Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an MSCS
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A Master of Science in Computer Science is a post graduate degree designed for working adults. Most students are working full time in leading industries in the region and share in a wide array of academic, professional and social pursuits with classmates.
- How often do classes meet?
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Classes are offered year-round in four 11 week terms. Classes normally meet once a week from 6 p.m. for three and a half hours for a four-credit course.
- Do I need to bring my own laptop?
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Classes are conducted in a room with computers, so it is not required for students to bring his/her laptop. However if you bring your own, you get Internet connection through WI-FI service provided in the building.
- Who should consider an MSCS from CLU?
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Students who have earned an undergraduate degree who wish to learn more about the latest developments in the computer science field to advance in their careers or otherwise have a competitive edge in their professional environment.
- What are the admission requirements?
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Students must include the following computer science subjects in their undergraduate degree: C++/Java Programming, operating systems, database, computer networks, and discrete math to be fully admitted.
- What if I don't have all prerequisites for admission?
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You can take prerequisite courses at the CLU adult evening program as a special status student either for pass/no pass audit or for a grade. When one or two prerequisites remain, you can be admitted conditionally to the MSCS program to take graduate courses.
- What is the CLU Graduate Program in Computer Science?
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CLU offers its Master of Science in Computer Science to enhance the skills and knowledge of computer professionals and to enable them to reach new heights in technological advancements.
- Is the program accredited?
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The CLU Graduate Program in Computer Science, as a component of California Lutheran University, is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the designated accrediting agency for schools in this region. Other schools accredited by WASC include all University of California campuses (such as UCLA and Berkeley) and other government-supported schools, as well as private universities, such as Cal Tech, Stanford, and many others. CLU is recognized and listed in leading national and international guides of higher education.
- How long is the program?
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It is possible to complete the program in 15 months for students with a bachelor's degree in computer science or related areas when they take two courses per term.
- When does the program begin?
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Most students begin their MSCS program in the fall term which starts late August of each year. However, in addition to late August, other entry points exist (mid November, late February, and late May). Regardless of when they enter the program, qualified students can complete the program in as few as 15 months.
- What are my career opportunities with an MSCS from CLU?
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MSCS students may return to previous employers and, with their higher levels of knowledge and experience, can be considered for more substantial positions within the organization. Other students may seek new employment after having earned their MSCS degree. The latest computer science theory and technology development that students acquire through the program will place them in a strong competitive position in the IT market.
- What is the cost of the MSCS?
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In the year 2005 the cost will be $575 per credit.
- Is there Financial Aid available?
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Financial assistance is available to graduate students who have been officially admitted into the MSCS program and maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree. Each term, a limited number of assistantships are offered to qualified graduate students.
- Who is eligible to apply?
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Students who have completed undergraduate or baccalaureate study at an accredited institution are eligible to apply. All applications are carefully and individually reviewed.
- What classes are offered in the MSCS program?
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The program of study contains core classes including Advanced Database Systems, Advanced Network and Data Communications, Advanced Computer System Architecture, and Graduate Project.
In addition, optional areas of emphasis include Multimedia, Database, Informatics, Intelligence Systems, Embedded Systems, and Image Processing
- What about the faculty in the CLU graduate program?
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Courses in the MSCS program are taught by faculty with Ph.D. degrees. Some have achieved significant and noteworthy industry experience. All CLU faculty possess impressive academic credentials, and most have earned doctoral or equivalent degrees. CLU is known for its teaching excellence, and the graduate business faculty are among the best of the best.
- Where is CLU?
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CLU is located on a 225-acre campus in Thousand Oaks, Calif., which is halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles (about an hour from each). CLU is about 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, which can be reached inapproximately 30 minutes. Thousand Oaks is an upscale community consistently ranked as one of the safest in the United States. Shopping, restaurants, and entertainment are all located within and around Thousand Oaks.
- What is the campus like?
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A traditional suburban university campus, CLU facilities include classrooms, library, offices, computer labs, athletic facilities, a student store, as well as lawns, a creek, and thousands of flowering plants and trees.
- How about Information Technology at CLU?
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The CLU campus has been recognized as a technological leader, winning awards for campus computing excellence. Miles of buried fiber optics connect all facilities and the campuswide wireless environment.
- Do I need to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)?
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International students seeking admission to graduate studies should refer to Admission Procedures for International Applicants which describes additional requirements for applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
- Is it necessary to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)?
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Applicants whose undergraduate records do not satisfy admission criteria must include GRE scores in their MSCS admission portfolio. For the GRE waiver refer to Admission Requirements.
- I have specific questions. Whom should I contact?
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Please send all general inquiries and specific questions to mscs@clunet.edu. Be sure to include your full name (clearly indicating your surname or family name), specific questions, and all relevant information. Your inquiry will quickly be forwarded to the appropriate person, who will directly respond to your inquiry. We may wish to reach you for additional information to better understand your question or situation, so be sure to provide as much contact information as possible, including your e-mail address, telephone numbers, postal address, etc.
- How and when do I apply?
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Applications are considered year-round. Candidates for admission to the MSCS program should apply at least 45 days prior to the start of the term. Classes start in late August, mid November, late February and late May.
- For additional information contact:
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CLU Graduate Program in MSCS
60 West Olsen Road #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 USA
Tel. +1 805 493-3511
Fax +1 805 493-3861
E-mail: mscs@clunet.edu
