Masters Degree in Computer Networks

Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
College of Science
Office: North Science 335
Phone: (510) 885-3414l

E-mail: mathcs@csueastbay.edu
http://www.mcs.csueastbay.edu

Student Service Center: North Science 337
Phone: (510) 885-4011

Professor Emeriti
Christopher L. Morgan, Ph.D. Brandeis University
William R. Nico, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley

Professors
William Thibault, Ph.D. Georgia Institute of Technology
Ytha Y. Yu, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley

Associate Professors
Jagdish Bansiya, Ph.D. University of Alabama, Huntsville
Kevin A. Brown, Ph.D. University of South Carolina
Leann Christianson, Ph.D. University of South Carolina
Farzan Roohparvar, Ph.D. Iowa State University

Assistant Professors
Levent Ertaul, Ph.D. Univesity of Susses (United Kingdon)

Lecturers
Ching-Cheng Lee, Ph.D. University of London (England)

Graduate Coordinator
Leann Christianson, Ph.D.
Leann.Christianson@csueastbay.edu
510-885-3344

M.S. in Computer Networks

Program Description
The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers graduate study leading to the degree of Master of Science in Computer Networks. The program provides opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of the basis for computer networking technology and its application to communication infrastructures. It is designed to offer both a theoretical background and practical experience beyond that covered in typical undergraduate degree programs. A theoretical background to support hands-on learning is imperative as the computer network industry and its technologies are transitory and rapidly evolving. Students can expect to have a number of different job classifications during their working lives.

The area of computer networks requires a variety of skills including knowledge and experience with computer network protocols, routing algorithms, network congestion control, error handling, network management, data compression and encryption, switching algorithms, operating systems principles and practices, computer architecture, and software development. Computer network theory rests upon engineering principles and concepts that draw upon mathematics and physics.

Our program features small classes that allow for close contact between students and faculty. Most graduate classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, making it possible for working students to attend. Courses toward the M.S. degree may also be taken during the summer quarter. Students may begin their studies in any one of the four quarters.

Students interested in the M.S. degree program in Computer Networks should speak with the Computer Networks Graduate Coordinator.

This program is designed to give students current knowledge in telecommunications core technology and problem solving experience in designing and implementing telecommunication systems.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an M.S. in Computer Networks from Cal State East Bay will have acquired the knowledge and skills listed below.

  1. Technical competence to: a) design and implement computer network programs running on multiple machines, b) manage network devices, c) use protocol and service design principles, d) design a solution to a consumer request using current technologies;
  2. A fundamental understanding of Computer Networks theory including: (a) mathematical basis for network traffic analysis, (b) design and analysis of a wide variety of network algorithms, (c) understanding of network architectures and protocols, (d) network security concepts and applications;
  3. Able to work effectively as a team member;
  4. An understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities and appreciation of the impact of computer network solutions in the societal context;
  5. Able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral form.

Career Opportunities
Network Engineer • Software Engineer • Network Administrator • Network Applications Programmer • Web/Multimedia Manager • Webmaster • Network Security Administrator • Programming Team Member, possibly specializing in Design, Testing, or Documentation • Computer Network Support • Computer Sales Representative • Customer Support • Technical Writer • Teacher/Professor

Faculty
The faculty of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department hold doctorates in a wide variety of areas. They have a strong commitment to high quality teaching, and have interests in fields such as wireless and mobile networking, network security, data compression, computer graphics, numerical analysis, compiler design, computer simulation, parallel programming, computer architecture, automata, multimedia, cryptography, computational complexity, language design and implementation, graph theory, microcomputer architecture, and database systems.

Features
Computer Networks students at Cal State East Bay have access to some of the most modern and powerful computer equipment available. The campus provides a network backbone, including connection to the Internet, and hundreds of personal computers. The department also has equipment of its own, including a network of UNIX workstations and classrooms equipped for computerized demonstrations. Several computer labs on campus offer terminal access and assistance with problems.

Cal State has an active Computing Club, which hosts industry tours as well as academic and social events and is involved with a number of ongoing projects.

Scholarships
Each year the department awards a number of scholarships covering a large portion of the fees for the subsequent year. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the department office during the Winter quarter.

