If you are missing or need refreshing in any of the prerequisite areas (see web site at https://compro.mum.edu/apply/#require-ments), you should arrange to do this prior to starting the program. Notably you need to know how to program in an OO language. We use Java in our classes, as the main programming language, and your first computer science class will provide an overview of the fundamentals of OO and Java programming. This is not a complete course in Java, programming or OO methods, but an overview of the main ideas of OO programming in Java for anyone who knows programming in any OO language, and some Java. Because programming is such a central part of all areas of study in CS, this course is a requirement for all other courses in the program. You must complete this course with a grade of B or better to continue your studies. Because this course is largely review and introductory material for anyone with prior OO/Java experience, this is not a difficult requirement. However, if you do not yet know Java or have limited knowledge with OO programming, you need to be sure to remedy this deficiency before starting classes. It is possible to do this during your first introductory class if all that you need is some refreshing on these topics. Otherwise it would require significant self-study and so it is recommended that you strengthen your knowledge in this area before coming to campus.
There are two entry tracks for the MSCS program:
- Direct Track: is for students with a Computer Science degree and knowledge of current Object Oriented programming methods. The first computer science course taken is CS 401 (Modern Programming Practices, MPP)
- Preparatory Track: is for applicants who need to supplement their basic Computer Science knowledge (including data structures). The first computer science course taken is CS 390 (Fundamentals of Programming Practices, FPP).
Track Entry Requirements
Students may apply for acceptance to the Direct Track if they have significant academic coursework in Computer Science, including courses in OO programming and data structures.
Students with previous bachelor’s (or master’s) degree in Computer Science will be accepted to the Direct Track, although they may opt for the Preparatory Track if they have not been active in the required areas, or their degrees were completed some time ago. Students with degrees in other fields, or who are not current in CS knowledge and OO programming, will be accepted into the Preparatory Track.
Qualification Programming Test: To confirm entrance qualifications as submitted in admissions materials, all students take a qualification exam upon arrival. This exam tests the material covered in the Fundamentals of Programming Practices course. Students who do well in this test may take another programming test to see if you qualify for the Direct Track.
Incoming students are expected to pass the Preparatory Track entrance exam. A sample Direct Entry Track qualifying exam and Preparatory Track qualifying exam are posted online to help prospective students assess their readiness for study in the program.
Those students that take the Preparatory track will be taking an additional course and therefore the extra tuition of $1,800 will be added into your program costs. Once the student passes the Preparatory track course (GPA required=B), they can continue with the Modern Programming Practices (MPP) course. Students must also pass the MPP course with a grade of B or better in order to be eligible to continue in the program with the MUM Financial Aid (bank loan). If the student does not pass the Modern Programming Practices course, and is unable to pay for additional courses to remedy the academic deficiency (or if the additional courses are not available at MUM), then the student will be dismissed from the MSCS program. Also, if a student takes additional courses but does not pass them with a B or better, then the student will be dismissed from the MSCS program.