Computer Science (M.S.) 45 units
Program Description
The Computer Science Department offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science. This program is designed to extend the student’s knowledge in a broad manner beyond the baccalaureate degree major in Computer Science. It will both (1) deepen general understanding of theoretical principles and (2) provide specific professional background. This approach is especially important in Computer Science, where training in specific languages and systems and on specific machines is transitory, as these languages, systems, and machines evolve. In contrast, many of the principles will last and generally apply to a wide variety of specializations within the field. This breadth is important to individual students because many of them will have a number of different job classifications in their working lives.
Our program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Some graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, making it possible for working students to attend. Some courses toward the M.S. degree may also be taken during the summer quarter. Students may begin their studies in any one of the four quarters.
Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Computer Science should speak with the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator. The Computer Science Department also offers a Master of Science degree program in Computer Networks.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Computer Science will be able to:
- apply advanced computer science theory to problems;
- demonstrate advanced understanding of the mechanisms, components and architecture of current computing systems;
- generate and process useful representations of knowledge;
- critique, plan and produce complex software applications, and
- research and analyze current computer science literature.
Career Opportunities
Systems Analyst
Program Analyst or Designer
Systems Manager or Programmer
Scientific Applications Programmer
Computer Operations Manager
Graphics Specialist
Software Engineer
Programming Team Member, possibly specializing in Design, Testing, or Documentation
Computer Network Support
Database Applications Programmer or Administrator
Computer Sales Representative
Customer Support
Technical Writer
Teacher/Professor
Faculty
The faculty of the Computer Science Department hold doctorates in a wide variety of areas. They have a strong commitment to high quality teaching, and have interests in fields such as computer graphics, networks, numerical analysis, compiler design, computer simulation, parallel programming, computer architecture, automata, multimedia, cryptography, computational complexity, language design and implementation, graph theory, microcomputer architecture, and database systems.
Features
Computer Science students at Cal State East Bay have access to some of the most modern and powerful computer equipment available. The campus provides a network backbone, including connection to the Internet, personal computers, and wireless network access.
Cal State has an active Computing Club, which hosts industry tours as well as academic and social events and is involved with a number of ongoing projects.
Scholarships
Each year the department awards a number of scholarships covering a large portion of the fees for the subsequent year. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the department office during the Winter quarter.
Admission
To apply for admission to the Master of Science program in Computer Science, a student must submit the proper forms, fees and transcripts to the university’s Office of Admissions, which reviews each application initially. Each applicant must also have their scores on the general portion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) sent directly to the Office of Admissions. The department then reviews the application, making the decision whether to accept or reject the applicant.
A student wishing to enter this program must normally have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or in a related field, with courses in Computer Science as indicated below, and must have a grade point average of 2.75 in all undergraduate work and a 3.00 grade point average in the Computer Science Core and Mathematics courses listed below.
Computer Science Admission Requirements
Thirty-two (32) quarter units (8 courses) of upper division Computer Science coursework that covers a broad range of Computer Science and includes the following five courses or their equivalents.
CS 3120 Programming Language Concepts Units: 4
CS 3240 Data Structures and Algorithms Units: 4
CS 3340 Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Design Units: 4
CS 3430 Computer Architecture Units: 4
CS 4560 Operating Systems Units: 4
Successful completion of prerequisites to the above computer science courses is also required. These include:
CS 1160 Introduction to Computer Science I Units: 4
CS 2360 Introduction to Computer Science II Units: 4
CS 2370 Introduction to Computer Science III Units: 4
CS 2430 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming Units: 4
Mathematics Requirements for Admission
Successful completion of equivalent courses and prerequisties for all mathematics requirements is also required.
MATH 2101 Elements of Linear Algebra Units: 4
MATH 2150 Discrete Structures Units: 4
A year of Calculus
MATH 1304 Calculus I Units: 4
MATH 1305 Calculus II Units: 4
Probability or Statistics Requirements for Admission
One upper division course (and any prerequisites) from the following list is required::
STAT 3401 Introduction to Probability Theory I Units: 4
STAT 3502 Statistical Inference I Units: 4
STAT 3601 Statistics and Probability for Science and Engineering I Units: 4
A student who has not met all of the above requirements may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the department as a “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student, provided the student’s record clearly demonstrates the capability of meeting all these requirements.
No more than 20 quarter units taken while in “Conditionally Classified Graduate” status may be applied to the degree. Note that courses used to make up deficiencies for admission may not be applied toward the master’s degree. A “Conditionally Classified Graduate” student who has no course deficiencies, a “B” or better average in at least 12 quarter units of post-baccalaureate study, and has satisfied the University Writing Skills requirement should petition the graduate coordinator for admission to the master’s degree program with “Classified Graduate” status. A maximum of 13 units taken as an “Unclassified Post-baccalaureate” student may be applied to a master’s degree.
Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to Candidacy is a university requirement for graduation from a master’s degree program. A student with “Classified Graduate” status may apply for Advancement to Candidacy after completing at least 16 quarter units towards the master’s degree with a “B” average, including at least two 6000 level Computer Science courses with a “B” or better average.
Before Advancement to Candidacy, a student’s complete course of study must be approved by the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator.
Degree Requirements 45 units
At least 45 quarter units of approved upper division and graduate work. Of these, at least 26 units must be approved graduate (6000- level) courses. All work toward the 45 units must be at an average grade of “B” (3.0) or higher. Grades below “C” will not be counted as prerequisites or toward the degree.
Note: Courses equivalent to CS 6170 Automata and Formal Languages and CS 4245 Analysis of Algorithms must be taken if not completed before admission to the M.S. program.
The following departmental requirements are in addition to the university requirements:
Prerequisites
Students must have completed the prerequisites listed in the course descriptions for any course they use to satisfy the following requirements. Note: Prerequisite units may not be included in total program units and therefore should be considered when planning your program roadmap. Consult with your academic advisor or department for furtner information concerning prerequisites and program roadmaps.
Required Courses (10 units)
Breadth Requirements (16 units)
Two courses from each of the following two categories for 16 units.
Elective Courses (14-18 units)
The following courses (or their equivalents) may be counted toward the master’s degree:
- Any graduate course in Computer Science (except CS 6899) may be applied to this category.
- Any Computer Science course numbered 3000 (except CS 3898) or higher, provided it has not been already applied toward a B.S. degree or toward prerequisites for admission. This restriction includes equivalent courses from other degree programs; exceptions require the approval of the Computer Science Graduate Committee.
Capstone Experience (1-5 units)
A student must select and satisfy one of the following capstone requirements:
- CS 6901 - Graduate Synthesis in Computer Science Units: 4
Note: A student must successfully complete at least 30 units of study including all required courses (CS 6000, 6260, and 6560), satisfy the WST requirement, and be in good standing before enrolling in CS 6901.
- CS 6909 - Departmental Thesis Units: 1-5
Note: Students who write a thesis must have an advisor who agrees to oversee the work, and must have the proposed topic approved by the Computer Science Graduate Studies Committee.
