Graduate Degree Programs, College of Computer Studies
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Doctor in Information Technology
The Doctor in Information Technology (DIT) program is designed to equip candidates with knowledge and skills needed to become agents for societal and organizational change through the planning, management, and implementation of IT in a theoretically grounded, relevant, innovative, critical, and ethical manner. The course seeks to bridge practice and theory and develop professionals who can link social and organizational knowledge, technical expertise, and ethics. Emphasis is placed on preparing students to understand, plan, and manage IT interventions in business, educational, and government settings.
Successful candidates can become policy makers, chief information officers, expert lecturers or researchers, and heads of organizations.
Admission Requirements
The program accepts applicants who have a relevant Master’s degree and two years of relevant work experience. Master’s degrees from the following fields are considered ideal (others may be considered on a case-to-case basis):
- MSIT/MSCS/MCS/MIT
- MBA/Masters in Public Administration/Masters in Education (see note)
- Masters of Science in Engineering, Math, Science, and Statistics (see note)
Note:
- For (2) and (3), applicants must have middle-level management, teaching, or research experience. In addition, applicants in this category must have some background in information technology, specifically in information systems development and information systems planning.
- Since the program will be administered in English, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of the language.
Degree Requirements
The DIT degree is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
- completion of all academic courses
- submission of a doctoral dissertation based on an independent, original research
- successful defense of the doctoral dissertation
- one (1) local and one (1) international publication with the DIT candidate as first author
- fulfillment of residency and other University requirements
Academic Program Components
Foundation courses (12 units)
An Overview of IT in Society
Social/Organizations Theory
Theoretical Approaches to IT
Ethical Theories and Applications
Specialized courses (6 units)
Internet and Information Infrastructure
Information Systems Planning, Design, Analysis and Databases
Elective course in line with track selected (3 units)
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Special Topics in Game Development
Special Topics in Disaster Management
Special Topics in Business Process Innovation
Health Informatics
Other doctoral-level specialized subject
Case Study and Immersion (3 units)
Methods of Research (3 units)
Dissertation Writing (12 units)
Total: 39 units
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (PhDCS) program is designed to develop scientists capable of conducting independent research in Computer Science. Courses are organized depending on the research interest of each candidate so as to provide him with a deeper knowledge of Computer Science as well as ample preparation for scientific research in his chosen field of specialization. As part of a sandwich program, a PhD candidate is encouraged to spend 3 to 12 months of dissertation research at a host university in a foreign country to provide him with opportunities to discuss research work with international experts.
Admission Requirements
The program accepts applicants who have an MS degree in Computer Science with research-based thesis and at least one research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference. Master’s degrees from the following fields may be considered for entry into the program (others may be considered on a case-to-case basis) upon completion of the required remedial coursework/s:
- MS in Computer Science (MSCS) without a research-based thesis
- Master in Computer Science (MCS)
- MS in Information Technology (MSIT)
- BSCS with an MS degree in another field
- BS and MS degree in another field but with IT experience
Note:
- For (1) and (2), applicants must undergo 6 units remedial coursework, and 3 units Methods of Research.
- For (3), (4), and (5), applicants must undergo 15 units remedial coursework, and 3 units Methods of Research.
In addition, the applicant should have a GPA of at least 80% or equivalent in the MS course. For foreign applicants from non-English speaking countries, a TOEFL score at least 550 is required.
Degree Requirements
The PhD degree in Computer Science is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
- completion of all academic courses
- submission of a doctoral dissertation based on an independent, original research
- successful defense of the doctoral dissertation
- publication of a full paper on the dissertation research in a reputable refereed international scientific journal with the PhD candidate as first author
- fulfillment of residency and other university requirements
Academic Program Components
For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Computer Science with a research-based thesis:
| Specialization courses | 18 units |
| Doctoral dissertation | 12 units |
| Total | 30 units |
For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Computer Science or Master in Computer Science without a research-based thesis, the following are the remedial academic requirements before entering into the PhD program proper:
| Remedial courses | 6 units |
| Methods of Research | 3 units |
Plus a research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference.
For applicants with a degree of Master of Science in Information Technology, or BSCS with a non-MSCS degree, or non-BSCS and non-MSCS degree but with IT experience, the following are the remedial academic requirements before entering into the PhD program proper:
| Remedial courses | 15 units |
| Methods of Research | 3 units |
Plus a research-based paper published in a national or international refereed CS conference.
