Catalog

Computer and Information Science

Dr. Eugen Radian
Chair
(650) 508-3472
eradian@ndnu.edu

Dr. John Youssefi
Program Director
(650) 508-3450
jyoussefi@ndnu.edu

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science. The Computer and Information Science major provides sound preparation for a career as a computer professional or for graduate study. It combines a comprehensive theoretical foundation with the pragmatic aspect of designing and implementing computer-based solutions to practical problems. The program also emphasizes the current trends in software engineering through an object-oriented approach and Internet/networking applications using Java, Perl, C++, and other Web-related software systems, tools, and technologies.

The major is available to both day and evening students. Qualified evening students may take intensive courses to satisfy their Core Curriculum requirements. Small classes facilitate easy interaction with faculty.

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Distinctions of NDNU’s Computer and Information Science Program

  • Prepares students to develop and manage software projects for business careers
  • Emphasis is on practical hands-on experience in project management, software systems, and Web-based applications.
  • Courses are offered in the evening and/or on weekends.
  • Computer Science Advisory Council provides connections with Bay Area companies.
  • Support with internships available to our students
  • All students participate in comprehensive research projects with mentoring by faculty.
  • Small classes facilitate close student-faculty interaction.
  • Ideal geographic location halfway between San Jose and San Francisco

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will develop the ability to conceptually formulate and analyze problems in computing and information processing using efficient algorithms, data structures, and mathematical tools to solve problems.
  • Students will gain knowledge from programming, scripting languages, operating systems, networking technologies, databases, and Web design programming with the purpose of mastering the field of study and engaging in lifelong learning.
  • Students will become team-oriented individuals who can communicate technical knowledge with others both through oral presentations and written documentation.
  • Students will gain the skills and knowledge to prepare them for fulfilling careers with a broad range within the industry or academia, technology-based entrepreneurship, postgraduate study in Computer Science, or other disciplines.
  • Students will engage and become complete well-rounded individuals serving the community, who will use original and critical thinking to find solutions to the real, social, and ethical issues that face today and tomorrow’s computer professionals.

Bachelor of Science: Computer and Information Science

Based on the student’s career needs, the Computer and Information Science major offers the following two emphases:

  • Software Engineering
  • Management Information Systems

Software Engineering (SE) Emphasis
The Software Engineering emphasis combines a comprehensive theoretical foundation with the pragmatic aspect of designing and implementing computer-based solutions to practical problems. Students will be exposed to more traditional Computer Science breadth and depth in conjunction with using a variety of tools and technologies in software engineering.

Management Information Systems (MIS) Emphasis
Management Information Systems focuses on developing quantitative, computing, managerial, and business skills. This emphasis is suitable for students interested in a computer-related career in a business environment and leads to a wide range of employment opportunities related to computer information and technology management.

Major Requirements Units
CIS1130      Foundations of Computer Science 4
CIS1130L Programming Laboratory 1
CIS1140 Data Structure and Abstraction   4
CIS2233  Database Management Systems    3
CIS2235  Computer Operating Systems and Unix Utilities   4
CIS2243  Computer Network and Network Programming   4
CIS2245 Software Engineering  3
CIS2277   Web Programming I - Client Side  3
CIS2278  Web Programming II - Server Side      3
CIS2341    Quality Assurance and Testing        3
CIS2885 Senior Project  3
MTH2419 Discrete Mathematics 4
     
Total Major Requirements 39

Emphasis 1: Software Engineering Units
     
MTH1320 Calculus I   4
MTH1321 Calculus II 4
MTH2522 Probability and Statistics   4
     
Select two from the following courses: 8
CIS1150 Computer Organization (4)  
CIS2211 Algorithms and Complexity (4)  
CIS2221 Programming Languages and Compiler (4)  
MTH2450 Linear Algebra (4)  
     
Select two from the following courses: 6
CIS2255 Computer Graphics  
CIS2261 Object-Oriented Design and Programming  
CIS2355 Mobile Device Programming  
CIS2886 Special Topics  
     
Total Emphasis Requirements 26

Emphasis 2: Management Information Systems Units
BUS1000 American Business: Foundations and Practices 3
BUS2000 Management Principles and Organizational Behavior 3
CIS2261 Object-Oriented Design and Programming 3
MTH1322 Applied Calculus 4
MTH2502 Statistics 3
MTH2502L Excel for Statistics 1
     
Select three from the following courses: 9
BUS2008 Legal Environment of Business  
BUS2032 Management Planning and Decision-Making  
BUS2300 Marketing Principles  
BUS2372 Business to Business Advertising in a Technology  
  Environment  
BUS2600 Operations and Information Technology Systems  
BUS2608 Telecommunications Management  
CIS2221 Programming Language and Compiler  
CIS2255 Computer Graphics  
CIS2355 Mobile Device Programming  
CIS2886 Special Topics in Computer Science  
     
