Master of Science in Computer Science

This curriculum map illustrates the progressive development of students' competencies across the Master of Science in Information Technology Management program, showing how each course introduces (I), develops (D), or brings students to mastery (M) of the seven Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), culminating in the capstone course where students demonstrate mastery of all outcomes.

• TECH 500: Ethical Challenges in Technology Management
• TECH 605: Programming Languages
• TECH 615: Algorithms and Data Structures
• TECH 653: Operating Systems
• TECH 651: Database Systems
• TECH 515: Managing Cloud Infrastructure and Security
• TECH 575: Big Data Analytics for IoT
• TECH 615: Applied AI: Solutions for Business
• TECH 630: Advanced AI for Business Insights and Decision-Making
• TECH 699: Computer Science Capstone

Core Classes

TECH 500: Ethical Challenges in Technology Management

This course focuses on preparing leaders to resolve complex ethical dilemmas in technology management. The course emphasizes Biblical values and practical solutions to contemporary challenges. Students explore ethical systems through a Christian worldview, analyze case studies, and develop skills to make sound moral judgments. By the course's end, participants will be equipped to address ethical issues in technology leadership with integrity and a faith-based perspective.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Analyze complex ethical dilemmas in technology management using various ethical frameworks, including a Christian worldview. (PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 2: Evaluate the implications of emerging technologies on ethical decision-making in IT leadership roles. (PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 3: Synthesize Biblical principles with contemporary ethical challenges to develop faith-based solutions in technology management. (PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 4: Develop and articulate sound moral judgments for case studies in technology ethics, demonstrating critical thinking and effective communication. (PLO 3, PLO 4)
• SLO 5: Create a personal ethical framework for addressing technology management challenges that integrate professional standards with Christian values. (PLO 3, PLO 5)

TECH 605: Programming Languages

This course offers a comprehensive examination of programming languages, delving into their design principles, implementation techniques, and practical applications across diverse paradigms including imperative, object-oriented, functional, logic-based, and concurrent models. Students explore language syntax, semantics, type systems, memory management, concurrency models, and implementation strategies for interpreters, compilers, and virtual machines.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Evaluate diverse programming paradigms to design advanced language features, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of language theory and implementation. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Synthesize concepts from multiple programming models to create a prototype of a novel domain-specific language, showcasing innovation in language design. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
• SLO 3: Analyze complex language implementations to deconstruct advanced features such as type systems and concurrency models, demonstrating deep technical insight into language internals. (PLO 1, PLO 3)
• SLO 4: Construct a functional compiler or interpreter for a subset of a programming language, integrating advanced knowledge of language processing techniques. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 5: Assess emerging programming paradigms to predict their impact on future software development, proposing innovative applications that leverage these new models. (PLO 1, PLO 5)

TECH 615: Algorithms and Data Structures

This advanced course provides a comprehensive exploration of algorithms and data structures, essential for efficient problem-solving and software development in computer science.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Design advanced algorithms using various techniques such as divide and conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy approaches to solve complex computational problems efficiently. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Analyze the time and space complexity of algorithms using Big O, Big Theta, and Big Omega notations, demonstrating a deep understanding of algorithm efficiency. (PLO 2)
• SLO 3: Implement and optimize sophisticated data structures, including balanced trees, advanced graph representations, and hash tables, to enhance algorithm performance. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 4: Evaluate and select appropriate algorithms and data structures for specific real-world scenarios, showcasing the ability to make informed design decisions. (PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 5)
• SLO 5: Apply algorithmic thinking to ethical problem-solving, demonstrating how Christian principles of stewardship and efficiency can guide the development of responsible and resource-conscious software solutions. (PLO 1, PLO 3, PLO 5)

TECH 653: Operating Systems

This advanced course offers a comprehensive exploration of operating systems, focusing on their architecture, components, and design principles.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Analyze complex operating system architectures, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of process management, memory allocation, and file system operations. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Design and implement advanced synchronization mechanisms to resolve deadlock and race condition issues in multi-threaded environments. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 3: Evaluate various CPU scheduling algorithms and memory management techniques, optimizing system performance for diverse computing scenarios. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 4: Develop components of a basic operating system, integrating knowledge of I/O systems, device drivers, and security principles. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 5: Assess the impact of emerging technologies on operating system design, proposing innovative solutions for distributed and real-time systems. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
• SLO 6: Apply principles of stewardship and ethical resource management inspired by Christian values to design operating systems that efficiently utilize computing resources while considering environmental impact and social responsibility. (PLO 3, PLO 5)