Note:
Remedial courses can be MSCS Foundation courses or electives as defined by the Graduate Program Coordinator on a case-to-case basis.
Master of Science in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program of the College of Computer Studies is a two-year post-graduate course designed to train students in undertaking high-level research in the advanced field of computing. In the course of the program students develop a rigorous and deeper understanding of the theoretical and underlying principles of computation in the areas of programming languages, computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms and complexity, automata, and intelligent systems. By engaging students to work in research laboratories, they are further equipped with technical project management skills to lead in the advancement of computer science research. The program makes extensive use of published research papers and journals to encourage students to develop new or adapt existing algorithms, and to explore their innovative applications in various domains. These heavily rely upon independent research by students, and provide opportunities to integrate theories and disseminate research results to local and international audiences.
Students coming from non-CS and non-IT academic backgrounds who wish to take the program are prepared through a series of remedial courses. Candidates’ understanding of the theories in computing, and their proficiency and style in written and oral communicate are primarily attested to by the successful completion and defense of a master’s thesis.
The program is an appropriate preparation for those aspiring to discover new approaches to solving a computing problem, and to adapt existing technology to new application areas; for those seeking a career in the dynamic field of computing; and for those intending to develop their skills in conducting research and further studies at the doctoral level.
Admission Requirements
The program accepts applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or ITE allied fields (e.g. sciences, math, and engineering). Other Bachelor’s degrees may be considered on a case-to-case basis.
Note:
- Applicants may be required to take remedial courses depending on their degree or courses they have taken up during their Bachelor’s degree.
- Since the program will be administered in English, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of the language.
Academic Program Components
The program is composed of 18 units of foundation courses, 12 units of elective courses, and 6 units of thesis.
Foundation Courses (18 units)
- Advanced Operating Systems
- Advanced Computer Architecture
- Automata, Computability, and Formal Languages
- Theory of Programming Languages
- Methods of Research for Computer Science
- Human-Centric Computing
- Empathic Computing
- Natural Language Processing
- Neural Networks
- User Modelling
- Man-Machine Interaction
- Machine Learning
- Digital Signal Processing
- Image Processing
- Wireless Sensors
- Security
Thesis (6 units)
The final thesis provides a venue for the students to demonstrate mastery and application of learning. This requirement serves as a summative expression of what the student has learned in the program.
Master of Science in Information Technology
The Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program is designed to equip professionals with knowledge and skills needed to become organizational and societal leaders who will act as agents of change through the planning, development, and implementation of technology-based solutions.
In the course of the program, students develop a rigorous understanding of organizational (business, government, as well as other organizational forms) along with deep technical skills. In this way, they are trained to be leaders who can harness ICT’s transformational role and bridge issues in the domains of both organizations and technology. The final thesis requirement allows students to demonstrate mastery of both a specific topic and the relation of this topic to a broader area of inquiry or interest. This requirement serves as a summative expression of what the graduate student has learned in the program.
Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Information Technology is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
- completion of all academic courses
- submission of a thesis based on an independent, original research
- successful defense of the thesis
Academic Program Components
| Bridging Courses (Remedial)* | 18 |
| Foundation Courses | 12 |
| Specialization Courses (Electives) | 18 |
| Thesis | 6 |
| Total No. of Units | 36 |
*depending on their undergraduate degree or courses, as well as relevant work experience
Program Checklist
Bridging Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| CIS101M | Project Management and IS Development | 3 |
| CIS102M | IT Resource Management | 3 |
| CIS103M | Basics of Database | 3 |
| CIS104M | Basic Programming | 3 |
| CIS105M | Advanced Programming | 3 |
| CIS106M | Introduction to Software Engineering | 3 |
Foundation Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| CIS201M | Programming Languages and Advanced Databases | 3 |
| CIS202M | Network and Data Communication and Computer Architecture | 3 |
| CIS203M | Economics of Technology management | 3 |
| CIS204M | IS Theory and Practice | 3 |
Specialization Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
| CIS301M | Organizational Improvement and Change Management | 3 |
| CIS401M | IT Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| CIS801M | Methods of Research | 3 |
The other 9 units for the specialization courses will be coming from elective courses, which may be comprised of the following:
- Development Informatics
- Development Economics & ICT Policies
- Introduction to E-Government
- Innovations & Technology Management
- Work Transformation and Organizational Productivity
- Trends in ICT and Business-Organizational Productivity
- Client Relationship Management
- Introduction to Enterprise Architecture
- Knowledge & Information Management
- IT Service Management
- Supply Chain and the Role of ICT
- Business Process Outsourcing
- Business Intelligence
Master in Information Technology
The Master in Information Technology (MIT) program combines knowledge in organizational systems, information security and management, and service management. Based on a multidisciplinary curriculum, the program shall equip professionals with the tools, knowledge, skills, and understanding of the latest technologies that are used in today’s business-‐organizational environment. The program also addresses behavioral, managerial and technical aspects of ICT in organizational systems.
