2019-20 Academic Catalog

Computer Science and Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Department Head: Dr. Shahram Rahimi
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. T.J. Jankun-Kelly

300 Butler Hall
Box 9637
Mississippi State, MS 39762-9637
Telephone: 662-325-2756
Fax: 662-325-8997
E-mail: office@cse.msstate.edu
Website: http://www.cse.msstate.edu

Graduate study is offered in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations, and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science. Several teaching and research assistantships are available. Application forms for admission to graduate studies, departmental assistantships, information regarding the graduate programs, faculty and their research interests, and courses are available from the CS Department's Graduate Handbook and website.

Master's and Ph.D. Degrees in Computer Science

The program of study of a Master of Science in Computer Science (MS CS) degree includes advanced courses in computer science that are selected according to the goals of the student.  The program of study includes a thesis option, a professional project option, or courses-only option. The program of study of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science degree includes advanced courses in computer science and significant scholarly research in computer science, presented in a dissertation.

The department’s core research areas include the following.

  • Artificial intelligence
  • Computational science
  • Graphics
  • Human-centered computing
  • Software engineering and systems

These core competencies support research applications in areas such as bioinformatics, visualization, computer security and forensics, human-computer interactions, robotics, and high performance computing.  Faculty, research assistants, thesis students, and dissertation students participate in a wide variety of research projects.  Many research projects are multi-disciplinary or multi-specialty in nature.

Master's Degree in Cyber Security and Operations

The Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations (MS CYSO) is designed for students who wish to help met the challenges posed by increasing cyber-threats. The Cyber Defense concentration will focus on those aspects of cyber security needed to prepare an enterprise level system to protect itself, while the Cyber Operations concentration will focus on those aspects of cyber security that are needed to operate in the cyber domain. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program is designed t provide students with a focused education within a broad analytical framework for evaluating, understanding, and solving cyber security problems. Either concentration will allow a thesis or non-thesis option.

Requirements

M.S. CS and CYSO applicants are required to have a 3.00/4.00 GPA in overall undergraduate work and complete the GRE with a competitive score before admission. International students require a suitable demonstration of English proficiency. Candidates for the master's degree must have completed all prerequisite courses or their equivalent. For additional details, consult the CS Department's Graduate Handbook.

An entering Ph.D. student with an M.S. degree should have a 3.50/4.00 grade point average in M.S. work, while a Ph.D. student entering with only a B.S. degree is expected to have a 3.50/4.00 grade point average on overall undergraduate work. A student with a lower GPA may still be eligible for admission based on outstanding qualifications in other areas. A student must complete the GRE with a competitive score before admission. International students require a suitable demonstration of English proficiency. Candidates for the Ph.D. degree must have completed all prerequisite courses or their equivalent. Finally, a student must possess those qualifications and research interests that indicate to the Computer Science and Engineering Graduate Studies Committee that the applicant will be successful in the computer science doctoral program. For additional details, consult the Computer Science Department's Graduate Handbook.

Accelerated Program

Highly qualified undergraduates are encouraged to consider applying to the Accelerated Program enabling the undergraduate student in a bachelor's degree program in Computer Science or Software Engineering  to earn up to 9 hours of graduate-level coursework during the final year of undergraduate studies.  The student takes graduate-level courses and earns both undergraduate and graduate credit simultaneously.  The student needs to consult with a potential graduate advisor to ensure graduate credit could be applied to a program of study for the graduate degree. Application to this program may be made as early as the end of the junior year (i.e., after completion of 90 or more hours of graded undergraduate courses). See Accelerated Programs for complete information. Students interested in applying should also contact the department's Graduate Coordinator, Dr. T J. Jankun-Kelly for more details.  

Master of Science in Computer Science - Thesis

CS Core4
Graduate Seminar
Select one of the following: 1, 2
Theory of Computation
Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Algorithms
Algorithms
Primary Specialization 2, 3, 49
CSE 6XXX Specialization Required Course
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Course
CSE 8XXX Full Graduate Specialization Course
Secondary Specialization 2, 3, 46
CSE 6XXX Specialization Required Course
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Course
Additional Coursework 3, 46
CSE 6/8XXX Graduate Coursework, possibly including directed project
Research/Thesis6
Thesis Research/ Thesis in Computer Science and Engineering
Total Hours31

