Curriculum
The D.P.S. in computing is a 48-credit program, which assumes the prior completion of a master's degree in computing or in a closely related discipline. Research commences in the first year when students begin a 12-credit integrative core and a 6-credit research seminar sequence, and continues through the 12-credit advanced elective sequence in the second year and a 6-credit research seminar sequence. A 12-credit dissertation completes in three -four years.
FIRST YEAR OF STUDY
Application Database Systems Development, Design and Implementation I & II
DCS 811 and 812 - Fall and Early Spring
3 credits each
These courses address the environment in which application software systems are built and used. Critical and emerging issues in computing and their relationship to application software development and design provide the major theme. This includes Internet computing and component technologies, and the development of significant Web-based e-education applications with a back end database.
Students develop projects working in small teams that directly relate to the educational environment. The project development explores cutting edge Web design and data analysis, tool rich working environments, team development efforts, cost performance trade-offs in an educational context
Data Communications, Networking, and the Internet I & II
DCS 833 and 834 - Fall and Late Spring
3 credits each
These courses progress from the basics of data, signals and information transmission to principles of computer networking and the operation of current and evolving Internet protocols. They provide a foundation for planning and managing network facilities and the design and implementation of Internet based applications. The ISO Reference Model and the TCP/IP protocols form the framework for introducing Internet facilities, services, protocols and applications. Students investigate new network technologies and applications in small team projects.
Research Seminar I & II (see Dissertation Year 3)
DCS 891A, B - Early Spring and Late Spring
3 credits each
Students are introduced to a variety of methods and styles of computing research through presentations by faculty and industry professionals and by studying selected research documents. Students learn to identify new computing research problems and to formulate research proposals in preparation for dissertation research. Students will also learn the tools for research (i.e. SAS, Project Management).
SECOND YEAR OF STUDY
Elective Options
Topics in Data Mining
DCS 861B - Fall and Spring
3 credits
Social Networking Opportunities & Challenges
DCS 861I - Early Spring
3 credits
Integrating Technologies into the Curricula
DCS 861J
3 credits
Assistive Technology
DCS 860F
3 credits
These courses consist of topics of current interest to students. Cutting edge issues and emerging information technology areas are explored. A major goal for these courses is to understand the technological life cycle of emerging information technologies, their issues and potential impact. Visiting experts in computing, IT and educational technology discuss their current research and development activities.
Required
Research Seminar (See Dissertation Year 3)
DCS 891D, F - Fall, Late Spring
3 credits each
THIRD-FOURTH YEAR OF STUDY
Dissertation for D.P.S. in Computing
DCS 990, 991 - Fall, Spring/6 credits each
The dissertation is an original, rigorous, independent applied research product that may advance knowledge, improve professional practice, and/or contribute to the understanding of computing. The dissertation must be of sufficient strength to be able to distill from it a paper worthy of publication in a refereed journal or conference proceeding. Although publication is not a requirement for completing the doctoral degree, students are required to prepare a paper to submit for publication.
Examples of dissertation areas include: Data warehousing, patterns and pattern languages, visualization of data, genetic algorithms, distributed systems architecture, software component integration, Web site personalization and privacy, software testing and quality assurance, data security, Web content management strategies, Web services for businesses, broadband wireless network access services, biometrics, and pattern recognition.
