Computer Networking and Administration, MS

Program Overview

The Computer Networking and Administration program at Southeastern Louisiana University is fundamentally different from traditional computer science programs. The program is built upon the same foundations as other graduate-level computer science programs but emphasizes both the knowledge and the technical skills needed for the workforce. The program examines the organizational and the technological issues involved in enterprise scale networking including emerging network technologies, network processing, high-performance computing, network programming, and security. The program will prepare graduates for jobs in the rapidly growing computer networking and administration industries. The degree prepares students for positions such as computer network administrator, network specialist, network design engineer, system software developer, and system administrator. Coursework is offered every Fall, Spring and Summer so that students can graduate in a timely manner. The program is 100% online.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted as a cohort into the Master’s CNA Program. To be considered for admission to the Computer Networking and Administration master’s degree program, an applicant must:

1. Initially satisfy all Southeastern Louisiana University graduate admission requirements (Consult the Southeastern General Catalog for admission requirements).
2. A bachelor’s degree or appropriate post-baccalaureate certificate in Computer Science or Computer Engineering from an institution with full regional accreditation for that degree.
3. A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), or proven related professional experience.
4. Transcripts that show completion of courses in key areas such as general programming skills using languages such as C/C++ and Java, formal programming language foundations, data structures, algorithms, and discrete math.
5. If the undergraduate degree is not in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, students may be required to take the appropriate prerequisities.
6. Two letters of recommendation.

Application Consideration Procedure: The program’s Graduate Admissions Committee determines admission to the MS program. Applicants must have all application materials turned in by the deadlines to be considered. Applicants who meet minimum score requirements will be considered based on all application criteria: GPA and letters of reference. Applicants who fail to meet any of the above criteria could still be granted conditional admission into the program if approved by the admissions committee.

Requirements for Degree

Graduation requirements:

1. The program requires a total of 33 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
2. Satisfactory complete all graduate work with a cumulative “B” average. Degree candidates must earn an average of “B” or better, both cumulative and in the major area of concentration, with not more than six (6) semester hours with a grade of “C” counted toward a degree. No credit below “C” will be accepted for graduate degree credit.
3. Fifteen (15) credit hours of core courses.
4. Twelve (12) or 18 credit hours of specialization coursework depending on the option.
5. The student can select from the following program options:
   1. Thesis Option - 27 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours of graduate thesis (CMPS 7700 ). Students will be allowed to enter the thesis option only with the consent of Graduate faculty. The thesis is a major work of independent research and will be supervised by the student’s major professor and thesis committee.
   2. Non-Thesis Option - 30 credit hours of course work and 3 hours of graduate capstone project (CMPS 7110 ). Students that opt for the non-theses option must work with a faculty member and complete a project in one semester.
   3. A student may switch options provided they comply with the requirements and with approval from the department.