GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES (COSC)

COSC 502 Problem Solving in High-level Languages
3 Credits
This course provides in-depth coverage of object-oriented programming principles and techniques using C++. Topics include classes, overloading, data abstraction, information hiding, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, file processing, templates, exceptions, container classes, and low-level language features. The course also relates C++ to GUI, databases, and real-time programming.

COSC 504 Computer Concepts and Systems Software
3 Credits
This course will introduce the student to the architecture of computer hardware.  The major concepts of operating systems are also studied and the interrelationship between operating systems and architecture is analyzed.  Students will be introduced to machine and assembly language.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500.

COSC 507 Software Development and Engineering
3 Credits
 This course includes systems analysis, software requirement analysis and definition, specification techniques, software designs methodologies, performance measurement, validation and verification, and quality assurance techniques.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

COSC 511 Data Structures and Programming Languages
3 Credits
This course includes properties of algorithmic languages, scope of variables, binding time subroutines and co-routines.  Data abstraction, exception handling and concurrent processing will be introduced.  Different types of programming languages such as object oriented and, procedural will be compared.
Prerequisite: COSC 502.

COSC 513 Operating Systems
3 Credits
This consists of concepts in operating systems analysis and design.  General topics of process, resource and file management are presented and analyzed in the context of different system architecture and performance constraints.
Prerequisite: COSC 504.

COSC 516 Database Theory
3 Credits
 This course includes design and implementation issues for large database management systems, security and integrity issues, and physical implementation techniques.  The theory of logical database design will also be introduced including the design concepts, issues and techniques as well as requirement analysis and specification.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500.

COSC 520 TCP/IP Internetworking
3 Credits
This course introduces the TCP/IP and its’ main components and corresponding functions as well as its’ interconnectivity to other components.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 521 Web-enabled Database
3 Credits
This course covers important current topics in the field of database-enabled web application development. It is intended to reflect the current state of the art. In this course, the concepts of the description and implementation of Oracle-enabled ASP.NET, JavaServlet and JSP programming will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 522 UML
3 Credits
This course shows the students to "think in objects." It introduces the most frequently used UML diagramming notation; emphasizes that OOAD is much more than knowing UML notation; achieves this understanding through a real-world case study.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 525 Visual Basic
3 Credits
The introduction to Visual Basic programming covers: Using the Visual Basic code editor, Basic Programming control flow, Forms and controls, Variables, Coding Conventions, Methods of Database access in Visual Basic, Introduction to ActiveX, and Database concepts.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 541 Data Communication Systems and Networks
3 Credits
This course will introduce the student to the concepts and terminology of data communications, network design, and distributed information systems. Equipment, protocols and transmission alternatives will be discussed, as well as the introduction of the communications environment and regulatory issues.
Prerequisite: COSC 504 or ITEC 513.

COSC 542 Computer Graphics
3 Credits
 This course will consist of basic principles for the design, use and understanding of graphics systems.  Design and implementation of graphics software packages, applications and algorithms for creating and manipulating graphics display are also introduced.
Prerequisite: COSC 504.

COSC 546 Artificial Intelligence
3 Credits
This course will consist of advanced study of issues relevant in the design of intelligence computer systems.  Topics included in this course are search techniques, machine learning, knowledge representation, natural language processing and the design of expert systems.  Both symbolic and connectionist approaches to artificial intelligence will be discussed.
Prerequisite: COSC 504.

COSC 550 Directed Research I 
COSO 551 Directed Research II
6 Credits
These two courses are only open to the graduate students who decide to write a master’s thesis.  Each course is equivalent to three (3) credit hours for a total of six (6) credits.  Students writing a thesis are required to complete six hours.  Each student will be assigned to a thesis advisor by the department chair.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair. 

