The Pennsylvania State University © 2004
Computer
Science (COMP)
Program Home Page
LINDA NULL, Graduate Program
Coordinator
E-256 Olmsted Building
Penn State Harrisburg
777 W. Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057-4898
717-948-6081
E-mail: lnull@psu.edu
Degree Conferred: M.S.
The Graduate Faculty
Thang N. Bui, Ph.D. (MIT) Associate
Professor of Computer Science; Program Chair
Sukmoon Chang, Ph.D. (Rutgers) Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Qian Ding, Ph.D. (North Dakota State) Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Jefferson S. Hartzler, Ph.D. (Penn State) Associate Professor of Mathematics
Linda M. Null, Ph.D. (Iowa State) Assistant Professor of Computer Science
M. Susan Richman, Ph.D. (Aberdeen) Associate Professor Emerita of Mathematics
and Computer Science
Clifford H. Wagner, Ph.D. (SUNY, Albany) Associate Professor of Mathematics
and Computer Science
Seth Wolpert, Ph.D. (Rutgers) Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering
The program is professionally oriented and designed to prepare students for employment in industry or government. Courses emphasize practical concerns as well as the relevant theoretical background. The program will provide appropriate background for diverse tasks such as developing scientific and engineering applications, developing system software, developing safety or security critical systems, solving computationally hard problems, and developing distributed applications. While not intended as preparation for subsequent entrance to a Ph.D. program, this goal is not precluded. Once the specific course requirements are met, appropriate selection of electives will enable individual interests to be met within the program. Anticipated areas of interest include software engineering, systems programming, and artificial intelligence.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the general Graduate
School requirements, applicants must present a baccalaureate degree in Computer
Science or a related field from an accredited institution. A minimum GPA of
2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required. While a bachelor's degree in Computer Science
is not required, admission without deficiency requires that an applicant has
completed courses in analysis of algorithms, operating systems, database, and
linear algebra. If these courses are not taken before admission to the program,
they may be taken at Penn State Harrisburg, but the student will receive at
most 3 credits toward the MS degree for these courses.
At the discretion of the program, applicants may be required to provide scores
from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and/or the GRE subject test in computer
science. In addition, applicants must provide three letters of reference, at
least one of which is from an academic source, and a letter outlining significant
work experience and academic and career objectives.
Degree Requirements
A total of 30 graduate credits (400 level or above) is required for the degree of master of science in Computer Science. Students are required to take the following courses: MA SC 505 and COMP 511, COMP 512, and COMP 519. Additionally, students are required to complete either a thesis or a paper according to one of the two options described below. Students who believe that they have completed a course substantially similar to one of the specific course requirements may apply to have their previous work evaluated for the purpose of exemption to that requirement. If the exemption is granted, another approved course shall be taken in place of that required course. The remaining 18 credits must be completed according to one of the following options:
A maximum of 9 transfer credits will be allowed for course work completed as a graduate student at another institution.
Suggested Tracks
For students with interests in the
areas of software engineering, systems programming, and artificial intelligence,
the program suggests the following course work. These tracks are only advisory--there
is no requirement that a student follow any track, and tracks will not be noted
on diplomas or transcripts.
Track in Software Engineering: Students following the track in software
engineering will be provided with the conceptual tools needed for designing
and managing large software systems. In addition to the required core, the track
in software engineering consists of the following courses: COMP 513, COMP 516,
INFSY 570. In addition to these courses, CMPSC 470 is highly recommended, as
compiler development is an ideal environment for gaining practical experience
with software engineering techniques and tools.
Track in Systems Programming: Students following the track in systems
programming will receive instruction in both the conceptual foundation of systems
software and the implementation of such systems. In addition to the required
core, the track in systems programming consists of the following courses: CMPSC
436, COMP 517, COMP 545.
Track in Artificial Intelligence: Students following the track in artificial
intelligence are expected to gain an understanding in the theory and applications
of AI methods as well as evolutionary methods for solving a variety of problems.
In addition to the required core, the track in artificial intelligence consists
of the following courses: COMP 520, COMP 524, COMP 556.
Additional Information
For further information, see: http://www.hbg.psu.edu/
Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 599 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.
COMPUTER SCIENCE (COMP) course list
MATHEMATICAL
SCIENCES (MA SC)
The Pennsylvania State University © 2004
The University reserves the right to change the requirements and regulations listed here and to determine whether a student has satisfactorily met its requirements for admission or graduation, and to reject any applicant for any reason the University determines to be material to the applicant's qualifications to pursue higher education. Nothing in this material should be considered a guarantee that completion of a program and graduation from the University will result in employment.
This electronic Graduate Bulletin is a version of the official bulletin of The Pennsylvania State University. It is suggested that users refer to this electronic bulletin when seeking the latest information about the University's academic programs and courses. Printed versions of the Bulletin are also official copies of the programs, courses, and policies in effect at the time of printing.
Last Revised by the Department: Fall Semester 2003
Blue Sheet Item #: 31-08-012
Review Date: 6/3/04
UCA Revision #2: 7/30/07
DATE LAST REVIEWED BY PUBLICATIONS: 11/21/06