School of Computer and Information Sciences

SCHOOL OF COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

Dean: David L. Feinstein (251) 460-6390

Director, CIS Graduate Studies: R. J. Daigle

Coordinators: Daigle (ISC), Doran (CSC), Owen (ITE)

Professors: Daigle, Doran, Feinstein, Longenecker, Pardue

Associate Professors: Hain, Johnsten, Landry, Langan, Owen, Simmons, Sweeney

Assistant Professors: Moulton, Zhou

Senior Instructors: Chapman, McKinney

Instructors: Black, Clark, Johnson, Overstreet, Smith, Snow, Whitston

School of Computer and Information Sciences web site
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu

School of Computer and Information Systems Graduate Program

The School of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) provides a stimulating curriculum which includes a variety of courses for students in many disciplines, as well as for citizens in the business and industrial community.

MISSION STATEMENT

The School Mission Statement states:

The School of Computer and Information Sciences prepares graduates who are professionally competent, motivated to lifelong learning, and demonstrate ethical behavior in the computing sciences.

The School of Computer and Information Sciences provides an atmosphere for faculty to demonstrate research and teaching excellence.

The School of Computer and Information Sciences provides service in the computing sciences to our community and discipline.

CIS MAJORS

CIS majors must elect course work in one of three areas of specialization:

1.	Computer Science (CSC)
2.	Information Systems (ISC), or
3.	Information Technology (ITE)

A joint program with the College of Engineering leading to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (CpE) is also offered.

ACCREDITATION

The Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology programs are each accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700. For a quick understanding of what accreditation is and why an accredited program should be chosen, go to http://www.abet.org/why_choose.shtml. For in-depth information on accreditation, go to http://www.abet.org/the_basics.shtml.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The School of Computer and Information Sciences produces graduates who:

1. are skilled, competent, and contribute to the work force in their specialty and/or can continue their graduate education.

2. have identified and implemented a plan of continuous learning related to their career.

3. have assumed positions of leadership within their organization.

4. display continued high ethical standards within the community and profession.

LEARNING OUTCOMES OBJECTIVES OF ALL MAJORS IN THE SCHOOL OF CIS

As specified by the Computing Accreditation Criteria, for Accrediting Computing Programs. Appendix A, (see http://www.abet.org), the shared learning outcomes objectives for all programs in the School of CIS, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology programs, enables students to achieve, by the time of graduation:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline.

(b) An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.

(c) An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs.

(d) An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal.

(e) An understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities.

(f) An ability to communicate effectively.

(g) An ability to analyze the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society, including ethical, legal, security, and global policy issues.

(h) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in continuing professional development.

(i) An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.

COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC):

Computer Science is a discipline that involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes. In its most general form, it is concerned with the understanding of information transfer and transformation. Particular interest is placed on making processes efficient and endowing them with some form of intelligence. The discipline includes both advancing the fundamental understanding of algorithms and information processes in general, as well as the practical design of efficient, reliable software to meet given specifications. Courses offer students the opportunity to explore current trends in computing such as: game development, robotics, graphics, and data mining.

As specified by the Computing Accreditation Criteria, for Accrediting Computing Programs, Appendix A, (see http://www.abet.org), in addition to the shared learning outcomes objectives, the Computer Science program, also enables students to achieve, by the time of graduation:

(CSC-a) An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices

(CSC-b) An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ISC):

Computer-based information systems have become a critical part of products, services, and management of organizations. The Information Systems discipline centers on the development of systems that will improve the performance of people in organizations. Information systems are vital to problem identification, analysis, and decision making at all levels of management. Information Systems professionals must analyze the evolving role of information and organizational processes. Their work includes the design, implementation and maintenance of the information systems that form the backbone of today’s global economy. Information Systems professionals distinguish themselves by integrating technology into business. Information Systems graduates pursue professional careers as application developers, database analysts, business analysts and into managerial positions. The combination of business, technical, and interpersonal skills are what recruiters demand of Information Systems professionals.

As specified by the Computing Accreditation Criteria, for Accrediting Computing Programs, Appendix A, (see http://www.abet.org), in addition to the shared learning outcomes objectives, the Information Systems program, also enables students to achieve, by the time of graduation:

(ISC-a) An understanding of processes that support the delivery and management of information systems within a specific application environment.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (ITE):

Information technology professionals utilize state-of-the-art, computer-based tools to deliver today’s rapidly evolving computing technology to knowledge workers in widely diverse situations. The information technologist must be prepared to work in the complex network and World-Wide-Web environments to meet the needs of the end users in today’s organizations. These tasks require bringing solutions together using the different technologies developed by the computer engineers, computer scientists, and information scientists.

