Southern Polytechnic State University
Department of Computer Science

Graduate Transition Certificate in Computer Science

The Graduate Transition Certificate in Computer Science (GTCCS) prepares individuals holding an accredited bachelor's degree in an area unrelated to computer science and having an interest in computer science for Master’s level computer science programs or entry level positions in the industry.  The focus is on providing broad-based knowledge and skills. Some knowledge of programming (equivalent to CS 1301) and calculus are admission prerequisites.  Applicants with additional preparation may be allowed to substitute up to two approved 6000-level courses for the same number of required courses.

The information enclosed in this packet includes:

·         a program outline including course descriptions,

·         an  information sheet on enrollment for Spring 2001, and

·         an application

To enroll in this three-semester program, please complete the application and follow the application procedures.

Please note that for the certificate application:

·         you do not need to take the GRE;

·         you DO NEED to take the TOEFL (if applicable);

·         you do not need to submit a statement of purpose; and

·         all admission documents must be received by December 1, 2000, for Spring semester 2001 admission.

Please submit the following materials:

§         a completed Graduate Certificate application,

§         a completed Immunization Form,

§         an official transcript from your undergraduate degree granting institution,

§         a signed memorandum of understanding

§         acceptable TOEFL Scores (if applicable)

§         additional documentation, if needed, indicating programming and calculus prerequisite knowledge.

If you need additional information, please call the Computer Science Department at 770-528- 4287, or email Dawn Ramsey at (dramsey@spsu.edu).

 

Required Courses (18 credit hours)
CS 5123 Advanced Programming and Data Structures 3
CS 5153 Database Systems 3
CS  5183 Object-Oriented Programming 3
CS 5223 Computer Architecture 3
CS 5243 Operating Systems 3
CS 5423 Mathematical Structures for Computer Science 3

Some students may need to start with the undergraduate Computer Science I course.

 

Course Descriptions
CS 5123 Advanced Programming and Data Structures 3-0-3
Prerequisite: CS 1301 or equivalent
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in programming. Topics include pointers, recursion, data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees, etc., sorting and searching, data abstraction, introduction to runtime analysis and the big-oh notation. Appropriate programming projects are also included.
 
CS 5153 Database Systems 3-0-3
Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience
This course includes an overview of various database models including relational, object-oriented, hierarchical, and network. It covers the planning, analysis, design, development, and implementation of database systems. This is a project course where students analyze, design, and implement a database system using a typical relational database product such as Oracle or Paradox.
 
CS 5183 Object-Oriented Programming 3-0-3
Prerequisite: CS 5123 or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience
This is an intensive applications programming course focusing on object-oriented aspects. Topics to be covered include encapsulation and abstraction, objects and classes, inheritance, polymorphism, class libraries, and messaging. The course includes project(s).
 
CS 5223 Computer Architecture 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Credit for/or experience with the basic concepts of a higher-level programming language such as Pascal or C
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in computer architecture. Topics from the principles of computer organization and architecture include: number systems, digital logic, and assembly and machine language with a focus on concepts. Laboratory assignments are required.
 
CS 5243 Operating Systems 3-0-3
Prerequisites: CS 5123, CS 5223, or the equivalent from undergraduate degree or work experience
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in operating systems concepts. Topics from the principles of operating systems include: process management, real and virtual memory management, job scheduling, management of peripherals, multiprocessing, and file systems.
 
CS 5423 Mathematical Structures for Computer Science 3-0-3
Prerequisites: An undergraduate course in Calculus
This is an intensive course for graduate students with a limited background in discrete mathematics. Topics include: set theory, relations and functions, principles of counting, introductory graph theory, formal logic, recursion, and finite state machines.