M.S. in Distributed Systems 2005

The Distributed Systems degree is a synthesis of the traditional disciplines of Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Telecommunications 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  frameworks such as J2EE, .Net, and CORBA, and the use of traditional network routing and protocols. In the Advanced Phase, students study network and concurrent programming, databases, distributed algorithms, 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, Internet, and Web-based applications.

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
• Foundation 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

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 3.90 or higher 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 an online Change of Status request when the Prerequisite Phase is completed to inform the Student Services offices that the block can be removed. The online request 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 Graduate Phase of the program. Students may submit the Change of Status request by logging in to MyCTI.

Foundation Phase

Foundation Courses

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

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 Phase. 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.

Master's Research Option:

Two terms of DS 599 may be taken as a research project under faculty supervision. The two DS 599 courses replace (a) one open elective and (b) one advanced phase requirement.