COSC 572 MCSE: Network Security
3 Credits
This course introduces the students to network security and designing Windows 2003 Network Security. Topics includes: Microsoft Windows 2003 Security, Active directory for security, Administrative structure, Group Security and policy.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 573 MCSE: Windows XP
3 Credits
This course introduces students to fundamentals of Microsoft Windows XP Operating System.
Students will learn how to install and configure Windows based computers, create and manage local user and group accounts, configure and secure file and print resources, optimize performance and provide disaster recovery, components of a computer system and their interconnectivity to other components.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 581 Digital Design
3 Credits
This is the study of computer-oriented hardware design, Boolean algebra, switching theory, implementation in hardware, construction of minimum system microcomputer, register transfer language and architecture of a processor.
Prerequisite: COSC 504 or ENGR 505.

COSC 597 Linux / Unix
3 Credits
This course will introduce the Unix Operating System, and teach the students to use methods and tools to develop Linux / Unix applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

COSC 599 Advanced Oracle
3 Credits
This course covers important current topics in the field of Oracle database. It is intended to reflect the current state of the art. In this course, the concepts of the description and implementation of Oracle database model, SQL, PL/SQL and Developer/2000 programming will be discussed.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ENGINEERING COURSES (ENGR)

ENGR 500 Computer Aided Design
3 Credits
A first course in the design and construction of mechanical and electromechanical devices, Engineering graphics and sketching; dimensions and tolerances.  Introduction to material selection and structural design, machine elements and two-dimensional mechanisms; sensors and actuators and design methodology.  Emphasis on laboratory work and design projects using professional solid modeling CAD software and numerically controlled machine tools.

ENGR 505 Digital Electronics
3 Credits
This course teaches the classical switching theories including Boolean algebra, logic minimization, algorithmic state machine abstractions, and synchronous system design.  The theory is then applied to digital electronic design.  Techniques of logic implementation, from Small Scale Integration (SSI) through Application- Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) are encountered.  There are weekly laboratory exercises for the first part of the course followed by a digital design project in which the student designs and builds a large system of his or her choice.  In the process, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and construction techniques for digital systems are learned.

ENGR 510 Signal and Multimedia Image Processing
3 Credits
This course is designed for students pursuing the IT minor and Introduces tools to configure graphical user interfaces (GUIs), multimedia authoring systems, graphical and multimedia components, and data types. This course also provides web design principles. 

INFORMATION SYSTEMS COURSES (ISMA)

ISMA 500 Managerial Information Systems
3 Credits
This course will cover the role of information systems in organizations and how they relate to organizational objectives and organizational structure.  Basic concepts are introduced from the systems point of view. Upon completion of this course, the student will have knowledge of the basic concepts and issues in representing system structures, information systems in organizations, database management systems, and communications and telecommunications systems.  This course presents to students the cutting edge of technology and its current business applications.  Case study applications of managing information systems are also introduced.

ISMA 501 The Internet: Literacy, HTML, Tools, and Virtual Community
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to cyberspace, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.  Students learn basic HTML to create individual and collaborative web pages.  In addition to using e-mail, students explore use of listserv, online discussion forums, and virtual communities.  Assignments include collaborative and individual web pages, analytical and creative papers, and online research.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ISMA 504 Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
3 Credits
This is an introduction to computing system hardware components, architecture, organization, and operating system software concepts.  Course provides basic experience in assembly language programming for modern microprocessors and examines techniques for system evaluation and selection. Computing lab is included.

ISMA 506 Survey of Computer Programming Languages
3 Credits
This course presents an overview of different generations of computer programming languages in the past present and future.  The course is designed for students who need more information technology background with a managerial approach.  Programming and scripting languages will be discussed and examples will be drawn from the pool of languages available in today computer software industry.  These packages discussed include C++, JAVA, Visual Basic, PERL, ORACLE, SYBASE, Lotus Notes, etc.  Case studies involving different languages will also be discussed.

