2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

To qualify for the master’s degree, candidates must complete at least ten courses (as described below). A full-time course load is 3 courses per term.

Foundational Courses

These are courses normally taken by undergraduate computer science majors. Students may waive them by completing equivalent coursework at an accredited university (earning a minimum grade of "B") and demonstrating mastery of the material covered. The prerequisites for these foundational courses are a good working knowledge of calculus, at the level of MATH 165 and 166, and a rigorous course in programming (Java, C or C++), at the level of CMPSC 131.

• CMPSC M611 Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers or CMPSC M612 Discrete Mathematics
• CMPSC 601 Intermediate Programming
• CMPSC 603 Data Structures and Algorithms

Required Core Computer Science Courses (12 credits / 4 courses)

These courses are designed to provide the necessary depth of understanding in key areas of computer science. A student must complete four  of the following six courses.

• CMPSC 623 Analysis of Algorithms
• CMPSC 641 Advanced Databases
• CMPSC 633 Software Engineering
• CMPSC 665 Compilers
• CMPSC 667 Advanced Computer Architecture
• CMPSC 671 Networks 

Elective Computer Science Courses (18 credits / 6 courses)
These courses are intended to provide students with advanced knowledge, skills, and techniques in a variety of critical areas. The student must complete six courses, chosen in consultation with his or her academic advisor.  At least four of these six must be numbered 620 or higher; the other two may be courses numbered 604 or higher and taken at Suffolk.

Business Concentration
Students wishing to add a business component to their program can replace two of the Computer Science electives with two graduate courses from the Sawyer Business School. These courses must be approved by the Program Director. Including such courses is a good way to enter the market place with strength in technology and also some practical understanding of business realities.

Co-Ops and Financial Aid 
Graduate students are encouraged to explore various co-op opportunities after their first year of study. A well-prepared candidate taking a co-op assignment during the second year of study can earn the MSCS degree in four semesters. In addition, qualified graduate students can apply for CS teaching fellowships, research fellowships or work-study assignments in the CS labs or the Math/CS Support Center. A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are also available.