The course examines problem analysis, decomposition and modern programming paradigms and methodologies with introduction to object-oriented programming.
Prerequisite: CSC 242
The course introduces the fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming in C++ including class definition and object instantiation, inheritance and polymorphism. Detailed coverage of pointers, operator overloading, I/O and file streams, templates, and exception handling. Exposure to Data Structures and basic algorithms for sorting and searching.
Prerequisite: MTH 215
The course introduces the Java programming language and its features. Topics include introduction to object-oriented programming, basic control structures, Java graphics and GUI objects, exposure to event driven programming, arrays and strings in Java. Coverage includes inheritance, and polymorphism and exception handling.
Core Requirements
- 13 courses; 58.5 quarter units
It is important to note that capstone course sequence CSC686, CSC687 and CSC688 needs to be taken in the consecutive months.
Prerequisite: CSC 242 and CSC 252 and CSC 262; Students with a baccalaureate degree in Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE), Software Engineering (SE), or Information Systems (IS) do not need these prerequisites.
Review of structured, object oriented, event driven programming and java graphics. Coverage of java generic classes and lambda streams. Application development with multi-threading and database connectivity features.
The course introduces students to tools, techniques, and processes needed to develop a software product, system or application, in a systematic manner. The course will expose students to various software development life cycle frameworks and activities, including Software Process and Requirement modeling. Students will also learn about basic and advanced software project design principles and concepts that are generally used in the current software industry.
Prerequisite: CSC 603
Students on this course will learn about tools and techniques to systematically create and implement software design to meet applicable requirements and customer needs. The course will introduce the students to various techniques used by the industry for quality assurance, testing and configuration control.
Prerequisite: CSC 600
A study of relation between architectures, system software and application software. Topics include process, thread, and memory management issues, multiprogramming, timesharing, multithreading, multiprocessing, inter-process communication, synchronization, virtual machines, client-server systems, distributed systems, real time systems, resource allocation, shared resources, input output, file systems, computer security and related problems. Scope and limitations of current Operating Systems are considered.
Prerequisite: CSC 606
This course examines the use of security vulnerabilities and threats in computer programs, operating systems, networks, and databases. The use of cryptography and other countermeasures to provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability is then evaluated in depth, from the perspectives of both technical effectiveness and ethics of users and developers.
Prerequisite: CSC 600
A study of techniques in design and implementation of user interfaces. Emphasis will be on effective human computer interaction strategies that meet human cognitive capabilities and organizational practices and processes.
Prerequisite: CSC 600
Introduction to Database. DBMS Architecture. High Level Conceptual Data Models: ERI, Relational, ER to Relational Mapping. Operations and Relational Constraints Violations. Database Design Theory and Methodology: Functional Dependencies and Normal Forms. SQL *Plus environment and commands: Relational Algebra Operations, Creation and Modification of relations, Data Management and Retrieval using Multiple Tables.
Prerequisite: CSC 675
This course teaches the skills for implementing and maintaining databases using Structured Query Language (SQL), including Data Design Language and Data Manipulation Language. Topics include creating databases, manipulate data, nest queries, views, and unstructured data.
Prerequisite: CSC 678
This course addresses diverse issues arising when designing World Wide Web interface. Basic database concepts will be presented but the course will focus on discussion of interface issues specific to web databases, technologies for linking databases to web servers for delivery, discussion of various web-database applications, case studies, and industry trends. Students will design and develop front-end application using GUI/API, server-side and client-side programming.
Each time this course is offered, it addresses a topic in computer science that is not covered as a regular course. The topic is covered at an advanced level that is appropriate for any student who has successfully completed the prerequisite courses. Possible topics include grid computing, semantic web, intelligent systems and knowledge abstraction.
Prerequisite: CSC 605 and CSC 607 and CSC 670 and CSC 680
A study of the software development practices. Emphasizes logical organization of system and communicating design through documentation suitable for generating a concrete implementation. Students construct an original project with practical applications utilizing software engineering concepts.
Prerequisite: CSC 686
A continuation of the student project. Student teams complete the project in this phase. The project is coded, module-tested, system-tested and all documentation is completed. Grading is by H, S or U only.
Prerequisite: CSC 687
In this course class meets twice a week. A continuation of the student project. Student teams complete the project in this phase. The project is coded, module-tested, system-tested and all documentation is completed. Grading is by H, S, or U. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade.
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Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Master of Science in Computer Science, students must complete 58.5 quarter units of graduate coursework. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another accredited institution, as it applies to this degree, and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. The degree program consists of ten courses and a three-part MSCS graduate project (three courses, 4.5 quarter units each) that cannot be taken until CSC605, CSC607, CSC670 and CSC680 courses have been completed.
It is important to note that capstone course sequence CSC686, CSC687 and CSC688 needs to be taken in the consecutive months. In case a student is not able to complete this course sequence in consecutive months, they will be required to start with the CSC686 course in the future, whenever this course sequence is offered.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Create software requirements specifications, and design and develop complex software systems.
- Evaluate computer security vulnerabilities and threats, and countermeasures that are effective and ethical.
- Analyze, design, and develop database solutions by translating database modeling theory into sound database design and implementation.
- Analyze and design complex front-end applications for cloud and client-server architectures and integrate them with backend databases.
- Compare and contrast alternative systems for process and memory management.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and ability to analyze and synthesize computer science concepts and skills with ethical standards.
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Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.