ISMA 508 Fundamentals of Database Management Systems
3 Credits
This course examines database management systems and design concepts.  There will be a discussion on the advantages of using different database management systems.  Some of the technical details involved in properly designing and implementing database systems will be presented.  Among the topics to be covered are; the relational database models, database design and normalization of database tables, an introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL), and database administration within the organizations.  Upon completing this course, students will have developed a fundamental understanding of the design, implementation, and management of database systems.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ISMA 511 Programming Languages
3 Credits
This course studies of the structure and application of high-level languages by stressing the design and implementation of data types, data structures, and algorithms.  Computing lab is included.  Credit for this course does not count toward the requirements for a major in computer science.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ISMA 513 Program Structure and Design for Business Applications
3 Credits
This course teaches structured programming and design using a high-level language.  Focus is on program design, coding, debugging, and documentation.  A computing lab is included.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ISMA 521 Information Analysis and Systems Design
3 Credits
This course introduces strategies for developing information system applications and presents the development life cycle as a basic concept in managing applications.  The life cycle phases leading to the determination of requirements and the development of a general logical design are studied.  Theoretical concepts are applied in the development and implementation of an operational system from its logical design.  The process of planning for change is described and the post-implementation or feedback phase of the life cycle of systems development is reviewed.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500.

ISMA 523 Computers and Legal Environment
3 Credits
Ethical considerations for computer scientists and computer-related security and privacy issues, as well as, Copyright, patent, trade secret issues, venture capitalists, tax issues, computer crime and international trade considerations will be discussed.
Prerequisite: permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 524 Information Security Principles
3 Credits
This course explores the study of security policies, models, and mechanisms for secrecy, integrity, availability and usage controls.  Topics include models and mechanisms for mandatory, discretionary and role-based access controls; authentication technologies; control and prevention of viruses and other rogue programs; common system vulnerabilities and countermeasures; privacy and security policies and risk analysis; intellectual property protection; legal and social issues.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ISMA 530 SQL Server 2000 / 2003
3 Credits
SQL 2000 / 2003 Server installation, configuration, security, administering and programming are covered.  Also to identify and configure a Microsoft SQL Server 2000 RDBMS will be introduced.  It shows applying live screen image video and audio, how to install and configure an SQL Server 2000 and 2003, create and manage databases and database devices both in Enterpriser Manager and with scripts in Query Analyzer, backup and restore SQL Server databases, design, create and manage database objects, program in transact-SQL, import and export data, implement automated tasks and optimize the performance of SQL Server 2000 and 2003.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 531 Java I
3 Credits
This course presents an overview of the Java 2 Platform. It also provides extensive experience with Java and its object-oriented features. Topics include OO concepts, structure of Java language and event model, JFC/Swing package, I/O, multithread programming, and JDBC. Students will do significant hands-on programming in Java to develop applets and applications, including intuitive GUIs.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 532 Java II
3 Credits
This course introduces the Web service programming model enabled by HTTP, Servlets, JSP, and EJB. Topics include how to build server-side code that executes as Servlets and Java Server Pages (JSP). All aspects of accessing data and managing state efficiently are covered, including JDBC and transactions. Programming model of EJB will be covered.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 533 XML
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction and overview of Extensible Markup Language (XML) and XML related technologies used to develop content and manipulate data for commercial web sites.  XML is a revolutionary language which is rapidly becoming a Web development standard for business-to-business transactions, and for database manipulation and searching.  The class will cover well-formed and valid XML documents, namespaces, schemas, cascading style sheets (CSS), and XSLT.  Also the course content includes discussion of web architectures and XML-based systems development, including programming multi-tier, client/server, database-oriented, Internet and Web-based applications.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 535 CCNA I
3 Credits
CCNA course prepares the students to configure and troubleshoot data communications networks employing Cisco routers and switches.  The course covers networking fundamentals as well as switch and router design, configuration, and verification specifics.  Students will also study advanced router configuration, LAN switching theory, VLANs, advanced LAN and LAN switched design, and Novel IPX™.  They will also study WAN theory and design WAN technology, PPP, Frame Relay, ISDN, Network troubleshooting, National SCANS Skills, and threaded case studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 536 CCNA II
3 Credits
Continuation of CCNA I, which prepares the students to configure and troubleshoot data communications networks employing Cisco routers and switches.  The course covers networking fundamentals as well as switch and router design, configuration, and verification specifics.  Students will also study advanced router configuration, LAN switching theory, VLANs, advanced LAN and LAN switched design, and Novel IPX™.  They will also study WAN theory and design WAN technology, PPP, Frame Relay, ISDN, Network troubleshooting, National SCANS Skills, and threaded case studies.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 545 Modeling and Decision Systems
3 Credits
This course involves a study of model formulation and solution procedures.  The use of information systems in decision making and performance evaluation is reviewed.  Student will gain an understanding of the trade- off involved in the use, design, and construction of decision-making systems.  The course will stress the concept of building models of complex systems operating under uncertainty.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500.

