2011-2012 University Catalog
Biometrics Graduate Certificate
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Banner Code: VS-CERG-BMCS
School: Volgenau School of Engineering
Department: Computer Science
Biometrics, the science of recovering or verifying a person’s identity, measures the physical characteristics that make people unique (including fingerprints, an eye’s retina or iris, face, hand geometry, signature, and voice) and uses those measurements for person recognition or authentication. Biometrics are related to the science of forensics, which uses and interprets physical evidence for legal purposes. The importance of biometrics lies in the fact that traditional means of identification and verification are often unreliable or cumbersome. Passwords are difficult to remember and easy to steal. Keys, driver’s licenses, and passports can be lost or forged. The human body and its behavior, on the other hand, can’t be forgotten, stolen, forged, or misplaced. Practical uses for such biometrics are widespread and include maintaining the security for physical space and cyberspace. In particular, biometrics aids in controlling access to an office, computer network or an ATM, smart cards, and wireless communication; confirming the identity of buyers and sellers to make electronic commerce safe and reliable; confirming student identity for distance learning; and safeguarding electronic records related to health care services.
Admission Requirements
The program is open to all students who are eligible for entrance into the master’s degree program in computer science or any scientific or engineering discipline at George Mason. |