Computer Science, M.S., Accelerated*

Program of Study

The mission of the accelerated graduate program in Computer Science at California State University San Marcos is to provide graduate education of the highest caliber to qualified students from the local community and beyond, leading to the Master of Science degree. Its objective is to prepare students for a variety of positions in business, industry, and the public sector. The accelerated Master of Science in Computer Science will encourage the development of critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills. In keeping with the mission of the university, we offer a curriculum that includes opportunities for applied experiences to enhance the professional development of our students and to contribute to the community around us. In addition, our program seeks to recognize the global awareness of the computing world and to build links with higher education institutions in the world.

The Master of Science in Computer Science provides breadth in several areas, and depth in a specialized area, in the rapidly advancing theoretical and practical aspects of Computer Science. Common to these offerings are the intelligent challenges and analytical skills of computational problem-solving methodologies.

*The M.S. in Computer Science, Accelerated, is offered through Extended Learning.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Master of Science in Computer Science will be able to:

1. Integrate emerging technologies to construct innovative solutions.
2. Apply engineering principles to develop software solutions to meet specific requirements.
3. Apply computing principles to address realistic challenges.
4. Evaluate and compare computing solution alternatives.
5. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
6. Acquire and apply new computing skills independently.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science degree in Computer Science emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications. Many students undertake graduate work in Computer Science in order to pursue careers in computer networking and information communications, algorithms, parallel processing, artificial intelligence, neural networks, programming languages concepts, and multimedia applications. Graduates of the program will be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, since the skills and attitudes fostered in the program are in demand in business, industry, government and academia. In particular, graduates will be well prepared for careers in applications programming, systems analysis, and software engineering. Refer to the department website for Admission Criteria.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree in Computer Science or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
2. Applicants from non-CS backgrounds must demonstrate proficiency in core CS areas (see Prerequisite Requirements)
3. Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5.
4. GRE (Optional) General Test not required
5. English Proficiency (for international students only)
6. Prerequisite Requirements:
   • Discrete Mathematics MATH 270  
   • Data Structures and Algorithms CS 311  
   • Programming languages CS 351  
7. Statement of Purpose: 1-2 pages describing academic background, professional goals, and motivation for pursuing the master’s program.
8. Letters of Recommendation (Optional)
9. Resume or CV (Optional): Including academic background, relevant work experience, and technical skills.

Graduation Requirements (21 Units)

The accelerated Master of Science degree in Computer Science requires a minimum of 30 units of graduate courses with at least an overall 3.0 grade point average. No course or equivalent that was taken as a requirement for the completion of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related fields can be used to satisfy these requirements. Not more than nine (9) units in approved extension and transfer courses may be used to satisfy the minimum units required for the degree; any such units must be approved by the graduate coordinator. Given the nature of rapid development in computer science, all requirements should be satisfied within five years of initial acceptance into the program or course work must be repeated.

• CS 512  - Introduction to Data Mining Units: 3
• CS 513  - Analysis and Intractability of Algorithms Units: 3
• CS 537  - Data Communication and Computer Networks Units: 3
• CS 542  - Design Patterns and Object-Oriented Analysis Units: 3
• CS 571  - Artificial Intelligence Units: 3
• CS 643  - Advanced Database Management Systems Units: 3
• CS 695  - Culminating Experience: Comprehensive Exam Units: 3

Electives (9 Units)

• Only CS courses numbered 500 or higher, and up to three (3) units of 400-level courses may be counted toward the master’s degree.
• At least three (3) units must be numbered 600 or higher.

Continuation

A student must earn a 3.0 GPA average in graduate coursework in order to graduate. No course in which a final grade below C (2.0) was earned can satisfy the degree requirement. If the GPA falls below 3.0 for two consecutive semesters, the student will be dropped from the program.

Graduation

A student planning to graduate at the end of a given regular semester must meet with the academic advisor by the end of the student’s previous regular semester in order to evaluate those plans. All pertinent requirements described above concerning courses and the thesis, the project, or the comprehensive exam, must be evaluated during this meeting.