As specified by the Computing Accreditation Criteria, for Accrediting Computing Programs, Appendix A, (see http://www.abet.org), in addition to the shared learning outcomes objectives, the Information Technology program, also enables students to achieve by the time of graduation:

(ITE-a) An ability to use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies

(ITE-b) An ability to identify and analyze user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of computer-based systems

(ITE-c) An ability to effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment

(ITE-d) An understanding of best practices and standards and their application

(ITE-e) An ability to assist in the creation of an effective project plan.

ADMISSION TO THE DEGREE PROGRAM AND COURSES

Admission to the University of South Alabama constitutes admission to the School.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

Candidates for this degree must complete one of the three specializations: Computer Science, Information Systems, or Information Technology. Under special circumstances, and with approval of the Dean, a student may select a unique specialization in which the general Philosophy and requirements of the program are not violated.

All undergraduate students in the School of Computer and Information Sciences must comply with the University's general education requirements, see Academic Policies and Procedures. Although these requirements are not specifically organized according to the four general education areas, each of the specializations, Computer Science, Information Systems, and Information Technology, incorporates the general education requirements within the published programs.

In addition to an overall grade-point average of 2.0, all courses in the major, including Professional Component courses and prerequisites, must be passed with a minimum grade of “C.” Any course taken at the University of South Alabama with a grade of “D” or “F” may be retaken only at the University of South Alabama.

Any courses taken at another institution to meet degree requirements must have prior approval of the School of Computer and Information Sciences Dean. Failure to obtain prior approval may result in loss of transfer credit for the course work.

LAPTOP OWNERSHIP POLICY

All students enrolling in any undergraduate or graduate courses offered by the School of CIS except for CIS 100, CIS 101, CIS 110, CIS 150, CIS 175, CIS 210, CIS 211, CIS 227, CIS 250 and CIS 500, are required to own a personal laptop computer system that conforms to the current School minimum published standards. This is a one-student one-machine requirement. Students must register their laptops with the School of Computer and Information Sciences Office in FCW 20 during the first week of the semester. For more information consult Laptop Policy at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students must complete at least eighteen (18) credit hours of work at the 300-level or above at this University, in courses in their specialization. All undergraduate transfer students are required to take CIS 100, Information Technology in Society.

FIVE-YEAR COMBINED BACHELORS AND MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMS

Qualified students may enroll in a program that results in both a bachelors degree and a masters degree. Students in this program will normally complete the B.S. degree in four (4) years and complete the M.S. Degree in one (1) additional calendar year. Admission to the program is competitive. Students must apply in the second semester of their junior year. Minimum requirements are a 3.25 GPA and a composite score of 1100 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with neither score below 400. Financial aid is available to students admitted to the program.

CHOICE OF CATALOGUE UNDER WHICH A STUDENT GRADUATES

Students entering the CIS program may choose any catalogue from their entry date to their time of graduation. This applies for entering freshmen and transfer students. Students at the University of South Alabama changing their specialization in CIS, changing their major to CIS or who interrupt their program for more than one calendar year are considered new students with respect to catalogue selection.

PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT

Upper division courses require Professional Component Standing (PCS). These courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” and are designated by the symbol PC for each specialization.

PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

A proficiency examination is administered by the School of Computer and Information Sciences for placement in 250.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPUTER SCIENCE SPECIALIZATION (CSC)

COMMUNICATION - Twelve (12) credit hours are required as follows:

101

*English Composition I

102

English Composition II

275

Small Group Communications And

372

Technical Writing

THE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES - Fifteen (15) credit hours are required consisting of:

one course (3 semester hours) from ARS 101, DRA 110, MUL 101, ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123, ARH 240 or ARH 242,

one course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236 And

two additional courses (6 semester hours) from Art, Drama, Foreign Languages, Music, Philosophy and Literature,

And

PC CA 110 Public Speaking.

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - Twelve (12) credit hours are required from the consisting of:

one course from HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, or HY 136

And

three additional courses (9 semester hours) from the following approved areas: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE NATURAL SCIENCES - Sixteen (16) credit hours of natural sciences, which must include laboratory experiences, are required. Complete one of the following sequences:

A.	PH	201, 201L	Cal-Based Physics I and
	PH	202, 202L	Cal-Based Physics II
B.	CH	131, 131L	Chemistry I and
	CH	132, 132L	Chemistry II
C.	GY	111, 111L	Geology I and
	GY	112, 112L	Geology II
D.	BLY	121, 121L	Biology I and
	BLY	122, 122L	Biology II
	AND
Eight (8) credit hours of any approved natural science courses and the associated laboratory experience.

MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS’

Seventeen (17) credit hours are required as follows:

125

Calculus I

126

Calculus II

267

Discrete Math

367

Combinatorial Enumeration, and

315

Statistics

Three (3) additional hours from the approved math minor courses.

