| Department of Computer Science |
Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering |
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| Admission| | Requirement| | Course Description| | Spring 1999 Information| | Key Contacts| | Admission Process| |
The primary goal of the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is to give practitioners, with a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of work experience already in the computer software field, the opportunity to advance into leadership positions. The focus is on sharpening capabilities to function effectively in software engineering teams producing higher quality software. The initial offering of the certificate will start Spring semester 1999, and it will be an on-campus program covering two classes in each of Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. You will be taking graduate courses that can apply toward SPSU’s Master of Science in Software Engineering if you later apply and are accepted into the MSSE program.
Six Courses Required
Required Core Courses (9 hours)
| SE | 6623 | Software Engineering I | 3 |
| SE | 6633 | Software Project Management | 3 |
| SE | 6723 | Software Engineering II | 3 |
Electives (9 hours; choose three of the following )
| SE | 6743 | Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | 3 |
| SE | 6883 | Formal Methods in Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS | 6153 | Advanced Database Systems | 3 |
| SE | 6683 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| SE | 6643 | Issues in Information Management | 3 |
| SE | 6763 | Software Metrics and Quality Management | 3 |
| SE | 6343 | User Interface Design and Implementation | 3 |
| CS | 6323 | Human Factors | 3 |
| CS | 6353 | Computer Graphics and Multimedia | 3 |
SE 6343 User Interface Design and Implementation
Prerequisite: SE 6623
This practicum course covers the major frameworks, methods, and approaches to designing, engineering, implementing, and testing user interfaces. It covers user and usability requirements gathering, task analysis, user-interface design, coding of the user interface, and evaluation with respect to requirements and the users' tasks. Numerous illustrative design and coding projects are completed throughout the term.
SE 6623 Software Engineering I
Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree
or work experience
This course covers the initial phases of the software-development life cycle. Topics include planning, requirements analysis, requirements specification, and design. A number of techniques for performing analysis and design are explored and applied in a major project.
SE 6633 Software Project Management
Prerequisite: SE 6623
Focus on organizational and technical roles in software engineering. Emphasis on: models of software life cycle, software maturity framework, strategies of implementing software, software process assessment, project planning principles and tools, software configuration management, managing software quality and usability, leadership principles, and legal issues. A required team project combines technical and managerial techniques of software design and development.
SE 6643 Issues in Information Management
This course addresses current issues relating to computers, ethics, and social values.
Topics include computer ethics, computer crime, abuse, social responsibility, risk
analysis, computer law and cultural impact. Library and internet research components are
included, and a major research paper is required.
SE 6683 Management Information Systems
A study of the use of computer and information management systems in the management of
organizations. Includes formal characterization of management structures, identification
of information needs, and integrated tools for providing MIS support. Major project
included.
SE 6723 Software Engineering II
Prerequisite: SE 6623
This course covers the entire software development life-cycle. Emphasis is placed on advanced topics including prototyping, verification and validation, formal methods, and quality management. A major component is a group project that utilizes a Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tool to assist in the design, development, and implementation of a system.
SE 6743 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
Prerequisite: SE 6623
This course explores the object-oriented software development process including analysis, design, and programming. Emphasis is on the object-oriented paradigm.
SE 6763 Software Metrics and Quality Management
Prerequisite: SE 6623
This course covers quality assessment, cost estimation, configuration management, software performance measures, proof of correctness, validation and verification, and management of the total quality environment for software development.
SE 6883 Formal Methods in Software Engineering
Prerequisite: SE 6623
A study of formal specification in the software development process including transformational development, structured algebraic specification, and model-based (particular, Z) specification.
CS 6153 Advanced Database Systems
Prerequisite: CS 5153 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree
or work experience
An advanced course in database systems emphasizing design issues and implementation tradeoffs. It covers the theory, algorithms, and methods that underlie distributed database management systems. Client-server architecture is discussed, and students use an application development tool such as PowerBuilder.
CS 6323 Human Factors
The psychological, social, and technical aspects of interaction between humans and
computers. Includes usability considerations, cognitive and perceptual issues, human
information processing, and software development techniques for producing appropriate
systems. Major project included.
