MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The Master of Science degree 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 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 science field.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For unconditional admission, students must satisfy the following:

1. A student must have earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (CS) or a related field from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.

2. A student must meet the grade point average and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 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 for the last 27 semester hours (45 quarter hours).

   2. A minimum composite score of 800 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE.

CONDITIONAL ADMISSION

For those students who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission requirements, conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances. 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 composite score of 800 may satisfy the GRE test requirement by successfully completing 9 semester hours of graduate CS courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

3. Students not having a 2.5 undergraduate grade point average may satisfy the requirement by successful completion of 9 semester hours of graduate CS courses with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

4. A student with a bachelor’s degree outside the field of CS may satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement by completing ALL of the following courses:

MTH 2215 – Applied Discrete Mathematics

CS 2244 – Computer Science I

CS 2260 – Computer Science II

CS 2261 – Introduction to Computer Science Concepts

CS 3323 – Data Structures

CS 3357 – Logical Structures of Computer Design

 

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

TRANSFER CREDIT

A maximum of nine (9) credit hours taken at another regionally accredited university with a grade of “B” or better can be applied to the degree. These courses must be comparable in bulletin description to courses in the CS program and must be approved by the Dean of Arts & Sciences or Graduate Advisor, CS Program.

REQUIREMENTS FOR 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:

DEGREE OPTIONS

There are two degree options: thesis and non-thesis.  In the thesis option, the student must successfully complete and defend a thesis, as well as, completing other requirements stated below.  See Thesis Guidelines for additional information. In the non-thesis option, the student must pass a written comprehensive exam and must successfully complete a research paper.

For both options what follows should be followed by the students during their program of study.

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 (30 SHs 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 thesis or a paper. The degree requirements for the thesis and non-thesis options are as follows:

APPROVAL PROCESS

THESIS OPTION

See Thesis Guidelines.

NON-THESIS OPTION

The proposal for a research paper must be approved by the research supervisor.  The research paper must be approved by the supervisor, CS Department Chair, Dean of College of Arts and Sciences and Graduate Dean.

SUBMISSION OF THESIS OR RESEARCH PAPER

The thesis must be submitted according to Thesis Guidelines. The research paper must be submitted to the department at least two months prior to graduation and must be submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School office at least two weeks prior to the end of the term of graduation. Two approved copies of the research paper are necessary, one of which will be kept by the CS department.

CURRICULUM

The CS degree curriculum consists of five core required courses and five (non-thesis option) or three (thesis option) elective courses. All courses offer three hours of credit except CS 6625-6626-6627, which offers one to three hours, and CS 6699, which offers one to six hours.

Thesis Option

Non-Thesis Option*

* Also includes a comprehensive examination.

COURSES

The courses for the Master of Science degree in CS are listed below:

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

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 catalog.  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.

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.)

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Master of Science Graduate Program in Environmental and Biological Sciences is designed to broaden the student's perspective and provide skills and knowledge for understanding and solving problems in the environmental and biological sciences. The Program teaches students the direct and indirect economic, social, and political contributions of the environmental and biological sciences. The Program underscores the interdisciplinary and cooperative nature of environmental and biological issues. The Program teaches how to manage conflicts and emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating with the private and public sectors, regulatory agencies, interest groups, and communities.  The Program objectives are listed below:

1. To demonstrate the pivotal role of the environmental and biological sciences in understanding and addressing environmental, ecological, medical, agricultural, and political issues;

2. To promote the professional development of students for entry and advancement in the private and public sectors as scientists, educators, administrators, or managers;

3. To provide students with the necessary skills for performing research, reviewing and evaluating regulatory guidelines, and writing professional documents;

4. To foster an understanding and appreciation of the role of values and ethics in research, management, and institutional performance;

5. To strengthen the academic foundations of students seeking entry into professional schools and into doctoral programs at graduate schools; and

6. To provide teachers with opportunities for advancement and to broaden and update their knowledge in order to enrich the classroom experience of their student

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 AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

To apply for admission to the graduate program in Environmental and Biological Sciences, 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:

1. 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

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

3. 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 catalog. 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 catalog 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) EBS 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 EBS 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 and Biological Sciences.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

The Graduate School offers several different types of assistantships and fellowships. Students should check the Graduate School’s website (www.troy.edu/graduateschool/index.htmll) 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

Environmental Sciences Concentration

Biological Sciences Concentration