Master of Science in Computer Science 1 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE Program Description The University of Missouri-Kansas City has created an exciting and uniquely designed program of graduate study in computer science. Significant changes are always occurring within this discipline in recent years and our graduate program in computer science reflects those changes, providing indepth education in the new technology and skills most in demand in this growing industry. The UMKC graduate student has the unique opptunity to get a concentrated state-of-the-art education in some of the most dynamic, challenging and professionally significant specialty areas. This is made possible by unusual advantages which the UMKC program possesses: An interdisciplinary approach to new technology. Faculty who are each actively pursuing research in these areas. Students can earn an M.S. degree in computer science with an emphasis area of interest in: Bioinfmatics Data Science Database and Infmation Management Netwking and Telecommunications Software Engineering Many courses are offered in these areas. Contact us f me infmation by phone: (816) 235-1193 send an e-mail mailto:csee@umkc.edu (csee@umkc.edu) Admission Requirements The University of Missouri-Kansas City's graduate program in computer science will accept college and university graduates whose past perfmance indicates an ability to succeed in graduate study in computer science. This ability can be demonstrated by the following undergraduate preparation. 1. A sound background in computer science as indicated by an above-average understanding (e.g. a cumulative GPA in CS coursewk of 3.0 better with no single course grade lower than 2.0) of the content of the following courses: COMP-SCI 101 Problem Solving and Programming I 3 COMP-SCI 191 Discrete Structures I 3 COMP-SCI 201R Problem Solving and Programming II 3 COMP-SCI 201L Problem Solving and Programming II - Lab 1 COMP-SCI 281R Introduction to Computer Architecture and Organization 3 COMP-SCI 291 Discrete Structures II 3 COMP-SCI 303 Data Structures 3 COMP-SCI 394R Applied Probability 3 COMP-SCI 404 Introduction to Algithms and Complexity 3 COMP-SCI 431 Introduction to Operating Systems 3 2. A sound background in mathematics as indicated by an above average understanding (e.g. a GPA of 3.0 better with no single course grade lower than 2.0) of calculus (minimum of 10 hours) and of the content of at least two additional upper-level courses in areas such as linear algebra, differential equations, abstract algebra, numerical analysis mathematical logic. 3. An overall GPA of 3.0 better in all undergraduate wk. 4. Official results of the Graduate Recd Exam (GRE) general test. The applicant must sce in at least the 75th percentile on the quantitative ption of the GRE and it is recommended that the applicant sce in at least the 30th percentile on the verbal ption of the GRE. Admission to our degree programs is competitive so higher sces are recommended. 5. F international students, a minimum test sce of IELTS 6.5 ibt 79 is needed. A higher sce makes the application competitive f DISA (Dean s International Student Award) consideration. 6. Prospective students who want to be considered f acceptance to the M.S. degree program should submit the following documents: a. Transcripts f all graduate and undergraduate wk completed so far; syllabi of these courses ( a URL to these) is strongly suggested. b. Copies of academic and scholarly diplomas received.
2 Master of Science in Computer Science c. GRE sces and, f international students, TOEFL sces, as well as a statement of purpose, i.e. a one- two-page essay in which the prospective students indicate their career objectives. It is possible that a prospective student has obtained a solid understanding of either computer science mathematics through wk other experience rather than fmal study. These students must submit a detailed description of such experience and ask a supervis to write a letter of reference suppting the application. Applications will be reviewed by the master's committee when all documentation is received. F full consideration f the semester indicated and priity f scholarship applications, it is recommended that completed applications be received by the following dates: F fall semester admission (semester starts in August): U.S. students/permanent residents: June 1. International students: Jan. 15. F spring semester admission (semester starts in January): U.S. students/permanent residents: Nov. 1 of the preceding year. International students: Oct. 1 of the preceding year. U.S. citizens permanent residents may apply online at www.umkc.edu/admissions submit application fms and required suppting materials to: Mailing Address University of Missouri-Kansas City Office of Admissions 120 Administrative Center 5100 Rockhill Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 Their telephone number is (816) 235-1111 and their e-mail address is admit@umkc.edu. International students may apply online at www.umkc.edu/isao (http://www.umkc.edu/isao) fax application to (573) 884-4894 and send all suppting documents to: Mailing Address University of Missouri-Kansas City Office of International Student Affairs 5100 Rockhill Road Kansas City, MO 64110-2499 Their telephone number is (816) 235-1113 and their e-mail address is isao@umkc.edu. Prospective students can request additional infmation request infmation regarding their application by contacting UMKC at the above addresses by sending e-mail to: csee@umkc.edu. Starting the Program When accepted into the program, the student's first contact is with the computer science principal graduate advis with members of the CSEE graduate degree program committee during the ientation session. The most immediate concern is f the courses to be taken in the first semester. The principal graduate advis will help the student select those initial courses. At this initial meeting, a review will be made of the student's status in the program and the student will be required to provide a tentative program of study within the first semester. Such a program should reflect the deficiency and prerequisite courses that have been prescribed and may have to be taken pri to taking courses f graduate credit. Within the first semester, the student will be assigned a graduate advis (faculty) who will then become the primary contact person f that student until a thesis advis (f thesis option) is selected. The CS co-chair of the CSEE graduate degree program committee his/her designee will notify the student of the identity of the specific graduate advis. It will be the responsibility of students, in conjunction with their adviss/chairs, to devise a program of study using the degree requirements wksheet and the course planning wksheet. This should be submitted to the graduate committee, usually by the end of the second semester. The CSEE graduate degree program committee is in charge of handling procedural issues related to the M.S. program in computer science. Any request f exception to rules, regulations policies should be directed to this committee.
