Template — Master of Science in Applied Computer Science at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia

Tech job rolls explode after dot-com bust
In Atlanta, technology firms added 1,300 jobs in the past six months alone, according to Georgia State University's Economic Forecasting Center. By comparison, Atlanta tech companies were cutting 1,000-2,000 jobs annually just a few years ago.
As reported in the AJC on 7/14/2006

MSACS Student Presents Research Paper

Walter Fortner, under the direction of Dr. Hisham Haddad, presented a software engineering research paper at an international conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2003.

Regents approve Master of Applied Computer Science degree for KSU

By Rick Woodall
Rwoodall@kennesaw.edu

Kennesaw State University's status as an emerging leader in computer science and technology education was solidified recently when the Board of Regents approved a new master's degree to be offered in Fall 2002.

The Master of Science in Applied Computer Science increases KSU's involvement in the Yamacraw Mission-a state-sponsored initiative aimed at making Georgia a world leader in the design of broadband communication systems and devices, as well as embedded systems. It also boosts the stature of the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS), which is striving to become the top supplier of high-technology employees to businesses across the state.

"Our students, when they leave our programs, are prepared to make an impact with their employer immediately," said Larry Peterson, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics. "Ours is a very practical focus, to meet the needs of this job market here in Georgia and throughout the country."

That's certainly true of the new degree, which was fast-tracked by the Board of Regents to help meet the state's demand for technology workers.

The five-semester, 22-month program is designed for experienced professionals with at least two years experience in information technology jobs who wish to increase the depth and breadth of their knowledge in high-demand areas of applied computing including embedded systems, distributed systems, high-performance computing and software engineering. Administrators will coordinate their efforts with area employers, helping to identify candidates within their respective organizations who would benefit most from the new degree.

"Kennesaw State's niche in graduate programs is in the experienced professional arena," said CSIS Department Chair Merle King, citing examples such as the Executive MBA and the Master of Science in Conflict Management. "We've come in and taken what we know to be a successful model and adapted it to computer science. It not only complements what we do in the College of Science and Mathematics, but I think it reinforces the image of Kennesaw State University as the place where experienced professionals go for continuing education."

The new program, which is being directed by Ken Hoganson, will admit 25 students annually who will participate in a learning community that will advance as a cohort through the coursework. A UNIX certification is embedded within the program, meaning graduates will receive a master's degree in applied computer science, as well as a UNIX certification unique to KSU.

Two-thirds of the lectures will be delivered online in real-time, allowing students to interact with their professors over the Internet, with courses scheduled during convenient lunch-hour breaks and immediately after work. In addition, all lectures will be recorded and made available for playback at the student's convenience. Distinguished lecturers will be featured as well, and students will have the opportunity to travel to the annual embedded systems conference in San Jose, Calif.

"The student interest in this new program has been extremely positive," Hoganson said. "The coursework, coupled with the program's other features, creates a package that fits the educational needs and goals of area computing professionals."