Computer Science

• Department Information
• M.S. in Computer Science
• Other Degree Requirements
• Graduate Courses
• Footnote

Department Information

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
College of Science
Office: North Science 335
Phone: (510) 885-3414
E-mail: mathcs@csueastbay.edu
Website: http://www20.csueastbay.edu/csci/departments/math-cs/index.html
Student Service Center: North Science 337
Phone: (510) 885-4011

Professors Emeriti
Edward A. Billard, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego
James S. Daley, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Edna E. Reiter, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati

Associate Professors Emeriti
Dan Jurca, Ph.D. Northwestern University
Farzan Roohparvar, Ph.D. Iowa State University

Professors
Kevin A. Brown, Ph.D. University of South Carolina
Kevin E. Callahan, Ph.D. University of California, San Diego
Leann Christianson, Ph.D. University of South Carolina
Julie S. Glass, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Cruz
Lynne L. Grewe, Ph.D. Purdue University
Kathleen Hann, Ph.D. University of California, Davis
C. Matthew Johnson, Ph.D. College of William and Mary
Gary E. Lippman, Ph.D. University of California, Riverside
Michael K. Mahoney, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara (FERP)
Massoud Malek, Ph.D. University of Houston
Istvan Simon, Ph.D. Stanford University
Stuart Smith, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
William Thibault, Ph.D. Georgia Institute of Technology
Donald L. Wolitzer, Ph.D. Northeastern University
Ytha Y. Yu, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley

Associate Professors
Levent Ertaul, Ph.D. University of Sussex (United Kingdom)
Chung-Hsing Ou Yang, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
David Yang, Ph.D. Columbia University
Shirley Yap, Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania

Assistant Professors
Roger W. Doering, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Julia Olkin, Ph.D. Rice University
Ellen Veomett, Ph.D. University of Michigan

Graduate Coordinator: Donald L. Wolitzer

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M.S. in Computer Science

Program Description

The Mathematics and Computer Science Department offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science. This program is designed to extend the student's knowledge in a broad manner beyond the baccalaureate degree major in Computer Science. It will both (1) deepen general understanding of theoretical principles and (2) provide specific professional background. This approach is especially important in Computer Science, where training in specific languages and systems and on specific machines is transitory, as these languages, systems, and machines evolve. In contrast, many of the principles will last and generally apply to a wide variety of specializations within the field. This breadth is important to individual students because many of them will have a number of different job classifications in their working lives.

Our program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Most graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, making it possible for working students to attend. Some courses toward the M.S. degree may also be taken during the summer quarter. Students may begin their studies in any one of the four quarters.

Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Computer Science should speak with the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator. The Math and Computer Science Department also offers a Master of Science degree program in Computer Networks.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with an M.S. in Computer Science from Cal State East Bay will have acquired the knowledge and skills listed below.

1. Technical competence to: (a) design and implement large and complex computer programs, (b) use data structures in program design, (c) know and use modern programming techniques, and (d) use software engineering design principles;
2. A fundamental understanding of Computer Science theory including: (a) mathematical problem solving skills, (b) design and analysis of a wide variety of algorithms, (c) understanding of computer architecture and operating system concepts, (d) analysis of programming languages;
3. Able to work effectively as a team member;
4. An understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities and appreciation of the impact of computer science solutions in the societal context;
5. Able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral form.

Career Opportunities

• Systems Analyst
• Program Analyst or Designer
• Systems Manager or Programmer
• Scientific Applications Programmer
• Computer Operations Manager
• Graphics Specialist
• Software Engineer
• Programming Team Member, possibly specializing in Design, Testing, or Documentation
• Computer Network Support
• Database Applications Programmer or Administrator
• Computer Sales Representative
• Customer Support
• Technical Writer
• Teacher/Professor

Faculty

The faculty of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department hold doctorates in a wide variety of areas. They have a strong commitment to high quality teaching, and have interests in fields such as computer graphics, networks, numerical analysis, compiler design, computer simulation, parallel programming, computer architecture, automata, multimedia, cryptography, computational complexity, language design and implementation, graph theory, microcomputer architecture, and database systems.

Features

Computer Science students at Cal State East Bay have access to some of the most modern and powerful computer equipment available. The campus provides a network backbone, including connection to the Internet, personal computers, and wireless network access. Several computer labs on campus offer terminal access and assistance with problems.

Cal State has an active Computing Club, which hosts industry tours as well as academic and social events and is involved with a number of ongoing projects.

Scholarships

Each year the department awards a number of scholarships covering a large portion of the fees for the subsequent year. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the department office during the Winter quarter.

Admission

To apply for admission to the Master of Science program in Computer Science, a student must submit the proper forms, fees and transcripts to the university's Office of Admissions, which reviews each application initially. The department then reviews the application, making the decision whether to accept or reject the applicant. 

A student wishing to enter this program must normally have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or in a related field, with courses in Computer Science as indicated below, and must have a grade point average of 2.75 in all undergraduate work and a 3.00 grade point average in the Computer Science Core and Mathematics courses listed below.

Computer Science Admission Requirements

Twenty-eight (28) quarter units (7 courses) of upper division Computer Science coursework that covers a broad range of Computer Science and includes the following four courses or their equivalents.