Total Emphasis Requirements 26
Other Degree Requirements* and General Electives 59
*Other degree requirements include Core Curriculum Requirements and General Degree Requirements.
Total Degree Requirements 124

Master of Science in Computer and Information Science

Dr. John Youssefi
Program Director  
(650) 508-3450
jyoussefi@ndnu.edu

Dr. Eugen Radian
Chair – Mathematics & Computer Science Department
(650) 508-3472
eradian@ndnu.edu

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers an online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science. Designing, implementing, and testing a large-scale software program requires a diverse set of skills, both technical and managerial. The online MS in Computer and Information Science from Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) offers an innovative, cutting-edge curriculum that provides you with the theoretical knowledge as well as the hands-on skills you need to successfully develop and lead major software projects from conception to launch.
NDNU is the only institution in the San Francisco Bay Area to offer a master’s in Computer and Information Science entirely online. As a university located near Silicon Valley, the heart of the U.S. software industry and the center for high-tech innovation, we are able to take advantage of our proximity to events, developments, and experts to create a valuable and compelling program for our online students, no matter where they reside.

Distinctions of NDNU’s Online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science

At NDNU, we do more than tell you how the software-creation process works—we show you. The program’s comprehensive approach, which incorporates collaborative problem-solving and teamwork, simulates the way you will actually work within an organization. With intensive course work in software analysis and architecture, advanced object-oriented technology, and project management, you will build up your skills in design development, testing, and implementation and then apply them to a major project, gaining indispensable practical experience and insight.

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Learning Outcomes

The following learning outcomes are commensurate with academic rigor expectations for graduate education. Upon graduation, MSCIS students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate mastering a wide variety of computer science and information literacy concepts and software engineering in connection with different phases of software design and development (Concepts and Engineering)
  • Apply the software engineering concepts to define software processes for large-scale, real-world problems, including analyzing and specifying feature and performance requirements, creating software designs, and analyzing and estimating software process costs (Concept Application)
  • Implement innovative software designs using sound development practices and state-of-the-art software engineering techniques, methods, and tools (Design)
  • Work effectively as leader/member of a development team and demonstrate

understanding of the importance of negotiation, good time management, leadership, and good communication with stakeholders in a local or geographically global environment, collaborating with people of different backgrounds, cultures, and skills (Teamwork/Leadership)

  • Contribute to the community and the profession by using original and critical thinking to find solutions to real social and ethical issues, including social justice issues faced by computer professionals (Community-Based Problem Solving)
  • Develop successful and rewarding careers in the computer industry and academia  (Career Development)

Admission Information

Fully admitted students will need to meet the following requirements:

  1. A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  2. A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better
  3. Two academic and/or professional recommendations
  4. Work experience is preferred.
  5. A personal interview with the Program Director may be required.
  6. A background or experience in data structure, object-oriented programming (e.g., Java or C++), database, and Web programming (client-side and server-side), or at the discretion of the program director based on the student’s experience

Courses and Curriculum
The curriculum for the online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science emphasizes the development, quality assurance, and testing of software systems, software development project management, and ethical issues in creating software products. It requires the successful completion of 36 credit hours, of which 24 are core courses and 12 are electives designed to further enhance the student’s educational and professional development.

Before graduate course work can begin, students must have a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

Major Requirements     Units
Core Requirements  
CIS4233   Database Design, Implementation, Optimization, and Performance 3
CIS4240  Software Analysis and Requirements            3
CIS4245 Software Design and Architecture         3
CIS4261 Advanced Object-oriented Technology    3
CIS4385  Software Project Management         3
CIS4388   Professional, Ethical, and Legal Issues for Software Engineers 3
CIS4880   Capstone Software Project I         3
CIS4881     Capstone Software Project II                     3
     
Total Core Requirements   24
     
Elective Courses - Four courses from the following:   12
CIS4210 

Computation and Optimization Algorithms2

 2
CIS4275

XML Web Services and SOAP1

 1
CIS4278

Web Application Development1

 1
CIS4341 

Quality Assurance and Testing1

 1
CIS4345

Software Testing and Verification2

 2
CIS4355  

Mobile Device Programming1

 1
CIS4365    

Secure Software Engineering2

 2
CIS4375 

Software Engineering for Cloud Computing2

 2
     
Total Major Requirements 36
  1. Will be offered during 2012-2014    
  2. Will be offered based on student demand