Master of Science in Computer Science: Concentration for Life Sciences

The Master of Science in Computer Science prepares students for a wide variety of careers in computing or related industries as well as for advanced study toward a Ph.D. Our program combines a solid and practical curriculum with high-quality research and project-based activities.

In addition to a general program covering the breadth of the computing discipline, the department offers three concentrations:

The concentration in Computing for Life Sciences covers the development of computer applications and technologies aimed at supporting the burgeoning biotechnology industry.

Students electing the concentration in Computing and Business will complete all of the requirements for a full Computer Science Masters degree. In addition, they would complete a series of business courses (foundation MBA courses). Completion of this concentration would provide skills for graduates to assume management responsibilities in organizations that require managers who understand both the computing and business aspects of information technology.

The grading method CR/NC is allowed only for CSC 895 or CSC 898. All other courses listed on the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) form must be a letter grade.

Elective Requirements

All students are required to include elective credits in their program. Electives include:

All upper division or graduate courses offered by the Computer Science Department, including breadth requirement courses and CSC 897 and CSC 899. CSC 893 may not count as an elective course.

Courses from other programs such as biology, engineering, business, or mathematics may be accepted with the approval of the graduate advisor and culminating experience supervisor.

Note: A maximum of 6 units of upper-division courses (numbered below 700) may be applied to the degree with the consent of the course instructor and graduate advisor.

Concentration in Computing for Life Sciences

The goal of this concentration is to introduce and educate students in a variety of topics in the field of computational life sciences including bioinformatics, data mining and machine learning for analytics, biomedical imaging, and health and medical informatics. No prior knowledge of biology or biotechnology is needed. Students graduating with this concentration will be able to:

• Perform R&D or continue into Ph.D. programs in computational life sciences as well as in general computer science.
• Be effective as software engineers or IT professionals in life science industry as well as in information technology in general.

The Lam Family College of Business at San Francisco State is a leading institution of business education in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on preparing students to succeed in an economy that is global in nature.

Our commitment to sustainable business, diversity, social justice and global partnerships echoes our core philosophy of responsible leadership. As one of the top-ranked public universities, we have been recognized worldwide for our investments in diversity, social responsibility, and visionary academics.

Our Graduate Business Programs, conveniently located at the San Francisco State University Downtown Campus in the heart of San Francisco, prepares leaders for careers in the growing innovative industries of the dynamic Bay Area and global marketplace.