Director: Stephen T. Frezza, Ph.D., C.S.D.P.
INTRODUCTION
Computer and Information Science (CIS) has been one of the most
dynamic fields in recent years. With growing demand for CIS
professionals, this program is designed to provide advanced studies
for those who wish to continue preparation for effective participation
in computer-related professions. The program provides continuing
education in advanced subjects for CIS professionals who wish to
stay abreast of the rapidly changing technological world. Emphasis
is placed on the development of student's skill for independent study
and continued professional growth.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
At the conclusion of any of the programs of study leading to the
degree of Master of Science in Computer and Information Science,
the graduate is able to:
1. Elicit, document, and analyze the requirements for software
systems.
2. Design mainstream or advanced software systems from
requirements.
3. Build mainstream or advanced software systems from
designs.
4. Utilize tools, languages, and environments for effective
analysis, design, and development.
5. Obtain a comprehension of the evolving computer-based
technology and its ramifications.
6. Identify, plan, and manage the schedule and risks for the
activities involved in software-based systems development.
7. Provide a research contribution or development of value to the
profession, industry or society.
8. Exhibit skills to support continued development and
improvement of their professional abilities.
9. Exhibit skills necessary to make ethical decisions as a moral and
conscientious individual and as a citizen of their professions,
their society, and their place of employment.
DEGREE OFFERED
The program offers a Master of Science in Computer and Information
Science (MS-CIS) degree.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. An applicant must present a baccalaureate degree in
computer and information science or a related field from
a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of at least
2.5/4.0.
2. Completed application
3. Complete resume
4. Transcripts from all prior institutions
5. Three letters of recommendation
6. TOEFL scores if English is not a first language
Factors for consideration include work experience in related areas of
CIS and letters of recommendation. A committee appointed by the
department chairperson will review applications for admission.
ADMINISTRATION
Retention is contingent on maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point
average. The course work is expected to be completed within
two years for full-time students and within six years for part-time
students. The degree requirements are at least thirty credit hours
of study.
Each academic semester typically consists of fourteen weeks of
instruction including one week for final exams. Some courses
follow a 15 week schedule. Lectures meet fifty-five minutes per
week for each credit.
Although it is anticipated that many of the courses in this program
would be offered in evening sessions, no special requirements for
either the students or instructors will be made. The courses are
scheduled as regular sessions and classes meet in rooms appropriate
for the course being taught. Courses that require the use of lab
equipment as part of their instructional model are taught in computer
teaching labs, and may include an additional lab fee.
The University's policy is that a master's degree program must
be completed within six years of taking the first course. Only the
Program Director and/or the Dean can grant exceptions.
WAIVER OF COURSES
Students must complete the waiver process within one year of
beginning coursework. The foundations-series (GCIS56x) courses
can be waived. Course descriptions are provided below.
- GCIS 561Computer Networking
- GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++
- GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
- GCIS 564 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
- GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
- GCIS 566 Systems Analysis and Design
- GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
Any of the 56x-Series courses may be waived in either of the
following ways:
1. Waiver by Transcript
A waiver request is based upon previously completed undergraduate
or graduate courses which are equivalent to the 56x-course in
question. The student must demonstrate the equivalency of the
prior courses by completing a Course Waiver Form available in the
CIS department office. The form is completed and returned to the
CIS office. To waive a 56x-course, the student must have taken the
following courses within the last seven (7) years and obtained at
least a grade of B. Special circumstances may be considered where
other factors demonstrate currency and proficiency in the subject.
Transcript-based waiver notification may accompany admissions
notification. Transcript waiver applications must be completed by
the end of the first semester of enrollment to be applied to course
waivers.
2. Waiver by Proficiency Examination
Students who feel that they have a strong background in an area
which is not reflected in their academic transcript (i.e., the courses
were taken more than 7 years prior to admission, or the student
did not achieve the appropriate grade) may request challenge
examination(s) to demonstrate their proficiency. Proficiency exams
must be scheduled and taken by the end of the first semester of
enrollment to be applied to course waivers. See the CIS Office for
details.
PROJECT REQUIREMENT
Each graduate student is expected to conduct a directed research/
development project or thesis for completion of the degree; (see
Plans A and B below). To propose an independent project or thesis,
the student requests a specific CIS faculty member as the project
advisor to chair his/her review committee in agreement with the
CIS faculty member. These are normally completed as part of the
required GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research course.
