In the current IT environment, software development projects are increasingly treated as business propositions in which the product under development must deliver real and measurable value to the organization. As such, Software Engineers often need increasingly sophisticated knowledge of the business environment in order to advance in their careers beyond the purely technical track. This concentration will bridge the areas of software engineering and business, by equipping students to understand the financial, marketing, management, and entrepreneurial context in which most software development projects are executed.
The concentration will include course offerings from both CDM and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. It offers the Software Engineering students the opportunities of immersing themselves in a classroom setting in which the focus is purely business oriented, as opposed to technology oriented. This concentration aims to prepare Software Engineering students for career paths in software technology focused entrepreneurship or senior technology leadership positions (CIO's, CTO's) in businesses.
Course Requirements
Introductory Courses
CDM Foundation Courses
Business (Kellstadt) Foundation Courses
Major Elective Courses
Students must take 3 courses from the list of CDM electives below and 2 courses from the list of Kellstadt courses listed below.
CDM Electives
Students may select any SE elective or the following courses:
The following courses are recommended:
Business (Kellstadt) Elective Courses
CDM Open Elective Courses
Students must complete one CDM Open Elective Course in the 421-699 range. ANI, DC and VFX courses do not qualify. Credit for courses taken outside of the school will only be given if approved by a faculty advisor.
Capstone
Students must complete the following courses as a sequence in consecutive quarters.
CSC 400
DISCRETE STRUCTURES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE
This course covers the basic mathematical tools essential for solving problems in computer science. The mathematical topics are presented with emphasis on their applications in computer science. The topics covered include: logic and set theory, relations, functions, graphs, and counting and probability.
CSC 401
INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING
An introduction to programming with a focus on problem solving, structured programming, and algorithm design with a gentle introduction to efficiency. Concepts covered include data types, expressions, variables, assignments, conditional and iterative structures, functions, file input/output, exceptions, namespaces, and recursion. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 402
DATA STRUCTURES I
A first course on data structures in Java for graduate students. The course introduces Java programming from within the context of data structures. The course covers arrays, linked lists, stacks and queues, and discusses recursion and performance analysis. The implementation of the basic operations on each data structure are discussed and analyzed in terms of their efficiency. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 401
CSC 403
DATA STRUCTURES II
This is the second course on data structures in Java for graduate students. The course covers trees, heaps, data structures supporting disjoint-set operations, associative arrays, hash tables, and data structures for representing graphs. The implementation of the basic operations on each data structure are discussed and analyzed in terms of their efficiency. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 402
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 406
SYSTEMS I
An introductory graduate course on computer systems topics, focusing on machine-level programming and architecture and their relevance for application programming. Information representations, assembly language and debuggers, processor architecture, program optimization, memory hierarchy and caching. Students are recommended to finish CSC 400 before enrolling in this course. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 401or CSC 243
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.CSC 407
SYSTEMS II
An introductory graduate course on computer systems topics, focusing on operating systems components and their relevance for application programming. Linking, processes, virtual memory, dynamic memory allocation, system level I/O, networking and network programming, concurrent servers and web services. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 406
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 430
OBJECT ORIENTED MODELING
Object-oriented modeling techniques for analysis and design. Provides the tools and techniques needed to solve complex, real-world software engineering problems in an object-oriented manner, using the most effective elements of the Unified Process. The course covers the essential concepts and notation of the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the standard notation for object-oriented analysis and design. Team project. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 212 or CSC 262 or CSC 300.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 450
OBJECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Principle, techniques and tools of object-oriented modeling, design, implementation, and testing of large-scale software systems. Topics include design patterns, application frameworks, architectural design, and the applications in the software development process to improve the extensibility, maintainability, and reliability of software systems. PREREQUISITE(S): (CSC 383 or CSC 393 or CSC 301) and (CSC 224 or CSC 212 or CSC 300)
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 477
SOFTWARE AND SYSTEMS PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project Management is presented from a practitioner's view. The four basic building blocks of software project management: people, process, tools, and measurements are covered. Special emphasis is placed on professional standards such as the Project Management Book of Knowledge and IEEE Software Engineering Standards. Specific topics include Managing People, Selecting Project Tools, Leadership & Motivation, Software Development Processes, Estimation, Risk Analysis, Scheduling and Tracking, Leveraging Measurements, and Project Completion. Consideration is given to rapid development and project cultural issues. PREREQUISITE(S): Knowledge of the Software development life cycle model, for example through courses such as SE430, ECT455, IS425, MIS555 or through appropriate work experience.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.MGT 500
MANAGING FOR EFFECTIVE AND ETHICAL ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
Students will critically examine ethical and creative methods to solve problems related to managing individuals and teams. Students utilize feedback from a developmental assessment center assessing their managerial and interpersonal skills. Personal development plans are created and skills developed throughout the course. Skill development domains include perception, attribution, motivation, learning leadership, communication, team development, managing change and conflict, decision-making, power and politics and business ethics.
