MSc In Computer Science
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
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Introduction
The degree of Master of Science in Computer Science (MSc in CS) is awarded for successfully completing the requirements of a program of study, which includes taught courses as well as a thesis. The thesis is an independent investigation of specialized areas within the general field of computer science and associated disciplines.
The MSc in CS gives candidates the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the broad field of computer science and contribute to the process of discovery and knowledge creation through the conduct of original research. Candidates for this degree are taught and supervised by experienced faculty and are expected to demonstrate initiative in their approach and innovation in their work. In addition to successfully completing the taught course component of the program, candidates prepare and present a thesis on their chosen area. Research may be undertaken on several topics corresponding to the areas of focus identified by the University.
Curriculum
Overall Structure and Requirements
The MSc in Computer Science (CS) program consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours. The required program credits are distributed as follows: 12 credits of Program Core courses, 12 credits of Program Elective courses, and 12 credits of CS Master’s Thesis work.
A student may organize the selection of the elective courses and the master’s thesis topic to follow a concentration either in “Artificial Intelligence” or “Space Systems and Technology” within the broad field of computer science. In such cases, the optional concentration will be noted on the student’s transcript and diploma (degree certificate). The table below presents a summary of the MSc in CS degree program structure and requirements. All the MSc in CS program courses (with the exception of the Research Seminar, the Master’s Thesis, and the lab courses in the Space Systems and Technology Concentration) have a credit rating of three credits each.
Summary of MSc in Computer Science Degree Program Structure and Requirements
Category - Credits Required
- Program Core - 12
- Program Electives - 12
- Computer Science Master’s Thesis - 12
- Total - 36
Program Requirements
Students seeking the degree of MSc in CS must successfully complete a minimum of 36 credited hours as specified in the categories detailed in this section, with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.0.
Program Core
The MSc in CS degree program core requires a minimum of 12 credits, consisting of 3 credits of mathematics, 9 credits of computer science core courses, and the research seminar course which has zero credit rating. The courses for each one of the core categories are specified below.
Mathematics Core Courses (3 credits)
Students must select at least one course from the list below:
- ENGR 602 Engineering Numerical Methods
- ENGR 605 Systems Optimization
Computer Science Core Courses (3 credits x 3 = 9 credits)
Students must select at least three courses from the list below:
- COSC 602 Software Engineering
- COSC 604 Artificial Intelligence
- COSC 607 Algorithm Design Techniques
- COSC 608 Distributed Systems and Cloud Computing
- CSEC 632 Advanced Operating Systems
Note: if a student takes more than 3 courses, the additional one(s) will be counted as equivalent to taking 3-credit program elective course(s).
- ENGR 695 Seminar in Research Methods (0 credits)
Program Electives
Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of electives.
All the elective courses must be the ones offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (i.e., those with COSC 6XX, ECCE 6XX, or CSEC 6XX course codes) among which at least two must be from the list below.
(Note however, as an exception, based on the student’s research requirements, the student may take at most two M.Sc.-level courses from outside of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with the permission and justification of his/her thesis advisor.)
- COSC 603 Multi-agent Systems
- COSC 605 Strategic Requirements Engineering
- COSC 606 Machine Learning
- COSC 620 Algorithms in Bioinformatics
- COSC 621 Data Science
- COSC/ECCE 631 Blockchain Fundamentals and Applications
- COSC/ECCE 635 Deep Learning System Design
- COSC/ECCE 636 Human-Computer Interaction
- COSC/ECCE 637 Parallel Programming
- COSC/CSEC 638 Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Cyber-Security
- COSC 694 Selected Topics in Computer Science
Master’s Thesis
A student must complete a master’s thesis that involves creative, research-oriented work within the broad field of computer science, under the direct supervision of at least one full-time faculty advisor. The research findings must be documented in a formal thesis and defended successfully in a viva voce examination.
Concentrations
A student may opt to have one of the optional concentrations within the MSc in CS program. To do so, the student must complete a minimum of 9 credits from the elective courses specified for the particular concentration and conduct research for her/his thesis within the domain of that concentration. The following concentrations are currently available under the MSc in CS program:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Space Systems and Technology
Artificial Intelligence Concentration
The requirements for a student who would like to pursue the Artificial Intelligence Concentration are as follows:
The student must take at least 9 credits from the courses below.
- COSC 603 Multi-agent Systems
- COSC 606 Machine Learning
- COSC 621 Data Science
- COSC/ECCE 635 Deep Learning System Design
- COSEC/CSEC 638 Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Cyber-Security
The student’s thesis must be in the general domain of Artificial Intelligence.
Space Systems and Technology Concentration
The requirements for a student who would like to pursue the Space Systems and Technology Concentration are as follows.
The student must take all 9 credits of the following 1 course (3 credits) and 3 labs (3 x 2 credits = 6 credits).
- SSCC 601 Spacecraft Systems and Design (3 cr.)
- SSCC 602 Spacecraft Systems Lab – 1 (2 cr.)
- SSCC 603 Spacecraft Systems Lab – 2 (2 cr.)
- SSCC 604 Spacecraft Systems Lab – 3 (2 cr.)
The student must take one of the other MSc in CS program elective courses.
The student’s thesis must be in the general domain of Space Systems and Technology.
Program Outcome
Program Educational Objectives
A student graduating with an MSc in Computer Science will be able to:
- Identify, formulate, and solve advanced computer and information systems problems through the application of modern tools as well as techniques and advanced knowledge of mathematics and science.
- Acquire knowledge of contemporary issues in the field of computer science.
- Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data and make decisions.
- Conduct research and document and defend the research results.
- Function on teams and communicate effectively.
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation from the MSc in Computer Science, students will be able to:
- Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in core computing and information technologies.
- Analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution.
- Design, implement, and evaluate computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs both in teams and individually to meet desired outcomes.
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- Recognize the need for, and have an ability to, engage in continuing professional development.
Career Opportunities
A master’s degree in Computer Science from Khalifa University helps open many career opportunities for future success. The field of computer science is broad, therefore, graduates should have plenty of career opportunities to choose from both locally and internationally. This includes artificial intelligence and data analysis, systems analyst, applications analyst/developer, cyber security analyst, games designer/developer, information systems manager, and software engineer. The wide range of industries that utilize computer scientist include, information and communication technology, energy, oil and gas, healthcare, cyber security, banking/finance, robotics and autonomous systems, and transportation. The MSc in CS program at Khalifa University offers the student an excellent opportunity for interdisciplinary education, which will help them fulfill the requirement of these career paths. Graduates also go through rigorous training and research experience to enable them to pursue their studies at Ph.D. level.