TECH 651: Database Systems

This advanced course offers a comprehensive examination of database systems, focusing on their design, implementation, and management in modern computing environments.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Design and implement complex database schemas using advanced data modeling techniques, demonstrating proficiency in optimizing for data integrity, performance, and scalability. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Develop sophisticated SQL queries and stored procedures to efficiently retrieve and manipulate data, showcasing the ability to optimize query performance in large-scale database systems. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 3: Evaluate and compare relational and NoSQL database systems, selecting appropriate solutions for diverse data management scenarios and justifying architectural decisions. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
• SLO 4: Implement advanced database features including transaction management, concurrency control, and security measures, ensuring data consistency and protection in multi-user environments. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 5: Architect and deploy distributed database systems and data warehouses, demonstrating the ability to manage big data and perform complex analytics in cloud-based and on-premises environments. (PLO 1, PLO 5)

TECH 515: Managing Cloud Infrastructure and Security

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to enterprise data management and networking technologies in Information Technology (IT), with a focus on cloud-based operations and security.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Evaluate complex cloud-based network architectures and design optimal solutions for enterprise-level IT infrastructure. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Synthesize best practices in cloud security to create comprehensive risk management strategies, addressing emerging threats and regulatory compliance. (PLO 1, PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 3: Create innovative data management and storage solutions for cloud environments, optimizing for scalability, performance, and cost-effectiveness. (PLO 1, PLO 5)
• SLO 4: Critique IT practices through the lens of Christian stewardship, formulating ethical frameworks for responsible technology utilization in enterprise settings. (PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 5: Predict the impact of emerging trends in cloud computing and enterprise IT on organizational operations, and devise adaptive strategies to leverage these technologies securely. (PLO 1, PLO 5)

TECH 575: Big Data Analytics for IoT

This course introduces students to Apache Spark, a powerful big data processing framework, with a focus on its application in analyzing large-scale datasets.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Synthesize Python programming and Apache Spark frameworks to design and implement advanced big data analysis solutions. (PLO 1, PLO 2)
• SLO 2: Evaluate and apply Spark 2.0 DataFrame syntax to optimize complex data processing tasks and improve analytical efficiency. (PLO 1, PLO 3, PLO 5)
• SLO 3: Create and critique sophisticated machine learning models using Spark's MLlib, including logistic regression, random forests, and gradient-boosted trees, to solve real-world classification problems. (PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 5)
• SLO 4: Develop and assess innovative natural language processing applications, such as spam filters, utilizing Spark's capabilities for text analysis and classification. (PLO 1, PLO 2, PLO 5)
• SLO 5: Formulate an ethical framework for big data analytics that integrates Christian principles of stewardship and privacy, critically examining the societal implications of large-scale data analysis techniques. (PLO 3, PLO 5)

TECH 615: Applied AI: Solutions for Business

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), exploring its transformative impact across industries.

Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• SLO 1: Evaluate the impact of AI on various industries, analyzing current trends and predicting future developments in the field.

Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

• ILO 1: Students will communicate effectively.
• ILO 2: Students will use methods of inquiry for knowledge acquisition and application.
• ILO 3: Students will address concrete problems by applying faith and ethical reasoning.
• ILO 4: Students will think creatively and critically to pursue a life of learning.
• ILO 5: Students will engage in a culturally diverse world to strengthen relationships with others.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

• PLO 1: Design and implement advanced computer science solutions, focusing on AI, cloud computing, and big data systems. ILO 2, ILO 4
• PLO 2: Analyze and optimize complex algorithms and data structures to solve real-world computational problems efficiently. ILO 2, ILO 4
• PLO 3: Evaluate and apply ethical principles, including Christian values, to address challenges in technology development and management. ILO 3, ILO 4, ILO 5
• PLO 4: Communicate complex technical concepts and solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. ILO 1, ILO 5
• PLO 5: Synthesize knowledge from various computer science domains to develop innovative solutions for diverse business and societal challenges. ILO 2, ILO 3, ILO 4, ILO 5