• CS 3120 Programming Language Concepts
• CS 3240 Data Structures and Algorithms
• CS 3430 Computer Architecture
• CS 4560 Operating Systems

Successful completion of equivalents to all the following mathematics requirements is also required.

Mathematics Requirements for Admission

• A year of Calculus (MATH 1304, 1305, 2304)
• Linear Algebra (MATH 2101)
• Discrete Structures (MATH 2150)
• An upper division course in Probability or Statistics (STAT 3401, 3502, or 3601)

A student who has not met all of the above requirements may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the department as a "Conditionally Classified Graduate" student, provided the student's record clearly demonstrates the capability of meeting all these requirements.

No more than 20 quarter units taken while in "Conditionally Classified Graduate" status may be applied to the degree. Note that courses used to make up deficiencies for admission may not be applied toward the master's degree. A "Conditionally Classified Graduate" student who has no course deficiencies, a "B" or better average in at least 12 quarter units of post-baccalaureate study, and has satisfied the University Writing Skills requirement should petition the graduate coordinator for admission to the master's degree program with "Classified Graduate" status. A maximum of 13 units taken as an "Unclassified Post-baccalaureate" student may be applied to a master's degree.

Advancement to Candidacy

Advancement to Candidacy is a university requirement for graduation from a master's degree program. A student with "Classified Graduate" status may apply for Advancement to Candidacy after completing at least 16 quarter units towards the master's degree with a "B" average, including at least two 6000 level Computer Science courses with a "B" or better average.

Before Advancement to Candidacy, a student's complete course of study must be approved by the Computer Science Graduate Coordinator.

Degree Requirements

The following departmental requirements are in addition to the university requirements.

1. Required Courses (10 units)
   • CS 6000 Research Methodologies (2)
   • CS 6260 Computation and Complexity (4)
   • CS 6560 Operating Systems Design (4)
2. Breadth Requirement (16 units)
   
   • Two courses from each of the following two categories (16 units):
     • Development/Theory (8 units)
       
       • CS 6140 Language Design (4)
       • CS 6170 Automata and Formal Languages (4)
       • CS 6310 Advanced Software Engineering (4)
       • CS 6320 Software Engineering of Web-based Systems (4)
       • CS 6520 Cryptography and Data Security (4)
       • CS 6522 Advanced WWW Software Development (4)
       • CS 6715 Data Compression (4)
       • CS 6810 Topics in Artificial Intelligence (4)
       • CS 6820 Machine Learning (4)
       • CS 6870 Computer Simulation (4)
       • MATH/CS 6750 Topics in Numerical Analysis (4)
     • Systems/Architecture (8)
       
       • CS 6110 Theory and Design of Compilers (4)
       • CS 6430 Computer System Architecture (4)
       • CS 6432 VLSI Systems Design (4)
       • CS 6525 Network Security (4)
       • CS 6570 Distributed Computation (4)
       • CS 6580 Distributed Systems (4)
       • CS 6660 Database Systems (4)
       • CS 6752 Digital Signal Processing (4)
       • CS 6825 Computer Vision (4)
       • CS 6835 Statistical Pattern Recognition (4)
3. Capstone Experience (1-5 units). A student must select and satisfy one of the following capstone requirements:
   1. CS 6901 Capstone Experience (4). A student must successfully complete at least 30 units of study including all required courses (CS 6000, 6260, and 6560), satisfy the WST requirement, and be in good standing before enrolling in Capstone Experience.
   2. CS 6909 Departmental Thesis (1-5). Students who write a thesis must have an advisor who agrees to oversee the work, and must have the proposed topic approved by the Computer Science Graduate Studies Committee.
4. Electives (14-18 units)
   The following courses (or their equivalents) may be counted toward the master's degree:
   • Any graduate course in Computer Science (except CS 6899) may be applied to this category.
   • Any Computer Science course numbered 3000 (except 3898) or higher, provided it has not been already applied toward a B.S. degree or toward prerequisites for admission. This restriction includes equivalent courses from other degree programs; exceptions require the approval of the Computer Science Graduate Committee.
   • MATH 3151 Combinatorics
   • MATH 4151 Graph Theory
5. Courses equivalent to CS 4170/6170 (Automata and Formal Languages) and CS 4245 (Analysis of Algorithms) if not completed before admission to the M.S. program.
6. Unit and Grade Requirements
   At least 45 quarter units of approved upper division and graduate work. Of these, at least 26 units must be approved graduate (6000-level) courses. All work toward the 45 units must be at an average grade of "B" (3.0) or higher. Grades below "C-" will not be counted as prerequisites or toward the degree.

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Other Degree Requirements

In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the university requirements for graduation which are described in the Graduate Degree Information chapter of this catalog. These requirements include the 32-unit residence requirement, the five-year rule on currency of subject matter, the minimum number of units of 6000-level courses, the 3.00 GPA, and the University Writing Skills Requirement. For information on meeting the University Writing Skills Requirement, see the Testing Office website at www.csueastbay.edu/testing or call 510.885.3661.

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Graduate Courses

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Footnote

1. Enrollment in these courses is restricted to "Classified" and "Conditionally Classified Graduate" students. Others may enroll with the permission of the department.

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