Computer Science / Master of Science
Program: MS-CPSC-1
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program provides graduate-level preparation for students in one of today’s most high-demand fields, Computer Science. The degree provides the necessary background and experience in the development of various computational and infrastructure systems, including large-scale databases, distributed systems, secured applications, intelligent systems, and secured networking and cloud infrastructure. It provides students with the ability to research and implement the latest technologies and apply them to problems in computer science. Additionally, students can choose a concentration to specialize in the areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital forensics, enterprise and cloud computing, and software engineering. A graduate of the MSCS program will be prepared for a wide range of careers in the areas of technology development, business, education, health care, engineering, and government, or for further graduate study.
Experts in Computer Science can find employment in virtually every organization and industry sector, as every organization uses the technologies created by computer scientists. This program aims to prepare specialists who can develop software and hardware systems that meet today’s needs and address tomorrow’s challenges. Because Computer Science is a broad discipline, the program gives students an opportunity to specialize in one of the five extremely important fields mentioned above. In addition to the six required concentration courses, students will take an additional three courses of their choice. All students will also take six credit hours related to computer science research: three credit hours toward the beginning of their coursework to acquaint students with literature review and experimental design in Computer Science, and three credit hours toward the end of their coursework in which students complete a master's project or a master's thesis.
Students without undergraduate coursework in Computer Science or a related field will take up to six courses (18 credit hours) to provide the required foundation for them to pursue advanced study. These courses will introduce students to the core concepts of computer science, including computer organization, data structures, algorithms, programming, networking and operating systems.
Time Limitation for Completing the Program
A student must complete all graduation requirements within seven years from completion of the first graduate course taken at Lewis University. Students remain under the requirement of the catalog in effect at the time of matriculation unless they discontinue attendance for two consecutive years or more, in which case they will follow the catalog in effect upon their return.
Graduation Requirements
To complete the MSCS degree, a student must earn a minimum of 33 credit hours but may need to earn up to 51 credit hours, depending on whether the student must take foundation courses. The foundation coursework consists of 18 credit hours, but may be partially or totally waived for students with sufficient background. All students are required to take three credit hours of CPSC 69100 Computer Science Master's Project or CPSC 69700 Master's Thesis to complete a Master's Project or a Master's Thesis.
Concentrations
While not required, a student may choose to declare a concentration in: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Enterprise & Cloud Computing, or Software Engineering. A second (or dual) concentration is also possible between any two combinations. Some popular dual concentrations are Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, and Cybersecurity and Enterprise & Cloud Computing, where either can be completed with a total of 39 credit hours. Other concentration combinations are available that can be completed with a total of 42 credit hours. The second concentration is most efficiently earned by using three of its required courses as the first concentration's three required electives and vice versa. Only one master’s project or thesis course is required for a dual concentration. For efficient planning contact your advisor to pick your dual concentration and the appropriate courses. Seeking a dual concentration requires the completion of a Change of Program Form which can be provided by your advisor.
Degree Offered: Master of Science
Total Credit Hours: 33-51
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements 1 | ||
| CPSC 50000 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| CPSC 50100 | Programming Fundamentals | 3 |
| CPSC 50200 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CPSC 50300 | Algorithms and Data Structures | 3 |
| CPSC 50500 | Communications and Networking | 3 |
| CPSC 51500 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| Research Core | ||
| CPSC 59700 | Research in Computer Science | 3 |
| CPSC 69100 | Computer Science Master's Project | 3 |
| or CPSC 69700 | Master's Thesis | |
| Concentration | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 18 | |
| Electives 2 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
- 1
Foundation courses are additional courses required by students without prior coursework in computer science. A given foundation course may be waived if the student has completed a similar course or shows a professional experience that satisfies the coursework. Note: foundation courses do not count toward the program requirements.
- 2
Students will select nine credit hours of electives from the CPSC and/or DATA 50000- or 60000-level courses other than the foundation courses. Students also have the option to complete a maximum of one micro-credential and use the credits toward electives.
Artificial Intelligence
Concentration: ARIN
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| DATA 51100 | Statistical Programming | 3 |
| DATA 55000 | Supervised Machine Learning | 3 |
| CPSC 57100 | Artificial Intelligence 1 | 3 |
| CPSC 57200 | Artificial Intelligence 2 | 3 |
| CPSC 57400 | Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CPSC 65000 | Robotics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Cybersecurity
Concentration: CYBR
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC 50600 | Cyber Security Essentials | 3 |
| CPSC 50700 | Advanced Cyber Security | 3 |
| CPSC 52000 | Network Security Essentials | 3 |
| CPSC 52500 | Encryption and Authentication | 3 |
| CPSC 66500 | Application Security | 3 |
| CPSC 68000 | Advanced Network Security | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Digital Forensics
Concentration: DGTL
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC 50600 | Cyber Security Essentials | 3 |
| CPSC 62800 | Programming for Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CPSC 67300 | Digital Forensics | 3 |
| CPSC 67500 | Network Forensics | 3 |
| CPSC 67600 | Mobile Device Forensics | 3 |
| CSJS 56700 | Intelligence Gathering: Issues and Controversies | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Enterprise and Cloud Computing
Concentration: ENCC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC 50600 | Cyber Security Essentials | 3 |
| CPSC 55500 | Distributed Computing Systems | 3 |
| CPSC 65500 | Cloud Computing and Virtualization | 3 |
| CPSC 67000 | Cloud and Virtualization Security | 3 |
| CPSC 68500 | Enterprise Network Security | 3 |
| DATA 54000 | Large-Scale Data Storage Systems | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Software Engineering
Concentration: SFTW
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CPSC 50900 | Database Systems | 3 |
| CPSC 60000 | Object Oriented Development | 3 |
| CPSC 60500 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CPSC 61200 | Software Architecture and Design | 3 |
| CPSC 61300 | Software Testing and Quality Assurance | 3 |
| CPSC 61400 | Software Production Process | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
MSCS Non-Declared Concentration
A Master of Science in Computer Science without declaring a specific concentration provides a student with the freedom to select any set of courses to develop a set of skills selected by the student or student's employer.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Courses | ||
| CPSC 50900 | Database Systems 1 | 3 |
| CPSC 60000 | Object Oriented Development | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Students will select 12 credit hours of electives from the CPSC and/or DATA 50000- or 60000-level courses other than the foundation courses, to develop their desired skill set. Students also have the option to complete a maximum of one micro-credential and use the credits toward electives | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Students who already completed a course similar to, or show a professional experience that satisfies the coursework of, CPSC 50900 Database Systems Database Systems may select another 50000- or 60000-level CPSC course instead.