CORE COURSES - Forty-one (41) credit hours are required as follows:

CIS

100

Information Technology in Society

CIS

101

Freshman Seminar - CIS

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

CIS

230

Adv Data and File Structures

CSC

228

Digital Logic and Comp Architecture

CSC

311

Networking and Communications

CIS

322

Operating Systems

CSC

324

Database Concepts

CSC

331

Software Engineering Principles (W)

CSC

320

Computer Organization and Architecture

CSC

333

Program Language Theory

CSC

432

Perform Eval of Algorithms

And

CIS

497

Senior Project (W)

CIS ELECTIVES - Twelve (12) credit hours are required. Select any four (4) of the following courses:

CSC 410

Compiler Design & Const

CSC

411

Comm & Network Analysis

CSC

412

Real-Time Systems

CSC

413

Computer Graphics

CSC

414

Modeling and Simulation

CSC

415

Numerical Analysis

CSC

433

Artificial intelligence

CSC

434

Formal Language and Automata Theory

CIS

439

Windows Programming

ITE

474

Human Computer Interface

GENERAL STUDIES ELECTIVES - Hours as needed to meet degree and 128 semester - hour requirement. All General Studies Electives must be approved by the Computer Science Coordinator.

SUGGESTED FRESHMAN COURSES

Computer Science Specialization
Fall		Spring
CIS	100	CA	110
CIS	101	CIS	121
CIS	120	MA	125
MA	267	EH	102
EH	101*	FPA&H Elective
CA	275
*Students with a sufficient ACT/SAT score in English Composition will not be required to take EH 101.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INFORMATION SYSTEMS SPECIALIZATION (ISC)

COMMUNICATION - Twelve (12) credit hours are required as follows:

101

*English Composition I

102

English Composition II

275

Small Group Communications

And

372

Technical Writing

THE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES - Twelve (12) credit hours are required consisting of:

one course (3 semester hours) from ARS 101, DRA 110, MUL 101, ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123, ARH 240 or ARH 242,

one course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, or EH 236,

one additional course (3 semester hours) from Art, Drama, Foreign Languages, Music, Philosophy and Literature.

And

PC CA 110 Public Speaking.

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - Twelve (12) credit hours are required consisting of:

one course from HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, or HY 136

two additional courses (6 semester hours) from the following approved areas: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

And

PC EC 215 Principles of Microeconomics.

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE NATURAL SCIENCES - Eight (8) credit hours of natural sciences, which must include laboratory experiences, are required from approved areas: Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, and Geography 101 and 101L, Geography 102 and 102L.

MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS - Nine (9) credit hours are required as follows:

one course from

120

Calculus and Its Applications

And

one course from

210

Statistical Reasoning

BUS

245

Applied Business Statistics I

And

one course from

BUS

255

Applied Business Statistics II

310

Statistical Research Techniques

340

Design and Analysis of Experiments

INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENVIRONMENT - Fifteen (15) credit hours are required as follows:

ACC

211

Accounting Principles I

ECO

215

Principles of Microeconomics

MGT

300

Management Theory & Practice

MGT

340

Organizational Behavior

And

MKT

320

Principles of Marketing

CORE COURSES -Forty-seven (47) credit hours are required as follows:

CIS

100

Information Technology in Society

CIS

101

Freshman Seminar - CIS

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

ISC

245

Info Systems in Organizations

ITE

272

Introduction to Information Technology II

ITE

285

Scripting and Windows Programming

CIS

321

Data Communications and Networking

CIS

324

Database Design, Development, and Management

ITE

475

Information Technology Project Management

ISC

360

Info Systems Analysis and Design (W)

ISC

361

Database for Info Systems

ISC

362

Information Systems Object-oriented Analysis & Design

ISC

445

Information Systems Strategy and Policy

ITE

474

Human/Computer Interface

AND

CIS

497

Senior Project (W)

CIS ELECTIVES - Nine (9) credit hours of approved concentration electives are required. The following groups have been approved as concentration elective groups:

Group I:

Three (3) courses selected from:

ITE

382

Network Administration

ITE

384

Network Infrastructure

ITE

476

Network Security Management

ITE

484

Advanced Network Management

Group II:

Three (3) courses selected from:

ITE

370

Advanced Application Development

ITE

472

Advanced Data Management

ISC

457

Data Warehousing & Decision Support

ISC

463

Info Systems DBA and Security

Group III:

Three (3) courses selected from:

ITE

375

Publishing for the World Wide Web

ITE

380

Multimedia Production

ITE

453

Web Site Management

ITE

482

ITE E-Commerce Systems

GENERAL STUDIES ELECTIVES - Hours as needed to meet degree and 128-semester-hour requirements. All General Studies Electives must be approved by the Information Systems Coordinator.