Decisions about the topic and the committee members are shared
between the student and the review committee chair. The committee
members participate in proposing and reviewing quality and content
for the directed research project/thesis and its written component.
These project proposals and formulation of graduate project/thesis
committees must be completed prior to registration for any Thesis
or Directed Research credits.
The directed research project/thesis advisor directs the student's
work and determines when to recommend the manuscript for review
by a faculty committee. The review committee is appointed by the
usual academic approval sequence and consists of at least three
full-time Gannon CIS faculty members familiar with the subject
material and one member from outside the CIS department. The
outside member can be from industry. The CIS faculty member
who chairs the review committee becomes the student's academic
advisor.
Plan A (Thesis):
The candidate is required to submit a 6-credit thesis as part of
the 30-42 credits of graduate course work and to pass a final oral
examination on the thesis material and related subjects. Individuals
considering further doctoral graduate studies are recommended to
pursue the thesis option. The content should represent a researched
and creative expression of the student's advanced capability as a
result of the graduate program. The thesis should be proposed and
approved prior to the commencement of the thesis work.
Thesis students register for GCIS 799 Thesis when beginning the
research effort and after having received agreement from a faculty
member to be the chair of the student's research effort. While
enrolled in GCIS 799 Thesis, the student will be required to satisfy
other department-stipulated activities such as attendance at research
seminars, participation in research presentations, and writing- or
research-improvement seminars. Students who elect to complete a
thesis apply three of their thesis credits as a graduate elective within
their course of study.
Plan B (Directed Research):
The student is required to complete a 3-credit independent project
and to pass a final oral examination covering the student's project
area and related subject areas. The content of the independent project
can be either (1) in-depth scholarship culminating in a publishable quality
manuscript or (2) study and development of a prototype-level
application culminating in a publishable-quality technical report.
The content should represent a researched and creative expression of
the student's advanced capability as a result of the graduate program.
The directed research project should be proposed and approved prior
to the commencement of the independent project work.
Directed Research students register for GCIS 698 Directed
Research when completing the research effort and after having
received agreement from a faculty member to be the chair of the
student's research effort. GCIS 699 Directed Research is used for
larger, non-thesis research projects. While enrolled in GCIS 698
and GCIS 699 Directed Research, the student is required to satisfy
other department-stipulated activities such as attendance at research
seminars, participation in research presentations, and writing- or
research-improvement seminars.
THE CURRICULUM PLAN
The MS-CIS is a professional degree program. Students may begin
studies with a wide variety of academic and work backgrounds.
The MS-CIS curriculum may range from 30-42 credits depending
upon these experiences. Upon commencement of graduate studies,
students choose to complete their course of study in one of the
defined degree options: Applied Computer Science (ACS), Web
Development (WD), Information Systems (IS), or Software
Engineering (SE).
Courses are presented in four general categories:
- Foundations Series: From 0 to 12 credits of (GCIS 56x-series)
classes. This series is designed to bring all students up to the
same preliminary level while commencing the common body of
course work. Foundation courses can be waived (or challenged)
on the basis of academic and professional experience.
- Quality Module Series: 3 credits of professional development
work. These courses, focus on specific topics that provide
foundations for success in advanced graduate work and in
the workplace. Topics include communications, professional
development and applied research methods.
- Option-Specific Courses: 21-24 credits of coursework focused
on a particular applied area in computer and information
science.
- Project Series: From 3 to 6 credits of directed research (GCIS
698/699) or thesis (GCIS 799) work. Students must have
completed 12 credits of graduate work, have completed all
prerequisites including a formal proposal of their project to
register for their project work. Students are encouraged to
begin their developing and planning their project work well in
advance of the semester in which they register for their directed
research or thesis credits.
The student must complete 30-42 credits of graduate course work.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least
3.0 for the duration of their master's degree program. A total of ten
graduate level courses (500-level or higher) exclusive of GCIS56xseries
foundation courses are required.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE OPTIONS
The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science offers
students four options, which allow the student to select a practical,
applied focus for the application of computing technologies.
These consist of Applied Computer Science, Web Development,
Information Systems, and Software Engineering. Each option
consists of 30 credits of graduate work beyond the foundations
series, and each specifies its own foundations series courses. Each
of the specific courses of study is described below.
