Version Date: 10/4/2006

Revision: 11/14/06

International Dual Degree Program Proposal
Overview

Note: Changes in versions will be in red so that you can find them quickly. When I hear from Dr. Ahn that the change is OK, I will remove the red color.

The Department of Computer Science at California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) proposes to collaborate with University of Incheon for the purpose of offering exceptional students the opportunity to earn masters degrees in computer science from both universities through a two-year course of study in which students spend one year at each campus.

To complete the dual masters degree program, students would first spend one half year in Korea, followed by one year of study in the United States, and followed by a half year of study in Korea. At the end of this sequence and the successful completion of the requirements set by the faculty, the student is awarded two master's degrees in Computer Science: one from University of Incheon, and one from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB).

English Language Proficiency

To be admitted into the CSUSB Master's program in Computer Science, students must satisfy the graduate program entrance requirements of California State University, San Bernardino. One of these requirements is English language proficiency. There are two ways that students can satisfy this requirement.

The first way is to demonstrate proficiency by scoring sufficiently high on the TOEFL or IELTS exam. The minimum required scores are 550 for the paper-based TOEFL, 213 for the computer-based TOEFL (CBT), 79 for the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), and 7.0 for the IELTS.

The second way to demonstrate proficiency is to complete an English language program offered by California State University San Bernardino through its American Culture and Learning Program (ACLP).

The ACLP English language center in San Bernardino offers English language courses classified at levels 1 though 6. To gain entrance into the university through this program, students must complete a level 6 course with a satisfactory score on the final exam. Passing a level 6 course waives all TOEFL or IELTS test requirements. Students begin the program by taking a pre-assessment exam, which determines the course level at which they should begin their studies. The courses are 10 weeks in duration, and are offered quarterly. A center for the study of ACLP English coursework also exists in Seoul, Korea.

For students who do not meet the English test score requirements, it is still possible, via filing a petition with CSUSB, to be admitted on a conditional basis and be allowed to take courses in Computer Science and at the same time work toward satisfying the English requirements

Program Schedule

The program schedule is flexible; students may begin taking graduate courses in spring, fall or winter quarters. The following schedule shows one of many possible sequences that students may follow to complete their studies at both universities. (Dates are approximate.)

March 1 - June 10 KOREA
First semester of coursework at University of Incheon
3 computer science courses
Student applies for admission into CSUSB, obtains I-20, and applies for visa.

June 20 - Sept 2 KOREA or USA
ACLP English language course level 6

Sept 20 - Dec 10 USA
First quarter of coursework at CSUSB
2 computer science courses
1 writing course

Jan 6 - March 25 USA
Second quarter of coursework at CSUSB
3 computer science courses

April 3 - June 12 USA
Third quarter of coursework at CSUSB
3 computer science courses
Comprehensive exam

August 26 - December 10 KOREA
Second semester of coursework at University of Incheon
1 computer science course
Thesis writing and defense

Admission Process

To participate in the dual degree program, the student needs to follow the normal process of applying for admission into the Computer Science Masters program at CSUSB. However, the requirement to take the GRE will be waived.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete at least 33 quarter units of graduate-level coursework in computer science in residence at the San Bernardino campus (8 4-unit courses in quarter format plus comprehensive exam), and the equivalent of at least 12 quarter units of graduate coursework in computer science at University of Incheon campus (3 3-unit courses in semester format), for a total of 45 equivalent quarter units. These units must include courses that cover 5 core areas: Software Engineering (CSCI 655), Formal Languages and Automata (CSCI 600), Computer Architecture (CSCI 610), Algorithms (CSCI 630), and Operating Systems (CSCI 660). The equivalent of up to 3 of these core courses may be taken at University of Incheon, subject to the approval of CSUSB faculty.

Prior to arriving at CSUSB, the student should establish a thesis advisor from University of Incheon. While at CSUSB, the student should enroll in courses that cover areas that are relevant to the expected thesis topic. In order to pursue research in an area needed for the thesis, the student has the option of completing 4 units of Graduate Independent Study (CSCI 695). In order to enroll in CSCI 695, the student must write an independent study proposal and have it approved by both the thesis advisor in Incheon and an independent study advisor in San Bernardino. Upon successful completion of the proposed independent study activity, the student will summarize his or her results in a public presentation.
Students must pass a comprehensive examination that covers material from the 5 core areas listed above. The exam is taken by registering for CSCI 689, which is a 1-unit course. If the student fails to pass the exam on the first try, he or she can retake the exam one more time. If the student is on the University of Incheon campus at the time of the second exam, faculty from San Bernardino will send exam questions to faculty from University of Incheon, who will administer the exam to the student.

Students must complete eight 4-unit graduate-level computer science courses at CSUSB. Additionally, in the first quarter of attendance, students must complete a 4-unit writing course (NSCI 306). (If the student has strong writing skills, it is possible to skip the writing course by passing the Upper Division Writing Requirement Exemption Exam.) At University of Incheon, the student must satisfactorily complete at least 3 regular graduate-level computer science courses.

Example Course Sequence at CSUSB

The following schedule shows an example of one of many possible course sequences at CSUSB; other schedules are possible within the constraints described in the previous section.

Summer Quarter
English Language Program

Fall Quarter
CSCI 655 Software Engineering (4 units)
CSCI 624 Distributed Systems (4 units)
NSCI 306 Expository Writing for the Natural Sciences (4 units)

Winter Quarter
CSCI 610 Architecture (4 units)
CSCI 594 Topics in Computer Science (4 units)
CSCI 640 Artificial Intelligence (4 units)

Spring Quarter
CSCI 660 Operating Systems (4 units)
CSCI 580 Advanced Database Systems (4 units)
CSCI 670 Compiler Design Theory (4 units)
CSCI 689 Comprehensive Exam (1 unit)

Estimated Cost

Tuition and fees are set annually by the California State University Board of Trustees. For the 2006-07 academic year, three quarters of study at CSUSB cost approximately $11,700 USD. Estimated costs of other expenses (housing, food, transportation, I-20 visa approval, etc.) vary widely between students. Students having to enroll in the English as a Second Language program prior to the academic year will have an additional fee. For students approved to this Dual-Degree program from the University of Incheon, CSUSB will reduce the cost of study through financial support from various funding opportunities, such as the tuition fee waivers, CSUSB Merit Scholarship for International Students, the CSUSB Asian Faculty Scholarship, Phi Beta Delta scholarships, and other grant programs. Additionally, students in the dual degree program will be given full consideration for various work-study opportunities that are provided within the Department of Computer Science.

Course Articulations

The following table is presented as a general guideline about courses that are deemed by CSUSB faculty to be compatible between the two institutions. It is possible that some of the course-availability information included is not accurate for a particular academic year. The specific academic calendars and course offerings at either institution for a particular semester should be consulted to confirm exact course availability.

Graduate Computer Science Course Equivalencies