Due to recent rapid advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), the world is moving into a new, emerging information age where there will be dramatic changes in almost every aspect of our lives including manufacturing, business, leisure, learning, entertainment, shopping and health. These rapid changes have created a universal demand for a new breed of smart, multi-skilled ICT knowledge professionals who are able to understand the relevant issues, communicate options and create solutions. Global ICT consulting companies such as IBM, Gartner, Forresters, etc, have highlighted the dramatic shortage of ICT professionals with the leadership skills needed to manage the complex IT functions in modern organizations and enterprises.

Program Mission

The Master of Science in Computer Science (MScCS) has been designed to specifically prepare smart, new, innovative, multi-skilled ICT knowledge professionals who will become the ICT leaders and executives of the future. They will be equipped to build the emerging dynamic, global information age by combining the study of computer science methodologies - components of software systems, telecommunications and multimedia technologies - with the study of information systems.

Program Highlights

• The Master of Science in Computer Science (MScCS) program at ADU produces innovative, multi-skilled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals for the future information age and the emerging Information Generation world known as IG3 world.
• Our advanced graduate classes, projects and theses, will provide our students with the state of the art knowledge and training needed to perform with distinction in today's dynamic ICT market.
• Our modern facilities and specialized labs include a CISCO Academy lab, Multimedia lab, UNIX lab, Microprocessor lab, and others. These state-of-the-art labs help our students acquire the hands-on experience needed to pursue a successful professional career.
• Obtaining a Master of Science in Computer Science from ADU opens the door for better employment opportunities in multinational high tech companies in telecommunication and internet, leads to fast-track promotion and a salary increase of up to 50%.
• The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a student-centered teaching environment supported by world class faculty and facilities.

Academic Load

The academic load for this program is outlined as follows:

• The total program load is 36 credit hours.
• The maximum academic load is 12 graduate credit hours for each of the first two semesters for full-time students.
• The minimum period needed for completion of the program for full-time students is three semesters and the maximum period is four semesters (excluding summers). However, the program may be extended under extraordinary circumstances for students with special cases, i.e., illness, work related issues, etc. All requests for extension require the Dean's approval.
• The maximum period for part-time students to complete the degree requirements is four years.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate will be able to

• Function effectively and professionally in multidisciplinary and diverse teams in the emerging information age.
• Demonstrate the necessary technical skills to analyze, design and implement systems which will provide the framework for the emerging information age.
• Maintain familiarity with on-going developments in computer science, software engineering and networking.
• Understand all aspects of the design process taking into account functional and human factors.
• Develop a sense of professionalism and personal discipline required for professional growth.

The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science include the following:

• Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, with a cumulative average GPA of 3.0/4.0.
• Score 550 on the TOEFL, 6 on the ILETS or equivalent. In exceptional cases, candidates with TOEFL scores lower than 550, but equal to or above 530, may also be considered for conditional admission contingent upon obtaining a score of at least 550 by the end of the first semester of core courses.
• Applicants with CGPA less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission.
• Once students are admitted into the program, they must maintain a minimum of 3.0/4.0 CGPA in order to remain in good standing and graduate.

The graduation requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science are outlined as follows:

• A student must successfully complete 36 credit hours of graduate-level courses according to his/her study plan.
• The students’ CGPA must be 3.0 or above on a 4 point scale at graduation.
• A student with a minimum CGPA of 3.75 upon completing the first 18 credit hours of graduate course work may choose to write an M.Sc. thesis in lieu of 6 credit hours of formal course work.
• The maximum approved transfer credits that may be applied towards the MScCS cannot exceed 15 credit hours. All proposed transfer credits must be approved by the Dean of CECS.

The tuition rate for all graduate-level courses is AED 2,100 per credit hour.

Students at ADU are also required to pay other fees to attend the University.

Meet The Faculty

Dr. Aly Nazmy
Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering - Structures and Mechanics
Princeton University, USA

Dr. Hassan Hajjdiab
Assistant Professor and Acting Chair of Computer Science
Ph.D. in Computer Science
University of Ottawa, Canada

Dr. Basil Soufi
Associate Professor and Chair of Information Systems Technology
Ph.D. in Computer Science.
Loughborough University, UK

Dr. Emad Saad
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Computer Science.
New Mexico State University, USA

Dr. Haitham Mohammed Farok
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Physics
Bath University, UK

Dr. Mourad Bouguerra
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Information Technology
National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), Ireland

Dr. Iyad Zayour
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Computer Science.
University of Ottawa, Canada

Dr. Maurice Danaher
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Computer Science / Information Technology
Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

Dr. Modafar Ati
Visiting Associate Professor
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Newcastle University, UK

Dr. Afifi, Mohammed Atta
Assistant Professor
CECS Coordinator/ Dean's Representative in Al-Ain
Ph.D. in Computer Science
University of Sindh, Pakistan

Dr. Grira Sofiane
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Mathematics and Statistics
Sherbrooke University, Canada

Dr. Farid Ibrahim
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Information Science.
Loughborough University, UK

Dr. Ashraf Khalil
Assistant Professor
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Indiana University, USA

Maher Hashem Heal
CISCO Instructor
M.Sc. in Computer Networking
Baghdad University, Iraq

Dr. Mohamed N. Alahbabi
Adjunct Professor
Ph.D. in Telecommunication Engineering
Southampton University, UK

Contact Information

Abu Dhabi Campus

Dean's Office
T + 971 2 50 15 730
Aly.nazmy@adu.ac.ae

Executive Assistant
T + 971 2 50 15 731
F + 971 2 58 60 182
Hala.hawarnah@adu.ac.ae

Al Ain Campus

CECS College Coordinator's Office
T + 971 3 70 90 737
F + 971 3 70 90 739
m.afifi@adu.ac.ae

Cell Toll Free 800 23968
P. O. Box 59911
Visit: www.Adu.ac.ae

TOTAL CREDITS: 36  Credit Hours

Pre-Core Courses:

Core Recruitments: 18 Credit Hours

Elective Courses: 18 Credit Hours

Elective Courses: Option 1- Software Systems Concentration:

Elective Courses: Option 2 - Computer Networks Concentration:

Elective Courses: Option 3 - General MSc. CS Degree:

If students wish to take a general degree, they may take any six electives from the list of courses offered, provided that at least two are at the advanced level.
The advanced electives are indicated by “**”: Electives may not be offered every semester. The College publishes a list of course offerings that is a best estimate of courses that will be offered the following academic year.