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Thank you for your interest in our program. Please check the bulletin information at
http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/cis.htm#Graduate. Additional sites are provided at the
end of this document. We have 1 degree, MSCIS, for two specializations, Computer Science and Information Systems.
Students must choose one of the specializations. That is a graduate student must choose either the
theoretical approach (Computer Science) or the applications approach (Information Systems).
Both specializtions involve fundamental knowledge of computing but the specific focus is where they differ. Computer Science is a theoretical approach based on a set of core courses in
Performance Evaluation of Algorithms, Software Engineering, Complexity Theory,
and Computer Architecture. Computer Science students build on this core by
choosing electives in Real Time, Robotics, AI, Data Mining, etc. Information Systems is an applied approach based on a set of core courses
in Analysis and Design, Database Management, Project and Change Management,
and Human Computer Interfaced Design. Information Systems students build on
this core through courses design to support the understanding of information
needs and the building of Information Systems for people in organizations.
These courses include Applications Design and Implementation, Function Integration,
Data Warehousing, Data Mining, etc. UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
If your undergraduate degree is not in computing, you will be required to take some or all of a set of
six foundation courses (see 4 below). Five of these courses are :
-Object-Oriented Programming Concepts,
-Data And File Structures,
-Database Programming,
-Operating Systems Concepts, And
-Networks and Data Communication Concepts.
The sixth course will either be
-Programming Languages if you select Computer Science OR
Information Systems in Organizations if you select Information Systems.
Credit will be given for any of these courses that you have
already completed in your previous academic work.
However, even if your degree is in any area of computing, you should be prepared to take
an object-oriented programming placement exam and a database placement exam during orientation.
SUPPORTING COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Some supporting courses are required for each.
--Information Systems requires Accounting, Management, Survey of Calculus, and Business Statistics.
--Computer Science requires Calculus I and II, Discrete Mathematics, and Theoretical Statistics.
Credit will be given for any of these which you have already completed in your previous academic work.
GRE and TOEFL SCORES
Applicants must first satisfy the minimum requirements for acceptance to the University's Graduate School.
Please see http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/graduate.htm for details.
For admission to the School of CIS Graduate Program, GRE scores must be reported for the
verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing for degree-seeking admission.
A minimum TOEFL score of 525 (or 195 computer-based or 71 internet based) is also required of
international students. Final admission decisions are made based upon an evaluation of the applicant's
complete file which consists of all official academic transcripts, undergraduate grade-point average;
GRE scores; three (3) letters of reference; professional experience; the applicant's statement of purpose;
TOEFL scores (for international applicants); and program enrollment and availability.
Admission status is determined by the School of CIS admissions committee.
LAPTOP POLICY
Admission to this program requires that you have a laptop computer that
must be registered with the School of Computer and Information Sciences
during your orientation session. You will not be allowed to register
for your courses until you complete this step. See
the url for our laptop policy the link in item 5 below.
GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, AND WORK STUDY
The School of CIS has a limited number of assistantships. These are very competitive and are typically
awarded to students who are prepared to enter graduate courses immediately or to students who have skills
that can support faculty needs. Since there are so many applicants, we have only chosen applicants who have
been enrolled in the program at least one semester. This gives the committee a opportunity to obtain recommendations from
our faculty about dependability, ability to work alone and with others, and communication/technology skills that are
currently required by the School of CIS. Typically, graduate assistants are assigned to be laboratory instructors
or research assistants to professors. There are internship opportunities with some local organizations in Mobile. In addition to providing a
source of financial support, an internship provides a student with the opportunity to see the relationship
of knowledge acquired in the classroom to its use in an organization. Internship assignments vary
according to organization and needs. Past interns have participated in software testing, help desk activities,
hardware and software installation, software development, web page development, and web site management. There are a limited number of workstudy opportunities with the School of CIS and with other units on campus.
Workstudy students in the School of CIS serve as assistants during open laboratory hours, classroom assistants
to faculty, and as assistants to the network administrator. SITES WITH INFORMATION
The sites listed below should provide you with some of the information you requested. If you need anything
else, please let us know. 1. For general information about graduate study at USA, please go to
http://www.southalabama.edu/graduateprograms/
for international graduate students, please go to
http://www.southalabama.edu/intnatsrv/application.html
2. For application for admission to USA go to
http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/grad/grappl.html
The deadlines for graduate applications are listed at
http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/grad/grdead.html 3. Information about the CIS graduate program is found at:
http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/cis.htm#Graduate 4. Courses
Foundation and Graduate course descriptions: http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/courcis.htm
CSC Graduate course descriptions: http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/courcsc.htm
ISC Graduate course descriptions: http://www.southalabama.edu/bulletin/courisc.htm 5. School of CIS laptop policy:
http://www.cis.usouthal.edu/LAPTOP_POLICY2005.pdf 6. Information about costs, services, and contacts go to http://www.southalabama.edu/admissions/tuition.html or
for international students, go to http://www.southalabama.edu/intnatsrv/ 7. Contact for International Students:
Ms. Brenda Hinson: Manager
E-Mail:
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Ms. Cynthia Nobles: Coordinator of International Graduate Admissions
E-Mail:
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