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Masters of Science in Applied Computer Science



The TSYS Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science, with two concentrations: Software Development and Information Assurance. To allow students with different backgrounds to benefit from and be successful in the program, students may also design a program of study without a concentration. For information on preparing your Master's thesis, view the Styles and Policy Manual for Master's Thesis.

Expected Outcomes


All graduates in the MS in Applied CS program will be able to apply techniques and technologies from at least four of the following areas:

  • Algorithm Analysis and Design
  • Programming Languages
  • Database
  • Computer Architecture
  • Computer Networks
  • Operating Systems

In addition, graduates in the Information Assurance concentration will:

  • understand the major issues of information assurance
  • be able to identify threats and vulnerabilities to information systems
  • be able to identify data, computers and networks exploits
  • be able to identify ways to secure information, computers and networks

In addition, graduates in the Software Development concentration will:

  • be able to produce a software solution using an object-oriented programming architecture
  • be able to produce a web-based software solution using high-level development tools
  • be able to produce solutions in a distributed and/or enterprise environment
Course Requirements

Area 1 Program Core                             Required Hours: 12 
 (Take courses from four of the six core areas)

Algorithm Analysis and Design
CPSC 5115 Algorithm Analysis and Design

Programming Languages
CPSC 5135 Programming Languages
CPSC 6129 Advanced Programming Languages

Database
CPSC 5138 Advanced Database Systems
CPSC 6127 Contemporary Issues in Database Management Systems

Computer Architecture
CPSC 5155 Introduction to Computer Architecture
CPSC 6155 Advanced Computer Architecture

Computer Networks
CPSC 5157 Computer Networks
CPSC 6157 Network Management

Operating Systems
CPSC 6125 Advanced Operating Systems

(All courses taken to satisfy the Core Requirement for the MS degree must be taken for graduate credit.)

Area 2 Program Concentration             Required Hours: 24

A. Information Assurance

Program Core courses must include:
CPSC 6125 Advanced Operating Systems
CPSC 6157 Network Management

Five courses (15 semester hours) in the Information Assurance area, taken from the following list of graduate courses.
CPSC 6126 Information Systems Assurance
CPSC 6128 Network Security
CPSC 6136 Advanced System Security
CPSC 6159 Computer Forensics
CPSC 6167 Network Risk Assessment
CPSC 6178 Software Testing and Quality Assurance

Three additional courses (9 semester hours) for graduate credit. Students taking the thesis option must take one elective and take CPSC 6985 at least twice.

B. Software Development

Program Core courses must include:
one course from each of the Programming Languages and Database areas.

Five courses (15 semester hours) in the Software Development area, taken from the following list of graduate courses.
CPSC 6118 Graphical USer Interface Development
CPSC 6119 Object-Oriented Development
CPSC 6137 Distributed Software Architecture and Design
CPSC 6166 Distributed Enterprise Software Development
CPSC 6175 Web Site Development and Technologies
CPSC 6176 Enterprise Web Application Development
CPSC 6178 Software Testing and Quality Assurance

Three additional courses (9 semester hours) for graduate credit. Students taking the thesis option must take one elective and take CPSC 6985 at least twice.

C. No concentration

Select eight three-credit courses in CPSC graduate courses; CPSC 6899 and CPSC 6985 may each be repeated once.

Total Required Hours: 36

Rules for Master's Thesis Submission and Defense 


  • There must be three members in a committee, including the thesis supervisor and a member from outside the department.
  • Student will select a supervisor for her thesis. The supervisor will select the other two members of the committee. Selection of these two committee members will be subject to approval by graduate committee.
  • Student must submit the final draft of her thesis to her supervisor only. The supervisor must submit this draft to the other committee members at least one week before the last day of class (according to the university’s academic calendar). Within one week of this submission, these committee members should submit their comments to the supervisor.
  • Thesis must be defended at least two days before grades are due (according to the university’s academic calendar).
  • According to the existing MS thesis policy (produced by Dr. Glenn Stokes): Three identical copies must be presented to the College of Science for binding. Two copies will become the property of the Columbus State University Library and one will remain with the Dean's Office in the College of Science.