COURSE OF STUDY FOR APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE (ACS)
The Applied Computer Science Option offers students a focus
on the practical application of Computer Science technologies
and development techniques to the creation of effective software
systems. In addition to the overall program outcomes, at the
conclusion of the program of study, the Applied Computer Science
Option graduate will be able to:
ACS-1. Design, build, and use effective relational databases.
ACS-2. Develop and deploy digital image processing applications
ACS-3. Develop and deploy intelligent systems applications
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The Applied Computer Science Option requires 30 credits beyond 12
credits of foundations courses. Nearly all graduates from four-year
Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering and
related programs are eligible to have all 12 credits of foundation
series courses waived.
Foundations Series (12 Credits):
Programming Fundamentals: One of:
- GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++ or
- GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Data Structures: GCIS 564 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
Database Fundamentals: GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
Software Design & Development: One of
- GCIS 566 Systems Analysis and Design or
- GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
Programming and Development Technology (3 Credits):
One of
GCIS 501 Advanced Programming or
GCIS 506 Personal Software Process or
GCIS 555 Dynamic Web Development
Database Systems (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 511 - Advanced DBMS
Systems and Modeling (3 Credits): One of
GCIS 504 Requirements Engineering or
GCIS 512 Object Oriented Modeling
Project Management and Quality Assurance (3 Credits):
One of
GCIS 611 Software Project Management or
GCIS 515 Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Applied Computing Science (9 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 532 - Digital Imaging
GCIS 635 - Computer Vision and Image Processing
GCIS 645 - Intelligent Systems Technologies
Elective (3 Credits): One of
Approved GCIS Electives. Electives may be any nonfoundations
series GCIS course approved by the faculty advisor.
These may include non-GCIS graduate-level courses with
approval of the department chair.
Students who successfully complete the GCIS799 course may
waive one elective.
Professional Quality Modules (3 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 601 Professional Quality Module: Communication
GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research
GCIS 603 Professional Quality Module: Professional Development
Independent Project or Thesis: (3-6 Credits):
GCIS 698 - Directed Research
GCIS 698 and GCIS 699 - Directed Research
GCIS 799 - Thesis
COURSE OF STUDY FOR WEB DEVELOPMENT (WD)
The Web Development Option offers students a focus on the
technologies and effective application of the world-wide web
for creative software systems. In addition to the overall program
outcomes, at the conclusion of the program of study, the Web
Development Option graduate will be able to:
WD-1. Design, build, and deploy database-driven web application
WD-2. Administer internet services platforms
WD-3. Develop goal-oriented, secure, artistic, interactive web sites
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The Web Development Option requires 30 credits beyond 12
credits of foundations courses. Nearly all graduates from four-year
Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering and
related programs are eligible to have all 12 credits of foundation
series courses waived.
Foundations Series (12 Credits):
Networking Fundamentals: GCIS 561Computer Networking
Programming Fundamentals: One of:
- GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++ or
- GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Database Fundamentals: GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
Software Design & Development: One of:
- GCIS 566 Systems Analysis and Design or
- GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
Programming and Development Technology (3 Credits):
GCIS 555 Dynamic Web Development
Web Technology (9 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 502 Advanced Web Design
GCIS 503 Artistic Web Design
GCIS 622 Advanced Web Programming
Systems and Modeling (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 504 Requirements Engineering
Project Management (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 611 Software Project Management
Advanced Networking (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 584 Administration of Internet Services
Elective (3 Credits): One of
Approved GCIS Electives. Electives may be any nonfoundations
series GCIS course approved by the faculty advisor.
These may include non-GCIS graduate-level courses with
approval of the department chair.
Students who successfully complete the GCIS799 course may
waive one elective.
Professional Quality Modules (3 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 601 Professional Quality Module: Communication
GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research
GCIS 603 Professional Quality Module: Professional Development
Independent Project or Thesis: (3-6 Credits):
GCIS 698 Directed Research
GCIS 698 and GCIS 699 — Directed Research
GCIS 799 Thesis
COURSE OF STUDY FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IS)
The Information Systems Option offers students a focus on the
technologies and effective application of the information science
techniques for the creation of effective computer system applications
for organizations. In addition to the overall program outcomes, at
the conclusion of the program of study, the Information Systems
Option graduate will be able to:
IS-1. Identify and manipulate the knowledge-based components
of systems in order to enable better decision- making or to
provide stable representations
IS-2. Design and build knowledge-based systems
IS-3. Critique and manage the information resources of an
organization
IS-4. Design, build, and use effective relational databases.