Master of Science in Computer Science 3 Deficiencies The CSEE graduate degree program committee reviews and evaluates all applications f admissions to the M.S. degree programs. Frequently, they review applications from students whose past academic recd show strong positive indications f success as a graduate student, yet have not satisfied all courses needed f full admission. Students with an undergraduate degree in computer science from an ABET accredited program are well prepared. Others may have deficiencies in their preparation. The committee may offer these students admission to the program on a conditional basis and compile a list of "deficiency courses". The successful completion of these courses with a grade of B better will be a condition of full admission to the program. The student is then required to complete all such deficiencies as a contractual obligation at the earliest opptunity. The committee creates this list based on the transcripts and syllabi submitted by the applicant. However, it is possible that applicants have indeed satisfied one me of their listed deficiencies. In these cases, the student should contact their academic advis as soon as possible in the first semester to initiate a petition to waive the deficiencies in question. The written petition with all the needed suppting documentation (such as course syllabus) attached, must be submitted no later than six weeks (two weeks f summer) after the start of the first semester of enrollment. Any petition received after the deadline will be denied and returned without review. The decision of the committee is final and can be one of three: The waiver is granted. The waiver is denied and the student is allowed to take an examination. The waiver is denied and the student must pass the class with a B (3.0) higher (usually the course of action if the student does not pass the examination). The committee's decision is final, so it is imptant that students consult with their advis to ensure that all the proper documentation suppting the waiver is submitted. If the student is allowed to take an examination, it must take place no later than the second semester of enrollment. The student may take the exam only once. If the student does not perfm satisfactily on the exam, then the student must enroll in the course to satisfy the deficiency requirement. All deficiencies shall be satisfied within two semesters of admission. If deficiencies are not satisfied within this time period, enrollment will be limited to deficiency courses until all deficiencies have been satisfied. Graduate Course Prerequisites Note that there are graduate level courses that have an undergraduate course as prerequisite and that not all undergraduate courses can be taken f graduate credit. Student Learning Outcomes Students graduating from this program will: Develop solutions f advanced problems using appropriate skills and knowledge in computer science. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in an area of specialization. Recognize and apply state of the art techniques and tools in the field. Plan and conduct scholarly activities. Communicate effectively in both written and al fms. Recognize the need f and ability to engage in life-long learning. Understand ethical and professional responsibilities. Wk effectively in teams. Ce Requirements All students are required to complete a ce curriculum of: COMP-SCI 5592 Design and Analysis of Algithms 3 Select two of the following: 6 CSEE 5110 Netwk Architecture I (fmerly offered as COMP-SCI 5520) COMP-SCI 5551 COMP-SCI 5566 COMP-SCI 5570 COMP-SCI 5565 COMP-SCI 5540 Advanced Software Engineering Introduction to Bioinfmatics Architecture of Database Management Systems Introduction to Statistical Learning Principles of Big Data Management
