Professional Science Master’s in Computer Information Systems
(Master of Science)

The Professional Science Master’s in Computer Information Systems is an evening program (part-time or full-time) that presents students with an applied education in advanced topics associated with computer science, computer engineering, and information systems. Students can enroll in this program on either a full-time or a part-time basis.

The program is designed for students with some experience in computer technology and programming, who wish to advance their technical skills and knowledge, and who also wish to improve their communication and business skills. The goal of the program is to produce graduates who are technically proficient in their field and capable of working successfully in government and business.

All students take six required courses in areas that are central to computer information systems. These areas are data structures, computer architecture, database management systems, data communications, user interface design, and software engineering. All students also take two courses in an area of specialization and do an independent studies project in their area, working closely with faculty. It is also possible to combine an internship with an independent study project. The current areas of specialization include embedded real-time systems, Internet programming, bioinformatics, and computer game design.
Students also take a course in technical communication. Surveys reveal that employers want their technical employees to be able to communicate well, work well in teams, and be able to work and communicate successfully with people from many cultures in an increasingly global workplace. The purpose of this course is to foster those skills. In addition, the department seeks to build communication and team skills in all our graduate courses.

Areas of Specialty
Bioinformatics
Computer Game Design
Internet Programming
Embedded Real-Time Systems

Requirements for Degree
A student seeking admission to the program must fulfill all general requirements for admission to graduate study. In addition to meeting these criteria, all students must have either a grade point average of 3.0 in their undergraduate work or present a portfolio of professional work to be evaluated by the faculty of the Computer Science department.

All students must have at least nine credits in undergraduate mathematics courses (or the equivalent), as well as the following undergraduate courses or their equivalents:

• CIS 202 Introduction to C++
• CIS 302 Data Structures in C++
• CIS 321 Database Management Systems

Students are expected to have received a B or better in each of these prerequisite courses.

Admission Requirements
All students must complete 33 credits, including a three-credit independent study project. All students must also take six credits within their area of specialization.

A student with sufficient experience that is equivalent to a core course may substitute (with departmental approval) an additional elective course or independent study.

Want to know more? Professor John Avitable is only a click away.

John Avitabile, M.S.
chair, computer science department

Deadlines:
While Saint Rose Graduate School applications may be obtained from Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions, we encourage applicants to use our convenient
online application.

June 1:
Preferred Deadline for Fall Admission

October 15:
Preferred Deadline for Spring Admission

March 15:
Preferred Deadline for Summer Admission

There is no guarantee that applications received after deadlines can be reviewed in a timely enough manner to ensure matriculation and registration for the upcoming term.