Computer Science

The Master’s Degree in Computer Science is intended to prepare individuals with a strong mathematical, scientific, or technical background for entry into the computer science field at an advanced level and for further study leading to the doctorate.

Customized study plans to allow receiving the Computer Engineering M.S. degree while pursuing either the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science and Engineering or the Ed.D. degree in Education are available. Doctoral students in these two programs should consult their respective doctoral advisors to work on their individualized plans.

Learning Outcomes

Our Computer Science Students will:

Demonstrate an in depth and comprehensive understanding of Computer Science.

Have an enhanced ability to learn, on their own, technical details for which they are responsible.

Have an enhanced ability to apply the knowledge learned to solve technical problems that arise in research they conduct or supervise.

Have an enhanced ability to study an issue, identify and evaluate alternative actions, propose an optimal course of action.

Have an enhanced ability to prepare technical point papers, brief their seniors, and defend their conclusions.

A total of 33 semester hours is required and the core curriculum consists of 15 credits.The remaining 18 Credits are elective courses and may be chosen from the list of Computer Science concentration areas or chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor. Students may do an independent project or thesis as part of the 18 credits of electives. Students not selecting this option must take a comprehensive examination.

Core Courses: 15 Credit Hours

• CS 450 Data Base Design

• CS 400 Object Oriented Programming Using C++

• CpE 471 Data and Computer Communication

• CS 502 Analyses of Algorithms

• CS 503 Operating Systems

Elective Courses: 18 Credit Hours

• The elective courses may be chosen from the list of Computer Science concentration areasor chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor.
• Students must do a Master’s project (3 credit hours) or thesis (6 credit hours) as part of the 18 elective credit hours.

The concentration areas can be applied to satisfy the requirements of dual Masters degree programs of study.

General M.S. Program Requirements

Academic Performance

Students in a degree program who do not maintain a satisfactory record will be separated from the Graduate School. Normally, the accumulation of one “F” grade, or more than one “D” grade, or more than three “C” grades will result in separation.

Course Levels

• 400-499-generally taken by qualified undergraduates and first year graduate students.
• 500-599- Open to graduate students.
• 600 + – Open to masters and Ph.D. students
• 700 - Open to Ph.D. students only

Time Limitation and Program Continuity

All requirements for the degree of Master of Science must be completed within six years (twelve consecutive semesters) of the effective start of an approved graduate program of study. Once a program is initiated, the student must maintain continuous enrollment until completion.

Under certain circumstances, a student may be granted permission to interrupt his/her program by petitioning the dean in writing, stating the underlying circumstances. Program interruption without formal permission will constitute grounds for dismissal from the Graduate program.

Degree Program Requirements

All students studying for the Master of Science degree must have on file an approved program of study on the provided form. Programs of study are worked out between the student and his/her advisor to meet both the student’s desires and the graduate faculty’s philosophy of an integrated program. They must carry the approval of the chair of the department awarding the degree. Changes in the approved program of study must be approved by the student’s program advisor and the department Chair.

General Thesis Regulations

Students are encouraged to include a thesis investigation in their approved program of study. Accumulation of thesis semester hours and work done during a thesis investigation must be continuous up to the time of its completion. Only those students designated as regular graduate students who have satisfied the following requirements will be permitted to accumulate thesis credits. During the semester prior to that in which the student desires to initiate his/ her thesis investigation, he/she must have:

• Included a thesis proposal in his/ her approved program of study
• Sought and obtained a member of the graduate faculty who agrees to act as his/her thesis advisor
• Submitted a completed thesis proposal form to the department in which the degree is to be awarded
• Form a Thesis Committee, appointed by the department chair, consisting of at least 3 members of the graduate faculty (including the advisor as committee chair).

Students should obtain a copy of “Specifications for Master’s Thesis” from the office of the department chair which describes via requirements in details.

All theses in Engineering must be presented at a faculty-graduate seminar. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that this requirement is fulfilled, and that written notice of the presentation is distributed to all interested persons at least one week before the event.

Students who are in the process of completing a thesis are required to register for at least two semester hours of thesis in each semester. They must actively engage in that activity under faculty guidance. Semester hours thus accumulated that total more than the approved program-of-study requirement are not counted toward the degree.

Upon successful completion of the thesis, and acceptance by the Thesis Committee, the student becomes eligible for the degree provided all other requirements in the program of study are completed.

Completion of Master’s Degree

The Master of Science degree will be awarded only to those students successfully completing the following requirements:

• A minimum number of 30-34 semester hours (see specific program requirements) with a QPR of “B” or better in an approved program of study. The number of semester hours which may be transferred from another institution is an individual matter that will be reviewed by the major department, but is normally no more than 9 semester hours.
• Satisfactory completion of the state licensure requirements as prescribed by the faculty of the major department, and a favorable recommendation from the faculty upon review of the student’s program and performance, after the student has made a formal application for a Master’s diploma.

Cooperative Education Program

The School of Engineering offers an optional cooperative education program. See the Cooperative Education section of that for further information.

Admission to the program requires an undergraduate background that includes elementary physics, calculus sequence, linear algebra, and the following fundamental course work in computer science:Programming Languages and TechniquesData StructuresDigital DesignDiscrete StructuresComputer OrganizationProbability and StatisticsPlease refer to the General Admissions Information for detail requirements.Please refer to the Graduate Studies Division Catalog for course details of the concentration areas.

The following Financial Stipends and Scholarships are available for qualified student applicants. For more information, please refer to Tuition and Financial Aid.

(A) Graduate Scholarship Program

• The University of Bridgeport launched a new graduate scholarship program to help deserving students meet the financial obligations of pursuing higher education. For more information, please refer to Graduate Scholarship Program.

(B) Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships and Student Workers employment

• Graduate Assistantships, Research Assistantships and Student Workers employment are also available for qualified students. For more information, please refer to On Campus Jobs.