Southern Polytechnic's Masters of Science in Software Engineering
Southern Polytechnic's Masters of Science in Software Engineering
Course Requirements
Masters in Computer Science/Software Engineering Course Equivalence
Course Descriptions Key Contacts
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Admission Requirements:
Work Experience
The Masters degree is designed for students who already have at least two year's experience in software development
and/or maintenance. One of the following must be met for a student to be fully admitted to the MSSE program at
Southern Polytechnic State University:
Basic
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (out of 4.0 possible) or the Equivalent, and a score of 600 or better on the
analytic component or the quantitative component of the General Test of the GRE with 500 or better on the other
and 350 or better on the verbal component. (A composite score of 500 on the GMAT may be submitted to meet this
requirement if it was already taken before beginning the MS admission process.)
Advanced
The candidate for admission has already earned a recognized master's or doctor's degree in another field of study.
GRE is not required, if an advanced degree has already been completed in the United States.
Alternative
A student not meeting criteria I or II above may be admitted upon convincing the faculty of the CS Department of
extraordinary alternative qualifications (e.g., lengthy, distinguished employment in the computer field) that would
predict the likelihood of success in completing the MSSE program.
If you have not completed a degree in the U.S. that includes English composition: an overall TOEFL score of 550
(in addition to the requirement of 50 or above in each of the parts)
Course Requirements
The requirements are 36 semester hours of course work (60 quarter hours) as designated below. Each course is 3
semester hours (5 quarter hours). A grade of "B" or better for each course is required.
Transition Courses: (if needed; at most 6 hours [not including CS 5123 and CS 5223] may be used to meet degree requirements)
| CS 5123 | Advanced Programming and Data Structures | 3 |
| CS 5153 | Database Systems | 3 |
| CS 5183 | Object-Oriented Programming in C++M | 3 |
| CS 5223 | Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CS 5243 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 5424 | Mathematical Structures for Computer Science | 4 |
| CS 6023 | Research Methods and Presentations | 3 |
| CS 6153 | Advanced Database Systems | 3 |
| SE 6623 | Software Engineering I | 3 |
| SE 6633 | Software Project Management | 3 |
| SE 6723 | Software Engineering II | 3 |
| SE 6883 | Formal Methods in Software Engineering | 3 |
a. Information Technology: (for Software Engineering interested in the design, development, and use of informationsystems for the managerial and operational needs of formal organizations)
| SE 6683 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| SE 6643 | Issues in Information Management | 3 |
| SE 6743 | Object-Oriented Analysis and Design | 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 6783 | Object-Oriented User Interfaces with Prototyping and Usability Engineering | 3 |
| SE 6823 | Software Engineering of Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CS 6243 | Advanced Concepts in Operating Systems | 3 |
| CS 6283 | Real-Time Systems | 3 |
| CS 6453 | Simulation and Modeling | 3 |
| SE 7703 | Software Engineering Project | 3 |
Note: A maximum of 9 semester hours (15 quarter hours) of work from transition courses, transfer credit, or credit by experience may be counted toward the degree.
Masters in Computer Science/Software Engineering Course Equivalence.
CS 5123 Advanced Programming and Data Structures CS 501 CS 5153 Database Systems CS 506 CS 5183 Object-Oriented Programming in C++ CS 595 CS 5223 Computer Architecture CS 502 CS 5243 Operating Systems CS 503 CS 5424 Mathematical Structures for Computer Science CS 504 Core Courses CS 6023 Research Methods and Presentations CS 610 CS 6153 Advanced Database Systems CS 615 SE 6623 Software Engineering I CS 620 SE 6633 Software Project Management None SE 6723 Software Engineering II CS 640 SE 6883 Formal Methods in Software Engineering CS 648 SE 6883 Formal Methods in Software Engineering CS 648 Required Electives Group A. SE 6683 Management Information Systems CS 670 SE 6643 Issues in Information Management CS 630 SE 6743 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design CS 625 SE 6763 Software Metrics and Quality Management CS 645 Group B. SE 6343 User Interface Design and Implementation None CS 6323 Human Factors CS 635 CS 6353 Computer Graphics and Multimedia CS 660 SE 6783 Object-Oriented User Interfaces with Prototyping None and Usability Engineering Group C. SE 6823 Software Engineering of Real-Time Systems None CS 6243 Advanced Concepts in Operating Systems CS 603 CS 6283 Real-Time Systems CS 680 CS 6453 Simulation and Modeling CS 655 Project. SE 7703 Software Engineering Project None Others SE 6663 Data Center Management CS 675 CS 6523 Artificial Intelligence CS 682 Course Descriptions: SE 6343 User Interface Design and Implementation 3-0-3 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 3-0-3 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 3-0-3 Prerequisites: CS 6023 and 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 3-0-3 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 6663 Data Center Management 3-0-3 Issues in setting up and running a multi-user computer or data system. Includes RFP generation, vendor selection, project planning and control methods, backup and disaster recovery plans, site preparation, and job scheduling. Case studies will illustrate the subject materials. SE 6683 Management Information Systems 3-0-3 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 3-0-3 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 3-0-3 Prerequisites: SE 6623, CS 5183 or the equivalent 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 3-0-3 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 6783 Object-Oriented User Interfaces with Prototyping and Usability Engineering 3-0-3 Prerequisites: SE 6623, CS 5183 or the equivalent This course starts with the concept of an object-oriented (OO) user interface (UI), proceeds to an OO analysis for the UI, and follows the iterative steps of usability engineering to build, test, and refine multiple small-scale UI prototypes. Throughout the course, a medium-to-large scale system will be developed through teams using a combination of OO analysis, software engineering, and