The following courses are required if the student does not have sufficient background in computer science. They do not count toward the M.S. degree.
- MATH 173 College Algebra and MATH 185 Precalculus Mathematics, or equivalent*
- CS-201 Discrete Structures
- CS-200 Programming I
- CS-207 Programming II
- CS-304 Data Structures
*NOTE 1: Upon revision of the application materials, the Computer Science Department may determine that you do not need all of these prerequisites.
*NOTE 2: Students who need the MATH prerequisite should take a mathematics placement test before enrolling on MATH 173. If necessary, students will be asked to take more basic math courses before this one. However, it is possible to take other prerequisites or masters level courses, together with math prerequisites.
Placement Test
It is possible to waive some of these requirements if you took them at another university or if you pass a placement test of all prerequisites with a score of 80% or above. If you took the GRE (which is not needed to apply) and you got above 155, you may use it to waive MATH173.
To prepare for the placement test, visit Preparing for Placement Tests.
Overview
The program consists of 36 credit hours (or 12 courses) in addition to any prerequisites the student will have to take. The credit hours are divided into Required Core courses (everybody takes them), Required Concentration Courses (depending on your preferences you take the courses required by your concentration) and Electives (three elective courses are mandatory to graduate).
Required Core Courses
|
CS-400 |
Discrete Modeling and Analysis |
3 cr. |
|
CS-404 |
Analysis of Algorithms |
3 cr. |
|
CS-490 |
Master’s Project |
3 cr. |
|
|
OR |
|
|
CS-495 |
Master’s Thesis* |
6 cr. |
|
|
Total |
9-12 cr. |
*Master's theses must follow specific guidelines from the College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR).
The Master's Project (CS-490) or Master's Thesis (CS-495) must be taken toward the end of your graduate studies.
Management Information Systems Concentration
This concentration prepares students for the application of computer science and related technologies to solving business problems. The required courses are:
|
CS-401 |
Software Engineering |
3 cr. |
|
CS-412 |
Web Application Development |
3 cr. |
|
CS-413 |
IT Project Management |
3 cr. |
|
CS-415 |
Design of Database Systems |
3 cr. |
|
CS-419 |
Informatics |
3 cr. |
|
CS-420 |
Object Oriented Design |
3 cr. |
|
|
Three course electives, approved by the Computer Science Department. Check the available courses in the Graduate Courses Plan. |
9 cr. |
|
|
||
|
|
Total |
27cr. |
Computer Science Concentration
The primary purpose of the Computer Science Concentration is to prepare students to enter a Ph.D. program in computer science. However, students interested in obtaining in-depth knowledge of systems programming should also consider this concentration.
|
CS-325 |
Automata, Languages, and Theory of Computation |
3 cr. |
|
CS-331 |
Computer Networks |
3 cr. |
|
CS-401 |
Software Engineering |
3 cr. |
|
CS-402* |
Advanced Systems Programming. |
3 cr. |
|
CS-408 |
Advanced Operating Systems |
3 cr. |
|
CS-409* |
Compiler Theory and Design |
3 cr. |
|
|
Three course electives, approved by the Computer Science Department. Check the available courses in the Graduate Courses Plan. |
9 cr. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
27 cr |
*NOTE: CS-412 and/or CS-420 may be used in place of CS-402 and/or CS-409
Electives and Course Rotation Plan
To better plan your studies, explore our courses and when they are taught.
Other Academic Requirements
Students in the program are required to maintain a good standing throughout the duration of their studies and finish with:
- a GPA (Grade) of 3.0 or better;
- a maximum of two courses with a C in their 36 master's credits;
- full completion of all the requirements, if any, at the moment of admission.
We want to help our students succeed. Therefore, if a student is not meeting these requirements, or their standing is not good (e.g. already has three Cs or their GPA has been below 3.0 for more than two semesters) they should contact their graduate advisor immediately. Please check NEIU's Graduate Policies.
For more information, check the CGSR's FAQ page.