Prerequisites:
MS in Taxation students are restricted from registering for this class.MGT 570
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND NEW VENTURE MANAGEMENT
The focus of the course is on new venture initiation and the preparation of a business plan that can be used to generate financing and to begin operations in a new business enterprise. It examines the critical factors involved in the conception, initiation and development of new business ventures. Topics covered include the identification of characteristics of prospective entrepreneurs, identifying innovations, market potential analysis for new products or services, acquiring seed capital, obtaining venture capital for growth or purchase of an existing business and organization and operation of the new business. Each student is required to develop a business plan which will be presented to the class. Students wishing to start, develop, acquire, sell or merge a business are encouraged to do so. Offered three times a year.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500, MGT 500 and MGT 502 are a prerequisite for this class.CSC 453
DATABASE TECHNOLOGIES
A core graduate course in database design and implementation. Topics include database implementation and queries in SQL, logical design or relational databases, storage and indexes, database programming, and emerging database models. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 301 or CSC 383 or CSC 393
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.HCI 440
INTRODUCTION TO USER-CENTERED DESIGN
The user-interface development process. Introduction to methods for practicing user-centered design including user and task analysis, user interface design principles and testing using low-fidelity prototypes. PREREQUISITE(S): IT 130 or Graduate Standing.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 433
SOFTWARE TESTING AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
This course is designed for the software engineering professional to gain a greater understanding of the key ingredients in creating and/or managing a successful testing program to meet project needs. Topics covered include test lifecycle planning, test design & coverage analysis, complexity, levels of testing such as unit, integration, system, performance and stress testing. Best practice strategies in software testing such as verification & validation, early lifecycle testing, risk based testing and automation will also be examined including exposure to test automation methods and tools. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 383 or SE430 or CSC 301
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 452
OBJECT-ORIENTED ENTERPRISE COMPUTING
This course focuses on applying object-oriented techniques in the design, development, and integration of server-side enterprise applications using technologies such as servlets, Java Server Pages, and JDBC. Topics include web applications, multi-tier architecture, model-view-controller architecture, database connectivity, and security. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 212 or CSC 224 or CSC 396 or CSC 301.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 468
SOFTWARE MEASUREMENT/PROJECT ESTIMATION
Software metrics. Productivity, effort and defect models. Software cost estimation. PREREQUISITE(S): Introductory Statistics and (SE430 or SE450)
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 482
REQUIREMENTS ENGINEERING
Requirements Engineering (RE) plays a critical role in the software development process. This course will introduce related vocabulary, concepts, and techniques, and will examine the role of RE in software and systems engineering. The course will cover topics related to eliciting, validating, negotiating, analyzing, specifying, and managing requirements. Popular RE tools will also be introduced. Prerequisite: SE430 or SE450.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 475
MANAGING GLOBALLY DISTRIBUTED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
Managing Globally Distributed Software Development (GDSD) for IT projects. Issues associated with time zone differences, infrastructure support, geographical dispersion, and lack of centralized communication. The course will focus on the management, implementation and deployment of software within the context of outsourced, distributed development, and insourced projects. Additional topics include strategic management issues such as justification, vetting, consulting services and partnerships. Course will include several hands-on distributed development projects. PREREQUISITE(S): CSC 301 or CSC 393
SE 529
SOFTWARE RISK MANAGEMENT
Identification, estimation, evaluation, planning, controlling, and monitoring of risk involved in the development, maintenance, operation and evolution of systems. PREREQUISITE(S): IT 223 and SE 430 or consent.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 554
ENTERPRISE COMPONENT ARCHITECTURE
This course will focus on object-oriented component architectures for enterprise applications. Topics include: Enterprise Java Beans (EJB), Java Naming and Directory Interfaces (JNDI), Java Mail and Messaging Services. PREREQUISITE(S): SE 450 or SE 452.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.MGT 502
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
At its core, business is about providing a superior product or service. This course analyzes the processes used to deliver products in the marketplace. World class firms have demonstrated that effective operations management can be a potent competitive weapon. This course addresses the key operations and logistical issues in service and manufacturing operations, which have strategic as well as tactical implications. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques and principles used by leading organizations are examined. Offered every quarter.
