UIS Graduate and Undergraduate Catalog
Academic Year 2004 - 2005

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Undergraduate Minor

Faculty Kamyar Dezhgosha, Mark Lovik, Keith Miller, Ted Mims, Mary Sheila Tracy, Roger West, Jingyu Zhang
Associated Faculty Burks Oakley II, Ray Schroeder

Contact: (217) 206-6770
csc@uis.edu or csc.uis.edu/
For students interested in the online program: csconline@uis.edu or http://csc.uis.edu/

The bachelor of science degree is designed to provide the graduate with a strong foundation in computer science and related disciplines. The degree provides students with experience in mastering problem-solving skills relevant to business, scientific, and public issues.

Graduates of the B.S. program have been successful in earning advanced degrees and in pursuing careers in research and application-oriented positions in business, industry, government, and education. The diversity of course offerings and rigorous degree requirements ensure that B.S. graduates acquire knowledge necessary to shape their career goals.

The master's degree in computer science is oriented toward software and is most appropriate for candidates interested in the design, analysis, and implementation of software programs.

Students have access to an outstanding variety of computing systems including a Sun SPARC 20 fileserver, additional UNIX-based computers, transputers for parallel processing, microcomputers, and a hands-on network configuration laboratory. Computer laboratories are open evenings and weekends and some systems are available 24 hours a day through dial-up access.

Online Degree
The online computer science program, which is identical to the on-campus program, allows students to actively participate in dynamic, diverse, and interactive online learning communities and to complete their degrees in their own time and at their own pace via the Internet. The online format enables them to complete coursework using the latest networked information technologies for increased access to educational resources, advisers, and materials.

The Bachelor's Degree
Advising
Before registering for the first time, the student should discuss an appropriate course of study with a member of the faculty. After classes begin, students are urged to choose a permanent adviser as soon as possible.

Assessment
The computer science program assesses all students for communication skills and for knowledge of computer science. Assessment is intended to help students in their academic planning and their development as computer scientists. Assessment begins when students enter UIS and continues throughout their course of study. It includes an entrance exam, a portfolio (including computer programs, reports, and other assignments), and an exit exam.

The process begins in CSC 300 Entrance Assessment, which must be taken the first semester of enrollment as a computer science major. The entrance assessment is an exam of the core areas of computer science. During this course, students begin a portfolio to which selected assignments will be added from each of the core computer science courses. The process concludes in CSC 301 Exit Assessment, which must be taken the final semester before graduation. The exit assessment helps students assess their progress and helps the program revise the curriculum.

Note: The computer science assessments should not be confused with the university assessment tests. For information about university assessments, see "Undergraduate Assessment Requirement" in the Undergraduate Education section of this guide.

Applied Study
The computer science program's applied study term is an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience. Placements have included state agencies, insurance companies, the SIU School of Medicine, computer companies, and many other locations throughout central Illinois.

Entrance Requirements
Formal application to the program is required for admission. Enrollment in CSC 300 Entrance Assessment is required during the first semester. Program entrance requirements include the equivalent of two semesters of programming experience in the high-level language Java. CSC 325 and CSC 375 may be taken at UIS to satisfy this requirement. Entrance requirements also include one semester of calculus as well as discrete math and statistics. MAT 115, MAT 121, and MAT 302 may be taken at UIS to satisfy these requirements; 12 of these hours may be counted toward the degree as general electives. Students considering an advanced degree or a career in a scientific field are strongly encouraged to take a second semester of calculus.

UIS Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of UIS requirements in the areas of liberal studies colloquia, public affairs colloquia, and applied study. At least four hours must be earned in each of two areas.

Degree Requirements
The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in computer science. CSC electives are chosen in consultation with the student's adviser to ensure depth of knowledge in topics of particular interest to the student. There are no restrictions for general electives. CSC courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Core Requirements
CSC 300 Entrance Assessment 0 Hrs.
CSC 301 Exit Assessment 0 Hrs.
CSC 376 Computer Organization 4 Hrs.
CSC 385 Data Structures and Algorithms 4 Hrs.
CSC 387 Foundations of Computer Science 4 Hrs.
CSC 388 Programming Languages 4 Hrs.
CSC 389 Introduction to Operating Systems 4 Hrs.
CSC 478 Software Engineering Capstone 4 Hrs.
Total core 24 Hrs.

