Master of Science in Information Technology

Academic Affiliation: California State University, Northridge (CSUN)

Program Specializations:
• Software Engineering
• Computer Science

Program Objectives

Master of Science in Information Technology (Software Engineering)

1. Be able to analyze complex computing problems using software engineering principles and interdisciplinary knowledge to propose effective software solutions.
2. Be able to develop software solutions that fulfil specified requirements within the context of software engineering practice.
3. Be able to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills in diverse professional software engineering environments.
4. Be able to evaluate software engineering practices against legal, ethical, and societal standards to ensure professional integrity and social responsibility.
5. Be able to demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills in the context of software engineering projects.
6. Be able to synthesize core computing theories and emerging software engineering practices to design and deliver research-based software solutions.

Master of Science in Information Technology (Computer Science)

1. Be able to analyze complex computing problems and apply principles of computing, mathematics, and related disciplines to develop innovative and effective solutions.
2. Be able to design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions that meet specific requirements within the context of the program’s discipline.
3. Be able to communicate effectively across diverse professional settings to convey ideas, solutions, and technical information clearly and persuasively.
4. Be able to recognize professional responsibilities and make informed decisions in computing practices based on legal and ethical principles.
5. Be able to function effectively as a member or leader of a team, collaborating on activities relevant to the program’s discipline.
6. Be able to apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to create efficient, scalable, and reliable computing-based solutions.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program of Master of Science requires the following:

1. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/ Software Engineering or a related field from a recognized educational institution.

2. A GPA of 2.5 out of 4 or its equivalent, i.e., “Good” or “75-79%”.

3. Applicants/students with a score below the stated grade will be considered, provided they have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience.

4. An IELTS score of at least 6 or its equivalent.

5. Students who achieve an IELTS score of 5-5.5 are eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) at BUC and gain admission to the Master’s program after successful completion of the PQP.

6. Passing an admission interview.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Master of Science in Information Technology (Software Engineering)

PLO 1: Analyze complex computing problems using software engineering principles and interdisciplinary knowledge to propose effective software solutions.

PLO 2: Develop software solutions that fulfil specified requirements within the context of software engineering practice.

PLO 3: Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills in diverse professional software engineering environments.

PLO 4: Evaluate software engineering practices against legal, ethical, and societal standards to ensure professional integrity and social responsibility.

PLO 5: Demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills in the context of software engineering projects.

PLO 6: Synthesize core computing theories and emerging software engineering practices to design and deliver research-based software solutions.

Master of Science in Information Technology (Computer Science)

PLO 1: Solve complex computing problems by using principles of computing and other relevant disciplines.

PLO 2: Design computing-based solutions to meet a given set of computing requirements within the scope of computer science.

PLO 3: Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills in diverse professional computer science environments.

PLO 4: Apply legal and ethical principles to evaluate and justify decisions made in professional computing practices.

PLO 5: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline to develop critical thinking skills.

PLO 6: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce research-based solutions.

Plan of Study

Master of Science in Information Technology (software Engineering)

First Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP511Advanced Algorithm Design and Analysis–3
COMP512Advanced Operating Systems–3
COMP513Advanced Network Topics–3
COMP514Advanced Research Methodology–3
Total Credit Hours12

Second Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP524Advanced Software Requirements Analysis and Specification–3
COMP525Advanced Software Engineering Management–3
–Elective – I–3
Total Credit Hours9

Third Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP530Advanced Software Architecture and DesignCOMP5243
COMP538Advanced Software Verification and ValidationCOMP5243
–Elective – II–3
Total Credit Hours9

Fourth Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP541Thesis–6
Total Credit Hours6

Elective Courses

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP532Advanced Web Development Engineering–3
COMP533Advanced Graphical User Interfaces–3
COMP534Advanced Object-Oriented Software Development–3
COMP535Advanced Software Design Engineering–3
COMP539Advanced Software MetricsCOMP5243
COMP542Selected Topics in Artificial Intelligence–3
COMP543Selected Topics in Cyber Security–3
COMP544Advanced Database Systems–3
COMP545Advanced Deep Learning–3
COMP546Pattern Recognition and Computer Vision–3

Master of Science in Information Technology (Computer Science)

First Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP511Advanced Algorithm Design and Analysis–3
COMP512Advanced Operating Systems–3
COMP513Advanced Network Topics–3
COMP514Advanced Research Methodology–3
Total Credit Hours12

Second Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP522Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms–3
COMP523Advanced Computer Systems Architecture–3
–Elective – I–3
Total Credit Hours9

Third Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP531Formal Semantics of Programming LanguagesCOMP5223
COMP537Advanced Topics in Computation TheoryCOMP5223
–Elective – II–3
Total Credit Hours9

Fourth Semester

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP541Thesis–6
Total Credit Hours6

Elective Courses

Course CodeCourse TitlePrerequisiteCredit Hours
COMP532Advanced Web Development Engineering–3
COMP533Advanced Graphical User Interfaces–3
COMP534Advanced Object-Oriented Software Development–3
COMP535Advanced Software Design Engineering–3
COMP536Advanced Network InfrastructureCOMP5133
COMP542Selected Topics in Artificial Intelligence–3
COMP543Selected Topics in Cyber Security–3
COMP544Advanced Database Systems–3
COMP545Advanced Deep Learning–3
COMP546Pattern Recognition and Computer Vision–3