Prerequisites:
GSB 420 or status as a MS-BIT student is a prerequisite for this class.MGT 530
LEADERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS
This course utilizes a theoretical framework to provide a foundation of understanding of effective leadership in organizations. The opportunity for self-assessment of leadership strengths and management styles, as well as reflection and action planning for individual leadership development, is also provided. To enhance self-assessment, there are questionnaires, as well as classroom exercises, experienced in a supportive group environment. Examples of effective organizational leadership are also critically examined in case studies. Current leadership topics to be covered include values and vision, strategy, organizational culture, management style, leading groups and teams, and coaching, thus providing analysis from both the macro and micro organizational levels. Offered twice a year.
MGT 535
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
This course is targeted towards external and internal consultants, as well as managers and other change agents within organizations. Change Management fosters improved competency in the skills necessary during all phases of the change process - from diagnosis, to interventions, through evaluation. Organizational change issues are critically examined, and case studies, exercises, and assessments are utilized, to better understand change from organizational, group, and individual levels. Change models serve as frameworks that emphasize the importance of interactive consultative processes. A major organizational change project is required of all students. Offered twice a year.
Prerequisites:
MGT 500 is a prerequisite for this class.MKT 555
DECISIONS IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT
Students are provided with an overview of the marketing process for consumer-oriented firms. Focus is placed on decision-making that aligns a firm's market offerings with the wants and needs of targeted segments of customers within a continuously changing environment. Written cases/projects are part of the course assignment.
ACC 500
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
This introduction to financial accounting provides both a theoretical foundation and an opportunity to apply accounting logic in increasingly complex situations. The accounting model and information processing cycle are developed. The content of the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows are studied in detail and analyzed.
Prerequisites:
MS in Taxation students are restricted from registering for this class.ACC 555
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION-MAKING
This course addresses the financial, nonfinancial & ethical dimensions of decision- making. It provides students with a conceptual understanding of cost management and managerial accounting skills. Topics include cost behavior, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost systems, budgeting and control and decision-making. Emphasis is on the interpretation & use of accounting information rather than its creation & accumulation.
Prerequisites:
ACC 500 is a prerequisite for this class.IS 535
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
This course focuses on the application of financial analysis and decision-making approaches to aid information technology investment decisions at the operational, project, tactical and strategic levels. Students will learn how to apply a variety of financial methods -- breakeven analysis, present value analysis, profitability index, and return on investment to various IT investment decisions. The course will also address cost benefit analysis, outsourcing, balanced scorecard, and multi-factor scoring, benchmarking, and IT investment portfolio methods. These techniques will prepare students to manage capital budgets, acquisition of system and application software, hardware, personnel, and professional services at project and system levels as well as enterprise investment portfolio. PREREQUISITE(S): SE 477 or IS 565 or ACCT 500 or IS 430 or PM 430 or ECT 455
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.IS 570
ENTERPRISE SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
Formerly IS 450. This course is targeted towards information systems professionals who are involved in the planning and implementation of large scale, cross-functional enterprise systems. Students will examine the characteristics of technology efforts that change and transform the way people perform their tasks and how the new technology structures the flows of information and decision making using workflow modeling methods. Through case studies and exercises students gain insights into the elements of successful implementations leading to the preparation of a change management plan. Emphasis is placed on developing mechanisms for communicating and training all affected agents. PREREQUISITE(S): IS 430 or PM 430 or completion of foundation or core phase
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 491
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING STUDIO
Students will work in small teams to develop realistic software systems in a master-apprentice environment. The instructor will serve as a master/mentor/project leader. Students will apply knowledge and skills they have learned in previous course in solving real world problems. PREREQUISITE(S): SE 450.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.SE 591
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING STUDIO II
This is the continuation of SE 491. SE 491 and 591 must be taken as a sequence in two consequtive quarters. PREREQUISITE(S): SE 491.
Prerequisites:
CDM graduate students in the Preqrequisite Phase are restricted from registering for this class.