Santa Clara University

Department of Computer Engineering

Students are required to meet with their advisors to define and file a program of study during their first quarter. In general, no credit is allowed for courses that duplicate prior coursework, including courses listed as degree requirements. Students should arrange adjustment of these requirements with their academic advisor when they file their program of study.

With the prior written consent of the advisor, master’s students may take a maximum of 12 units of coursework for graduate credit from selected senior-level undergraduate courses.

Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (MSCSE)

All students admitted to the MSCSE program are expected to already have competence in the fundamental subjects listed below, as required within an accredited program for a B.S. in Computer Engineering or Computer Science. An applicant without such background may still be admitted, provided the deficiencies are corrected by SCU coursework that is in addition to the normal degree requirements and that is completed within the first year of graduate study. Alternatively, a student may take a similar course at another institution, and then take a challenge exam at SCU. The subjects and corresponding SCU courses that may be used to correct the deficiencies include:

• Logic Design: COEN 21
• Data Structures: COEN 12
• Computer Organization and Assembly Language: COEN 20
• Discrete Math: AMTH 240
• Probability: AMTH 210
• One of the following: Differential Equations (AMTH 106), Numerical Analysis (AMTH 220, 221), Linear Algebra (AMTH 245, 246)
• One additional advanced programming course or one year of programming experience in industry

The SCU courses listed above are considered undergraduate-level and may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the M.S. in Computer Engineering. However, students who have satisfied item 6 above, but who have never studied numerical analysis, may use AMTH 220/221 as electives; students who have satisfied item 6 above, but who have never studied linear algebra, may use AMTH 245/246 as electives.

Degree Requirements:

1. MSCSE Core:
2. • COEN 210, 279 and 283
   • Students who have taken one or more of these core courses or their equivalent must, with their advisor’s approval, replace said course(s) with elective(s)
2. MSCSE Specialization Tracks:
   (The following are suggested courses for each area of specialization; suggested courses may be replaced by other graduate courses with advisor’s approval. A theory course approved by the advisor in the area of specialization is required):
3. • Software Engineering: COEN 260, 275, 285, 286, 385 and 386
   • Information Assurance: COEN 250, 252, 253, 351; AMTH 387; and one of the following: COEN 225, 226, 254 or 350
   • Multimedia Processing: COEN 201, 202, 238 and 338; and 6 units from AMTH 211, COEN 290, 336, 339, 340, 343, 347, ELEN 241, 244 or 444
   • Computer Networks: COEN 233, 239, and at least 12 units from COEN 234, 235, 236, 315, 316 , 317, 329, 331, 332, 335, 337, 338, 339, 347, 350, 351 (at least 6 units of 300-level courses)
   • Computer Architecture and Systems: COEN  307, 313, 318, and 320; and 4 units from COEN 203, 204, 207, 208, 218, 301, 303, 319
   • Other possible specializations with advisor’s approval
3. SCU Engineering Core Requirements (a minimum of 6 units): See Section 3, Admissions and Academic Regulations.
   Note: COEN 288 is required for the Software Engineering track
4. Electives: Sufficient units to bring the total to at least 45

Note: Students wishing to do a thesis (COEN 497) should consult with their academic advisor regarding a modification of these requirements.

Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSE)

The MSSE degree requires a minimum of 45 quarter units of work. All applicants for the Master of Science in Software Engineering program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year program. The ideal candidate has completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering; however, exceptional candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in another field may apply for consideration if they can clearly demonstrate the ability to perform graduate-level work in software engineering. Individuals who possess a B.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering are not required to take the computer science subject test of the GRE. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field must submit their score on the computer science subject test of the GRE, which will be used to assess whether the candidate has the necessary technical knowledge to begin graduate work in software engineering.