ISMA 550 Directed Research I
ISMA 551 Directed Research II
6 Credits
These two courses are only open to the graduate students who decide to write a master’s thesis.  Each course is equivalent to three (3) credit hours for a total of six (6) credits.  Students writing a thesis are required to complete six hours.  Chair of department will assign each student to a thesis advisor.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 562 Information Systems Policy
3 Credits
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the role of information systems in satisfying management’s need for information.  The various structures of information systems departments and organizations are studied in this context.  The student will investigate administrative and management issues relative to the control of the information systems function.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500 or Permission of Department Chair.

ISMA 568 Information Systems Projects I
3 Credits
This course is the capstone of the curriculum.  The student is required to complete a project in the application of the principles of computer information systems.  The concepts from the previous courses are utilized in the development and implementation of the project.  The student will gain experience in analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating information systems.  The course must be taken during one of the student’s last two terms.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COURSES (ITEC)

ITEC 500 Web I: Introduction to Web Development
3 Credits
This course introduces the concepts needed to be successful in the web development environment.  Discussed are topics such as the similarities and differences in Internet browsers and user computer configurations (connection speed, display settings, etc.).  The student learns to develop web pages with a text editor and HTML tags, images, tables, forms, frames and associated attributes such as a more powerful WYSIWYG HTML editor.  Other topics include introductory Dynamic HTML (DHTML) and Cascading Style Sheets.  A graphic development tool is used to allow students to develop graphics files for their projects png, gif, jpg, and animated gifs.  A long-range web development project is begun.

ITEC 505 Web II: Intermediate Web Development
3 Credits
A continuation of Web I progress to rapid Application Development (RAD), client and server side scripting for user and database interaction.  The students continue to build their skills in both client and server-side scripting using the Document Object Model. Session/cookie management. Continuation of project.
Prerequisite: ITEC 500

ITEC 510 Web Site Administration
3 Credits
This course explores web server administration and web security. It includes sheets related to these sites and security features, hosting multiple web sites on the same web server and associated performance issues. Application-level password security. Project conclusion.
Prerequisite: ITEC 500

ITEC 513 Network and Operating System Essentials
3 Credits
This course introduces the student to the basics of network security tools, administrative tools, network protocols and fundamentals of TCP/IP, using standard operating systems such as Windows and Unix.

ITEC 515 Information Systems Security Policy and Management
3 Credits
This course includes security policies, mandatory and discretionary access control, Chinese walls, separation of duties and least privilege, security objectives, architectures, models and mechanisms as well as, privacy policy and technologies.  Social implications of biometric identification and Intellectual property protection in cyberspace are also included.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500

ITEC 520 Information Warfare
3 Credits
This course will study the nature of information warfare, including computer crime and information terrorism, as it relates to national economic, organizational, and personal security. Students will gain an understanding of the threats to information resources, including military and economic espionage, communications eavesdropping, computer break-ins, denial-of-service, destruction and modification of data, distortion and fabrication of information, forgery, control and disruption of information flow, electronic bombs, and psyops and perception management. They will learn about countermeasures, including authentication, encryption, auditing, monitoring, intrusion detection, and firewalls, and the limitations of those countermeasures. They will learn about cyberspace law and law enforcement, information warfare and the military, and intelligence in the information age. Information warfare policy and ethical issues will be examined.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500 

ITEC 523 Operating Systems for Administrators
3 Credits
This course describes practices and procedures for installing and configuring modern operating systems, including user accounts, file, print and terminal servers, mobile computing, and disaster protection.
Prerequisite: ITEC 513

ITEC 525 Secure Electronic Commerce
3 Credits
This course explores cryptography review, cryptographic protocols, secure electronic transactions, public key certificates and infrastructures, authentication and authorization certificates, secure credential services and role-based authorization, mobile code security, security of agent-based systems, electronic payment systems, intellectual property protection, secure time stamping and notarization.
Prerequisite: ISMA 500 and MATH 500

ITEC 530 Network Servers and Infrastructures
3 Credits
This course covers networking concepts and practices for using DHCP, DNS, WINS, Public Key infrastructure, routing, remote address services, web servers, and network connectivity between operating systems.