Optional Micro-credentials
Students have the option to complete a maximum of one business micro-credential. A micro-credential consists of two courses (six credit hours) which will count toward the student’s electives. Micro-credential credits will NOT count toward foundation, research core, or concentration courses.
Micro-credentials are digital representations of students' learning, designed so that they can share inter-disciplinary skills in a relevant business area. Micro-credentials, while not a replacement for certificates, minors, or degree programs in business, are a supplemental designation to provide evidence that a student is working towards mastering critical 21st century business competencies, which certain students might find helpful in their future career. The following is a list of available micro-credentials:
Business Analytics (6)
Micro-Credential: BAMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BSAN 54000 | Data Mining for Business Decisions | 3 |
| BSAN 67900 | Business Intelligence and Data Analysis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Digital Marketing (6)
Micro-Credential: DMMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG 60400 | Digital Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| MKTG 60500 | Digital Marketing Analytics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Finance (6)
Micro-Credential: FNMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FINA 57900 | Investment Analysis | 3 |
| FINA 60300 | Financial Statement Analysis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Healthcare Informatics (6)
Micro-Credential: HIMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BSAN 67500 | Introduction to Healthcare Informatics | 3 |
| BSAN 67700 | Healthcare Data Analysis and Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
ICF Level 2 Executive Coaching (6)
Micro-Credential: COMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ORGL 54600 | Introduction to Professional and Executive Coaching | 3 |
| ORGL 54750 | Coaching Methodologies, Assessments, and Research | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Organizational Consulting (6)
Micro-Credential: OCMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ORGL 58100 | Foundations of Organizational Consulting | 3 |
| ORGL 58150 | The Business of Consulting | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Project-Management (6)
Micro-Credential: PMMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PROJ 51000 | Foundations of Project Management | 3 |
| PROJ 53000 | Project Leadership in Teams | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Strategic Leadership (6)
Micro-Credential: SLMC
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ORGL 50900 | Leadership: Theories, Practices and Context | 3 |
| ORGL 51200 | Assessing Leadership Skills | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Full Admission
To be accepted for admission into the program, a student must present the following credentials:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education.
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be conditionally admitted providing they earn a 3.0 or higher in their first 9 credit hours.
- An application for graduate admission, accompanied by an application fee.
- Professional resumé.
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.
- A two-page statement of purpose.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Undergraduate coursework in discrete mathematics, programming, algorithms, networking, and operating systems. Students without sufficient background can still be accepted, but may need to complete up to 18 credit hours of additional courses (see Foundation Coursework under Degree Requirements).
Please note: International students are required to have a TOEFL test score greater than 550 (computer-based 213; Internet-based 79).
Provisional Admission
Under certain circumstances, students who do not meet one or more of the requirements for full admission may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. Provisional admission is most commonly offered to applicants who earned an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0. Students admitted with provisional status will be considered for full admission only after they have attempted nine credit hours in the program and earned a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. Provisionally-admitted students who have not attained a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 after attempting nine credit hours of MSCS coursework will be dismissed from the MSCS program.
Student-At-Large
A student-at-large is not a degree candidate. In order to be admitted as a student-at-large, the applicant must submit official documentation of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education and complete a modified application form. The decision to admit an at-large student to graduate courses belongs to the Graduate Program Director, whose decision is based on an evaluation of the applicant’s undergraduate coursework and possibly an interview. However, should the student decide to apply for full admission status at a later time, but within five years of course completion, only a maximum of nine semester hours of graduate coursework completed as a student-at-large can be applied toward an advanced degree, and only courses with grades of B or better will count toward the degree.
Transfer of Graduate Credit
A student entering the MSCS program with appropriate prior graduate coursework in computer science may have a maximum of nine credit hours applied to the MSCS degree. Course credits eligible for transfer consideration must meet the following criteria:
- All transfer credit must have been earned prior to matriculation in the MSCS program.
- The coursework must have been completed at a regionally-accredited graduate school.
- A minimum grade of B must have been earned for the course.
- The coursework must have an equivalent in the MSCS curriculum.
- Courses from outside the United States will be considered if they are evaluated as graduate level by the Office of Admission or the Commission on Accreditation of the American Council on Education.
- Credit for prior learning is not awarded for graduate courses.
International Students
International students are required to meet all the admission requirements for full or provisional admission and also the admission requirements specified in the Admission Policies section of this Catalog entitled "Entering International Students."