SUGGESTED FRESHMAN COURSES
Information Systems Specialization
Fall		Spring
CIS	100	CA	275
CIS	101	ISC	245
CIS	120	CIS	121
EH	101*	EH	102
MA	120	ACC	211
CA	110
*Students with a sufficient ACT/SAT score in English Composition will not be required to take EH 101.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIZATION (ITE)

COMMUNICATION - Twelve (12) credit hours are required as follows:

101

*English Composition I

102

English Composition II

110

Public Speaking

275

Small Group Discussion

And

372

Technical Writing

THE FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AND THE HUMANITIES - Eighteen (18) credit hours are required consisting of:

one course (3 semester hours) from ARS 101, DRA 110, MUL 101, ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123, ARH 240 or ARH 242,

one course from EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, or EH 236,

two additional courses (6 semester hours) from Art, Drama, Foreign Languages, Music, Philosophy and Literature,

CA 110 Public Speaking

And

PHL 121 Introduction to Logic

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE SOCIAL SCIENCES - Twelve (12) credit hours are required consisting of:

one course from HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, or HY 136

And

three additional courses (9 semester hours) from the following approved areas: Anthropology, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.

Two courses in the SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES must be either a Literature sequence from (EH 215-216, EH 225-226, EH 235-236) OR a History sequence from (HY 101-102, HY 135-136).

THE NATURAL SCIENCES - Eight (8) credit hours of natural sciences, which must include laboratory experiences, are required.

Complete one of the following sequences:

PH 114, 114L Non-Calculus-Based Physics I, and

PH 115, 115L Non-Calculus-Based Physics II

PH 201, 201L Calculus-Based Physics I, and

PH 202, 202L Calculus-Based Physics II

BLY 101, 101L Life Science I and

BLY 102, 102L Life Science II

BLY 121, 121L General Biology I and

BLY 122, 122L General Biology II

CH 131, 131L General Chemistry I, and

CH 132, 132L General Chemistry II

GY 111, 111L Earth Materials and

GY 112, 112L Earth History

GEO 101, 101L Atmospheric Processes and

GEO 102, 102L Landscape Processes and Patterns

MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS - Nine (9) credit hours are required as follows:

one course from

120

Calculus and Its Applications

And

one course from

210

Statistical Reasoning

BUS

245

Applied Business Statistics I

And

one course from

BUS

255

Applied Business Statistics II

310

Statistical Research Techniques

340

Design and Analysis of Experiments

CORE COURSES - Forty-seven (47) credit hours are required as follows:

CIS

100

Information Technology in Society

CIS

101

Freshman Seminar - CIS

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

CIS

321

Data Communications

CIS

324

Database Design, Development, & Management

CIS

497

Senior Project (W)

ITE

271

Intro to Information Tech I

ITE

272

Intro to Information Tech II

ITE

285

Scripting and Windows Prog

ITE

370

Advanced Application Dev

ITE

382

Network Administration

ITE

474

Human Computer Interface

ITE

475

IT Project Management

ITE

480

Needs Assessment and Technology Evaluation (W)

And

ITE

485

Senior Demonstration Project

ITE ELECTIVES - Eighteen (18) credit hours are required. Students complete one of the following Focus Tracks consisting of nine (9) hours of specified courses and nine (9) hours of approved specialization support electives:

Data Management:

ISC

457

Data Warehousing & Decision Support

ISC

463

Info Systems DBA & Security

ITE

472

Advanced Data Management

Web Publishing:

ITE

375

Publishing for the World Wide Web

ITE

453

Web Site Management

ITE

380

Multimedia Production

Networking:

ITE

384

Network Infrastructure Systems

ITE

476

Network Security Management

ITE

484

Advanced Network Management

Specialization Support Electives - Nine (9) credit hours are required. Support electives are designed to further refine and develop a set of focused skills. Support electives generally add the following types of skills to the focus track: communications, e-commerce, or business. Support electives require approval of advisor/ coordinator.

GENERAL STUDIES ELECTIVES - Hours as needed to meet degree and 128 semester-hour-requirements. All General Studies Electives must be approved by the Information Technology Coordinator.

SUGGESTED FRESHMAN COURSES
Information Technology Specialization
Fall		Spring
CIS	100	CA	110
CIS	101	CIS	121
CIS	120	PHL	121
EH	101*	EH	102
MA	120	PC Elective
PC Elective

* Students with a sufficient ACT/SAT score in English Composition will not be required to take EH 101.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

Students wishing to obtain a minor in CIS must complete one (1) of the following four (4) options with a minimum grade of "C" in each course.

Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) Option*

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

CIS

230

Adv Data & File Structures

CIS

322

Operating Systems

CSC

331

Software Engineering Principles

CIS

321

Data Communications and Networking

And

CIS

324

Database Design, Development, & Management

Information Technology (ITE) Option*

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

ITE

271

Intro to Information Technology I

ITE

285

Scripting & Windows Prog

CIS

321

Data Communications and Networking

CIS

324

Database Design, Development, & Management

And

ITE

272

Intro to Information Technology II

Information Systems (ISC) Option *

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

ISC

245

Info Systems in Organizations

ITE

285

Scripting & Windows Prog

CIS

321

Data Comm and Networking

CIS

324

Database Design, Development & Management

And

ISC

360

Info Systems Analysis and Design

Computer Science (CSC) Option*

CIS

120

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts I

CIS

121

Problem Solving and Prog Concepts II

CIS

230

Adv Data & File Structures

And 1 course from

CSC

228

Digital Logic and Computer Architecture

CSC

331

Software Engineering Principles

And 1 course from

CSC

311

Networking and Communications

CIS

321

Data Comm and Networking

And 2 courses from

CSC

320

Computer Organization and Architecture

CIS

322

Operating Systems

CSC

324

Database Concepts

CSC

333

Programming Language Theory (W)

*At least 9 hours of courses in the minor, including all 300 level courses, must be completed at the University of South Alabama.

**Students who do not have prior programming experience will be required to enroll in CIS 115.

GRADUATE

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES PROGRAM

The Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences degree program is designed for students and professionals wishing to further their knowledge and expertise in computing. There are two major areas of concentration within the degree program:

COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC) for students interested in the theoretical aspects of the discipline with an emphasis on the construction of system software or the development of scientific applications using software engineering principles.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ISC) for students interested in business and organizational applications and information systems management.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULAR AND PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

Students are admitted each semester. Applicants who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education and who satisfy the admission criteria for the Graduate School (See Graduate School, Categories of Admission) may qualify for admission to the School of Computer and Information Sciences Graduate Program.

Applicants whose highest degree is a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education may qualify for Regular Admission based upon their previous graduate work.
Applicants whose highest degree is an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education must provide official scores on the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections of the GRE in addition to the Graduate School requirements for Regular or Provisional Admission.

Final admission decisions are made based upon an evaluation of the applicant's complete file which consists of all official academic transcripts, undergraduate grade-point average; GRE scores; three (3) letters of reference regarding the applicant's ability to succeed in the Master of Science program in Computer and Information Sciences; professional experience; the applicant's statement of purpose; TOEFL scores (for international applicants); and program enrollment and availability.

NON-DEGREE ADMISSION

The School of CIS does not accept Non-Degree admissions to the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences.

LAPTOP OWNERSHIP POLICY

All students enrolling in any undergraduate or graduate courses offered by the School of CIS, except CIS 100, CIS 101, CIS 110, CIS 150, CIS 175, CIS 210, CIS 211, CIS 227, CIS 250, and CIS 500, are required to own a personal laptop computer system that conforms to the current School minimum published standards. This is a one-student one-machine requirement. Students must register their laptops with the School of Computer and Information Sciences Office in FCW 20 during the first week of the semester. For more information consult Laptop Policy at www.cis.usouthal.edu.

CIS GRADUATE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT

All CIS graduate courses require CIS Graduate Professional Component Standing. Upon entering the School of Computer and Information Sciences Graduate Program, the student meets with the coordinator of the student's specialization area (CSC or ISC) to prepare an initial draft of the student's personal program of study. To obtain a greater understanding of acquired computing skills and knowledge, the School of CIS may administer a CIS Foundation Placement Examination to students entering the School of CIS graduate program. The specialization coordinator reviews the student's previous academic work to see if any courses from the CIS Graduate Foundation or the Required/Supporting courses are to be included as part of the student's personal program of study. These prescribed courses form the CIS Graduate Professional Component requirement for the student. A student attains CIS Graduate Professional Component Standing if either a) the student is not prescribed Professional Component courses or b) the student successfully completes each prescribed Professional Component course with a minimum grade of "B". A student who earns a grade of less than "B" in any prescribed Professional Component course must repeat the course until a minimum grade of "B" is attained. Grades earned in prescribed Professional Component courses are used in determining probation or dismissal from the School of CIS graduate program. The CIS Foundation and Requirement/Supporting Courses (undergraduate equivalents are listed in parenthesis) for each specialization are enumerated below:

CIS GRADUATE FOUNDATION COURSES:

Courses common to Computer Science (CSC) and Information Systems (ISC) Specializations

Three (3) CIS Foundation courses common to both CSC and ISC specializations are as follows:

CIS

501

Accelerated Programming

(CIS

120)

(Problem Solving and Programming Concepts I) And

(CIS

121)

(Problem Solving and Programming Concepts II)

CIS

321

Data Communications and Networking

CIS

507

Database Programming

(CIS

324)

(Database Design, Development, and Management)

Computer Science (CSC)

Three (3) additional CIS Foundation courses for the CSC specialization are:

CIS

322

Operating Systems

CIS

503

Accelerated Data and File Structures

(CIS

230)

(Advanced Data and File Structures)

CSC

333

Program Language Theory

Information Systems (ISC)

Three (3) additional CIS Foundation courses for the ISC specialization are:

ITE

285

Scripting and Windows Programming

ITE

272

Introduction to Information Technology II

CIS

506

IS in Organizations

REQUIRED SUPPORTING COURSES:

The supporting courses required for each specialization area are as follows:

COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC)

125

Calculus I

126

Calculus II

267

Discrete Math

And

315

Statistics

INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ISC)

267

Discrete Mathematics

120

Calculus and Its Applications

MGT

340

Organizational Behavior

MGT

497

MBA Statistical Analysis

And

One additional approved Business/Management course

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS’ SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

International students must submit documentary evidence showing TOEFL test scores of at least 525 or an equivalent level of competence as exhibited by a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the United States. All international students will be required to take the ESL (English as a Second Language) examination and may be required to enroll in ESL courses as part of their graduate program in addition to the normal requirements for the degree listed below.