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The Information Systems option requires 30 credits beyond 12
credits of foundations courses. Nearly all graduates from four-year
Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering and
related programs are eligible to have all 12 credits of foundation
series courses waived.
Foundations Series (12 Credits):
Networking Fundamentals: GCIS 561Computer Networking
Programming Fundamentals: One of:
- GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++ or
- GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Database Fundamentals: GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
Software Design & Development: One of
- GCIS 566 Systems Analysis and Design or
- GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
Systems and Modeling (6 Credits): Two courses
GCIS 504 Requirements Engineering
GCIS 512 OO Modeling
Information Science (9 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 546 Management Information Organizations
GCIS 612 Integrating Information Systems
GCIS 644 Knowledge Based Systems
Database Systems (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 511 Advanced DBMS
Project Management (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 611 Software Project Management
Elective (3 Credits): One of
Approved GCIS Electives. Electives may be any nonfoundations
series GCIS course approved by the faculty advisor.
These may include non-GCIS graduate-level courses with
approval of the department chair.
Students who successfully complete the GCIS799 course may
waive one elective.
Professional Quality Modules (3 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 601 Professional Quality Module: Communication
GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research
GCIS 603 Professional Quality Module: Professional Development
Independent Project or Thesis: (3-6 Credits):
GCIS 698 Directed Research
GCIS 698 and GCIS 699 - Directed Research
GCIS 799 Thesis
COURSE OF STUDY FOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (SE)
The Software Engineering Option offers students a focus on
the methods for effective software development for a variety of
computer-based technologies and applications. In addition to the
overall program outcomes, at the conclusion of the program of study,
the Software Engineering Option graduate will be able to:
| SE-1. |
Identify effective quality measures and organize quality |
|
activities to support software-based systems development |
| SE-2. |
Evaluate alternative designs, and identify the best solution |
|
for a given set of software product and project constraints |
| SE-3. |
Critique and recommend design improvements for |
|
computer-human interfaces |
| SE-4. |
Identify change-management issues, and apply effective |
|
change-management processes to maintain quality |
|
software-based systems | CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
The Software Engineering Option requires 30 credits beyond 12
credits of foundations courses. Nearly all graduates from four-year
Information Systems, Computer Science, Software Engineering and
related programs are eligible to have all 12 credits of foundation
series courses waived.
Foundations Series (12 Credits):
Programming Fundamentals: One of:
- GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++ or
- GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
Data Structures: GCIS 564 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
Database Fundamentals: GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
Software Design & Development: GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
Programming and Development Technology (3 Credits):
One of
GCIS 501 Advanced Programming or
GCIS 506 Personal Software Process or
GCIS 555 Dynamic Web Development
Systems and Modeling (3 Credits): One course
GCIS 504 Requirements Engineering
Software Design (6 Credits): Two courses
GCIS 518 Software Architecture
GCIS 638 Human Interface Design & Maintenance
Project Management and Quality Assurance (6 Credits): Two courses
GCIS 611 Software Project Management
GCIS 515 Software Testing and Quality Assurance
Elective (6 Credits): Two of
Approved GCIS Electives. Electives may be any nonfoundations
series GCIS course approved by the faculty advisor.
These may include non-GCIS graduate-level courses with
approval of the department chair.
Students who successfully complete the GCIS799 course may
waive one elective.
Professional Quality Modules (3 Credits): Three courses
GCIS 601 Professional Quality Module: Communication
GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research
GCIS 603 Professional Quality Module: Professional Development
Independent Project or Thesis: (3-6 Credits):
GCIS 698 Directed Research
GCIS 698 and GCIS 699 — Directed Research
GCIS 799 Thesis
PROFESSIONAL TRACK
Gannon runs a two-year work-study program with local industry in
Erie. The objective of the professional track is to present an academic
program combined with application training on actual industrial
problems to give students a targeted education, complemented by
hands-on, real-world development exposure. Students are selected
for this track based on academic background, leadership skills, and
communication skills. The student is assigned a Gannon professor
as a mentor while working at the industrial site. The mentor advises
the student on his academic work and guides the student on industrial
projects. The projects are carefully chosen to reinforce classroom
work and to develop the students into outstanding professionals.
In addition to the mentorship in technical areas, the professor also
mentors the student in leadership skills, work and personal ethics,
and communication skills that are needed in the industrial workplace.