Master of Science in Computer Science - Non-Thesis

Core Courses4
Graduate Seminar
Select one of the following: 1, 2
Theory of Computation
Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Algorithms
Algorithms
Primary Specialization 2, 3, 59
CSE 6XXX Specialization Required Course
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Course
CSE 8XXX Full Graduate Specialization Course
Secondary Specialization 2, 3, 56
CSE 6XXX Specialization Required Course
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Course
Additional Coursework 3, 4, 512
CSE 6/8XXX Graduate Coursework, possibly including directed project
Total Hours31

Students who complete a directed project present the results of the directed project to his/her Graduate Committee at the time of the comprehensive examination. All M.S. students must perform satisfactorily on an oral comprehensive examination.  The master’s comprehensive examination is held in conjunction with the student’s project presentation.

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations with a Concentration in Cyber Defense or Cyber Operations - Thesis

CYSO Core 110
Graduate Seminar
Information and Computer Security
Introduction to Computer Forensics
Network Security
Choose One Concentration: 315
Cyber Defense 1
Business Information Systems Security Management
Advanced Cyber Defense Electives
Cyber Operations 1
Advanced Cyber Operations
Advanced Cyber Operations Electives 2
Thesis Option6
Thesis Research/ Thesis in Computer Science and Engineering
Total Hours31

Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations with a Concentration in Cyber Defense or Cyber Operations - Non-Thesis

CYSO Core 110
Graduate Seminar
Information and Computer Security
Introduction to Computer Forensics
Network Security
Choose One Concentration: 415
Cyber Defense 1
Business Information Systems Security Management
Advanced Cyber Defense Electives
Cyber Operations 1
Advanced Cyber Operations
Advanced Cyber Operations Electives 2
Non-Thesis Option6
CSE or ECE electives 4
Total Hours31

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science - Students admitted directly from Bachelor's Degree

CS Core 27
Graduate Seminar
Select two of the following: 1
Theory of Computation
Algorithms
Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Algorithms
Primary Specialization 2, 3, 5
CSE 6XXX Specialization Introductory Course3
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Courses6
CSE 8XXX Ful Graduate Specialization Courses6
Secondary Specilization 2, 3, 5
CSE 6XXX Specialization Introductory Course3
CSE 6/8XXX Specialization Course3
CSE 8XXX Full Graduate Specialization Course3
Additional Coursework 512
CSE 6/8XXX Graduate Coursework
Dissertation 420
Dissertation Research/ Dissertation in Computer Science and Engineering
Total Hours63

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science - Students admitted with Master's Degree

CS Core 13
Select one of the following: 2
Theory of Computation
Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Algorithms
Algorithms
Primary Specialization 3, 4, 6
CSE 6XXX Specialization Introductory Course3
CSE 8XXX Full Graduate Specialization Courses3
Secondary Specialization 3, 4, 6
CSE 6XXX Specialization Introductory Course3
Dissertation: 520
Dissertation Research/ Dissertation in Computer Science and Engineering
Total Hours32

Examination Procedure

During preparation for the doctoral degree, the student will be required to complete three examinations and present an oral dissertation proposal. The examinations are the qualifying examination, typically taken during the student’s first year of study; a preliminary examination, taken after the student has completed (or is within 6 hours of having completed) all coursework and has had a dissertation topic approved; and the final examination, taken when all other examinations and the dissertation have been completed.

At the time that the student takes the qualifying examination, the graduate faculty will conduct a review of the student’s status in the program. This review will include, as a minimum, the following:

  • performance on the qualifying examination
  • progress and performance in courses
  • possible serious impediments to further progress toward the doctorate

Such a review could result in binding recommendations from the graduate faculty or strong recommendations that the student address a problem within a certain time frame or could even result in dismissal from the program.

Minor in Computer Science, Master's Degree Program

The Graduate Council requires that a student who wishes to earn a minor in computer science in a master’s degree program complete at least 9 semester hours of computer science graduate credit, not to include CSE 6613.  In addition, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering requires that the following requirements be satisfied:

  • At least 3 semester hours must be at the full graduate (8000) level.
  • At least 6 semester hours must be in one of the research focus areas, or theory.
  • CSE 2383 or CSE 6753 or equivalent must have been completed by the student.  This required background may have been completed during undergraduate study. CSE 6753 may count toward the minor.
  • The student must pass a comprehensive examination over minor coursework, as determined by the minor professor.  This may be in conjunction with an examination for the primary degree program.

