Master of Science in Distributed Systems 2000

The program follows a three-phase sequence, with each phase preparing the student for the subsequent phase. The master’s degree program consists of:

• Prerequisite Phase
• Core Knowledge Phase
• Advanced Phase

Upon acceptance into the master’s degree program, the student will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss required courses for the Prerequisite Phase. The Prerequisite Phase is intended to ensure that all students enter graduate courses with an equivalent background. While completing this phase, a student is considered a conditionally admitted master’s student. In the Core Knowledge phase, a student will follow a sequence of courses to acquire an understanding of the technological and theoretical foundations for the particular degree. In the Advanced Phase of the program, the fundamental information learned previously allows a student to study advanced topics within their chosen degree. This phase adds depth to the work completed in the Core Knowledge Phase. Individual interests and needs are also addressed through a series of elective courses chosen in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

Prerequisite Phase

The courses in the Prerequisite Phase for the MS in Distributed Systems are:

By taking these courses and receiving a grade of a B- or better in each, the student will have completed the requirements of the Prerequisite Phase. All or part of the Prerequisite Phase may be waived if a student has the equivalent academic background. Alternatively, students with practical experience may complete a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) to show competency in a prerequisite. All students are blocked from enrolling in Core Knowledge Phase courses prior to completing their prerequisites. The student must submit a Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The form must be submitted two weeks before the student intends to register for graduate level classes. The student will then be considered a fully admitted student, and may pass to the Core Knowledge Phase of the program.

Core Knowledge Phase

Core Knowledge Courses.
Students must complete the Prerequisite Phase before beginning the Core Knowledge Phase. However, while completing the Prerequisite Phase courses, students may take Core Knowledge Phase courses with consent of their faculty advisor. Fully admitted students in the Core Knowledge Phase may register for a maximum of four Advanced Phase courses prior to passing the Core Knowledge Examination. A student must receive a grade of C- or better in each of the Core Knowledge Phase courses, and also in subsequent courses in the degree program. The Core Knowledge Phase courses for the MS in Distributed Systems are:

Core Knowledge Examination

To be eligible for core exam application, a student must have completed all prerequisite courses or be registered for the final prerequisite course in the quarter before the core exam for which the student is applying. Additionally, a student must successfully complete all prerequisite courses (B- or better required) before being allowed to sit for any core exam. Failure to successfully complete a core class (grade of C- or better required) may result in an administrative cancellation of the student's core exam(s).

The student must submit a written application three months before taking the Core Knowledge Examination. A student must finish the Prerequisite Phase in order to be eligible for the Core Exam. There is no charge for the Core Exam.

Advanced Phase

A student must complete 40 credits (10 courses) in the Advanced Phase to earn the MS in Distributed Systems. Students in the Core Knowledge Phase may register for a maximum of four Advanced Phase courses prior to passing the Core Knowledge Examination. Students must complete the following four courses:

Students must also complete three classes chosen from the following list:

Elective Courses

Three elective courses must also be completed. See elective course restrictions below.

Elective Courses

Elective Course Restrictions:
Elective courses are in the range of 420-699 and must be from the school of CTI. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor. Courses suggested for any Prerequisite Phase in any concentration do not count for elective credit. Any course required for the student’s concentration but taken as part of the requirements of another degree earned by the student may be waived, but cannot be used for elective credit.