2015-2016 University Catalog

Computational Techniques and Applications Graduate Certificate

Banner Code: SC-CERG-CTA

This program of study is offered by the Department of Computational and Data Sciences in the College of Science .

This certificate program focuses on mastering a variety of basic computational skills. The certificate is independent of the doctoral and master’s programs and is designed primarily for professionals in technical fields who seek to upgrade their computer expertise. This program is also available as an option for prospective or currently enrolled doctoral or master’s degree students.

The program consists of 15 credits of coursework designed to provide an accelerated introduction to concepts in modern computation. Topics include operating systems, environments, languages, graphics, databases, and applications.

Special course schedules may be designed depending upon the background and qualifications of the student. For example, some (or all) of the tools and techniques courses may be waived if the equivalent knowledge can be adequately demonstrated. The waived credits are to be replaced with applications courses approved by the director of the certificate program. The recommended course sequence is tools and then applications.

The Computational Techniques and Applications Graduate Certificate may be pursued only on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog. Applicants to the Computational Techniques and Applications Graduate Certificate should have an academic background in physical or biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, or computer science. They should have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of at least 3.00 in their last 60 credits of study. In addition, applicants should have taken at least one course in differential equations and have facility in using a high-level computer programming language.

To apply, prospective students should complete the Mason Graduate Application, supply two copies of official transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended, and a current résumé. TOEFL scores are required of all international applicants.

Certificate Requirements

Tools Courses (3-12 credits as needed)

The tools courses are practical, skill-based courses covering specific software packages commonly used by scientists and engineers to solve science-related problems. Depending on the student’s background, 3-12 credit hours of tools courses are required. These courses are designed for professionals who are already familiar with other languages, packages and operating systems, but need a rapid introduction to specific software and mathematical methods used by scientists and engineers. One 3-credit tools course is required.

Choose one to four courses from the following:

CSI 500 - Computational Science Tools Credits: 3
CSI 501 - Introduction to Scientific Programming Credits: 3
CSI 600 - Quantitative Foundations for Computational Sciences Credits: 3
CSI 690 - Numerical Methods Credits: 3

Applications Courses (minimum 3 credits)

The applications courses provide content from a specific scientific domain and demonstrate the utilization of techniques within its context. These courses are electives and can be selected from any CSI emphasis area. One 3-credit applications course is required.

Choose from any CSI course listed in the catalog excluding CSI 796 , CSI 798 , CSI 799 , CSI 898 , CSI 899 , CSI 991 , CSI 996 , and the courses used to satisfy the tools category

Certificate Total: 15 credits

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