Computer Science (CSCI) Department
College of Engineering, Computer Science, & Construction Management (ECC)

Demonstrating Mastery:

You have three choices in the CSUC Computer Science Masters Program:

Comprehensive Examination

From the Catalog entry for Computer Science:

"This plan includes 30 units of in-class course work, and a passing score on the written comprehensive examination covering the core. The examination may be taken a maximum of two times. Failure on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the graduate program in computer science."

Note: I required students working under me to take the exam at least once - there is no disadvantage to taking it once to see if you pass!!

CSCI 699P - Master's Project

From the CSUC Guide to Graduate Studies:

A project is defined by the California State University Education Code as:

. . . a significant undertaking appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It evidences originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It is described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. (Title V, Section 40510, p. 473)

Organization of the Project

Because of the uniqueness of projects, the introductory sections in the main body will vary in number. The following presents some of these sections and their respective elements commonly found in master’s projects. This outline is only a recommendation and should be adapted as necessary. As a general rule, however, projects will contain at least some descriptive sections selected from the following.


Introduction to the Project

The primary function of this initial section is to provide a comprehensive overview of the project.

Purpose of the project. A statement of the purpose of the project explains why the project was attempted. Include personal interest as well as other identified needs which the project will help satisfy. Why is the project significant?

Scope (description) of the project. Define what the project is in terms of content and format. Include specific information regarding the subject matter, the intended audience, how the project is to be used, and the results or effects expected.

Significance of the project. Explain the significance of the project in the field of study. What new dimensions or concepts have been presented? Emphasize the importance of the project in its use of techniques and specify the intended effects. If the project is designed to be informational, persuasive, or instructional, specify the effects in terms of behavioral objectives.

Limitations of the project. If applicable, present and discuss the content limitations with regard to resources, time, and so forth.

Definition of terms. Define any special terms and establish standard abbreviations which will be used throughout the text.

Review of Related Literature

This section constitutes the major research effort of the project. It provides the source material for the content and puts the present project in context of existing information in the field. Review and cite related studies and discuss their strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the purpose of the project. Discuss the theories or techniques examined and their respective implications for the present study. Summarize the review with a synthesis of the literature identifying the various approaches and themes. This section ultimately justifies the need for the project.

Methodology

This chapter describes in depth how every aspect of the project was conducted, compiled, or created. It should be significantly detailed and should describe the format and technique used in presenting the material. Techniques, questionnaires, interviews, study sites, and material used to accomplish the study should be described here.

Results

There may or may not be a results section, depending on the type of project. If there are findings to report, they should be synthesized for inclusion in this section. Material too detailed to be included in the body of the text should be presented in the appendices.

Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Summary. Present an overview of the previous sections and how the final project addresses issues which have been raised. Reacquaint the reader with the conceptual
framework and the design of the study. Basically, this section summarizes the entire project effort.

Conclusions. Conclusions presented should validate both the need for the study and explain how the present study responded to that need.

Recommendations. Recommendations should include comments regarding content, technique, and the process of creating a master’s project of this type.

References

Cite references according to the department style guide, and be sure to include every source cited in the study, including material which has been adapted for use in tables and figures.

Appendices

As a general rule, the project itself is placed in Appendix A. This will allow more freedom in the format of the work. In addition, material too detailed for inclusion in the body of the text may be placed in the appendices.

From the Catalog entry for Computer Science:

"The project plan includes 27 units of in-class course work and 3 units of project preparation (CSCI 699P). The project must reflect a personal in-depth study of a topic in an applied area of computer science. A formal written description of the project must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval and accession to the library."

 

CSCI 699T - Master's Thesis

From the CSUC Guide to Graduate Studies:

The California State University Education Code (Title V, Section 40510, p.473) defines a thesis as:

. . . the written product of a systematic study of a significant problem. It identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished project [product] evidences originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, and thorough documentation.

From the Catalog entry for Computer Science:

"This plan includes 24 units of in-class course work and 6 units of thesis research and preparation (CSCI 699T). Research may be theoretical or applied, but must reflect a personal in-depth study into an approved topic. This plan requires a formal research thesis which must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for approval and accession to the library."

Serving on a graduate student's project or thesis committee is a serious and time-consuming commitment, and one that is not undertaken lightly. The primary evidence that you will be successful in completing a project or thesis is the quality of your proposal. Thus it is highly recommended that you take the time to do some research and write an excellent proposal before approaching faculty.

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