Master of Science in Computer Science
Program Overview
The program consists of 30 credit hours over 6 semesters, with options for a thesis or project track. Graduates are prepared for careers in data science, information technology, and software development.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University is a 30-credit hour program spread over 6 semesters. It offers three tracks:
- Big Data Cloud Computing: This track focuses on the analysis and management of large datasets and cloud computing technologies.
- Software Engineering: This track covers the principles and practices of designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. The program has two options:
- Thesis Track: Students in this track complete a thesis-based course (MSCS 672) for 6 credit hours.
- Project Track: Students in this track select an additional course of 3 credits from any track and complete a project implementation course (MSCS 673) for 3 credits.
Outline:
The MSCS program is structured as follows:
First Year:
- Semester One:
- MSCS 612: Research Methods in Computer Science (3 credits)
- MSCS 611: Advanced Topics in Operating Systems (3 credits)
- Semester Two:
- MSCS 614: Theory of Computation (3 credits)
- MSCS 613: Advanced Algorithms Analysis and Design (3 credits)
- Semester Three:
- MSCS 615: Parallel and Distributed Processing (3 credits)
- Elective 1 (3 credits)
Second Year:
- Semester One:
- Elective 2 (3 credits)
- Elective 3 (3 credits)
- Semester Two:
- MSCS 672: Thesis (6 credits) (Research Track)
- Elective 4 (3 credits) (Project Track)
- MSCS 673: Project Implementation (3 credits) (Project Track)
- Semester Three:
- MSCS 672: Thesis (6 credits) (Research Track)
- MSCS 673: Project Implementation (3 credits) (Project Track)
Electives:
- Track 1: Big Data and Cloud Computing:
- MSCS 621: Big Data Processing (3 credits)
- MSCS 622: Distributed Systems (3 credits)
- MSCS 623: Advanced Data Mining (3 credits)
- MSCS 624: Text Mining and Analytics (3 credits)
- MSCS 625: Cloud Computing (3 credits)
- Track 2: Information Security:
- MSCS 631: Information Security (3 credits)
- MSCS 632: Advanced Network Security (3 credits)
- MSCS 633: Privacy and Security Policies (3 credits)
- MSCS 634: Advanced Database Security (3 credits)
- MSCS 635: Advanced Digital Forensics (3 credits)
- MSCS 636: Authentication Technologies in Cybersecurity (3 credits)
- Track 3: Software Engineering:
- MSCS 641: Advanced Software Engineering (3 credits)
- MSCS 642: Advanced Topics in Software Process Management and Improvement (3 credits)
- MSCS 643: Model Driven Software Development (3 credits)
- MSCS 644: Software Testing and Quality Assurance (3 credits)
- MSCS 645: Advance Topics in Software Costing and Estimation (3 credits)
Careers:
Graduates of the MSCS program are prepared for a variety of careers in the computer science field, including:
- Data Scientist
- Network Specialist
- Computer Science Researcher
- Software Engineering Researcher
- Information Security Researcher
- Information Systems/Cyber Security Specialist
- IT Consultant
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- IT Project Manager
Other:
The program requires students to have studied the following courses at the BS level:
- Data Structures
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Organization/Architecture
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks If any of these courses are missing, students must take deficiency courses to compensate.
Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University
Overview:
Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) is a public university located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service. IAU has been recognized for its achievements in various rankings, including the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS Arab Region University Rankings.
Services Offered:
IAU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Student Affairs:
The Deanship of Student Affairs provides support and guidance to students in various aspects of their academic and personal lives.Human Resources:
The General Directorate of Human Resources manages the university's workforce and ensures the well-being of its employees.Alumni and Career Development:
The Alumni and Career Development Center provides support to graduates in their career pursuits and fosters connections between alumni and the university.Library:
The Directorate of Library Affairs offers access to a vast collection of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Admissions and Registration:
The Deanship of Admissions and Registration handles the admission process for new students and manages student records.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
IAU is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.International Recognition:
IAU has achieved high rankings in various international university rankings, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence.Community Service:
IAU encourages students to engage in community service and make a positive impact on society.State-of-the-Art Facilities:
IAU provides students with access to modern facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and research centers.Academic Programs:
IAU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Medicine:
IAU is home to King Fahd Hospital, a renowned medical facility that provides students with hands-on clinical experience.Engineering:
IAU has a strong engineering program, with a focus on research and innovation.Business and Economics:
IAU offers programs in business administration, economics, and finance, preparing students for successful careers in the business world.Arts and Humanities:
IAU offers programs in literature, languages, history, and other humanities disciplines.Other:
IAU is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The university also has a strong focus on research and has established several research centers dedicated to various fields of study.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field with a grade of "B" or above from a recognized institution.
- Major in the proposed field or evidence of suitable background for entering the proposed field.
- Minimum of 120 credit hours in a 4-year undergraduate degree program.
- Official transcripts and degree certificates are required for final admission.
- Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL score of at least 61 or an IELTS score of at least 5.
- Other Requirements:
- Satisfactorily meeting any additional departmental or university admission requirements.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Approval from employer if the candidate is employed.
- Mandatory course requirement: Candidates must have studied the following courses at the BS level. If any are missing, students must take deficiency courses:
- Data Structures
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Organisation/Architecture
- Design and Analysis of Algorithms
- Database Systems
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- Required Documents:
- National ID or Iqama
- Original BS/BA certificate
- Original BS/BA transcript
- Original TOEFL or IELTS certificate
- Qiyas for Universities
- Any additional documents that support the application.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 61
- IELTS: Minimum score of 5