CHOICE OF BULLETIN UNDER WHICH A STUDENT GRADUATES

Students entering the CIS program may choose any bulletin from their entry date to their time of graduation. This applies for new students and transfer students. Students at the University of South Alabama changing their graduate specialization in CIS, changing their major to CIS, or who interrupt their program for more than one calendar year are considered new students with respect to bulletin selection.

COURSES TAKEN OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL OF COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES

No more than three graduate courses, maximum of nine (9) semester hours taken outside of the School of Computer and Information Sciences may be applied toward the degree. Only grades of “A” or “B” may be accepted. Transfer credit is approved only after completion of a minimum of nine (9) semester hours of graduate credit towards the degree. Any such transfer courses must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies for Computer and Information Sciences and the student’s advisor and may not have been used to fulfill the requirements of another graduate degree.

SCHEDULING OF COURSES

The graduate program for CIS is primarily an evening program. The courses are scheduled to accommodate full-time students (normally two or three courses per semester) and part-time students (one course per semester). Special topics, directed study, and thesis courses are available as they are needed.

TIME LIMITATION

All requirements for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences degree must be completed within five (5) calendar years from the date of matriculation as a CIS graduate student. The five calendar year constraint also applies to all accepted transfer courses.

GRADUATE RESEARCH SEMINAR

The CIS Graduate Research Seminar is scheduled periodically during each semester as a forum for students and faculty to present and discuss research issues, ideas, and results. Attendance is expected of all graduate students. Attendance is required for students enrolled in any of these special courses: CIS 518, CIS 594, CIS 595, CSC 595, ISC 595, CIS 598, CSC 598, ISC 598, and CIS 599. Moreover students enrolled in these special courses are required to give a presentation each semester based on their work in the course in which they are enrolled.

PROFESSIONAL PARTICIPATION

Master’s students are expected to take an active part in at least one (1) professional computing organization. They are expected to be aware of the social impact of computing and adhere to the ACM/AITP code of ethics. For more information consult Current Student Information, Websites of Interest at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and are awarded on the recommendation of the School of Computer and Information Sciences. Applications can be obtained from the School of Computer and Information Sciences Office in FCW 20.

All graduate assistants must enroll in CIS 597, Computer and Information Sciences Graduate Seminar.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

All CIS masters students must complete a comprehensive examination for the CORE courses in their Specialization (Computer Science or Information Systems). The comprehensive examination may be repeated no more than twice. A written examination is required of students who choose the Course Only Concentration, an oral examination is required of students who complete either the Thesis Concentration or the Project Concentration. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

GRADUATE SCHOOL STANDARDS

For all other graduate policies and procedures not specifically supplemented for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences degree program, refer to The Graduate School. Some policies and procedures that may be of interest are: Graduate Study for Advanced Undergraduates, Graduate School Academic Standards, Grade Standards, Change of Grade, Academic Dismissal, Final Grade Grievance Policy, Appeal Procedure, English Language Proficiency, Full Load of Course Work in a Semester, Change of Program, Student Responsibility, Degree Requirements for the Master’s Degree, Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations, Standards for Theses and Dissertations, and Application for Degree.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS DEGREE WITH COMPUTER SCIENCE (CSC) SPECIALIZATION

Students must satisfactorily complete any prescribed CIS Graduate Professional Component courses, a comprehensive examination, and thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours for the Master of Science degree with Computer Science specialization. The thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours consist of twelve (12) hours of CORE courses, three (3) semester hours of REQUIRED courses, and twenty-one (21) semester hours of approved elective courses according to the selected concentration option as follows:

CORE COURSES (12 semester hours):

All core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “B”.

CSC

520

Computer Architecture

CSC

522

Performance Evaluation of Algorithms

CSC

525

Complexity Theory

And

CSC

527

Software Engineering Principles

REQUIRED COURSES (3 semester hours):

CIS

518

CIS Research Methodologies

CONCENTRATIONS (21 semester hours):

THESIS CONCENTRATION

Acceptance to the THESIS CONCENTRATION may occur after successfully completing each Computer Science core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". Students must enroll in CIS 595 (Computer and Information Sciences Research Development) in the semester during which they defend their thesis prospectus. The thesis will normally be completed in one semester while enrolled in CIS 599 (Computer and Information Sciences Thesis). Students must enroll in CIS 599 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their thesis. A grade of "C" in CIS 595 will result in dismissal from the THESIS CONCENTRATION to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the THESIS CONCENTRATION. Thesis/project dissertation guidelines and forms are available at the University of South Alabama Graduate School web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/graduateprograms/forms.html.

