Master of Computer and Information Science

The Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (MCIS) program at the Southern Arkansas University is one of the largest, most affordable and highly attractive computer science graduate programs in the USA. The program offers a wide spectrum of online and onsite courses that are carefully designed to train the students in both theories and applications. The curriculum is constantly reviewed and updated to reflect the ongoing changes in the computer science field. The faculty members are highly qualified — many with extensive industry experience.

Students in the MCIS program can either study general topics in computer science or, based on their background and interest, pursue one of the following focus areas:

• Information Technology
• Data Science
• Cyber Security & Privacy

The MCIS program will provide a solid foundation in computer systems and software, and instill project/team management skills. Possible career options include: software developer, database administrator, information technology manager, data analyst, security/privacy analyst, or pursuing doctoral studies.

Requirements

Each candidate for the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science degree must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of coursework that includes 12 hours of core courses and minimum 18 hours of electives.

12 hours of core courses (mandatory):

• MCIS 5103 Advanced Programming Concepts
• MCIS 5133 Data Base Management Systems
• MCIS 6163 Computer Networking
• MCIS 6173 Information & Networking Security

18 hours of electives to be selected from the following:

• MCIS 5003 Survey of Information Tech with Applications*
• MCIS 5013 UNIX Operating System
• MCIS 5113 Web Technology*
• MCIS 5413 Web Programming*
• MCIS 6123 Decision Support Systems
• MCIS 6133 User Interface Implementation
• MCIS 6153 Software Engineering*
• MCIS 6183 Special Topics
• MCIS 6201-6 Special Topics Seminar
• MCIS 6213 Applied Cryptography
• MCIS 6214 Data structures and Algorithms
• MCIS 6223 Vulnerability Analysis and Risk Assessment*
• MCIS 6233 Traceable systems and Computer Forensics*
• MCIS 6243 Wireless and Mobile Security*
• MCIS 6253 Privacy Compliant Systems Design*
• MCIS 6263 Big Data
• MCIS 6273 Data Mining
• MCIS 6283 Machine Learning
• MCIS 6983 Internship in Computer and Information Science

*Required for Information Technology option.

**Required for Data Science option.

***Required for Cyber Security and Privacy option

Undergraduate requirements

Students should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students with a bachelor’s degree in other areas will be considered and may be required to take up to four undergraduate courses determined by the advisor. No graduate credit is given for the completion of undergraduate courses.

Southern Arkansas University “feels like home” with personalized tour visits, faculty and staff who care about student success, and a caring campus community. SAU also offers traditional and unique academic degree programs that are ranked nationally for quality and affordability.

Nestled in a quiet and beautiful part of south Arkansas, SAU is a great place to call home and to study a broad range of academic programs, including some unique offerings to the state and region. Along with boasting a complete college experience on campus, the University is a short drive from outdoor activities and is central to many regional hubs, such as Texarkana, Shreveport, Little Rock, etc.

Established in 1909, SAU has built on its dedication to student achievement and continues to grow, both on campus and online , with more than 80 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies.

Mission

The mission of Southern Arkansas University is to educate students for productive and fulfilling lives in a global environment by providing opportunities for intellectual growth, individual enrichment, skill development, and meaningful career preparation. The University believes in the worth of the individual and accepts its responsibility for developing in its students those values and competencies essential for effective citizenship in an ever-changing, free, and democratic society. Further, the University provides an environment conducive to excellence in teaching and learning, scholarship, creative endeavors, and service.

Vision

SAU is a quality, comprehensive, regional University expanding accessible and transformational learning experiences.

Goals

Implement strategies that demonstrate student learning as the most important university experience. Insure the University Learning Goals and General Education Goals are achieved through a comprehensive assessment process. Recruit and retain diverse, well-qualified faculty and staff that support an environment of collegiality and academic excellence. Develop and implement enrollment management strategies that recruit students of character and academic promise. Improve retention and graduation of students. Establish strategic partnerships and initiatives to expand advancement and development of SAU.