The Computer Science Department - Western Kentucky University - A Leading American University With International Reach

Graduates Admission

Graduate Students

Thank you for your interest in the Master's program in Computer Science at WKU.

Please use the information at the following website:
1. http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Graduate/ for university requirements all graduate students must satisfy.
2. http://oip.wku.edu for requirements international students must satisfy.
3. Click here for information regarding the requirements to complete a master's in CS.

Furthermore, please read through the description in the graduate catalog regarding admission requirements. The CS department does not only use GPA and/or GRE scores to decide admission. We evaluate the GPA and the GRE together with the student's performance in important undergraduate courses to decide whether or not to admit a students. As a rule of thumb, a GRE around 1000 as well as performance in their prior university work of 60% or more is what most students we accept have.

Here is a short except from the admission requirements: " Applicants must have completed approximately two years of undergraduate study in computer science and mathematics, including a year of calculus. Minimum requirements include knowledge of programming in a high level language including data structures, assembly programming, computer organization, discrete structures, and operating systems."

If you have any other questions, please contact:
*Graduate Admissions Advisor:*_ Dr. Mustafa Atici (who will address all issues until a student turns up at WKU premises),
_* Graduate Operations Advisor:*_ Dr. James Gary (who will address all issues from when a student turns up at WKU premises), or
_*Graduate Comprehensive Exam Co-ordinator:*_ Dr. Ahmed Emam (who will address all issues related to comprehensive exam)

Objectives and Outcomes of the CS Undergraduate Program

Objective: To provide a learning environment which endows graduates from WKU&prime s Computer Science program with a background sufficient to obtain employment in the field or to get admitted into graduate school within six months of their graduation.
Outcome: Students demonstrate that they have a good understanding of data structures and algorithms, architecture and operating systems, software engineering, and principles of programming languages.
Outcome: Students demonstrate good program development skills.
Objective: Graduates from WKU&prime s Computer Science program move to a "better" position within five years of?their graduation, and their employer is satisfied with the graduates performance five years after graduation.
Outcome: Students demonstrate that they have a good understanding of data structures and algorithms, architecture and operating systems, software engineering, and principles of programming languages.
Outcome: Students demonstrate good program development skills.
Outcome: Students demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
Objective: Graduates from WKU&prime s Computer Science program continue to improve their knowledge in the discipline (e.g. they are life-long learners).
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply CS-related knowledge to complete projects.
Outcome: Students are able to use different programming languages/paradigms and different computing platforms.
Objective: Graduates from WKU&prime s Computer Science program are valuable employees in the strongly team-work oriented computing industry.
Outcome: Students demonstrate the ability to participate successfully on at least two teams which work in areas related to computer science, mathematics, or sciences.
Objective: Graduates from WKU&prime s accredited Computer Science program have a firm foundation in scientific and mathematical principles.
Outcome: Students successfully completed a broad set of courses designed for science/mathematics/ and engineering majors.
Objective: Graduates from WKU&prime s Computer Science program are satisfied with the preparation they received at WKU 5 years after graduation.
Outcome: Students are satisfied with the preparation they received at the time of their graduation.

All students following a four-year undergraduate degree program must fulfill certain general education requirements. Students are cautioned to note any special requirements governing the particular program they choose to follow. Students should refer to course descriptions or consult the department head for possible prerequisites for general education courses.

Academics

.: Graduate Program Requirements

The Computer Science Department offers a 30 credit hour program (33 if the research tool is satisfied by taking a course) leading to a Master of Science degree with a major in computer science. There are thesis and non-thesis options.

Specific degree requirements are as follows:

Required courses:
CS 443G Database Management Systems
CS 445G Operating Systems II
CS 541 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
CS 543 Computer Information Systems Design
CS 544 Compiler Theory and Design
CS 549 Analysis of Algorithms
Four elective computer science courses approved by the graduate advisor.
A minimum of six 500-level computer science courses.
Comprehensive Examination

If any of the required courses have been completed for undergraduate credit, electives will be substituted. Additional information on admissions and graduate assistantships can be obtained from

Dr. James Gary
Graduate Advisor in Computer Science
Department of Computer Science
Western Kentucky University, 42101-3576
Phone: 270-745-6373

Office of Graduate Studies
Western Kentucky University, 42101-3576

For more information visit WKU Graduate Studies website.


Computer Science Department, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY-42101-11076. Phone : 270-745-4642 Fax : 270-745-6449

Graduates