The program consists of the SCU Engineering core, a software engineering core, a set of software engineering electives, and a capstone project. Students are allowed to sample courses across diverse software disciplines, including databases, networks, parallel and distributed systems, graphical user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and computer languages. Students must work with their advisor to select 15 units of appropriate software engineering electives. The capstone project comprises three consecutive terms of effort and provides an opportunity for students to apply their technical breadth and the core engineering principles toward the development of a complex, team-oriented software project. Ideally, projects will involve collaboration with industry. The capstone project integrates the engineering knowledge acquired in the core courses with the technical breadth acquired in the diverse electives. Thus, students must complete all requirements of the core prior to registering for the first capstone project course. They must also complete 6 units of electives prior to registering for the second 2 units of the capstone course, COEN 485, to ensure the project teams have the appropriate blend of technical background and engineering knowledge.

Degree Requirements:

1. SCU Engineering Core Requirements: (a minimum of 6 units): See Section 3, Admissions and Academic Regulations. Note: COEN 288 is required for the M.S. in Software Engineering, and satisfies 2 units of the Engineering Core Requirements.
2. MSSE core:
3. • COEN 260, 275, 285, 286, 385, and 386
3. Software engineering electives:
4. • 15 units selected with the approval of the academic advisor
4. Software Engineering Capstone Project: COEN 485 (repeated in three consecutive terms for a total of 6 units):
5. • Students must complete COEN 286 and 386 before enrolling in COEN 485
   • Students are expected to register for three consecutive quarters of COEN 485
   • Students may not register for more than 2 units of COEN 485 in any one term
5. COEN 288 (also satisfies Engineering core requirement for Engineering and Society)
6. Electives: Sufficient units to bring the total to at least 45

Note: Students should meet with their advisors to define and file their program of study during their first quarter.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering

The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is conferred by the School of Engineering primarily in recognition of competence in the subject field and the ability to investigate engineering problems independently, resulting in a new contribution to knowledge in the field. The work for the degree consists of engineering research, the preparation of a thesis based on that research, and a program of advanced study in engineering, mathematics, and related physical sciences. The student’s work is directed by the department, subject to the general supervision of the School of Engineering. See Section 3, Admissions and Academic Regulations, for details on admission and general degree requirements. The following departmental information augments the general requirements.

Preliminary Exam

A preliminary written exam is offered at least once per year by the School of Engineering as needed. The purpose is to ascertain the depth and breadth of the student’s preparation and suitability for Ph.D. work.

Faculty Advisor

The student and his or her advisor jointly develop a complete program of study for research in a particular area. The complete program of study (and any subsequent changes) must be filed with the Engineering Graduate Programs Office and approved by the student’s Doctoral Committee. Until this approval is obtained, there is no guarantee that courses taken will be acceptable toward the Ph.D. course requirements.

Doctoral Committee

Upon the student’s request, the advisor will form a Doctoral Committee. The committee will consist of at least five members, including the thesis advisor and at least two members from the Department of Computer Engineering. The committee must also include at least one member from outside the department, preferably from outside the School of Engineering. The Doctoral Committee will review the proposed program of study and determine any further changes that may be required prior to approving the program.

Time Limit for Completing Degree

All requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed within eight years following acceptance into the Ph.D. program. Extensions will be allowed only in unusual circumstances and must be approved in writing by the Committee on Graduate Programs and the Dean of the School of Engineering.

Engineer’s Degree in Computer Engineering

The program leading to the engineer’s degree is particularly designed for the education of the practicing engineer. The degree is granted on completion of an approved academic program and a record of acceptable technical achievement in the candidate’s field of engineering. The academic program consists of a minimum of 45 units beyond the master’s degree. Courses are selected to advance competence in specific areas relating to the engineering professional’s work. Evidence of technical achievement must include a paper principally written by the candidate and accepted for publication by a recognized engineering journal prior to the granting of the degree. A letter from the journal accepting the paper must be submitted to the Office of the Dean, School of Engineering. In certain cases, the department may accept publication in the proceedings of an appropriate conference.

Admission to the program will generally be granted to those students who demonstrate superior ability in meeting the requirements for their master’s degree. Normally, the master’s degree is earned in the same field as that in which the engineer’s degree is sought. Students who have earned a master’s degree from Santa Clara University must file a new application (by the deadline) to continue work toward the engineer’s degree. A program of study for the engineer’s degree should be developed with the assistance of an advisor and submitted during the first term of enrollment.