Other Requirements
CSC Electives 12 Hrs.
General Electives 12 Hrs.
Total Other 24 Hrs.
UIS Requirements 12 Hrs.
Total 60 Hrs.

Computer Science Minor
A minor in computer science is designed for students who wish to develop a working knowledge of the computer that will allow them to apply effective computer techniques and computational problem-solving skills in a variety of contexts. It is useful for students with virtually any academic major, including accountancy, business administration, clinical laboratory science, economics, management, and others. A working knowledge of computers allows people to apply computer techniques in their careers and to introduce effective, computer-based methods.

The minor provides a foundation in computer science for non-majors. Appropriate CSC electives are chosen in consultation with a CSC adviser. CSC courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Requirements
MAT 302 Discrete Mathematics 4 Hrs.
CSC 325 Computer Science I 4 Hrs.
CSC 375 Computer Science II 4 Hrs.
CSC Electives 12 Hrs.
Total 24 Hrs.

The Master's Degree
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score and a complete set of official undergraduate transcripts signifying graduation from an accredited university. For full admission, a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 2.70 on a 4.00 scale is required. Students who take the TOEFL exam must achieve a score of 550 or higher. Applicants who do not meet all entrance requirements may be granted conditional admission. This allows a student to complete 12 hours toward the degree. Grades of B- or better must be earned in all courses taken while on conditional admission. Full admission is required before the student can continue beyond 12 hours in the CSC curriculum. Some entrance requirements may be waived for students who can provide evidence of advanced career experience.

Prerequisites
Applicants are expected to have completed a program of study similar to that required for a bachelor's degree in computer science. Candidates lacking proper undergraduate background must demonstrate competency by obtaining a minimum grade-point average of 2.70 in specified prerequisite courses. Prerequisite courses may be taken at UIS or equivalent courses may be taken elsewhere. These courses will not count toward the graduate degree and must be completed before full admission is granted.

Prerequisite Curriculum
(for students without a computer science degree)
MAT 302 Discrete Mathematics
MAT 113 Business Calculus or
MAT 115 Calculus I
MAT 121 Applied Statistics
CSC 325 Computer Science I
CSC 375 Computer Science II
CSC 376 Computer Organization
CSC 385 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSC 388 Programming Languages
CSC 389 Introduction to Operating Systems

Degree Requirements
Students must complete 32 hours of approved courses; no more than 12 hours may be taken before the student is fully admitted to the program. Course work must include: 1) 24 hours of CSC electives approved by the student's adviser; 12 hours must be at the 500-level; 2) 4 hours of CSC 550 Master's Project/Thesis; and 3) 4 hours from approved public affairs courses (PAD 460 Graduate Public Service Internship Seminar is appropriate).

Closure Requirements
Computer science graduate students must complete a comprehensive closure exercise to demonstrate the ability to formulate, investigate, and analyze a problem and to report results in writing and orally. The exercise is classified as either a graduate project or a master's thesis. Both options require significant work. A thesis is an extensive research essay on an approved computer science topic, original in either its content or mode of integration. A project is an applied study that combines an approved computer science topic with actual problems or issues in a professional setting. Completing the closure exercise demonstrates a student's qualifications as a computer professional. Guidelines for completing the requirement are available at csc.uis.edu/ and should be consulted before any work on the closure exercise is begun.

Students must enroll in four hours of the master's project/thesis course (CSC 550) for credit. If the work is not completed during the initial four hours, campus policy requires that students register to audit one hour of CSC 551 during each fall and spring semester the work remains incomplete. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment will require retroactive registration for one credit hour per semester. If a formal leave of absence is approved by the program, continuous registration is not required.

Grading Policy
Students must earn a grade of B- or better in all courses that apply toward the degree. In addition, students who do not maintain a 3.00 grade-point average will be placed on academic probation according to campus policy. Graduate students enrolled in 400-level courses should expect more stringent grading standards and/or additional assignments. Courses taken on a credit/no credit basis will not count toward the degree.