Nova Southeastern University

GSCIS: In Brief

A major force in educational innovation, GSCIS provides educational programs of distinction to prepare students for leadership roles in its disciplines. It is distinguished by its ability to offer on-campus, online (via the Internet), and combined on-campus/online formats that enable professionals to pursue M.S. and Ph.D. degrees without career interruption. The school also welcomes students who wish to earn the M.S. and Ph.D full-time, whether on-campus or online.

Degrees and Programs of the Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences

Master of Science (M.S.)
Computer Information Systems (optional concentration in information security)
Computer Science
Information Technology in Education
      (concentrations in educational technology management, information security,
      instructional design and development, and social computing and learning)
Information Security
Information Technology
      (concentrations in software development, information system security,
      educational technology, information security management, and information
      technology management)
Management Information Systems (optional concentration in information security)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Computer Information Systems (optional concentration in information security)
Computer Science
Computing Technology in Education
Information Systems (optional concentrations in information science or information security)

Graduate Certificate
Information Security (see the sections M.S. in Information Security, M.S. in Computer Information Systems, and M.S. in Management Information Systems)

Master of Science (M.S.)

Students select a preferred format (online or on-campus) in their admission applications, but once admitted may take courses in either format (except for the courses in the M.S. in information technology in education program, which are offered only online). Students electing the online format may participate in online classes from anywhere in the world where Internet access is available. On-campus classes are held on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale. Each class meets once a week from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for 16 weeks in the fall and winter terms and 14 weeks in the summer term. All degree programs include an optional six-credit thesis (the six credits for thesis are in lieu of course credit hours).

GSCIS students are provided NSU computer accounts but must obtain their own Internet service providers and use their own computer systems. Online students use the web to access course materials, announcements, email, distance library services, subscription library databases, and other information for interaction with faculty and fellow students. Online activities facilitate frequent student-to-faculty and student-to-student interaction. They are supported by threaded discussion boards, white boards, chat rooms, email, and multimedia presentations.

Visit the Admissions Web page for admission requirements and application procedures and to apply online. Visit the Master's Programs Web page for academic information, administrative procedures, and schedules.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The school offers a unique Ph.D. program, called the cluster format, that includes a blend of on-campus and online activities. While taking courses, students attend four cluster sessions each year, held quarterly over an extended weekend at the university. Terms are 16 weeks long and there are two terms each year. They start in August and January. Cluster weekends bring together students and faculty for participation in classes, seminars, and dissertation counseling, and provide ample opportunity for student-faculty and student-student interaction. Students are required to attend all of their scheduled class sessions. Between sessions, students work on course assignments and research, and participate in online activities that facilitate frequent interaction with the faculty and with other students. Interactive learning methods, consistent communication between faculty and students, and accessible learning resources provide a powerful and supportive learning environment that can be accessed anywhere around the globe. Online activities may include forums using threaded discussion boards, chat rooms, white boards, email, and multimedia presentations.

Visit the Admissions Web page for admission requirements and application procedures and to apply online. Visit the Doctoral Programs Web page for academic information, administrative procedures, and schedules.

Faculty and Research

The school's faculty members are leaders in their fields and are active in teaching and research over a range of disciplines. The school's research, conducted by students and faculty, advances knowledge, improves professional practice, and contributes to understanding in the computer and information sciences.Faculty research interests are listed in the GSCIS Graduate Catalog and also in individual faculty Web pages (visit Faculty/Staff ).