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Computer Science Comprehensive Examination Policies

Students in the Master of Science in Computer Science program who elect not to write a thesis must pass comprehensive examinations during the last term they are registered as a student as a partial requirement to earn the degree.

This document outlines the policies established by the Florida Tech Computer Science faculty on the content and logistics of these examinations.

Comprehensive Examination Logistics

Comprehensive examinations are given during the tenth and eleventh week of Fall and Spring semesters. Results are reported to the students by Tuesday of the thirteenth week of the semester.

Questions on the comprehensive examinations should be directed to the Comprehensive Examination Coordinator at or the Computer Science Department Head at .

M.S. Computer Science Examination Policy

The Master's of Science in Computer Science is a written exam given on the Friday of the tenth week of Fall and Spring semesters. The student must pass four tests in the areas of applied software, foundations, software, and systems. One-and-a-half hours are allocated for each test. See the Florida Tech Graduate Policy Manual for additional information on Comprehensive Examinations.

Applied Software

The applied software area includes questions on Artificial Intelligence, Databases, and Graphics. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the applied software area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area.

Foundations

The foundations area includes questions on Algorithms, Formal Languages, and Discrete Mathematics. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the foundations area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area.

Software

The applied software area includes questions on Compilers, Programming Languages, and Software Engineering (pdf). Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the software area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area.

Systems

The systems area includes questions on Computer Architecture and Computer Networks. Students who earn a B or better in a course in one of these areas and retain their understanding of the topics, should be adequately prepared to pass this portion of the comprehensive exam. Students are not required to take a course in each of these areas. Although the systems area includes three sub-areas, students only need to successfully answer questions from one sub-area.

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