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Computer scientists impact society through their work in many areas. The advancement of technology has transformed the way and speed with which individuals work, communicate, and exchange information. As we now depend daily on the stability and reliability of our technology systems, there is a very strong demand for individuals with a background in computer science. Graduate level computer scientists are generally hired to work with the next generation of technology in areas such as computer systems, networking, database administration, operating systems, search engines, software engineering, and custom applications.

A variety of programming languages and software packages are used at the graduate level. Graduate students are expected to have the ability to immediately learn these languages and packages as needed for their programs. There are also many opportunities for independent study, projects, and research.

Integrated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Computer Science

An integrated baccalaureate and master’s degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in five years. Typically, a baccalaureate degree requires four years to complete and a master’s degree requires an additional two years. However, the integrated degree programs are intended to be accomplished over a period of five years. In addition to earning both degrees a year early, the integrated programs may include additional opportunities to participate in a variety of experiential educational activities such as a master’s project or thesis.

View detailed integrated degree requirements for computer science.

Assistantship Opportunities

A limited number of teaching assistantships, which provide a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver, are available. Undergraduate and graduate grade point averages, scholarship records, recommendations, and a personal statement provide the criteria for awarding assistantships. Teaching Assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, exhibit satisfactory progress toward their degree, and satisfactorily perform their assigned duties in order to retain their assistantships.

Computer Facilities

At Western, you will have access to a large IBM mainframe and SUN computers. There are also large laboratories with the latest microcomputers available. Our access to microcomputers is as good as any university in the United States. It is our goal to give you experience on a variety of computing equipment and the associated software so that you can judge which type of equipment is best suited for the problems you encounter during your working career.

Faculty Expertise

Department faculty have a variety of experiences, degrees, and research interests. The faculty have doctorates from such universities as Florida State University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Northwestern University, Southern Methodist University, SUNY Buffalo, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, and University of Western Ontario. Their current research interests are in the areas of artificial intelligence, computer architecture, databases, distributed processing, graphics, languages, networking, simulation, and software engineering.

Please refer to the graduate catalog for detailed program information and course requirements.

Computer Science (CS) Courses

CS 410G Operating Systems

Overview of the concepts/theory of operating systems with emphasis on process management, memory management, file management, scheduling, device management, and synchronization.

CS 412G Graphical User Interface Programming

Development of programs that use multiple windows, dialog boxes, mouse input, interapplication communication using API calls, object-oriented frameworks and application builders.

CS 420G Computer Communication and Networks

Survey of the operational features of telecommunications systems, computer networks, and distributed-processing systems. Considerations for the design of real-time systems.

CS 460G Artificial Intelligence Methods

An introduction to the main principles and methods of artificial intelligence. Solving problems by searching, knowledge and reasoning; machine learning; current AI applications. Programming paradigms relevant to AI will be explored.

CS 465G Computer Graphics

Introduction to computer-generation of graphs and pictures, using both character and pixel graphics methods, in two and three dimensions. Animation techniques, CAD methods.

CS 470G Database Systems

Survey of data models with emphasis on the relational model. Data normalization. Query languages and query optimization. Design and security considerations. Exposure to commercial database management systems.

CS 473G Computer Simulation

This class will introduce the science and art of computer based simulation. We will focus on discrete event simulation using the simulation languages ProModel and GPSSH. The class will focus on discrete event simulation, but will also cover Monte Carlos and continuous simulations. Scientific method and statistics will be used to develop, analyze, and report on a student developed simulation project.

CS 483G Microcomputer Systems with Database Applications

Covers command language, programming logic and applications of database systems for the non-computer science major.

CS 484G Network and Data Communications Concepts

Concepts and design of commercial computer and telecommunications networks. Course is designed for non‑majors, especially those who will manage/operate networks in business environments.

CS 488G Introduction to Programming with Visual Basic

Introduction to the principles of programming for Windows in Visual Basic. Principles include event-driven programming, control structures, properties, events, methods of controls, and forms.

CS 500 Intensive Programming Review

This course will review computer programming, object-oriented design, linear and non-linear data structures, and the software development lifecycle. All concepts will be reinforced through hands-on programming assignments and projects.

CS 512 Advanced Operating Systems

Topics chosen from the theory of distributed, parallel, and concurrent operating systems. Other possible topics include secure systems and formal models of operating systems.

CS 513 Topics in Operating Systems

Topics to include additional depth, readings, and/or examination of research trends in operating systems.

CS 522 Advanced Database Design and Administration

Advanced relational database concepts. This course will examine topics such as relational database management system design (RDBMS), including discussion of the major components of a RDBMS; query optimization strategies and cost estimation techniques; active databases, advanced transaction processing; and concurrency control.

CS 523 Topics in Database Systems

Topics to include additional depth, reading and/or examination of research trends in Database Systems.

CS 530 Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Fundamentals of the design and analysis of algorithms, space and time-complexity issues, dynamic programming, greedy algorithms, linear programming, NP-completeness, multithreaded algorithms, and applications.

CS 540 Computer Simulation

Statistical techniques used in computer simulations. Construction and verification of simulation models. Programming projects.

CS 548 Advanced Artificial Intelligence

The course will include topics from Expert Systems, Knowledge Engineering, Soft Computing, and other advanced topics.

CS 549 Topics in Artificial Intelligence

Course covers modern trends in artificial intelligence.

CS 550 Workshop

Workshop

CS 556 Advanced Computer Networks

In depth studies of computer networks and the services built on top of them.

CS 557 Topics in Computer Networks

Survey of computer networks covering current trends and advanced topics. Survey of research papers from classic literature through contemporary research.

CS 560 Computer Architecture

Study of computer architecture for large-scale and small-scale systems. Microprogramming concepts. Minicomputer and microcomputer design and applications, projects on small‑scale systems.

CS 561 Advanced Computer Architecture

Investigation of techniques to enhance system performance. Topics may include compiler optimization, hardware optimization, branch prediction, speculation, exploitation of instructional-and loop-level parallelism, etc.

CS 562 Topics in Computer Architecture

Advanced topics to include additional depth, readings, and/or examination of research trends in computer architecture.

CS 566 Advanced Computer Graphics

Study and programming of problems beyond the introductory level, such as real time computer graphics using modern programming languages and graphics development environments.

CS 567 Topics in Computer Graphics

Designed to gain depth in computer graphics. Possible topics include the study of 3-D modeling for, and the development of, multi-user virtual worlds.

CS 575 Independent Study

An investigation of issues related to computer science not specifically covered in other courses.

CS 585 Software Engineering

Covers the design and implementation of large software applications through the study of team approaches and industrial standards.

CS 590 Topics in Computer Science

This course is designed to give students knowledge at the frontier of a rapidly changing technology. It is offered in the following areas: a) expert database systems; b) object-oriented programming; c) fundamentals of computer arithmetic; d) computing theory for software engineers; e) design of decision support systems; f) complexity; g) cybernetics; h) fuzzy logic; i) distributed computing. j) knowledge engineering; k) software maintenance; l) systems analysis.

CS 595 Graduate Computer Science Internship

A one-semester on-the-job experience in an industrial facility or research laboratory.

CS 599 Master's Project

Special software or hardware project work, in lieu of a thesis.

CS 600 Research

Research project for the MS Thesis

CS 601 Thesis

Thesis

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