Research Development

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CIS 595, Computer and Information Sciences Research Development, may be applied towards the degree.

Thesis

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CIS 599, Computer and Information Sciences Thesis, may be applied towards the degree.

Elective Course Work

A minimum of twelve (12) and a maximum of fifteen (15) semester hours of approved electives. A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science elective courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given in this section.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the Thesis Concentration must pass an oral comprehensive examination administered after the thesis committee accepts the thesis. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

PROJECT CONCENTRATION

Acceptance to the PROJECT CONCENTRATION may occur after successfully completing each Computer Science core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". A required defense of the project proposal is normally made in the semester following completion of CIS 518. Students must enroll in CSC 595, Computer Science Project Proposal Development, in the semester during which they defend their project proposal. The project will normally be completed in one semester while enrolled in CSC 598, Computer Science Project. Students must enroll in CSC 598 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their project. A grade of "C" in CSC 595 will result in the dismissal from the PROJECT CONCENTRATION to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the PROJECT CONCENTRATION. Thesis/project dissertation guidelines and forms are available at the University of South Alabama Graduate School web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/graduateprograms/forms.html.

Project Proposal Development

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CSC 595, Computer Science Project Proposal Development, may be applied towards the degree.

Project

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CSC 598, Computer Science Project, may be applied towards the degree.

Elective Course Work

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the Project Concentration must pass an oral comprehensive examination administered after the project committee accepts the project. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION

Computer Science students who do not choose the THESIS CONCENTRATION or the PROJECT CONCENTRATION are assumed to be in the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. Acceptance to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION occurs after successfully completing each Computer Science core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C".

Elective Course Work

Twenty-one (21) semester hours of approved electives are required. A maximum of six (6) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. None of CSC 598, ISC 598, or CIS 599 may be applied to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science elective courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given in this section.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in this Concentration must pass a written comprehensive examination. Students should take the examination as soon as possible after successfully completing each Computer Science core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". Students wishing to sit for the examination must apply online to the Director of CIS Graduate Studies by the Friday of the last week of classes in the semester prior to which the examination is to be taken. The site for the online application may be found by following the Links for Students selection on the School of CIS web site, http://cis.usouthal.edu . The policy regarding the comprehensive examination is available in the CIS office. The comprehensive examination is offered at least once a year. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES

A list of Pre-Approved Computer Science elective courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given below. All other courses must be approved by the Computer Sciences Coordinator. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of non-CSC or non-CIS courses will be allowed.

PRE-APPROVED COMPUTER SCIENCE ELECTIVES

CSC

510

Compiler Design and Construction

CSC

511

Communications and Network Analysis

CSC

512

Real-Time Software Systems

CSC

513

Computer Graphics

CSC

514

Modeling and Simulation

CSC

515

Numerical Analysis

CSC

524

Computer Language Design

CSC

526

Database Structure and Design

CSC

532

Advanced Operating Systems

CSC

533

Artificial Intelligence and Heuristic Programming

ISC

559

Information Systems Applications Design and Implementation

ISC

561

Information Systems Database Management

ISC

571

Info Systems Data Warehousing and Decision Support

SPECIAL PERMISSION COURSES

Approval of the Computer Science Coordinator and the Director of the CIS Graduate Studies is required for CIS graduate faculty sponsorship of a Special Permission course. A maximum of three (3) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the THESIS CONCENTRATION or the PROJECT CONCENTRATION; a maximum of six (6) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION.

CIS

594

Directed Study

CIS

595

Computer Science Research Development

CSC

595

Computer Science Project Proposal Development

CIS

598

Computer and Information Sciences Project

CSC

598

Computer Science Project

CIS

599

Computer and Information Sciences Thesis

REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTERS DEGREE WITH INFORMATION SYSTEMS (ISC) SPECIALIZATION:

Students must satisfactorily complete any prescribed CIS Graduate Professional Component courses, a comprehensive examination, and thirty-six (36) graduate credit hours for the Master of Science degree with Information Systems specialization. The thirty-six (36) graduate hours consist of twelve (12) hours of CORE courses, twelve (12) hours of REQUIRED courses, and twelve (12) semester hours of approved elective courses according to the selected CONCENTRATION option as follows:

CORE COURSES (12 semester hours):

All core courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “B”.

