M.S. in Distributed Systems 2002

The Distributed Systems degree is a synthesis of the traditional disciplines of Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Telecommunication with modern technologies that incorporate the use of distributed platforms in their application. The core phase includes software development in languages such as Java, the study of study of architectures such as CORBA and client/server, and the study of traditional network routing and protocols. In the Advanced Phase, students study network and concurrent programming, databases, and distributed software, using these to develop sophisticated applications. Graduates of this program will be prepared to lead innovation in the new wave of Intranet and Web applications.

For graduate programs in 2002, the main prerequisite programming language is Java. Some programs include other languages as prerequisites. Students who wish to transition to the new curricula should review their status with an advisor.

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.

Grade and GPA requirements

Grades: Students must receive a grade of B- or better in each prerequisite course and a C- or better in all other courses. 

GPA: Students must maintain a graduate level GPA of 2.50 or higher while pursuing their degree. Students will not be approved for graduation with less than a 2.50 GPA. Students with a GPA of 3.75 and a designation of distinction on the core examinations will graduate with distinction.

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

Fully admitted students in the Core Knowledge phase may register of a maximum of four Advanced phase courses. The Core Knowledge Phase courses for the MS in Distributed Systems are

Core Knowledge Examination

These examinations cover the subject matter of the Core Knowledge Phase courses. Students have the option of taking one, two, or three core exams at one time after completion of the applicable course or courses. Possible grades on the Core Examinations are Pass with Distinction, Pass, and Fail. Students are allowed at most two attempts at each exam. Two failures on one exam results in dismissal from the graduate program.

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).

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 five courses:

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

Elective Courses

Two 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.