 The student must be accepted by a minor professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and have the approval of both the minor professor and the Graduate Coordinator in Computer Science and Engineering of the minor program of study.  The minor professor will be included in the student’s supervisory committee.

Minor in Computer Science, Doctoral Degree Program

The Graduate Council requires that a student who wishes to earn a minor in computer science in a Ph.D. degree program complete at least 12 semester hours of computer science graduate credit, not to include CSE 6613.  In addition, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering requires that the following requirements be satisfied:

  • At least 3 semester hours must be at the full graduate (8000) level.
  • At least 6 semester hours must be in one of the research focus areas, or theory. 
  • CSE 2383 or CSE 6753 or equivalent must have been completed by the student. This required background may have been completed during undergraduate study. CSE 6753 may count toward the minor.
  • The student must pass a comprehensive examination over minor coursework, as determined by the minor professor.  This may be in conjunction with an examination for the primary degree program.

The student must be accepted by a minor professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and have the approval of both the minor professor and the Graduate Coordinator in Computer Science and Engineering of the minor program of study. The minor professor will be included in the student’s supervisory committee.

University policy on graduate minors is located in the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy sections in this publication.

CSE 6153 Data Communications and Computer Networks: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CSE 1384 or ECE 3732, and ECE 3724 . Three hours lecture.The concepts and practices of data communications and networking to provide the student with an understanding of the hardware and software used for data communications. (Same as ECE 4833/6833 )

CSE 6163 Designing Parallel Algorithms: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CSE 3324 or CSE 4733/6733). Three hours lecture. Techniques for designing algorithms to take advantage efficiently of different parallel architectures. Includes techniques for parallelizing sequential algorithms and techniques for matching algorithms to architectures

CSE 6173 Cryptography: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 2383 Data Structures and Algorithms). Three hours lecture. Discrete probability, Information theory, Symmetric Cryptography, Introductory Number Theory, Asymmetric Cryptography, Standard Cryptographic Primitives, Cryptographic Protocols

CSE 6214 Introduction to Software Engineering: 4 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 2383 with a grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Two hours laboratory. Introduction to software engineering; planning, requirements, analysis and specification, design; testing; debugging; maintenance; documentation. Alternative design methods, software metrics, software projecet management, reuse, and reengineering

CSE 6223 Managing Software Projects: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4214/6214 with grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Concepts in software project management functions such as planning, organizing, staffing, directing and control, estimating, scheduling, monitoring, risk management, and use of tools

CSE 6233 Software Architecture and Design Paradigms: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in CSE 4214/6214). Three hours lecture. Topics include software architectures, methodologies, model representations, component-based design ,patterns,frameworks, CASE-based designs, and case studies

CSE 6243 Information and Computer Security: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Credit or registration in CS 4733/6733). Three hours lecture. Topics include encryption systems, network security, electronic commerce, systems threats, and risk avoidance procedures

CSE 6253 Secure Software Engineering: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 3324 with a grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Principles, techniques, and practices involved in building security into software systems including security requirements analysis, secure design, secure coding and security testing, verification and risk management. Topics include analysis and security assessment of legacy software

CSE 6273 Introduction to Computer Forensics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:Senior standing in CSE/SE/CPE/MIS/CJ) Three hours lecture. Introduction to computer crime and the study of evidence for solving computer-based crimes. Topics: computer crime, computer forensics and methods for handling evidence

CSE 6283 Software Testing and Quality Assurance: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:Grade of C or better in CSE 4214/6214). Three hour lecture. Topics include methods of testing, verification and validation, quality assurance processes and techniques, methods and types of testing, and ISO 9000/SEI CMM process evaluation

CSE 6363 Software Reverse Engineering: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 4733/6733). Three hours lecture. Software specification recovery and malicious software analysis. Tools and techniques for analyzing compiled programs and communications in the absence of documentation

CSE 6383 Network Security: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: CSE 4173/6173 Cryptography; and credit or registration in CSE 4153/6153). Three hours lecture. Basic and advanced concepts in cryptography and network security: symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, key management, wired and wireless network security protocols, network systems security

CSE 6413 Principles of Computer Graphics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisities:MA 3113 and grade of C or better in CSE 2383). Three hours lecture. Graphics hardware; algorithms,graphics primitives, windowing and clipping , transformations,3D graphics, shading,hidden surfaces; standards