4 Master of Science in Computer Science COMP-SCI 5542 Big Data Analytics and Applications CS-Emphasis and CS-Areas of Interest All students are required to complete courses in a CS-emphasis and/ area of interest. The approved areas and their associated courses are: Bioinfmatics Emphasis - COMP-SCI 5565 Introduction to Statistical Learning 3 COMP-SCI 5566 Introduction to Bioinfmatics 3 COMP-SCI 5567 Machine Learning f Data Scientists 3 COMP-SCI 5590NN/E&C-ENGR 5316 Special Topics (Artificial, Neural and Adaptive Systems) 3 E&C-ENGR 5590SL Special Topics in Electrical and Computer Engineering 1-4 Total Credits 13-16 Data Science Emphasis COMP-SCI 5525 Cloud Computing 3 COMP-SCI 5540 Principles of Big Data Management 3 COMP-SCI 5542 Big Data Analytics and Applications 3 COMP-SCI 5543 Real-time Big Data Analytics 3 COMP-SCI 5565 Introduction to Statistical Learning 3 COMP-SCI 5567 Machine Learning f Data Scientists 3 COMP-SCI 5570 Architecture of Database Management Systems 3 COMP-SCI 5574 Large Scale Semistructured Data Management 3 COMP-SCI 5590PG Special Topics In Computer Science (Probabilistic Graphical Models) 3 Total Credits 27 Database and Infmation Management Area of Interest [not transcripted] - COMP-SCI 5570 Architecture of Database Management Systems 3 COMP-SCI 5571 Distributed Database Management Systems 3 COMP-SCI 5572 Mobile Computing 3 COMP-SCI 5573 Infmation Security and Assurance 3 COMP-SCI 5574 Large Scale Semistructured Data Management 3 Total Credits 15 Netwking and Telecommunications Emphasis - CSEE 5110 Netwk Architecture I 3 CSEE 5111 Netwk Architecture II 3 CSEE 5112 Computer Netwk Design and Analysis 3 CSEE 5113 Netwk Routing 3 CSEE 5130 Queuing They and Applications 3 COMP-SCI 5523 Capacity Planning f Service-Oriented Architectures 3 COMP-SCI 5525 Cloud Computing 3 E&C-ENGR 5570 Principles of Digital Communication Systems 3 E&C-ENGR 5577 Wireless Communications 3 Total Credits 27
Master of Science in Computer Science 5 Software Engineering and System Emphasis - COMP-SCI 5531 Advanced Operating Systems 3 COMP-SCI 5551 Advanced Software Engineering 3 COMP-SCI 5552A Fmal Software Specification 3 COMP-SCI 5553 Software Architecture and Design 3 COMP-SCI 5554 Software Tools and Programming Environments 3 COMP-SCI 5555 Software Methods and Tools 3 COMP-SCI 5560 Knowledge Discovery and Management 3 Total Credits 21 If a student desires an emphasis area of interest other than these, a petition must be submitted to the graduate committee requesting that an emphasis area of interest be recognized f the student's specific degree plan. It should specifically state which courses the student wants to include in this emphasis area of interest and it should explain why these courses together fm a coherent group and how these courses fit the student's academic goals. Students must petition befe including other courses in their program of study. Please note that many of our bioinfmatics courses also count towards a MS in Bioinfmatics, administered in the Department of Infmatic Medicine and Personalized Health in the School of Medicine. Please contact Dr. Stan Edlavitch f me infmation, 1000 East 24th Street, 5th Flo, Phone: 816-235-6617, Email: edlavitchs@umkc.edu. Degree Requirements To earn an M.S. degree in computer science, the student must satisfy both the general master of science degree requirements of the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the requirements of the CSEE Department f either the thesis non-thesis option as outlined below. Specific Requirements f the Thesis Option (30 cr. hrs.): 1. Complete a minimum of 24 hours of approved COMP-SCI coursewk f graduate credit with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. 2. Additionally, complete a minimum of six additional graduate COMP-SCI hours, including at least three hours COMP-SCI 5599. The total number of hours of COMP-SCI 5597 COMP-SCI 5599 should not exceed six. 3. Contact a thesis advis in the semester in which the student completes 12 hours of graduate wk. 4. Present evidence of research abilities in the fm of a master's thesis resulting from enrollment in at least three hours of COMP-SCI 5599. 5. Pass a general al examination which may cover all the wk covered in the student's graduate program. 6. Satisfy the requirements listed under the common requirements, see below. Specific Requirements f the Non-Thesis Option (30 cr. hrs.): 1. Complete a minimum of 27 hours of approved coursewk f graduate credit with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. 2. Additionally, complete another 3 hours of approved course wk, 3 hours of approved COMP-SCI 5597. Only 3 hours of COMP-SCI 5597 can be applied toward the degree. 3. Contact an advis after completing 12 hours of graduate wk to complete the program of study. 4. Satisfy all common requirements, see below. Common Requirements and Limitations f both MS-CS Thesis Option and Non-Thesis Option: 1. Satisfy the ce requirement: COMP-SCI 5592 Design and Analysis of Algithms 3 Select two of the following: 6 CSEE 5110 Netwk Architecture I 3 COMP-SCI 5551 Advanced Software Engineering 3 COMP-SCI 5566 Introduction to Bioinfmatics 3 COMP-SCI 5570 Architecture of Database Management Systems 3
