Computer and Information Science (CIS) has been one of the most
dynamic fields in recent decades. With growing demand for computing
professionals, the program is designed to provide advanced studies
for those who wish to continue preparation for effective
participation in computing professions. The program provides
continuing education in advanced subjects for CIS professionals who
wish to stay abreast of the rapidly changing technological world.
Emphasis is placed on the development of the student's skill for
independent study and continued professional growth.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE OPTIONS
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science offers
students three options, which allow the student to select a
technology, analytical or a practical and applied focus for the
application of computing technologies. These consist of Information
Technology, Data Science and Software Engineering. Each option
consists of 30 credits of graduate work beyond the foundations
series, and each specifies its own foundations series courses. The
specific courses of study for each option is described below.
COURSE OF STUDY FOR DATA SCIENCE (DS)
Data Science is a dynamic and fast growing field at the
interface of Statistics and Computer Science. The emergence of
massive datasets containing millions or even billions of
observations provides the primary impetus for the field. Such
datasets arise, for instance, in large-scale retailing,
telecommunications, astronomy, medical domain, volumes of documents
and social media. The MS-CIS with Data Science option prepares
students to understand major practice areas in data science. They
can collect, organize and manage data, identify patterns in data
using visualization, statistical analysis and data mining, develop
actionable insight based on big data, communicate data analysis and
findings to people across a broad range of industries. They meet
the demand of careers including Data Engineer, Data Architect,
Statistical Programmer, and Big Data Analysts..
In addition to the overall program outcomes, at the conclusion
of the program of study, the DS-option graduate will be able
to:
- Identify patterns in data using data
mining techniques.
- Manage large-scale data and the
practical issues surrounding how the data is stored, processed, and
analyzed in the cloud
- Extract knowledge from large amounts of
text data
COURSE OF STUDY FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
The MS-CIS with Information Technology Option is designed for
students who wish to combine technical competence in information
technology with knowledge of managerial and organizational issues.
Students will have extensive skill and experience in the design and
implementation of operational databases as well as the data
warehousing, cloud computing technologies and related business
intelligence technologies for managing the enterprise. They will be
trained on the business intelligence techniques to discover
knowledge from massive data sets along with the importance on data
security. This option will prepare the student with the management
and advanced technology skills needed to become a leader and
decision-maker in the technology field. Career tracks include
Database and Cloud Network Administrators and Designers, Data
Security and Business Intelligence Analysts.
In addition to the overall program outcomes, at the conclusion
of the program of study, the IT-option graduate will be able
to:
- Understand database
modeling, design and implementation
- Demonstrate knowledge of
Cloud Computing Technologies
- Derive intelligence from large volumes
of business data
COURSE OF STUDY FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (SE)
The Software Engineering (SE) option focuses on mobile computing
and interactive software development. Software testing and quality
assurance methods are weaved throughout the curriculum. Students
develop interactive apps for iOS (iPad, iPhone) and Android.
In addition to the overall program outcomes, at the conclusion
of the program of study, the SE-option graduate will be able
to:
- Develop and deploy goal-oriented,
high-quality interactive software systems
- Identify and apply effective engineering
development techniques