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Computer Networks and Distributed Systems

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Online Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks and Distributed Systems

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
College of Engineering, Computer and Information Science Department

The Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks and Distributed Systems is currently under review in connection with possible expansion of online offerings. New students will not be admitted to the program during this review, but interested applicants will be contacted when the review is complete. For updated information, continue to access this page, or inquire at the Admissions Contacts listed below.

This Graduate Certificate is for individuals with experience in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or related academic discipline. It has been designed for individuals that would like to increase their knowledge and skill level in the field of computer networks and distributed systems in a short time frame. This program is offered in an on-line format to accommodate the working professional.

Upon completion of this certificate program, participants will have gained:

Knowledge of tools, techniques, and theory associated with computer networks and their performance evaluation.

Solid understanding of distributed computing systems including distributed operating systems.

Understanding of fundamental issues associated with computer networks engineering including multimedia networking

A route into the MS program in Computer Science at UMass Dartmouth.

The Computer Networks and Distributed Systems graduate certificate program is offered by the Department of Computer and Information Science. The five courses that students take for this certificate are compatible with MS degree requirements for Computer Science, enabling certificate recipients to transition to the degree program without loss of credit.

The Certificate Courses:
CIS 570 Advanced Computer Systems
CIS 573 Operating Systems
CIS 577 Computer Networks
CIS 578 Evaluation of Computer Systems Performance
CIS 579 Multimedia Networking

Courses for the Graduate Certificate in Computer Networks and Distributed Systems
Certificate students receive the same benefits as do degree students as regards access to the full range of university services and facilities and may register along with graduate degree students. The record of their studies is recorded on an official transcript, which identifies the specific certificate program. Other graduate policies, such as those for longevity of credit, acceptable grades, and repeatability of courses, apply to certificate students as to degree students.

CIS 570 three credits
Advanced Computer Systems
Prerequisite: CIS 314 or equivalent
In depth treatment of current computer systems, with performance issues at the center of an analytical approach. The course explores operating system software and the interrelation between architecture and system software. Advanced topics of compiling, assembly, linking and loading of high-level language software are included. The course treats mechanisms of IO and the memory hierarchy, various features of traditional machines, advanced features of modern machines such as RISC and multi-processor machines, and file systems and networked and distributed systems such as inter- and intra-nets. Throughout, performance issues are at the center of an analytical approach.

CIS 573 three credits
Operating Systems
Prerequisites: CIS 370 or permission of instructor
The methodologies of operating systems design and implementation. Concurrency, synchronization, process communication, switching control, deadlocks, implementation of dynamic structures, design of operating systems modules and interfaces, system security and integrity, and system updating and documentation are also studied.

CIS 577 three credits
Computer Networks
Prerequisites: CIS 475 or permission of instructor
Analysis and modeling of centralized and distributed computer networks. Queuing network analysis, principles of network design, software considerations, and design of computer networks are also studied.

CIS 578 three credits
Computer Systems Performance Evaluation
Prerequisites: CIS 314 or permission of instructor
Techniques of analysis and simulation for evaluation of computer systems performance. Queuing systems, Poisson processes, scheduling, service distribution, conservation laws, queuing networks, and discrete simulations are also studied.

CIS 579 three credits
Multimedia Networking
Prerequisites: CIS 475 or 476
Current techniques in multimedia communications and networking. The course presents communication requirements of the different types of multimedia applications, the operation of the different types of underlying communication networks as multimedia carriers, and the communication protocols associated with these networks and gives an overview of the various quality-of-service models, real-time transmission issues, and compression techniques.

Admission to the Certificate Program
At UMass Dartmouth, applicants apply for acceptance to a graduate certificate program through the Office of Graduate Studies. Applicants for acceptance to this certificate are required to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree such as a BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or BS in other closely related disciplines. Applicants to this certificate also follow the general procedures for graduate degree acceptance into the MS in Computer Science, but in a curtailed form. Thus, they fill out a certificate application form and supply an essay and official transcripts of all post-secondary work, as instructed therein. However, they are not required to submit GRE scores or recommendation letters.

Prospective students can take up to two courses for the certificate before completing their official acceptance to the certificate program, with permission of the instructor.

A computer science faculty committee will review applications for acceptance to this certificate program. One element in the review will be to assess whether a student has met the stated prerequisites and in general has the appropriate combination of background and experience to succeed in the program. It is possible for acceptance to be offered with a contingency that the student must also take one or more undergraduate prerequisite courses.

Admissions Contact:

Office of Graduate Studies
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300
graduate@umassd.edu
Phone: 508-999-8604
Fax: 508-999-8183
Web: www.umassd.edu/graduate