MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Master of Science in Computer Science is designed to provide advanced study and development for students who have a basic understanding of the concepts and methodologies central to professional success in the field. The objectives of the program are to:

1. Provide students with opportunities to refine their skills and core competencies in computer and information science through the advancement and development of concepts, techniques, and methodologies appropriate in the field.

2. Facilitate the development of advanced skills in an environment which will ensure both a realistic and varied exposure to contemporary information processing problems.

3. Promote the integration and application of cutting edge concepts and approaches in the computer and information science field.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. A student must have earned a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science or a related field from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.

2. A student must meet the grade point average and test score requirements as follows:

1. A minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 27 semester hours (45 quarter hours).

2. A score of 1000 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

3. A working knowledge of discrete mathematics. This requires completion of CS 3312 or its equivalent.

Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements. Individuals admitted on a conditional basis may satisfy the requirements for unconditional admission as follows:

1. Students must have their GRE test score on file with the admissions office by the completion of the FIRST semester in which they are enrolled in CS courses.

2. Students failing to achieve the minimum score of 1000 may satisfy the GRE test requirement by successfully completing 12 semester hours of graduate CS courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

3. Students not having a 2.5 undergraduate grade point average may satisfy the requirement by successful completion of 12 semester hours of graduate CS courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

4. A student with a bachelor’s degree outside the field of computer and information science may satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement by completing ALL of the following (see adviser for specifics):

Additional courses may be required by the CS Graduate Adviser depending on the student’s background. A student must complete all courses with a grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

DEGREE OPTIONS

There are two degree options: thesis and non-thesis. In the thesis option, the student must be admitted to candidacy prior to successfully completing and defending a thesis, in addition to completing the requirements as stated below. In the non-thesis option, the student must pass a comprehensive exam and must successfully complete a research project and write a paper about that project.

ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

Admission to the program for the M.S. in Computer Science does not constitute official admission to candidacy. The student must be admitted to candidacy for the degree at least one semester prior to the anticipated semester of graduation. To be eligible for admission to candidacy, students must meet the following requirements:

*See Approval Process for Thesis below.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for the degree are admission to candidacy, the successful completion of 5 graduate-level core courses and 3-5 elective courses (altogether 30SHs for the thesis option and 31 SHs for the non-thesis option) with an overall grade point average of 3.0, and successful completion of a candidacy paper or a thesis.

*APPROVAL PROCESS FOR THESIS AND NON-THESIS RESEARCH PROJECTS

Thesis Approval Process

The thesis proposal and the thesis itself must be approved by a three member department committee -- one of whom may be outside of the CS department, CS department chair, Dean of College of Business and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Non-Thesis Approval Process

The research supervisor must approve the research proposal. The research project and related paper must be approved by a three-member department committee – one of whom may be outside of the CS department, CS department chair, Dean of College of Business, and the Graduate Dean.

SUBMISSION OF THESIS OR RESEARCH PAPER

The research paper or thesis must be submitted one semester prior to the anticipated semester of graduation.

In the thesis option, three approved copies are necessary to be bound for distribution. In the non-thesis option, two approved copies are necessary, one of which will be kept by the CS department.
 

COURSE INFORMATION
 

OPTIONS

* Includes a research project and a comprehensive examination. 

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
 

The Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice is designed to broaden and enhance each student’s ability to understand, analyze and evaluate issues that confront the American criminal justice system. Included in the objectives of the program’s core coursework are (a) to prepare students to understand, analyze and evaluate the principles and functions of personnel administration in criminal justice applications; (b) to prepare students to understand, analyze and evaluate trends and developments affecting the interpretation of the U.S. Constitution in light of historical case precedent; (c) to prepare students to understand, analyze and evaluate issues that affect the structure and functioning of the criminal justice system; and (d) to understand, analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the American judicial process with respect to its legal basis, organization and management. Specific institutional objectives of the program are as follows:

1. to prepare students to fulfill a need in American society for professional law enforcement personnel and competent criminal justice administrators by providing educational programs that develop each student’s problem solving skills in ways that prepare the student to address the issues that arise in the dynamic and evolving criminal justice field;

2. to develop each student’s ability to synthesize and apply knowledge of the critical theories and concepts in the field of criminal justice in their problem solving analysis;

3. to develop each student’s ability to identify and develop alternative solutions to problems that confront the modern criminal justice system based on their knowledge of current theories and concepts;

4. to develop each student’s ability to evaluate and appropriately choose solutions to problems that confront the criminal justice system;

5. to develop each student’s ability to effectively communicate the results of his/her analysis.

6. to provide students who seek administrative and managerial positions in the field of criminal justice with the credentials to qualify for those positions;

7. to provide an appropriate program of graduate study for students who are interested in research in the field of criminal justice and in advanced graduate study.

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master of Science program in Criminal Justice is a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited four-year institution. Students who desire to enter this program but do not have a degree in criminal justice, police administration, law enforcement, or corrections may be required to meet other criteria such as additional coursework regarding undergraduate or professional preparation. Significant professional experience may be considered. However, admission to the program does not imply official admission for the degree.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Unconditional Admission

Students may be admitted unconditionally if they meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited university. No test score is required. An official transcript showing completion of a master’s or higher degree is required.

