To graduate with a Master of Science (M.S.) degree, 48 semester credits are required. The program of study must include eight core courses (24 credits), 6 credits for the capstone requirement and an additional six elective courses (18 credits, including 9 credits of CIS electives and 9 credits in minor). Students must also complete the university-wide Environmental Sciences requirement. Typically, full-time students complete the degree in two years (four semesters). Students also should prove their Computer Science background by demonstrating sufficient prerequisite and fundamental knowledge in topics covered in the following courses or should take them during their studies at AUA.

CS 111 Discrete Mathematics
CS 050 Introduction to C++ and Java Programming
CS 121 Data Structures
CS 130 Computer Organization

Required Core Courses

CS 310 Theory of Computing 3 credits
CS 311 Theory of Algorithms 3 credits
CS 312 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design 3 credits
CS 331 Operating Systems 3 credits
CS 350 Software Project Management 3 credits
CS 322 Software Engineering 3 credits
CS 323 Advanced Object Oriented Programming 3 credits
CS 355 Entrepreneurship 3 credits

Environmental Management

Students must fulfill the Environmental Sciences requirement.  This is typically accomplished through the completion of a course (at least one unit) offered by the Acopian Center for the Environment or by completing a CSE course designed and specified to fulfill this requirement.

Capstone

The objective of the Capstone requirement in the College of Science and Engineering is to provide a culminating educational experience, where the student, under the supervision of a faculty member, conducts an individual effort employing concepts and methods learned in the program to solve a problem of significant importance from a practical or theoretical standpoint.

The Capstone can be fulfilled by two different options.  Each of them requires 6 credits toward graduation.

Capstone Requirement
Thesis Option Non-Thesis Option
Capstone Preparation CS 395 (3 credits) Capstone Preparation course CS 395 (3 credits)
Capstone Thesis Writing CS 396 (3 credits) Capstone Practicum in Software Engineering CS 390 (3 credits)

Elective courses (18 credits, of which 9 credits in a Minor)

Students must complete at least 18 credits of electives (nine credits of CIS electives and nine credits in a single Minor).

Students choose a Minor from among the following areas: Business Management, Energy, Design & Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering & Systems Management. The Minor gives students an opportunity to explore other fields strongly connected to industrial engineering. It is very important that engineers gain an understanding of related areas in which their tools are applied.