This track requires that the student work on these projects halftime
during the school year and full-time during the summer. The
students receive full tuition and a yearly stipend for their work.
Students need to apply and be accepted separately for this program.
The number of students in this track is dependent on availability of
industrial sponsorship.
CO-OP TRACK
The objective of the co-op track is to present an academic program
combined with application training on actual industrial problems
in computing and systems environments. This track is designed to
give students a targeted education on real-world problems. Students
may join this program after completing sufficient coursework to be
successful in an industrial environment, and receiving approved
industrial sponsorship. International students must meet INS
eligibility requirements.
Students accepted to the co-op track are assigned a Gannon
professor as a mentor, and must take either the Graduate Professional
Experience (GENG700-series) course or GCIS 601 or GCIS 603.
During each semester in which they are enrolled in the co-cp track,
students must be enrolled in one of GENG 700-2 or GCIS 601 or
GCIS 603.
Students must complete 30 credits of graduate course work beyond
their foundations-series coursework in addition to their Graduate
Professional Experience courses. Students must maintain a
cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 for the duration of
their master's degree program, and fulfill all other requirements
for their degree.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
500 SERIES
GCIS 501 Advanced Programming
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 562 or GCIS563
This course is an introduction to Java programming language
for large-scale software development. This course will cover
the basics of Java programming, object oriented programming
concept, graphical user interface using Swing, exception handling,
multithreading, JDBC, networking, applets and servlets. Basic
object-oriented design principles using UML diagrams as well as
design patterns will be introduced to facilitate large scale software
development.
GCIS 502 Advanced Web Design
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 562 or GCIS563 or GCIS 501 or GCIS 506
This course provides the theory and practical application of
fundamental web design principles. The course will focus on
user-centered design techniques. Topics include how to design a
web site: to translate user goals into effective website design, how
to apply User Interface Design patterns, and how those patterns
can be applied to a design to accomplish the goals of the website.
Advanced topics.
GCIS503 Artistic Web Design
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 562 or GCIS563 or GCIS 501 or GCIS 506
Artistic design is a critical component in developing a successful
web application. Students will learn how to generate attractive web
contexts with text, graphics, sound, animation, and video. This
course examines all parts of the multimedia software development
process and provides hands-on experience with the use of multimedia
software authoring tools.
GCIS 504 Requirements Engineering
3 Credits, Fall
Focuses on the requirements engineering process from initial
requirements elicitation through to requirements validation for
systems engineering. The course includes specific techniques for
the analysis, modeling, validation, and management of requirements
for engineering projects, and is applicable to software, mechanical,
electrical, process and other types of engineering projects. Topics
include requirements processes, documents, elicitation, analysis,
management, modeling, viewpoint analysis, non-functional
requirements, advanced topics.
GCIS 506 Personal Software Process
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 564 or GENG585
The Personal Software Process (PSP) is a process-based method
of software engineering used in the development of large-scale
projects. Based on the software quality management techniques
of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) framework. Defect
management, design and code review design templates, and
process analysis used. The student progresses through a sequence
of software processes developing the awareness for repeatable,
quality-based development.
GCIS 511 Advanced Database Management Systems
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 565
Introduction to the theory and practice of database management
systems. Use of the entity-relationship approach as a modeling tool.
Topics include the relational model, database design, normalization,
SQL, concurrent control and recovery techniques, Oracle database
administration, and web front-end development for Oracle.
GCIS 512 Object-Oriented Modeling
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 504 or 566 or 567 or GENG580 or permission
of instructor
An advanced treatment of methods for producing a software
design, and the testing of that design and ensuing code. Focus is
on object-oriented design methods, black-box (functional) testing
techniques, includes treatment of the developing unified modeling
language (UML) techniques and their application to software
development.
GCIS 515 Software Testing & Quality Assurance
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 567
This course is concerned with understanding the role of quality
assurance in the software development cycle, and applying these
techniques to software products. Course topics include test design
methods, test planning, automated test support, quality measurement
and quality tracking techniques.
GCIS 518 Software Architecture
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 567 and (GCIS 563 or GCIS 501)
This course is concerned with the issues, techniques, strategies,
representations and patterns used to implement a component or
large-scale system. Specifically, it focuses on defining architectures
that conform to functional requirements and work within defined
constraints including resource, performance, reliability, and
security.
