Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog | Expires Aug. 2027 
    
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Computer Science and Information Systems (M.S.)


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The Master of Science - Computer Science and Information Systems (MS-CSIS) requires 12 credit hours of core course work, a minimum of 12 credit hours of elective course work and 6 credit hours of thesis OR additional course work for a total of a minimum of 30 credit hours.

The MS-CSIS is an interdisciplinary program intended to serve individuals looking for acquiring advanced knowledge and hands-on skills on contemporary areas in traditional Computer Science and applied Information Systems. Individuals from heterogeneous educational background and professional experience will have the opportunity to enroll in coursework culminating in this applied focused degree. After completing the carefully selected core courses crafted to lay a strong foundation, individuals will be prepared to choose elective courses that meet the learning needs in order to execute their career plan. In addition, highly qualified faculty who are active in research with state-of-the-art technologies will be available providing an option for an individual to complete a research based thesis.

The program offers an excellent hands-on skill based degree that could be used as a stepping stone to those individuals who want to start a new career in dynamic IT industries. This program will also prepare an individual to accept the challenges for an advanced position within an organization by improving the technical, as well as leadership and managerial skills.

Mission

To expand academic and career capabilities by presenting advanced computing topics in a hands-on learning environment, advancing education and enriching local and international communities.

Vision

To be recognized for a personalized teaching style, an emphasis on practical application of course content, and an inclusive blend of local and international students and educators.

Admission Requirements to CSIS

Candidates seeking admission must hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology or a closely related field with an earned grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Conditional acceptance may be granted to candidates from other areas such as engineering, mathematics, physical science and business disciplines with the condition of having completing the necessary “fast track” courses at SVSU. The program coordinator will examine each candidate’s background to determine which fast track courses are required. Exceptions to this policy are to be discussed with the program coordinator to determine eligibility for conditional admission.

NOTE: Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission to this program.

Admission to the Program

  • Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

  • Submission of completed online application

  • Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts

  • Two recommendations*

  • International students whose native language is not English must submit one of the following language test scores:

    • a TOEFL score of 79 or higher

    • an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher

    • a PTE score of 56 or higher

*requirement waived for graduates of SVSU’s Computer Science or Computer Information System program(s)

Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission decisions are determined by the program coordinator.

Special Admission

Candidates without an earned bachelor degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Information Technology or a closely related field will be subject to complete up to five fast track/foundation courses at SVSU. Fast track course(s) will prepare candidates from heterogeneous backgrounds for the MS-CSIS graduate courses. 

  Fast track courses include:

  • Computer Programming I or equivalent: CS116

  • Computer Programming II or equivalent: CS216

  • Computer Networks or equivalent: CS401 or CIS301.

  • Statistics or equivalent: CS245

  • College Algebra or higher: MATH138 or MATH145

Special Admission candidates must contact the program coordinator to examine previous coursework and background  to determine which fast track courses will be required before potential admission to the MS-CSIS program.

Application Requirements

  • A completed application for graduate admission with application fee

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended

  • Two letters of recommendation for entry into the graduate program. This requirement is waived for SVSU Computer Science and SVSU Computer Information Systems undergraduates who have earned their bachelor’s degree

  • A copy of the applicant’s resume

  • International students must submit a recent TOEFL or IELTS score and evidence of financial support

Academic Progress

The MS-CSIS program requires all graduate students have a final 3. 00 GPA to graduate. Courses with a grade below a “C” will not count toward graduation.

Students may be dismissed from the program if their cumulative GPA falls below 3. 00 after 12 credits have been earned at SVSU. The student may appeal the dismissal to the program coordinator. The program coordinator may grant the student a probationary period.

Core Courses (12 cr)


All MS-CSIS students must complete four of the following courses. If all courses in this category are taken, the fifth would be considered an elective.

Electives (12 cr)


Computer Science Concentration


Undergraduate Prerequisites:

MATH161 - Calculus I or higher and

CS316 - Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis or equivalent

Additional Electives


Students from one concentration may be allowed to take course(s) from another concentration upon advisor’s approval and satisfaction of course prerequisite(s).

A maximum of seven (7) credits of the following may count toward electives:

Thesis Track (6 cr)


A total of 6 credit hours of research or project works under an assigned supervisor is required, culminating in a written thesis approved by the faculty supervisor.

Course-Only Track (6 cr)


Students choosing not to pursue a thesis are considered course-only track students. Students in this track are required to take a minimum of 6 hours of additional elective courses and must meet with the program coordinator to discuss which elective courses fulfill this requirement.

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