Program Overview

Network Engineering - Master of Science (MSNE)

The Master of Science in Network Engineering (MSNE) is a course-based degree that prepares students to join the next generation of leaders in Internet, cloud, and intranet networking. The program is designed for both working professionals looking to develop or update their technical skills and new entrants to the industry pursuing academic, professional, or research success.

Overview

Global interconnectivity requires the continuous expansion and evolution of network infrastructure in response to trends in e-commerce, the Internet of Things, mobile data, and enterprise operations. To assure the continuous operation of this infrastructure, companies need highly educated and technically proficient individuals with the vision to anticipate and build systems for emerging communication needs.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Applicants for graduate study in network engineering must hold at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) is required for admission to the master's program. GRE scores are not required for admissions to this program.

Program Requirements

Students must complete a total of 30 credit hours of approved graduate-level coursework with a grade of C or better and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00.

• Fundamentals: Students are required to take two courses (6 credits) from the Fundamentals category unless they can demonstrate that they have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge via their undergraduate degree.
  • CSCI 5010: Fundamentals of Data Communication (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5020: Fundamentals of Network Programming (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5030: Fundamentals of System Administration and Virtualization (3 credits)
• Core: Students are required to take two courses (6 credits) from the Core category to help set the stage for taking courses in the Advanced Electives category.
  • CSCI 5113: Linux System Administration (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5160: Introduction to Enterprise Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5170: IP Routing Protocols and Policies (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5180: Network Management and Automation (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5200: Introduction to Wireless Systems (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5220: Wireless Local Area Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5230: Wireless Systems Lab (3 credits)
• Advanced Electives: Students are required to take three courses (9 credits) of advanced electives to graduate.
  • CSCI 5190: Voice Over IP: Voice Network Design and Implementation (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5260: Datacenter Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5270: IP Network Design (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5280: Software-Defined Networking (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5360: Internet Service Provider Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5380: Network Virtualization and Orchestration (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5620: Advanced Wireless Lab (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5630: Wireless and Cellular Systems (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5840: Advanced Network Automation (3 credits)
  • CSCI 7000: Current Topics in Computer Science (Special Topics in Cloud Technologies) (3 credits)
• Electives: The three courses (9 credits) associated with the Electives category allow students to customize the MS in Network Engineering degree to meet their academic goals.

Suggested Focus Areas

The following sets of courses represent common focus areas that students can take to target a particular area of network engineering in depth:

• Network Design and Configuration:
  • CSCI 5160: Introduction to Enterprise Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5260: Datacenter Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5360: Internet Service Provider Networks (3 credits)
• Network Programmability and Automation:
  • CSCI 5180: Network Management and Automation (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5280: Software-Defined Networking (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5380: Network Virtualization and Orchestration (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5840: Advanced Network Automation (3 credits)
• Wireless Networking:
  • CSCI 5200: Introduction to Wireless Systems (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5220: Wireless Local Area Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5620: Advanced Wireless Lab (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5630: Wireless and Cellular Systems (3 credits)
• Comprehensive Networking Solutions:
  • CSCI 5160: Introduction to Enterprise Networks (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5170: IP Routing Protocols and Policies (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5190: Voice Over IP: Voice Network Design and Implementation (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5200: Introduction to Wireless Systems (3 credits)
  • CSCI 5270: IP Network Design (3 credits)

Learning Outcomes

The MS in Network Engineering program prepares students to become the individuals responsible for the design, construction, and operation of data communication systems. The curriculum uses an applied interdisciplinary approach through lab-based courses in multiple disciplines to give students the skills they will need to:

• Gain expertise in designing, building, and deploying scalable network architectures using multi-vendor solutions.
• Develop skills in using programming and automation to manage networks, identify critical issues, and resolve problems at scale.
• Create and deploy software-defined solutions to enhance network intelligence, performance, and resilience.
• Effectively plan, scope, and manage complex network projects while communicating technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.