GCIS 526 Formal Methods in Software Development
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: MATH 223 (Discrete Math II) or equivalent
Focusing on the issues and techniques needed to apply formal
specification methods to the development of software, the course
uses mathematical and logical formalism to develop a precise
statement of what software is to do.
GCIS 531 Distributed Programming
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 501 or equivalent
An introduction to the fundamental techniques and tools used to
develop programs that rely on interprocess communication. Topics
include TCP/IP, client-server paradigm, daemon programs, client
socket calls, server socket calls, concurrent vs. iterative servers,
connectionless and connection-oriented server paradigms.
GCIS 532 Digital Imaging and Applications
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 564
In this course, the digital imaging process, from light and image
formation to image processing to display systems is explored.
This course examines how digital images (and video) are created,
stored, compressed, transmitted, displayed, processed, and used
in applications such as communications, entertainment, human computer
interaction, medicine, meteorology, and space exploration.
Fundamental image processing algorithms are implemented in the
context of real-world situations.
GCIS 535 Computer Graphics
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 532 or instructor consent
An introduction to the fundamental techniques used in computer
graphics using OpenGL to draw various primitives such as polylines
and polygons, and for using mouse and keyboard in an interactive
graphics application. The central notion of window-to-viewport
mapping for sizing and positioning pictures on the display,
zooming, panning, and tiling to achieve interesting visual effects
are discussed. The underlying theory of transforming figures and
coordinate systems using affine transformations in both 2D and 3D
are discussed in detail.
GCIS 546 Managing Information Organizations
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisites: GCIS 566 or GCIS 567
Introduces theories and techniques of information science and
management to information enterprises, concentrating on how the
structure and dynamics of the environment influences the behavior
of the enterprise. Aspects of organizational structure, knowledge
management, decision making, planning, control, political processes,
leadership, communication, and human resources are examined in
light of the theories.
GCIS 555 Dynamic Web Development
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisites: (GCIS 562 or GCIS 563) and GCIS 565
This course is concerned with the development of database systems
and their application in multi-tiered systems. The student develops
desktop and web-based database applications. Typical coverage
includes event-driven programming.
56x FOUNDATION SERIES
Foundation series courses may not serve as elective courses to
satisfy MS graduation requirements.
GCIS 561Computer Networking
3 Credits, Fall
This course is designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals
of network technology. The student will learn how to identify the
different types of networks and to implement and support the major
networking components including the server, operating system, and
clients. Different types of media used in network communications
will be explained. Students will learn how to use these media to
connect clients to the network. Networking standards, protocols,
and access methods will be introduced in order to create appropriate
networks for a given environment
GCIS 562 Object-Oriented Problem Solving in C++
3 Credits, Fall
The course is aimed at developing advanced object-oriented
programming skills. Assuming a background in the basic syntax
of C++, full-fl edged abstract data type implementation and object
oriented programming style are developed.
GCIS 563 Object-Oriented Programming in Java
3 Credits, Spring
This course covers the application of object-oriented programming
to software development which includes the general topics of
encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Topics also include
GUI objects, event-driven programming, and exception handling.
Basic object-oriented design principles using UML diagrams will
be introduced to facilitate large scale software development.
GCIS 564 Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisites: GCIS 562 or GCIS 563
An in-depth programming-based study of data structures and of
algorithms for their manipulation. Arrays, tables, stacks, queues,
trees, linked lists, sorting, searching and hashing are topics
considered.
GCIS 565 Database Management Systems
3 Credits, Fall
A skills-building course in the fundamentals of database design,
creation, and operations. Course topics include the ability to create
a project-based database and its associated queries.
GCIS 566 Systems Analysis and Design
3 Credits, Fall
An introduction to the role and responsibilities of a systems analyst.
Students examine systems by analysis, modeling, and design at the
enterprise, process, logical, data, and technology levels. Optionally
included topics are feasibility analysis, technology evaluation,
project management, object-oriented analysis.
GCIS 567 Software Engineering in UML
3 Credits, Fall
An advanced treatment of methods for producing a software design,
and the testing of that design and ensuing code. Focus is on object oriented
analysis and design methods, black-box (functional)
testing techniques. Includes treatment of the developing Unified
Modeling Language (UML) techniques and its application to
software development.