6 Master of Science in Computer Science COMP-SCI 5540 Principles of Big Data Management (fmerly offered as COMP-SCI 5590PB) 3 COMP-SCI 5542 Big Data Analytics and Applications 3 COMP-SCI 5565 Introduction to Statistical Learning (fmerly offered as COMP-SCI 5590CI) 3 2. Complete a minimum of nine hours (if thesis) twelve hours (if non-thesis) in one CS-emphasis CS-area of interest and a minimum of six hours in another CS emphasis CS-area of interest. 3. Each student must have a plan of study approved by both the student's supervisy committee and the graduate officer befe the end of the semester in which the student completes 12 credit hours of graduate wk. 4. No me than six credit hours total from any graduate coursewk taken outside the CSEE department and from COMP-SCI 411, COMP-SCI 421A, COMP-SCI 423, COMP-SCI 457, COMP-SCI 470, and COMP-SCI 494R can be used to satisfy degree requirements. Each of these courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (3.0) higher. 5. Courses cannot be identical to courses already taken f a pri degree. 6. No me than three hours of COMP-SCI 5597 can be used to satisfy degree requirements. All COMP-SCI 5597 hours to be applied to the master of science in Computer Science degree requirements must be approved by the CSEE Master's Committee at least six weeks befe classes begin. 7. No me than one course grade below "B" 3.0 may be applied toward the degree requirements. Thesis Option Master's degree candidates in computer science who decide to do the thesis option are required to demonstrate knowledge and maturity in the discipline by completing at least three hours of COMP-SCI 5599. Students may enroll in me than three hours of COMP-SCI 5599, however, only six hours combined from COMP-SCI 5597 and COMP-SCI 5599 may be applied toward the degree. The research program will be defined by the student in conjunction with the student's thesis committee. Under the direction of the thesis advis, the student will investigate a topic of current interest in computer science and prepare a master's thesis on that topic. The final requirement f conferral of the M.S. degree is defense of the thesis, where the supervisy committee is the examining body. The thesis must be submitted in complete typewritten fm to the advis and supervisy committee at least six weeks befe the date the advanced degree is to be conferred. Also, the supervisy committee must have access to the thesis at least one week befe the date of the defense. Students must comply with all rules and regulations governing theses outlined in the general catalog under General Graduate Academic Regulations and Infmation. Directed Readings Courses Up to three hours of COMP-SCI 5597 is allowed toward a master of science. Such a course must be approved in advance (i.e., befe the student takes the course) by the profess supervising the course and the graduate committee. The following infmation must be furnished: Title of the course. Detailed syllabus f the course. Textbook and references. The manner in which the course will be conducted (i.e. meetings, assignments, etc.). The manner in which the students are assessed (i.e. how many exams, presentations, repts, etc.). The course which it replaces, if appropriate. Name(s) of the instruct(s). Name(s) of the student(s). Reasons f offering this course in a directed readings fmat. Transfer Credit Not me than six hours of graduate credit may be transferred from another recognized graduate school from another academic unit within UMKC. Transfer credit may be applied toward the master's degree requirements on the approval of the student's graduate advis and the Master's Committee. No credit hours may be transferred when those hours have been used toward the completion of any other degree program, graduate undergraduate. The total amount of transfer credit and credit from approved COMP-SCI 400-level classes shall not exceed six hours.
Master of Science in Computer Science 7 BS/MS Computer Science Program See the BS/MS section under Computer Science in the undergraduate catalog f infmation about the program (http://catalog.umkc.edu/collegesschools/computing-engineering-school-of/computer-science-electrical-engineering/bs-ms-computer-science).