usability engineering techniques. The usability, quality, measurement, planning and management factors of software engineering are practiced throughout the course in the lab exercises and the team project. A fully equipped usability lab is utilized. SE 6823 Software Engineering of Real-Time Systems 3-0-3 Prerequisite: SE 6623, CS 5243 or the equivalent This course explores the software development life cycle as it applies specifically to real-time systems. Emphasis is on various methodologies for functional and performance requirements, design, test and verification, and maintenance. A look at representative CASE tools is also included. Team projects are required. SE 6883 Formal Methods in Software Engineering 3-0-3 Prerequisites: CS 5424 or the equivalent, SE 6623 A study of formal specification in the software development process including transformational development, structured algebraic specification, and model-based (particular, Z) specification. SE 6901-6903 Special Topics variable credit-1 to 3 hours Prerequisite: Consent of the department head. Special topics selected by the department. Offered on demand basis. SE 7701-7703 Software Engineering Project variable credit-1 to 3 hours Prerequisite: Consent of both the department head and the project advisor This project is designed for students wanting a professional focus to their degree. The student works independently or as part of a designated team under the supervision of a designated CS faculty member on a project of practical significance in software engineering. The student will generate a substantial final report and give a final defense of the project. This course may be repeated, but only 3 hours may be applied toward the degree. CS 5123 Advanced Programming and Data Structures 3-0-3 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 3-0-3 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. CS 5183 Object-Oriented Programming in C++ 3-0-3 Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience An intensive applications programming course in the C++ language focusing on object-oriented aspects. Topics covered include object structures, classes, virtual functions, C++ interaction with the operating system, problem domains, solution domains, and the C++ development environment. The course includes both an individual research project and a group development project. CS 5223 Computer Architecture 3-0-3 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. CS 5243 Operating Systems 3-0-3 Prerequisites: CS 5123 and CS 5223, or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in operating systems concepts. Topics from the principles of operating systems include: process management, real and virtual memory management, job scheduling, management of peripherals, multiprocessing, and file systems. CS 5424 Mathematical Structures for Computer Science 4-0-4 Prerequisites: CS 5123 or the equivalent and an undergraduate course in calculus This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in discrete mathematics. Topics include: set theory, relations and functions, principles of counting, introductory graph theory, formal logic, recursion, and finite state machines. CS 6023 Research Methods and Presentations 3-0-3 Materials and methods of scholarly research in computer science. Includes study of standard research paradigms with illustrative cases of each and the use of research methods and presentations in industrial and business settings. CS 6153 Advanced Database Systems 3-0-3 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 6243 Advanced Concepts in Operating Systems 3-0-3 Prerequisite: CS 5243 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience Topics from the theory of operating systems including: memory management options and management of high-performance architectures that address concurrent, parallel, and distributed processing. CS 6283 Real-Time Systems 3-0-3 Prerequisites: CS 5243 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or Work experience The software-development life cycle as it applies to real-time systems Lab involve the use of a real-time operating system and an associated development environment. System performance issues are also discussed. Major project included. CS 6323 Human Factors 3-0-3 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. CS 6353 Computer Graphics and Multimedia 3-0-3 Prerequisites: CS 5123 and CS 5223, 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 6453 Simulation and Modeling 3-0-3 Prerequisites: Familiarity with linear algebra and statistics and ability to program in a high-level language The application of various modeling techniques to the understanding of computer system performance. Includes analytic modeling, queuing theory, continuous and discrete simulation methods, and the use of some software tool such as Simscript to implement a major project.. CS 6523 Artificial Intelligence 3-0-3 Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience A survey of the major issues in A.I. system development and the methodologies associated with neural networks, expert systems, knowledge bases, and logic programming. Case studies will be used to illustrate material in the readings. Application Deadlines: Complete applications for upcoming quarters should be submitted according to the following schedule: November 1 for the Spring Semester April 1 for the Summer Semester July 1 for the Fall Semester A complete application consists of the application form, immunization form, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, three letters of reference, statement of purpose, GRE results, and documentation of two full years of full-time work experience in software development and/or maintenance. With permission, results of other graduate aptitude examinations (such as the GMAT) that have already been taken may be used in place of the GRE. International applicants must also submit a financial affidavit, educational summary, and TOEFL results. If you have any questions, please call (678) 915-7406. Thanks again for your interest in our Master of Science in Software Engineering program. Key Contacts: Sheryl L. Duggins SE Graduate Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Computer Science Department of Computer Science Southern Polytechnic State University email: sduggins@spsu.edu Jorge Diaz-Herrera Head and Professor of Computer Science Department of Computer Science Southern Polytechnic State University email: jdiaz@spsu.edu
Bonita Yeshurun Administrative Assistant Department of Computer Science Southern Polytechnic State University email:byeshuru@spsu.edu