GCIS 584 Administration of Internet Services
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisites: GCIS 561 or equivalent
This course focuses on the configuration of networks for internet
services, and how to deploy and maintain internet servers on
multiple platforms. The course includes extensive laboratory work to
support the installation and configuration of hardware and software
to support networking, servers, and security for internet services,
particularly on Windows and UNIX platforms. Includes discussion
of the ramifications of internet service technologies.
GCIS 585 Network Design and Management
2 Credits, Fall
Prerequisites: GCIS 561
Corequisite: GCIS 586
This is an advanced network design course covering contemporary
network computing, including data, voice, multimedia, LAN, WAN
and intranets. This course will include detailed discussions of the
various hardware and software components that make up these
networks and the companion laboratory course will provide hands on
experience. Network analysis will be incorporated to monitor
traffic flow and optimize overall network design.
GCIS 586 Network Design and Management Lab
1 Credit, Fall
Prerequisites: GCIS 561 or equivalent
Corequisite: GCIS 585
Focus is on the practical issues involved in setting-up, configuring,
and managing networks. Topics include configuration, measurement,
transport technologies and other topics.
Focuses on the practical issues involved in setting-up, configuring,
and managing networks. Topics include configuration, measurement,
transport technologies and other topics.
GCIS 590-595 Special Topics in CIS
3 Credits
Prerequisite: Specific prerequisites are topic-related
The course offers presentation of topics that are emerging as the
field of computer and information science changes. The objectives
and content reflect the interests of the faculty and the students
relative to the topic.
600 SERIES
GCIS 601 Professional Quality Module: Communication
1 Credit
One of three modules emphasizing skills necessary to perform
effectively and professionally, the communication module focuses
upon writing, listening, and presentation skills. Course activities
are related to required coursework and performance expectations
of the curriculum.
GCIS 602 Professional Quality Module: Research
1 Credit
Prerequisite: GCIS 601
One of three modules emphasizing skills necessary to perform
effectively and professionally, the research module focuses upon
posing a research question, gathering appropriate source materials,
analyzing the current status of related materials, planning a valid
study, defining project goals, and selecting research methods.
Course activities are related to required coursework and performance
expectations of the curriculum.
GCIS 603 Professional Quality Module: Professional Development
1 Credit
Prerequisite: GCIS 601
One of three modules emphasizing skills necessary to perform
effectively and professionally, the professional-development module
focuses upon corporate practices, ethical issues, and standard
interactions. Course activities are related to required coursework
and performance expectations of the curriculum.
GCIS 610 Software Tools and Environments
3 Credits
Prerequisite: GCIS 501 or GCIS 506
Focus is on the various tools for software development, application
environments and techniques in the UNIX operating system and
its environments. Topics include operating systems concepts,
standards, real-time programming, concurrency, software testing,
metrics, interprocess communication techniques, scripting,
compilers, interactive debugging.
GCIS 611 Software Project Management
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 504 or GCIS 512 or GCIS 510
This course provides an overview of software project management,
with a special emphasis on risk management, and its relationship
to software engineering (SE) practices for the development of
information systems. Specifically, it includes a review of SE
development practices, including requirements analysis, design
process, metrics, verification and validation, software maintenance,
and documentation. The course examines ethical practices in
software engineering and information systems development.
GCIS 612 Integrating Information Systems
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 504 or GCIS 512
Integrating information systems in organizations requires an
understanding of the infrastructure, the processes, and the
governance of the enterprise. Through a real-world analysis and
design project, students examine, document, and recommend the role
of information systems for producing cohesive business processes
and functional applications to meet business need. Current and
emerging issues of creating, coordinating, and managing the key
activities by the organization to build cohesive and strategically
responsive information systems are addressed.
GCIS 620 Theoretical Foundations in Computing
3 Credits, Fall
An introduction to the theory of computer science including formal
language theory, the concept of effectively computable procedures,
and computability theory. Topics include Turing machines, recursive
functions, Church's thesis, undecidability, and the halting problem.
Applications of these models to compiler design, algorithm
construction, and complexity theory will be presented.
GCIS 621 Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 501 or GCIS 506
Topics include knowledge representation, machine learning, general
problem solving, natural language processing, expert systems, neural
nets, and computer vision. A project in an area of the student's
choosing is required.
GCIS 622 Advanced Web Programming
Prerequisite: GCIS 502 and GCIS 584
3 Credits, Spring
This course provides knowledge of theory and techniques of web
programming. The course introduces students to a wide range of
topics in Internet and web programming technologies, including
scripting languages, development tools, content management tools
and n-tier architectures.