CS6353 Computer Graphics and Multimedia
Prerequisite: CS 5123 and CS5223 or the
equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience
A study of the hardware and software of computer graphics and multimedia systems from the programmer’s perspective. Includes a survey of display and other media technologies, special architectures for support of graphics and multimedia systems, algorithms and data structures for manipulation of graphical and other media objects, and consideration of user interface design. Major project included.
CS 5123 Advanced Programming and Data Structures
Prerequisite: Credit for/or experience with the basic concepts of a higher-level
programming language such as Pascal or C
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in programming. Topics from the principles of programming include: documentation, Pascal syntax and semantics, subprograms, arrays, recursion, pointers, and data structure issues (lists, stacks, queues, trees, sorting, searching) with a focus on concepts, data abstraction, and algorithms. Programming projects are implemented in Pascal.
CS 5153 Database Systems
Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree
or work experience
This course includes an overview of various database models including relational, object-oriented, hierarchical, and network. It covers the planning, analysis, design, development, and implementation of database systems. This is a project course where students analyze, design, and implement a database system using a typical relational database product such as Oracle or Paradox.
CS5223 Computer Architecture
Prerequisite: Credit for/or experience with the basic concepts of a higher-level
programming language such as Pascal or C.
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in computer architecture. Topics from the principles of computer organization and architecture include: number systems, digital logic, and assembly and machine language with a focus on concepts. Laboratory assignments are required.
The Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering will be open only to people who have a BS in CS or a related field and two years of work experience in the computing field already. Students will be admitted in a special status. Coursework completed in the certificate program will be entered on the student’s official transcript as regular academic coursework counting for graduate credit. Anyone choosing to work towards a graduate SE or CS degree at SPSU will be required to apply through the regular processes. Students wishing to transfer the credits to another school will be able to do so by having an official transcript sent. Students preparing for an MS program will be required to sign a memorandum of understanding (see below) before being admitted to the certificate program.
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Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering does not provide automatic entry into the graduate programs in CS or SE. It is still necessary to go through the usual graduate application and selection processes. Completion of the program also does not change your position in any waiting list that may be in effect regarding the time at which your application may be considered. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering indicates technical competence and adjustment to the teaching methods and environment of SPSU. You may wish to have this verified for the MSCS/MSSE admissions committee by having one or more of your instructors fill out recommendation forms for you. The admissions committee will consider these recommendations along with other material in your file.
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Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
Course Scheduling
The Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering is a year long program that includes 6 three semester credit-hour courses. The spring semester classes begin January 7. The first semester you must take SE 6623 Software Engineering I. It is offered on Tuesday nights, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. You must also take one other course, chosen from the following list:
Required Core Courses (9 hours)
| SE | 6623 | Software Engineering I | 3 |
| SE | 6633 | Software Project Management | 3 |
| SE | 6723 | Software Engineering II | 3 |
Electives (9 hours; choose three of the following )
| SE | 6743 | Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | 3 |
| SE | 6883 | Formal Methods in Software Engineering | 3 |
| CS | 6153 | Advanced Database Systems | 3 |
| SE | 6683 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| SE | 6643 | Issues in Information Management | 3 |
| SE | 6763 | Software Metrics and Quality Management | 3 |
| SE | 6343 | User Interface Design and Implementation | 3 |
| CS | 6323 | Human Factors | 3 |
| CS | 6353 | Computer Graphics and Multimedia | 3 |
Course Location
Classes will be held on campus at Southern Polytechnic State University. Exact room numbers are listed in the Registration Bulletin in your packet.
Course Materials
Books for each course can be purchased in the campus bookstore. Cost varies with new books priced at approximately $45 and used books at approximately $34.
Registration Fees and Payments
Registration fee payment information is located in the Registration Bulletin in your packet.
Applying for the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering
For an application packet, please email Dr. Duggins at sduggins@spsu.edu.
Your application will be reviewed by the Graduate Certificate in Software Engineering Admissions Committee. You will be notified by the CS Department of your acceptance status by phone and a confirmation packet will be mailed to you. You will be expected to attend an orientation session on January 6. Specific times and location will be included in your confirmation packet.
Application Deadline: December 15, 1998
If you need additional information, please call the Computer Science Department at 678/915-7406 or email Dr. Duggins at: sduggins@spsu.edu.