Detailed Information
Programs of Study
Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) offers advanced degrees as well as professional development opportunities. Designed for working professionals, classes in each of the programs are offered evenings and weekends. State-of-the-art labs on the University’s St. Paul campus provide the latest technologies and tools to make the learning experience relevant, practical, and immediate. Students also have access to a network of over 2,300 GPS alumni.
Graduate Programs in Software balances theoretical concepts with practical application. It provides software professionals with an education that integrates software technologies with workplace solutions. Whether interested in moving their careers to the next stage or embarking on new careers, students will see immediate value and application of a curriculum that is continuously updated by faculty working in partnership with industry representatives and GPS alumni.
GPS offers three master’s programs, four graduate certificate programs, and six optional concentrations.
The Master of Science degree in Software Engineering (M.S. in SE) focuses on current and leading edge software engineering concepts and methodologies that build a technical foundation while preparing students to succeed as professionals in the software industry. This program would be of interest to persons in computer science, computational science, systems software development, knowledge-based systems, database development, distributed database development, telecommunications, networking, multimedia software development, and neural networks.
The Master of Science degree in Software Management (M.S. in SM) provides students with the most relevant, practical, and applicable knowledge available in software engineering and software management, while also preparing them for a leadership role in software business management. Graduates of this program can apply the acquired skills and knowledge to advance their careers in software architecture, strategic software business planning, and project portfolio and program management jobs. It can also advance more experienced software engineers and project managers to pursue technical leadership roles in the modern software business.
The Master of Software Systems (M.S.S.) program provides skills and information about how to function effectively when participating in information systems development or in information systems issues in an organization. The program benefits professionals who use software, interface with software developers, develop software, or manage the software development process in almost any field.
Graduate certificates are offered in computer security, information systems, software design and development, and advanced study.
A key feature of GPS is its focused, personalized nature. Students pursuing a master’s degree or certificate of advanced study may choose a concentration to enhance their studies and deepen their potential. The concentrations available are bioinformatics, computer communications, computer security, data management, embedded systems, and object oriented.
Over 400 students representing a broad range of industries are currently active in the program. The student body is culturally diverse and presents a special advantage to students preparing to work in a global economy and environment. The University of St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (800-621-7440).
Research Facilities
Full-time faculty members in GPS engage in applied research with local industry. Areas of research collaboration are bioinformatics, computer security, data mining, distributed processing, data warehouse, relational and object databases, microprocessors, computer architecture, objects, real-time systems, and systems architecture.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available through a variety of private, institutional, and federal programs on both need and merit bases. For information on these programs, students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 651-962-6550. In addition, many employers pay or subsidize part or all of their employees’ tuition expenses.
Cost of Study
Tuition for 2009–10 is $762.50 per graduate credit hour for master’s and graduate certificate programs. The technology fee is $37.50 per semester if registered for less than 6 credits or $75 per semester if registered for 6 credits or more. Book expenses vary by program and course.
Living and Housing Costs
Graduate students may apply for on-campus housing through Campus Living at 651-962-6470.
Student Group
Most students in the graduate programs are employed full-time during the day and attend classes evenings and Saturdays. Approximately 40 percent of GPS students are international students.
Local corporations employ international students (20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the summer) who have taken the basic software development courses. Assistance in finding employment opportunities is available to all GPS students.
Student Outcomes
Most students in the graduate programs work full-time with local industry. For students seeking employment, placement assistance is available through UST. The program’s students and alumni are highly respected for their software development knowledge, skills, and expertise.
Location
The University of St. Thomas is a supportive community nestled in the heart of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. From its vibrant business community to its beautiful parks and lakes, the Twin Cities area is a great place in which to live, work, and play.
The University
The University of St. Thomas was founded in 1885 by Archbishop John Ireland. What began as the St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary–with 62 students and a faculty of 5–has grown to be Minnesota’s largest independent university, with four campuses and more than 10,900 students, half of whom are working adults who take graduate courses in the late afternoon and early evening and on weekends. Built near a river bluff, the University’s main campus is midway between the downtowns of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Applying
Students entering the M.S., M.S.S., or Certificate in Information Systems programs are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution and a GPA of 2.7 or better. International applicants must submit either a minimum TOEFL score of 550 or a minimum MELAB score of 80. Students desiring to enter the M.S. program are expected to have software development experience. Students must submit an application, official transcripts, an essay, a list of computer courses taken, a resume, and a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
The Faculty
- Full-Time Faculty
- Bhabani Misra, Director and Chair of Graduate Programs in Software and Associate Professor; Ph.D., North Dakota State.
- Cristian Domnisoru, Associate Professor; Ph.D., Iasi (Romania).
- Chih Lai, Associate Professor; Ph.D., Oregon State.
- Saeed Rahimi, Associate Professor; Ph.D., Minnesota.
- Brad Rubin, Associate Professor; Ph.D., Wisconsin–Madison.
- Zhiwei Wang, Assistant Professor; Ph.D., Regina.
- Adjunct Faculty
- Gary Berosik, Lead Software Engineer, Thomson R&D; B.A., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Donald Yiuwing Cheung, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Nathan Gossett, Assistant Professor, Bethel University; Ph.D., Minnesota.
- James K. Habinek, Human Factors Engineer, IBM Rochester; Ph.D., Loyola Chicago.
- Frank Haug, Senior Developer, Manager Software Products, Inc.; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- David Jones, Systems Design Engineer, Lockheed Martin; Ph.D., Nova Southeastern.
- John M. Kruse, Lead Engineer, Medtronic; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Wayne Lea, President, Speech Science Institute; Ph.D., Purdue.
- Eric Level, Consultant/Trainer, Computer Horizons; M.S., Minnesota.
- John McDonell, Independent Consultant; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Timothy Nagle, Entrepreneur; Ph.D., Minnesota.
- Syed Ali Naqvi, Technical Lead, Thomson West; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Daniel Oelke, Software Engineer, Banner Engineering; B.S., Milwaukee School of Engineering.
- Suzanne Sharrock, Ph.D., Minnesota.
- Thomas Sheran, Attorney, Moss & Barnett; J.D., Georgetown.
- Jeffrey Skochil, Senior Solution Architect, ORACLE; M.S., St. Thomas (Minnesota).
- Dat Tran, Network Service Manager, Cargill, Inc.; M.S., M.B.A., Minnesota.
- Daniel Tysver, Partner, Beck & Tysver Law Firm; J.D., Harvard.
- Jamshid Vayghan, Senior Software Architect, IBM Rochester; Ph.D., Minnesota.
- Robert Waite, Ph.D., Kentucky.
- Timothy Williams, Margin Associate, Ameriprise Financial; Ph.D., Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- Stephen Zvolner, Consultant, Zvolner Software; M.S., Northeastern Illinois.
- Emeritus Faculty
- Bernice M. Folz, Ph.D., Minnesota.
Correspondence and Information
University of St. Thomas
Graduate Programs in Software
2115 Summit Avenue, OSS301
St. Paul, Minnesota 55105-1079
Telephone:
651-962-5500
800-328-6819 Ext. 2-5500 (toll-free)
Fax:
651-962-5543
Email:
gradsoftware@stthomas.edu