The MIT program responds to the demand for professionals versed in information technology and security, risk management, and service management by offering courses that allow candidates to make immediate contributions to the workplace.
Admission Requirements
The program accepts applicants who have a relevant Bachelor’s degree (Computer Science or ITE allied fields) and one year of IT-‐related work experience or two years relevant work experience. Other Bachelor’s degrees may be considered on a case-‐to-‐case basis.
Note:
- Applicants may be required to take remedial courses depending on their degree or courses they have taken up during their Bachelor’s degree.
- Since the program will be administered in English, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of the language.
Degree Requirements
The Master in Information Technology degree is obtained primarily through supervised research. It is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
- completion of all academic courses
- submission of a capstone project
- successful defense of the capstone project
- fulfillment of residency and other University requirements
Academic Program Components
Remedial Courses (18 units)
- Project Management and IS Development
- IT Resource management
- Basics of Databases
- Basic Programming
- Advanced Programming
- Introduction to Software Engineering
Foundation Courses (15 units)
- Advanced OS and Networking
- Advanced Systems Design and Implementation
- Technology and Project Management
- IS Architecture
- IT Service management
Specialization/Elective Courses (15 units)
Track 1: Enterprise Agility
- Risk Management and Business Continuity Planning
- Information Security and Regulatory Compliance
- Business Intelligence Analytics
- Enterprise Architectures
- Emerging Trends in Computing
Track 2: Security Engineering and Management
- Fundamentals of Information Security
- Secure Programming
- Ethical Hacking and Forensics
- Information Security Forensics
- Information Security Enforcement and Compliance
- Emerging Trends in Computing
Capstone Project (6 units)
This requirement allows students to demonstrate mastery of a specific topic. This requirement serves as a summative expression of what the graduate student has learned in the program.
Master in Information Security
Information Security is the protection of the confidentiality, integrity and availability of both physical and electronic data through the implementation of controls without hampering the productivity of an organization.
The Master in Information Security program aims to prepare learners to be professionals that are knowledgeable in designing, implementing, assessing, and managing the security of IT systems through sufficient coverage of both theory and application in the different domains of information security.
Learners begin with an overview of information security and its fundamental principles and would later progress to applying secure design principles to critical IT infrastructure, assessing the security posture of IT infrastructure, responding to and analyzing security breaches, and finally performing security risk assessment and applying security controls in accordance with information security program policies and governing laws.
Admission Requirements
The program accepts applicants who have a relevant Bachelor’s degree (Computer Science or ITE allied fields) and one year of IT-related work experience or two years relevant work experience. Other Bachelor’s degrees may be considered on a case-to-case basis.
Note:
- Applicants may be required to take remedial courses depending on their degree or courses they have taken up during their Bachelor’s degree.
- Since the program will be administered in English, students will be expected to demonstrate a strong grasp of the language.
Degree Requirements
The Master in Information Security degree is awarded upon fulfillment of the following requirements:
- completion of all required academic courses
- completion of two (2) major integrative projects
- fulfillment of financial and other obligations to the University
Academic Program Components
Foundation Courses (8 units)
- IT Foundations (Networks, Database, System Administration)
- Introduction to Information Security
- Technical Writing for IT
Secure Provisioning and Operation (8 units)
- Application and Data Security
- Network Security
- IT Security Project 1
Threat Defense and Analysis (6 units)
- Vulnerability Assessment and Management
- Cybersecurity Operations
Security Management (8 units)
-
- System Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance
- IT Security Project 2