The master of science (MS) degree-seeking student should consult the Admission, Enrollment, and Academic Policies sections under Academic Policies and Procedures for policies regarding application, admission, registration, and the academic policies of Webster University.
A student may have a maximum of 3 credit hours of coursework from other graduate programs.
Students may not apply for dual majors because of the technical nature of the MS degree program.
Students should consult the Academic Policies section under Academic Policies and Procedures for general information regarding degree completion.
Computer Science with an emphasis in Distributed Systems
The MS in computer science with an emphasis in distributed systems is designed to teach students the principles of distributed information processing. The program emphasizes both theory and practice. Students will learn the underlying principles on which the technology is based, and will learn to use some of the current tools in the field.
Students seeking the MS degree in computer science/distributed systems should hold a baccalaureate degree in computer science from an institution accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies. Students entering this program should have an understanding of operating systems theory (COSC 2610), systems analysis (COSC 2810), and data structures (COSC 3100). They should possess good mathematical skills and be proficient in the C++ programming language (COSC 1550 and COSC 1560).
The 36 credit hours required for the MS degree must include the following courses for a major in computer science with an emphasis in distributed systems:
Core Courses
- COSC 5000 Distributed Systems (Requisite Course)
- COSC 5010 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
- COSC 5020 Object-Oriented Programming
- COSC 5040 Distributed Database Design
- COSC 5050 Distributed Database Applications
- COSC 6000 Distributed Systems Project
Five Elective Courses chosen from the following:
- COSC 5030 Agile Software Development
- COSC 5060 Systems Concepts
- COSC 5110 Network Architecture
- COSC 5120 Data Communication
- COSC 5130 Computer Security and Reliability
- COSC 5140 Network Design and Management
- COSC 5150 Distributed Application Development
In addition, the student may choose one elective course offered in this major or one elective graduate course from a different major.
Program Learning Outcomes for Computer Science with an emphasis in Distributed Systems
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to solve problems related to the program content.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of distributed systems.
- Students will be able to analyze, design and implement a distributed system application using techniques and models from the computer science program.
- Students will be able to document a distributed system application including both user documentation and technical documentation.
- Students will be able to make a formal presentation of a distributed systems project including demonstrating the working application.
COSC 5000 Distributed Systems (3)
Students will examine the fundamentals of computer information systems in a distributed environment, including network concepts, operating systems concepts, network operating systems, transaction management, and time coordination. Emphasis will be placed on the elements necessary for distributed information systems.
COSC 5010 Object-Oriented Analysis and Design (3)
Students will learn the principles of object-oriented analysis and design: classes, polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance. The emphasis is on development principles for medium, large, and distributed systems. Students will develop a logical design project. Prerequisite: programming proficiency in C++.
COSC 5020 Object-Oriented Programming (3)
Students will apply the principles of object-oriented programming in the implementation of a major information system project using C++. Students will implement the object-oriented design from COSC 5010. Prerequisite: COSC 5010.
COSC 5030 Agile Software Development (3)
Students will explore the important principles of software development: delivering value to the customer, focusing on individual developers and their skills, collaboration, an emphasis on producing working software, the critical contribution of technical excellence, and a willingness to change course when demands shift. Several key software development methods are investigated and one methodology is actively examined using a course development project. Prerequisite: COSC 5020.
COSC 5040 Distributed Database Design (3)
Students will study the principles of homogeneous database technology and the principles of distributed database systems. The emphasis will be on the integration of heterogeneous database management systems into a coherent system. Students will develop a logical design for a distributed database. Prerequisite: COSC 5000.
COSC 5050 Distributed Database Applications (3)
Students will implement the distributed database developed in COSC 5040. Emphasis will be on good design techniques and proper documentation. Students will implement a database project in this course. Prerequisite: COSC 5040.
COSC 5060 Systems Concepts (3)
Students will study the mathematical basis of connected systems. Topics will include queues, graphs, matrices, and finite state machines. Prerequisite: COSC 5000 and college algebra.
COSC 5110 Network Architecture (3)
Students will study the fundamental concepts of computer networks. Topics will include network topologies, protocols, and network operating systems. The OSI model will be used to evaluate and compare systems. Prerequisite: COSC 5000.
COSC 5120 Data Communication (3)
Students will study the Internet working standards and common carrier services. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis and design of systems using current communication technologies. Prerequisite: COSC 5110.
COSC 5130 Computer Security and Reliability (3)
Students will study hardware and software reliability and security using currently available technology. Emphasis will be placed on security analysis of the system, physical threats to systems, virus protection, system recovery, and encryption. Prerequisite: COSC 5110.
COSC 5140 Network Design and Management (3)
Students will study the design of a distributed system. The emphasis will be on systems with multiple topologies and protocols. Prerequisite: COSC 5110.
COSC 5150 Distributed Application Development (3)
Students will be introduced to the creation of Web-based applications. This course will also cover the components of Web design and incorporate various languages to enhance Web documents. Prerequisite: COSC 5050.
COSC 5200 Issues in Distributed Systems (3)
Students will be introduced to the issues in emerging technologies in distributed systems. This course will cover advanced theories and technologies in building distributed systems, such as mobile applications and web services. Prerequisite: COSC 5040
Capstone Course
COSC 6000 Distributed Systems Project (3)
Students will design and implement a major system distributed information system that integrates the learning experiences gained in the previous courses. Prerequisite: completion of 30 credit hours of the required and elective COSC courses in this program.
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