GCIS 625 Advanced Operating Systems
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 501
The course reviews the fundamental concepts of operating systems,
study three commercial operating systems (UNIX, Linux and
QNX) and cover the basics of distributed operating systems. The
fundamental concepts include process management, memory
management, fi le system, I/O management, networking and security.
The issues of integrating symmetrical multi-processor (SMP) with
traditional operating systems are discussed.
GCIS 635 Computer Vision
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 532
This course provides introductory but comprehensive coverage of
principles and techniques of computer vision, including radiometric
terminology, local shading models, camera models, linear filters,
multiview geometry, affine structure from motion, image —based
rendering, image segmentation and clustering, finding images
in digital libraries, model-based vision, texture modeling, and
deformable template matching. It also offers opportunities to
explore applications of computer vision techniques in solving real
world problems.
GCIS 638 Human Interface Design & Maintenance
3 Credits, Fall
Prerequisite: GCIS 562 or GCIS 563
This course deals with human-computer interaction (HCI) and
covers a wide range of topics, including software tools, usability
issues, direct manipulation, command and natural languages,
and multiple-window strategies. The course includes identifying
and assessing the issues surrounding the maintenance of code,
particularly in the context of HCI. Special emphasis is also given
to design and maintenance issues for web-enabled systems.
GCIS 644 Knowledge-Based Systems
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisite: GCIS 511
An introduction to advanced information systems combining a
database management system, model-based management system,
and dialog management system. Emphasis is placed on decision
support system requirements analysis and specification, the use
of alternative analytical methods, iterative design approaches for
realization of decision support systems and developing appropriate
integrated information systems architecture. Multidimensional
databases and data warehousing initiatives are presented as other
forms of knowledge-based systems.
GCIS 645 Intelligent Systems Technologies
3 Credits, Spring
Prerequisites: GCIS564 and GCIS 511
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of
intelligent systems. The essential data mining and knowledge
representation techniques used to extract intelligence from data
and experts include neural networks and genetic algorithms. This
course gives a broad understanding of these technologies, and
a methodology to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of
these technologies in the context of real-world problems. Students
demonstrate their understanding of intelligent systems technologies
in one or more applications.
GCIS 690-695 Special Topics in CIS
3 Credits
Prerequisite: Specific prerequisites are topic-related
The course offers presentation of topics that are emerging as the
field of computer and information science changes. The objectives
and content reflect the interests of the faculty and the students
relative to the topic.
GCIS 697 Directed Project
1 Credit
GCIS 698 Directed Research
3 Credits
Prerequisite: GCIS 602
This course tracks the completion of an independent project and
to pass a final oral examination covering the student's project area
and related subject areas. The content of the independent project
can be either
1) In-depth scholarship culminating in a publishable-quality
manuscript (hereafter referred to as a —research project') or
2) The study and development of a prototype-level application
culminating in a publishable-quality technical report (hereafter
referred to as a 'technical project').
The project content represents a researched and creative expression
of the student's advanced capability as a result of the graduate
program. The directed research project must be proposed and
approved prior to the commencement of the independent project
work.
GCIS 699 Directed Research
3 Credits
Co-requisite: GCIS 698
This course complements GCIS 698 for larger research projects
satisfying Option B of the Project Requirement. Taken as an
elective,
GENG 700-702 Graduate Professional Experience
1 Credit
Prerequisite: Discipline-specific industrial sponsorship
This course complements regular academic training with hands on,
real-world development exposure. Students are required to be
engaged in practical training during the course. International students
require Curricular Practical Training (CPT) approval. Topics include
issues facing engineering and computing professionals, trends in
the fields, job prospects, team and workplace behavior, project
leadership as well as reviews of speaking, listening, reading and
writing skills. These courses may not serve as elective courses to
satisfy MS graduation requirements.
GCIS 799 Thesis
3-6 Credits
Prerequisite: GCIS 602
This course tracks the completion of an independent research project
and to pass a final oral examination covering the student's project
area and related subject areas. The content of the independent, indepth
scholarship culminating in a publishable-quality manuscript
(hereafter referred to as a —research project').
This thesis work represents a researched and creative expression
of the student's advanced capability as a result of the graduate
program. The thesis must be proposed and approved prior to the
commencement of the independent project work. This may be taken
as a six-credit block, or as two 3-credit blocks.
| 