James Madison University Wordmark

Graduate Program - Curriculum

The SSS program curriculum includes courses in in Core Computer Science, Software Engineering, Security and Networking, and elective or thesis hours. The required courses include:

Courses

Credit Hours

Core Computer Science  
CS 530. Programming Languages 3
CS 550. Operating Systems 3
CS 574. Database Systems 3
CS552. Applied Complexity Theory 3
Software Engineering  
CS 555. Secure Software Systems 3
CS 665. Software Requirements and Design 3
CS 666. Software Construction and Testing 3
Information Security  
CS 557. Information Security 3
CS 610. Networking and Security 3
CS 635. Secure Network Operations 3
Electives  
CS Approved Electives 6
TOTAL 36

Students with strong undergraduate preparation in Computer Science may choose to substitute an elective, independent study, or thesis course for one or more of the required core courses, with permission of the program coordinator.

The thesis option gives students a chance to explore a research topic of their choosing for a full year (6 credit hours), in cooperation with a graduate faculty member. Independent studies provide an opportunity to study for one semester (3 credit hours) in a topic area not available through regular classes, under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.

All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination after the first year of study in order to continue in the program. This exam covers topics in the first year of the curriculum.