MS Degree Program in Computer & Information Sciences

For information on specific areas of concentration and prerequisites please visit www.ksi.edu/masters.html

Overview

The use of computers in solving problems has increased dramatically in the last three decades. Professionals in all disciplines use computers in the organization of data as well as in the storage, manipulation and analysis of that data. KSI is actively engaged in the training of professionals to effectively use the level of computer sophistication available to them in the marketplace. KSI is involved in the continued research necessary to make efficient use of the advances in computer technology already available and to contribute to that level of computer sophistication.

Knowledge Systems Institute offers coursework and research at the graduate level in the fields of computer and information sciences and management information systems. The certificate program enables students with no previous background in computer science to learn computer and information sciences. The MS degree program in computer and information sciences also has a concentration in management information systems, so that students with a background or interest in business management can specialize in that area.

Distance Learning: KSI offers students a convenient and flexible alternative to traditional classroom-based training. Students unable to commute to the KSI campus, and those with busy or changing schedules, can participate in KSI’s unrivaled learning environment through distance learning. All courses at KSI may be completed in a distance learning environment. Our Ph.D. faculty design, develop, test and instruct both online and on-site courses. Course requirements are identical regardless of the mode of learning.

Assessment of Student Academic Achievement

The purpose of the MS degree program is to make sure that the students learn to develop the following abilities: (1) solve problems related to computer and information systems, (2) design and carry out innovative research projects, (3) explore and exploit new knowledge, (4) demonstrate basic knowledge in the fields of computer science, information science and management information systems, and (5) communicate effectively in written and oral forms. In order to assess the student's academic achievement in learning and developing the above described abilities, the student is required to complete coursework with an average of 'B' or above, successfully pass the MS comprehensive examination, successfully complete an MS project, successfully complete the MS project report and give an oral presentation of the completed MS project.

Admission Procedures

Admission Requirements

Admission as a graduate student requires a bachelor's degree. A student may be required to take prerequisite courses to make up for deficiency in previous education. Persons with inadequate background are required to complete a program of up to 22 prerequisite courses before being considered for admission to the graduate program. Such prerequisite courses shall not be counted toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. An applicant from a country whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores before admission. Based upon the student's scores, a student may be required to take ESL (English as a Second Language) courses. Such courses shall not be counted toward the fulfillment of degree requirements. International students can only be admitted as full-time students. Before a student may matriculate he/she must have an official transcript of previous college work on file in the registrar's office.

How to Apply

Students must send the completed application form, three reference letters and the application fee to the Admissions Office. Students must have official transcripts mailed to the Admissions Office. TOEFL grade reports should be sent directly to the school using the school's TOEFL test center code, which is 1379.

When to Apply

Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year. Classes begin at various times as indicated in the academic calendar.

Transfer Students

Transfer of credits from another institution will be considered on an individual basis.

 

The MS Degree Program Project Requirement

Both tracks leading to the Master of Science degree at KSI require an individual project. This MS project is the most important ingredient of the program. Courses at KSI are developed to aid in this project so that the skills and understandings of course work may be utilized and further developed. The MS project advisor will work closely with the student, so that he or she may acquire the skill to conceptualize, define the goals and objectives, work out the experimental design, and carry out the project in an organized, structured way. Three copies of the project report must be submitted. Detailed requirements of format, contents, and method of presentation are available. The student is required to give a project presentation in the monthly seminar series. All graduate students are required to attend the seminars.

 

MS Degree Program Comprehensive Examination

The MS comprehensive examination is given three times a year in May, August and December. Students must pass the comprehensive examination to graduate. The student will be given two problems for each course he or she has taken to fulfill the MS degree requirements. Therefore, the student in the regular MS degree program will be given eighteen (18) problems, and the student in the MIS concentration will be given twenty (20) problems. The student should select five (5) areas to answer ten (10) problems in these five areas. It is not permitted to answer only one problem in any area. In other words, if the student selects an area, then he or she must answer both problems. If the student fails the MS comprehensive examination, he or she can take the examination two more times. After the third failure, the student may be requested to retake certain courses before being allowed to take the MS comprehensive examination again.