Study Plan

—-Kunling Zeng G0103158

The degree requirements of Master degree in computer Science of George Mason University is shown below:

Students are required to complete 30 credits corresponding to 10 graduate courses. Courses are divided into basic courses, which have no graduate course prerequisite, and advanced courses, which have a graduate course as a prerequisite. 

Courses are grouped in the following five broad areas: 

• Artificial Intelligence and Databases
• Programming Languages and Software Engineering
• Systems and Networks
• Theoretical Computer Science
• Visual Computing

All the following requirements should be satisfied for the MS in CS degree:

• CS 583 – Analysis of Algorithms  (from the Theoretical Computer Science area) and two additional core courses from two other areas must be successfully completed with a grade of B- or better.
• At least four courses (12 credits) must be chosen from the advanced courses in the list of preapproved courses from at least three different areas.
• At least six courses, including two advanced courses, must be designated CS. 
• At least eight courses must be taken from the list of preapproved courses. Up to two computer science-related courses that are not on the list of preapproved courses may be taken with the approval of the Computer Science Department.

As a F-1 Visa holder, I have to take at least 9 credits each semester(fall and spring)to maintain my visa status, which is equal to 3 courses. And since the total credit requirement is 30 credits, so I expected to finish my study in 2 year.

This semester, I have two major courses, which are CS 530 and CS 531,both are preapproved courses, neither of them is core course. According to requirement one, in addition to CS 583(mandatory),I need to choose another 2 core courses from two different areas, that’s another 3 preapproved course. According rule two, 4 advance courses(preapproved courses) should finished. Therefore, 9 preapproved courses will be taken after completing the requirement one and two(plus the 2 major courses I am taking),which match requirement three and four. And so I am good to get my degree.

So far, I am planning take 3 courses each semester, I would like to discuss my study plan chronologically.

Spring semester, 2017:

Next semester, I will take CS 583 – Analysis of Algorithm, and I need two more courses, both should be core courses since one could take the advance courses in each field only after taking the core courses in corresponding area. And as I am revising this, I have talked to advisor of computer science, professor Duric, decided that I will take following three courses:

• CS-583 Analysis of Algorithms
• CS-571 Operating System
• CS-550 Database System

One problem for me is that my statue this semester in INTO-Mason is non-degree, so I can’t apply for an OPT in next summer in USA, so my option is either to find an internship in China or take the CS 799 – Thesis course in the summer.

Fall semester, 2017:

I will take 2 advance courses plus SWE 619 – Object-Oriented Software Specification and Construction.

Spring semester 2018:

Take 2 advance courses and the optional project CS 798 – Project Seminar as supplement of the last 3 credits.

PS:

All the courses of computer science are list in following website by the categories of areas, including core courses and advance courses:

http://catalog.gmu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=27&poid=25156

And before the end of the second semester, students must have a plan of study approved by their academic advisor. The advising checklist’s link is below:

https://cs.gmu.edu/programs/masters/cs/MSCS-AdvisingChecklist.pdf