CSE 6453 Game Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: All majors: junior standing, Design-oriented majors: courses in digital art and/or sound design. CS/SE/CPE majors: CSE 3324 or equivalent with a grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Principles of computer game design: Game mechanics, structure, narrative, character/environment/level design

CSE 6503 Database Management Systems: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: CSE 2383 and CSE 2813, both with a grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Modern database models; basic database management concepts; query languages; database design through normalization; advanced database models; extensive development experience in a team environment

CSE 6613 Bio-computing: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Essential programming skills for computational biology. Problem-solving and use of specialized bio-computing libraries. (Credit will not be given to students matriculating in Computer Science, Computer Engineering , or Software Engineering degree programs)

CSE 6623 Computational Biology: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:BCH 4113/6113 or equivalent and CSE 1384 or CSE 4613/6613 ). Three hours lecture. Computational analysis of gene sequences and protein structures on a large scale. Algorithms for sequence alignment, structural and functional genomics, comparative genomics, and current topics

CSE 6633 Artificial Intelligence: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:Grade of C or better in CSE 2383 and CSE 2813) Three hours lecture. Study of the computer in context with human thought processes. Heuristic programming;search programming; search strategies; knowledge representation; natural language understanding; perception; learning

CSE 6643 AI Robotics: 3 hours.

CSE 6653 Cognitive Science: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: PSY 3713 or CSE 4633 or PHI 4143/6143 or AN 4623/6623). Three hours lecture. The nature of human cognition from an interdisciplinary perspective, primarily utilizing a computational model, including insights from philosophy, psychology, linguistics, artificial intelligence, anthropology, and neuroscience. (Same as PSY 4653/6653)

CSE 6663 Human-Computer Interaction: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Junior class standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Conceptual models formed by users, aspects of computer systems which affect users, interface design and evaluation, and examples and critiques of specific interfaces

CSE 6713 Programming Languages: 3 hours.

(Prerequisities:Grade of C or better in ECE 3724 and CSE 3813 ).Three hours lecture. An introduction to programming language specification and analysis. Additional topics include control structrues, data types, and structures,run-time environments, binding strategies, compilers, and interpreters

CSE 6723 Compiler Construction: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:Credit or registration in CSE 4713/6713). Formal treatment of context-free programming language translation and compiler design concepts, including: lexical, syntactic and semantic analysis, machine-dependent code generation and improvement, and error processing

CSE 6733 Operating Systems I: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in CSE 2383 and ECE 3724).Three hours lecture. Historical development of operating systems to control complex computing systems; process management, communication, scheduling techniques;file systems concepts and operation; data communication, distributed process management

CSE 6743 Operating Systems II: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: CSE 4733/6733 with grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Integrated treatment of hardware and software concepts in operating systems design; procedure implementation; creation and control of processes;name and space management

CSE 6753 Foundations in Computation: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 1213 or CSE 1233 or CSE 1273 or CSE 1284 with a grade of C or better, or permission of instructor). Three hours lecture. Foundational concepts of computational algorithm design and analysis. (No credit for student in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Software Engineering degree programs)

CSE 6763 Ethical and Legal Issues in Computing: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course will provide students with an advanced understanding of how and why information security laws and policies are developed and managed. Students will learn about existing state and federal laws and explore social and ethical issues related to information technology and computing

CSE 6773 Introduction to Cyber Operations: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course is designed to develop the students’ knowledge of basic cyberspace operations concepts and methodologies. Graduates should be able to assist in the analysis, synthesys, and evaluation of management, engineering, and operational approaches to solve complex problems within cyberspace, defensive and offensive

CSE 6833 Introduction to Analysis of Algorithms: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 2383,CSE 2813, and MA 2733 with a grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. Study of complexity of algorithms and algorithm design. Tools for analyzing efficiency; design of algorithms, including recurrence, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming and greedy algorithms

CSE 6990 Special Topics in Computer Science and Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

CSE 7000 Directed Individual Study in Computer Science and Engineering: 1-6 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

CSE 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Computer Science and Engineering: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

CSE 8011 Graduate Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour seminar. Reports on recent advances and problems in computer science by guest speakers,faculty, and students; student participation, general discussion

CSE 8080 Directed Project in Computer Science: 1-3 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged. An individual professional project open only to candidates for the Master of Science degree (project option). Formal written and oral project reports are required

