Computer and Information Science, MCIS

Department of Computer and Information Science

Ahuja Hall 344
(216) 687-4760
http://cis.csuohio.edu/academics/mcis/

  Ben A. Blake, Interim Chair and Graduate Program Director

Programs of Study

Applied Distributed Systems
Artificial Intelligence
Database
Multimedia and Graphics
Networks
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Theory and Algorithms

Faculty

Current faculty information can be located on the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile page.

Introduction

The Master of Computer and Information Science (MCIS) program at Cleveland State University is a professional degree program specifically designed to combine a thorough education in computer and information science with applications in the areas of business, engineering, mathematics, or other relevant fields.  The program emphasizes study of computing using the latest technologies.  It focuses on the theoretical capabilities of computing including problem solving and algorithms.  Graduates of the program will be prepared for immediate employment in business, industry and government,or pursue higher studies in the discipline.

Faculty Research and Publications

Because of the broad range of research interests of the faculty, there are numerous opportunities for students to participate in special projects or research in all areas of computer and information science. The optional master’s thesis allows a student to conduct a more formal research project. Faculty publications and research interests over the past few years have been in the areas of database analysis and design, numerical analysis, optimization, performance measurement and evaluation, operating system design, data communications and network design, artificial intelligence, new computing paradigms, simulation, object-oriented systems analysis and design, object-oriented programming, healthcare systems, mobile computing, distributed computing, and geographic information systems.

Computer Facilities

Several major computer facilities are used by the Department to support research and teaching. These include a number of networked laboratories of basic and advanced personal computers and clusters of workstations.  All laboratories are available to students for both course work and research. The networks are connected to the University fiber backbone, which, in turn, is linked to national networks.  A wireless network is available throughout the campus.

Financial Assistance

The Department of Computer and Information Science and the Monte Ahuja College of Business Administration has a limited number of graduate assistantships available each year. A student may apply for an assistantship by completing an application form from the Graduate Business Programs Office. Copies of the completed applications are circulated to department chairs and program directors within the College. Interviews with prospective graduate assistants are arranged directly by department chairs and others who hire and supervise graduate assistants. Assistantships are not awarded in the CIS Department until a student has been in a graduate program for at least one semester.

Career Information

Students in the MCIS program have a wide range of options, allowing them to focus their studies on topics such as information systems, systems programming, database development, networks, web development, and others. As a result, a graduate’s career options will vary somewhat, depending on the chosen areas of study. For example, a student who specializes in information systems would be prepared for a career in the application of computers in business or the nonprofit sector, and typical starting positions would include programmer, systems analyst, and database designer. A student who specializes in systems programming, however, would be prepared for a career in technical-support functions and their management. Typical starting positions in this field would include systems programmer, technical-support engineer, and operations manager. A student who focuses on Internet-related topics could start as a web designer, HTML or Java programmer, or network designer or manager.

Admission Information

The applicant must meet the College of Graduate Studies  requirements for admission, as specified in the front section of this Catalog. In addition, the student must have: A cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 2.75 or better;

1. Completed either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT);
2. A weighted score of 1,000, computed as the test score, plus 200 times the undergraduate grade-point average; if an applicant takes the GRE, the test score is computed as the average of the verbal and quantitative scores on the examination;
3. For applicants whose native language is not English:
   1. A score on the TOEFL of at least 525 (197 for the computer-based test) and
   2. A score at the 5th percentile or better on the verbal portion of the GRE or GMAT.
4. An official transcript from each college and university previously attended.

Although the CIS Department makes every effort to honor students’ requested dates of admission, this is not always possible. In some cases, it may be necessary to delay the admission date because of the schedule of required courses. For international students, complete application materials, including a completed application form, transcripts for all college-level work, appropriate test scores (GMAT or GRE), and TOEFL scores, must be received by March 15 for the summer term and May 15 for fall admission consideration. Domestic applicants must submit complete application materials at least six weeks before the start of the summer, fall, and spring terms.

The Master’s Programs Committee of the College of Business Administration meets periodically to review admission requirements. Please call the Graduate Business Advising Office at (216) 6873730 to obtain additional information.

Apply Now: http://www.csuohio.edu/gradcollege/admissions/apply.html