OR

2. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be used to calculate the grade point average. All transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required.

AND

3. Have an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam (GRE 850– verbal plus quantitative, MAT 385 or 33).

Conditional Admission

Students not satisfying the requirements stated in “A (2 and or 3)” above may be conditionally admitted to the program. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission. Students thus admitted must complete nine semester hours with a “B” or better average. After completion of the first nine semester hours with a “B” or better average, a student will be granted unconditional admission. Students not satisfying conditional admission requirements

will be dropped from the program for one calendar year, after which time the student must petition for readmission.

CURRICULUM

All courses offer three semester hours credit.

TRANSFER CREDIT

A maximum of four courses (12 semester hours) taken at another regionally accredited institution each with a grade of “B” or better can be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable in catalog description to Troy University courses in the Criminal Justice Graduate Program and be approved by the appropriate main campus dean/department chair. If the student transfers a “core” or “required course,” he/she is still subject to a

written comprehensive exam based on the material presented at Troy University.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

1. To be admitted to candidacy, students must have a 3.0 GPA on all work attempted.

2. Unconditionally admitted graduate students may apply for admission to candidacy for a degree after completing six semester graduate hours at Troy University. A student will be admitted to candidacy the term following completion of 12 semester hours.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Any student completing the course work with a 3.0 GPA or better, fulfilling candidacy requirements, successfully completing the required comprehensive examinations (for CJ 6610, 6620, 6622 and 6624) and the research requirement (CJ 6650), will be awarded the master’s degree. (If the student makes a “D” or “F” in a core course, the course must be retaken. If the student makes a “D” or “F” in an elective course, the course may be retaken or another elective taken in its place.)

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Master of Science in Environmental Analysis and Management is designed to broaden the student's perspective and understanding of environmental problems and their solutions. The Program prepares students to understand the interdisciplinary nature of environmental analysis and management, the application of empirical and theoretical knowledge in specific areas of the environmental field, the resolution of environmental conflicts, and the communication of this information to others. The Program objectives are listed below:

1. To provide students with the conceptual foundations for addressing local, regional, and global environmental issues from the perspectives of resources management, technical analysis and interpretation, communication, policy, compliance, and administration

2. To teach students the technical skills for conducting environmental research in the areas of natural resources management, environmental chemistry, and toxicology

3. To demonstrate how the environmental and biological sciences provide the technical and scientific underpinnings for addressing many social, economic, and political problem

PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for admission must have a baccalaureate degree, preferably in a technical subject area. Candidates should have completed foundation courses in the biological sciences, one year of general chemistry, and one course in statistics.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT

To apply for admission to the graduate program in Environmental Analysis and Management, applicants must submit the following materials:

• Completed Application for Admission to the Graduate School

• Official transcript(s) from undergraduate and other graduate schools

• Official copy of GRE or MAT scores

• Student medical record or health certificate

• Letters (two) of recommendation

• Statement of interest

• Résumé listing professional experience, certifications, and other preparations

Unconditional Admission

Unconditional admission may be granted to students who fulfill the following requirements:

a. Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university with a minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point average on the last 30 semester hours

b. Demonstrate an adequate academic background in the sciences that includes natural or biological sciences, general chemistry, and statistics

c. Earn at least 850 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (Combined verbal and quantitative) or a score of at least 33 or 385 on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT)

Conditional Admission

Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements to the graduate program. See Conditional Admission requirements in the general regulations section of this Catalogue. Students with a baccalaureate degree from an unaccredited or otherwise accredited institution should see Unaccredited or Otherwise Accredited Student Admission.

Students with academic deficiencies (course work, GPA, GRE, or MAT scores) might be required to complete additional course work before being granted unconditional admission to the program.

TRANSFER CREDIT

A maximum of 12 semester hours taken at another regionally accredited institution, each with a "B" grade or better, can be applied toward the degree. These courses must be comparable in catalogue description to Troy University courses in the Department’s graduate program and also be approved by the Department Chair. Non-thesis students who transfer a "core" course are still required to take a written comprehensive exam based on the material presented at Troy University.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY

To be admitted to candidacy, students must have completed a minimum of 10 semester hours in the Program and have attained a minimum 3.0 GPA on all work attempted, including a minimum grade of 3.0 (4.0 scale) in EAM 6691. If the student makes a “D” or “F” in a core course, the course must be retaken. If the student makes a “D” or “F” in an elective course, the course may either be retaken or another elective taken in its place.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

1. Unconditional Admission

2. Admission to Candidacy

3. Completion of curriculum listed below

4. Successful completion of EAM 6691 with a "B’’ or better

5. Overall 3.0 GPA

6. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination for non-thesis students or a thesis, including a presentation of a public seminar, for thesis students

A student who successfully completes the requirements listed above will be awarded the master's degree (M.S.) in Environmental Analysis and Management.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

The Graduate School offers several different types of assistantships and fellowships. Students should check the Graduate School’s website (http://www.troy.edu/graduateschool/index.html) for details about assistantships and fellowships, deadlines, and copies of application forms. Students should send the completed assistantship forms to the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, 213 McCall Hall. Students should also contact a faculty member who would be willing to serve as their graduate thesis adviser before applying for an assistantship.

CORE COURSES AND CONCENTRATIONS
 

Resources Management Concentration

Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology Concentration