CSE 8153 Advanced Data Communications: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4153/6153 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. A study of advanced concepts and practices of data communications with particular emphasis on Local Area Networks and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

CSE 8163 Parallel and Distributed Scientific Computing: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4163/6163). Three hours lecture. Algorithms for distributed scientific computing; performance evaluation; scheduling and load balancing issues for scientific applications; architectural issues affecting performance

CSE 8233 Software Engineering Project Management: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 4214/6214). Three hours lecture. Management of the engineering of software products including estimating, planning, process management, and special topics

CSE 8243 Software Specification: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 4214/6214). Three hours lecture. Writing software specifications, transforming specifications into code , and verifying transformations using formal methods

CSE 8253 Software Design: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4214/6214). Three hours lecture. Software design principles, attributes, models, and methodologies; object-oriented designs; real-time system design; user interface design;design verification; reusability issues; tools;current issues

CSE 8273 Software Requirements Engineering: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 4214/6214 with grade of C or better). Three hours lecture. An in-depth study of current research and practice in requirements elicitation, requirements analysis, requirements specification, requirements verification and validation, and requirements management

CSE 8283 Empirical Software Engineering: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4214/6214). Three hours lecture. Basics of empirical software engineering, metrics, and modeling of the software development process, validation and comparing software engineering methods, and methods for data analysis

CSE 8413 Visualization: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 4413/6413).Three hours lecture. Essential algorithms for three-dimensional rendering and modeling techniques;viewing transformations, illumination, surface modeling; methodologies for visualization of scalar and vector fields in three dimensions

CSE 8433 Advanced Computer Graphics: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites:CSE 4413/6413 ). Three hours lecture. Realistic, three-dimensional image generation; modeling techniques for complex three-dimensional scenes; advanced illumination techniques; fractal surface modeling; modeling and rendering of natural phenomena

CSE 8613 Cognitive Models of Skill: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Graduate standing). Three hours lecture. Introduction to cognitive modeling, with a focus on computational models of skill acquisition and expert skill. (Same as PSY 8723 )

CSE 8673 Machine Learning: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 4633/6633 ). Three hours lecture. Introduction to machine learning, including computational learning theory, major approaches to machine learning, evaluation of models, and current research

CSE 8713 Advanced Cyber Operations: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. This course is designed to develop the students’ knowledge of cyberspace operations concepts and methodologies. Graduates should be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate management, engineering, and operational approaches to solve complex problems within cyberspace, defensive and offensive

CSE 8723 Cyber Law and Policy: 3 hours.

Three Hours Lecture. This course will provide students with an advanced understanding of how and why information security laws and policies are developed and managed. Students will be exposed to existing laws at the state and federal level, as well as security policies of successful organizations

CSE 8743 Advanced Network Security: 3 hours.

Three Hours Lecture: This course explores advanced topics in Network Security, to include: Internet of Things, Wireless Networks, Low Complexity Cryptographic Models, Network System Models, Tamper Resistant Network Components

CSE 8753 Wireless Networks: 3 hours.

Three hours lecture. Wireless network protocol design, theoretical analysis, and security and privacy. (Same as ECE 8823)

CSE 8813 Theory of Computation: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: CSE 3813).Three hours lecture.Study of abstract models of computation,unsolvability,complexity theory, formal grammars and parsing, and other advanced topics in theoretical computer science

CSE 8833 Algorithms: 3 hours.

(Prerequisites: CSE 4833/6833).Three hours lecture. Advanced techniques for designing and analyzing algorithms, advanced data structures, case studies, NP-completeness including reductions, approximation algorithms

CSE 8843 Complexity of Sequential and Parallel Algorithms: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:CSE 4833/6833 ).Three hours lecture. Complexity of sequential algorithms, theory of complexity, parallel algorithms

CSE 8990 Special Topics in Computer Science and Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

CSE 9000 Dissertation Research/ Dissertation in Computer Science and Engineering: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged

CSE 9133 Topics in High Performance Computing: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite:Consent of Instructor). Three hours lecture. Reading and study of current work related to the area of high performance computing. Intended for doctoral students. ( May be taken for credit more than once)

CSE 9633 Topics in Artificial Intelligence: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Reading and study of current work related to the area of artificial intelligence. Intended for doctoral students. (May be taken for credit more than once)