Learning Outcomes

For the Computer Science MS: 

Graduates will 

• Demonstrate technical skill in advanced computer programming and applications 

• Demonstrate deep technical computing skills in at least one specialty area within computer science 

• Apply system design and integration skills to effectively integrate software intensive systems throughout their life cycle 

• Conduct graduate level research with adequate research skills including information literacy and self-learning 

• Utilize project management skills to effectively manage complex software development and integration activities 

• Apply state-of-the-art technologies in computing 

For the MBA: 

Graduates will 

• Possess the knowledge and skills to be able to apply key business concepts in organizational settings 

• Possess the knowledge and skills to manage in a global economy 

• Possess critical thinking skills and the ability to integrate concepts 

• Have the ability to communicate effectively 

• Have the knowledge and skills to function effectively as members, managers, and leaders in the organizations in which they are employed 

• Be able to incorporate ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and sustainability in making decisions in their organizations 

Admission

Both the MBA Program in the College of Business Administration and the MS in Computer Science Program in the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering must accept students applying to the dual degree program for admission. Prospective dual degree students should apply first to the MS in Computer Science degree program. After receiving admission to the MS in Computer Science degree program and completing 12 semester hours towards the MS degree, students interested in the MS/MBA Dual Degree program should contact the Associate Director of Academic Affairs, Graduate Business Programs for admission to the MBA portion of the Dual Degree. Eligibility for the dual degree program is based upon good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0) in the MS in Computer Science program and approval from their respective Seaver College academic advisor. The preferred start term for the MBA portion of the Dual Degree program is the fall term. 

The MS in Computer Science degree program application is online at:https://graduatestudies.lmu.edu/apply/.

Applicants must submit: 

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended 

• Statement of Intent (approximately 1.5 pages) describing the candidate’s background, career goals, and interest in the program 

• Essay discussing how the two degrees fit into applicant’s career development 

The undergraduate preparation of all applicants, regardless of their previous degrees, should include the following subject areas: 

• Computer Programming (CMSI 1010) 

• Data Structures and Algorithms (CMSI 2120) 

and at least two of the following: 

• Computer Systems Organization (CMSI 2210) 

• Operating Systems (CMSI 3510) 

• Database Systems (CMSI 3520) 

These courses need not be taken at Loyola Marymount University. However, the student should make certain that courses taken elsewhere satisfy the above requirements. Applicants who do not have adequate background in Computer Science might be required to take additional undergraduate courses. 

• Transfer Credit: Students may transfer six (6) semester hours for courses completed at another regionally accredited college or university. Credits to be transferred must be taken prior to admission. Each transferred course grade must be at least B (3.0), and the course must not have been used to satisfy degree requirements at another college or university. 

Graduation Requirements

(60 Semester Hours)

Students enrolled in the Dual Degree MS/MBA Program are jointly advised by their academic advisor for Computer Science in Seaver College and the MBA Pprogram Director in the College of Business Administration. It is recommended that incoming students take 12 semester hours of Computer Science courses per fall and spring semester and complete the MS in year one of the dual-degree program, then begin the MBA curriculum in year two.

Dual degree students will take a total of 24 semester hours of Computer Science courses and 36 semester hours of MBA courses. 15 semester hours from the Computer Science courses will also count towards the emphasis/concentration requirement for the MBA degree. 6 semester hours of the MBA courses that are taken as part of the MBA coursework will also count toward the MS in Computer Science. Separately, the MS degree requires 30 semester hours and the MBA degree requires 51 semester hours, for a total of 81 semester hours. The Dual Degree program lessens the load by 21 (15+6) semester hours.  

Suggested Curriculum Flowchart for the MS in Computer Science/MBA Dual Degree Program