ITEC 568 Information Technology Projects I
3 Credits
This course is the first of two capstones of the curriculum.  The student is required to complete a project in the application of the principles of computer information technology.  The concepts from the previous courses are utilized in the development and implementation of the project.  The student will gain experience in analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating information technology.  The course must be taken in the second to last term of the graduate program.

ITEC 569 Information Technology Projects II
3 Credits
This course is the second of two capstones of the curriculum.  The student is required to complete a project in the application of the principles of computer information technology.  The concepts from the previous courses are utilized in the development and implementation of the project.  The student will gain experience in analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating information technology.  The course must be taken during the student’s last term.

INTERNSHIP COURSES (INTS)

INTS 590, 591 Graduate Internship Program
3 Credits each
The student needs the Department chair’s approval for an internship.  Students may register for a 3 credit hour degree-related internship program in any one term after completing 2 terms of college credit work with a GPA of 3.0 or better.  Internships must be conducted at sites approved by the University.  For more information, contact Career Services.  International students must apply for Curricular Practical Training to complete an internship.

MATHEMATICS COURSES (MATH)

MATH 500 Operations Research I
3 Credits
This course applies mathematical methods in management and decision making.  Basic concepts and techniques of deterministic operations research modeling as applied to problems in industrial, business, government, and military decision making will be studied.  Topics include linear programming, transportation models, assignment problems, scheduling, queuing, simulation, and inventory control problems.  Concentration will be on the techniques of management science.  Prerequisite: MATH 203.

MATH 501 Operations Research II
3 Credits
This course applies mathematical methods in management and decision making.  Basic concepts and techniques of deterministic operations research modeling as applied to problems in industrial, business, government, and military decision making will be studied.  Topics include linear programming, transportation models, assignment problems, scheduling, queuing, simulation, and inventory control problems.  Concentration will be on the techniques of management science.
Prerequisite: MATH 500.

MATH 520 Special Topics in Mathematics I
MATH 521 Special Topics in Mathematics II
3 Credits each
These courses provide an opportunity for students to study in a variety of formats. Included are advanced topics in mathematics, which may not be included elsewhere in the curriculum.
Prerequisite: Permission of Department Chair.

MATH 528 Numerical Methods
3 Credits
This course studies the use of numerical methods in solving scientific problems. It consists of Concepts of algorithm and flowcharts and errors in numerical methods.  Topics included are interpolation and numerical methods for the solution of simultaneous linear/nonlinear algebraic equations, numerical integration, matrices, and determinants and for the solution of ordinary and partial differential equations.
Prerequisite: MATH 203.

STATISTICS COURSES (STAT)

STAT 500 Statistics
3 Credits
This is as elementary introduction to statistics.  Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing for means and proportions, correlation, and regression.  Students use statistical software for assignments

STAT 505 Computer Statistics Packages
3 Credits
 This course uses computer packages in the statistical analysis of data.  Topics include data entry, checking, and manipulation, as well as the use of computer statistical packages for regression and analysis of variance.
Prerequisite: STAT 500

STAT 510 Exploratory Data Analysis
3 Credits
This course explores approaches to finding the unexpected in data: data mining, pattern recognition and gaining understanding.  Emphasis is on data-centered, non-inferential statistics, for large or high-dimensional data, and topical problems.  Simple graphical methods, as well as classical and computer-intensive methods applied in an exploratory manner, and presentation graphics are utilized.  This course is designed to provide students with the essentials for approaching new, complex data, and arriving at preliminary descriptive statements.
Prerequisite: STAT 500