ISC

551

Human/Computer Interface Design

ISC

560

Info Systems Analysis and Design

ISC

561

Info Systems Database Mgt

And

ISC

565

Info Systems Project and Change Mgt

REQUIRED COURSES (12 semester hours):

CIS

518

CIS Research Methodologies

ISC

545

Management Information Systems

ISC

559

Applications Design and Implementation

ISC

567

IS Function Integration

CONCENTRATIONS (12 semester hours):

THESIS CONCENTRATION

Acceptance to the THESIS CONCENTRATION may occur after successfully completing each Information Systems core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". Students must enroll in CIS 595 (Computer and Information Sciences Research Development) in the semester during which they defend their thesis prospectus. The thesis will normally be completed in one semester while enrolled in CIS 599 (Computer and Information Sciences Thesis). Students must enroll in CIS 599 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their thesis. A grade of "C" in CIS 595 will result in dismissal from the THESIS CONCENTRATION to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the THESIS CONCENTRATION.

Research Development

A minimum of three (3) and maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CIS 595, Computer and Information Sciences Research Development, may be applied towards the degree.

Thesis

A minimum of three (3) and maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of CIS 599, Computer and Information Sciences Thesis, may be applied towards the degree.

Elective Course Work

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours of approved electives are required. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the THESIS CONCENTRATION. A list of Pre-Approved Information Systems courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given in this section.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in the Thesis Concentration must pass an oral comprehensive examination administered after the thesis committee accepts the thesis. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

PROJECT CONCENTRATION

Acceptance to the PROJECT CONCENTRATION may occur after successfully completing each Information Systems core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". A required defense of the project proposal is normally made in the semester following completion of CIS 518. Students must enroll in ISC 595, Information Systems Project Proposal Development, in the semester during which they defend their project proposal. The project will normally be completed in one semester while enrolled in ISC 598, Information Systems Project. Students must enroll in ISC 598 in the semester during which they defend and/or submit their project. A grade of "C" in ISC 595 will result in dismissal from the PROJECT CONCENTRATION to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the PROJECT CONCENTRATION.

Project Proposal Development

A minimum of three (3) and maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of ISC 595, Information Systems Project Proposal Development, may be applied towards the degree.

Project

A minimum of three (3) and maximum of six (6) semester hours credit of ISC 598, Information Systems Project, may be applied towards the degree.

Elective Course Work

A minimum of three (3) and a maximum of six (6) semester hours of approved electives are required. A maximum of nine (9) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A list of Pre-Approved Information Systems courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given in this section.

Comprehensive Examination

COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION

Information Systems students who do not choose the THESIS CONCENTRATION or the PROJECT CONCENTRATION are assumed to be in the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. Acceptance to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION occurs after successfully completing each Information Systems core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C".

Elective Course Work

Twelve (12) semester hours of approved electives are required. A maximum of six (6) semester hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. None of the ISC 598, CSC 598, or CIS 599 may be applied to the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION. A list of Pre-Approved Information Systems courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given in this section. ISC 568 may be taken at most two (2) times for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION.

Comprehensive Examination

All students in this Concentration must pass a written examination. Students should take the examination as soon as possible after successfully completing each Information Systems core course with a minimum grade of "B" and CIS 518 with a grade of "C". Students wishing to sit for the examination must apply online to the Director of CIS Graduate Studies by the Friday of the last week of classes in the semester prior to which the examination is to be taken. The site for the online application may be found by following the Links for Students selection on the School of CIS web site, http://cis.usouthal.edu. The policy regarding the comprehensive examination is available in the CIS office. The comprehensive examination is offered at least once a year. The School of CIS Comprehensive Examination Policies and Procedures document and the Comprehensive Examination Application form are available at http://www.cis.usouthal.edu.

INFORMATION SYSTEM ELECTIVES

A list of Pre-Approved Information Systems elective courses and a list of Special Permission courses are given below. All other courses must be approved by the Information Systems Coordinator.

PRE-APPROVED INFORMATION SYSTEMS ELECTIVES

ISC

553

Information Systems Web Site Management

ISC

557

Modeling and Decision Support Systems

ISC

563

Information Systems Database Administration

ISC

568

IS Enterprise Integration (may be taken at most two (2) times - may ONLY be taken with the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION)

ISC

571

Information Systems Date Warehousing and Decision Support

CSC

511

Communications and Network Analysis

CSC

514

Modeling and Simulation

CSC

527

Software Engineering Principles

CSC

533

Artificial Intelligence and Heuristic Programming

SPECIAL PERMISSION COURSES

Approval of the Information Systems Coordinator and the Director of the CIS Graduate Studies is required for CIS graduate faculty sponsorship of a Special Permission Course. A maximum of three (3) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the THESIS CONCENTRATION or the PROJECT CONCENTRATION; a maximum of six (6) credit hours of Special Permission courses may be applied to the degree for the COURSE ONLY CONCENTRATION.

CIS

594

Directed Study

CIS

595

Computer Science Research Development

ISC

595

Information Systems Project Proposal Development

CIS

598

Computer and Information Sciences Project