Admission
To apply for admission to the Master of Science program in Computer Networks, a student must submit the proper forms, fees and transcripts to the university's Office of Planning and Enrollment Management, which reviews each application initially. The department then reviews the application, making the decision whether to accept or reject the applicant. Each applicant must have the score on the general portion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) submitted directly to the department. Submission of scores on the Computer Science portion is optional.

A student wishing to enter this program must normally have an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or in a related field, with courses in Computer Science as indicated below, and must have a grade point average of 2.75 in all undergraduate work and a 3.00 grade point average in the Computer Science Core and Mathematics courses listed below.

Computer Networks Admission Requirements
    CS 2430 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming
    CS 3240 Data Structures and Algorithms
    CS 3430 Computer Architecture
    CS 3590 Data Communications and Networking
    CS 4560 Operating Systems or CS 3560 Introduction to Systems Programming
    CS 4590 Computer Networks

Successful completion of equivalents to all the following mathematics requirements is also required.

Mathematics Requirements for Admission
    MATH 2150 Discrete Structures
    An upper division course in probability or statistics
      (STAT/ENGR 3601, STAT/MATH 3401, or STAT/MATH 3502)

A student who has not met all of the above requirements may be admitted to the program at the discretion of the department as a "Conditionally Classified Graduate" student, provided the student's record clearly demonstrates the capability of meeting all these requirements.

No more than 20 quarter units taken while in "Conditionally Classified Graduate" status may be applied to the degree. Note that courses used to make up deficiencies for admission may not be applied toward the master's degree. A "Conditionally Classified Graduate" student who has no course deficiencies, a "B" or better average in at least 12 quarter units of post-baccalaureate study, and has satisfied the University Writing Skills requirement should petition the graduate coordinator for admission to the master's degree program with "Classified Graduate" status. A maximum of 13 units taken as an "Unclassified Post-baccalaureate" student may be applied to a master's degree.

Advancement to Candidacy
Advancement to Candidacy is a university requirement for graduation for a master's degree program. A student with "Classified Graduate" status may apply for Advancement to Candidacy after completing at least 16 quarter units towards the master's degree with a "B" average, including at least two 6000 level Computer Science courses with a "B" or better average.

Before being Advanced to Candidacy, a student's complete course of study must be approved by the Computer Networks Graduate Committee.

Degree Requirements
The following departmental requirements are in addition to the university requirements.

  1. Required Courses (12 units)
    CS 6560 Operating System Design (4)
    CS 6580 Distributed Systems (4)
    CS 6591 Communications Network Analysis and Design (4)

  2. Breadth Requirement (16 units)
    Four courses selected from the following:
    CS 4594 Broadband Networks and Communications (4)
    CS 6320 Software Engineering of Web-Based Systems (4)
    CS 6522 Advanced WWW Software Development (4)
    CS 6525 Network Security (4)
    CS 6592 Network Management (4)
    CS 6596 Wireless and Mobile Networking Architecture (4)
    CS 6715 Data Compression (4)

    Note: Some of the breadth requirement courses contain prerequisites that are not included in the program admission requirements.

  3. Capstone Experience (5 units)
    CS 6899 Project (5)

    The capstone experience consists of a project, normally involving a team of students, and an individual formal document from each student. Projects must be approved by a designated faculty committee and sponsored by a faculty advisor.

  4. Electives (12 units)
    Any graduate course in Computer Science may be applied to this category. Any Computer Science course numbered 3000 (except 3898) or higher, provided it has not been already applied toward a B.S. degree or toward prerequisites for admission. This restriction includes equivalent courses from other degree programs; exceptions require the approval of the Computer Networks Graduate Committee.

  5. Unit and Grade Requirements
    At least 45 quarter units of approved upper division and graduate work. Of these, at least 26 units must be approved graduate (6000-level) courses. All work toward the 45 units must be at an average grade of "B" (3.0) or higher. Grades below "C-" will not be counted as prerequisites or toward the degree.

Other Degree Requirements
In addition to departmental requirements, every student must also satisfy the university requirements for graduation which are described in the Graduate and Post-baccalaureate Studies chapter at the beginning of the graduate section of this catalog. These requirements include the 32-unit residence requirement, the five-year rule on currency of subject matter, the minimum number of units of 6000-level courses, the 3.00 GPA, and the University Writing Skills requirement.

Graduate Courses
See the graduate Computer Science (CS) course descriptions.