Computer Science Department

Apply here! 

Please contact Dr. Fan Wu (fwu@tuskegee.edu) for more information. 

Mission

This program prepares highly-qualified professionals with both Cyberseucrity and Data Science expertise. The Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) Master of Science program at Tuskegee University is designed to fill the current and future needs for Information Assurance professionals to support the nation’s information infrastructure.  Information Assurance has become a critical issue for businesses as they encounter problems from external network attacks as well as internal issues due to lax control systems and compliance requirements.

Rationale

Protection of America’s critical infrastructure is an emerging national priority. Due to its implication for national security, there is great need to produce professionals trained in both Information Systems and Information Security for securing information and systems in industrial and governmental organizations. Current Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) trends point to an increase in need of people qualified in data science disciplines. These disciplines include big-data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling, among others. The proposed program is a multidisciplinary, 30 credit hour graduate degree program designed to produce a comprehensively educated professional in cybersecurity and data science.

Objectives

Truly gaining value from technology requires an understanding of how technology interacts with business processes, strategy, and policy. The CBIS’s Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) curriculum is unique in the sense that it integrates both the business and computer science disciplines into a coherent area of study. Students learn how to use methods and tools to make strategic decisions about information security issues, including identity theft and other forms of electronic fraud, computer viruses, hacking attacks, and even cyber warfare.

TU’s MSISCS program allows student to take courses tailored to their individual backgrounds. Students with experience in the law, social sciences, or business can strengthen their technical skills, while those with backgrounds in information technology can increase their business acumen and expand their understanding of information security as it relates to protection of individuals, companies, and other organizations.

While all students learn about the key issues in information security and business processes, electives let individuals customize their program to meet their own professional goals and those of their employer. The required project or thesis lets each student apply their knowledge and training by tackling a specific and current information security issue.

During this journey of discovery, the student will be educated in Tuskegee’s interdisciplinary tradition of innovation and investigation. The student will be trained as analytical problem solver adding value to organizations and society through the intelligent application of information systems and security management.

Program Description

The Master of Science in Information Systems and Computer Security (MS-ISCS) is an interdisciplinary program offered under a cooperative arrangement with various departments including Accounting, Economics, Finance; Management, and Computer Science. Students graduating from the major will help to fill the need for well-educated Information Systems and Security management specialists in the government, private sector, and academia.

The Program Outcomes, identified as being critical to the accomplishment of this mission are:

1. Modify/implement a complex computing solution that applies principles of cybersecurity, AI, and/or information systems to resolve security issues.
2. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on the impact of social, inclusive, diversity, legal, AI, cybersecurity issues on ethical principles.
3. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline.
4. Apply/automate security, AI, and information systems principles and practices to maintain operations in the presence of risks and threats.
5. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
6. Analyze (various techniques i.e. data visualization, …) a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the data science and cybersecurity.
7. Understand the core concepts of AI and machine learning, with respect to cybersecurity challenges.

The program offers two options: Cybersecurity option and Data Science option

The program is broadly based and uses courses in the aforementioned departments. The program will consist of 24 course credits with 6 credits of research work for a Master of Science with thesis (30 hours). A non-thesis Master of Science will consist of 30 credits of courses (30 hours). The courses are divided into three categories: core, required, and electives. 

A student’s Program of Study Committee, in consultation with the student, determines the elective courses to be taken and the acceptability of transfer credits. The major professor will be selected from the discipline where the student is admitted.

The basic prerequisite for admission to this program is a baccalaureate degree in computer science, management information systems, accounting, finance, management, Information Technology, or a closely related field. The GRE or GMAT examination is required. Potential students with baccalaureate degrees in other related fields will be considered on an individual basis, possibly with provisional admission contingent upon the completion of deficiency courses.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the graduate program in Information Systems & Computer Security is as follows:

Cybersecurity Option

Core Courses (15 Credits)

• ISCS 504, 3 credits, Data Networks and Cloud Computing
• ISCS 506, 3 credits, Database Systems
• ISCS 510, 3 credits, Statistics with R
• ISCS 530, 3 credits, Information Security
• ISCS 531, 3 credits, Network Security and Management

Required Courses (9 Credits)

• ISCS 505, 3 credits, Introduction to Cybersecurity
• ISCS 532, 3 credits, Information Security Policy and Risk
• ISCS 536, 3 credits, Mobile Security

Electives (6 Credits for Non-Thesis Option)
(2 courses from the list)

• ISCS 534, 3 credits, Software Security
• ISCS 537, 3 credits, Computer Forensics
• ISCS 538, 3 credits, Web Application Security
• ISCS 539, 3 credits, Data Analytics
• ISCS 540, 3 credits, Big Data Analytics
• ISCS 550, 3 credits, Data Mining & Machine Learning
• ISCS 560, 3 credits, Internet of Things
• ISCS 580, 3 credits, Special Topics

Department Lists

• Any other approved 500 level ISCS courses

Thesis

• ISCS 600, 6 credits, ISCS Thesis
    

Data Science Option

Core Courses (15 Credits)

• ISCS 504, 3 credits, Data Networks and Cloud Computing
• ISCS 506, 3 credits, Database Systems
• ISCS 510, 3 credits, Statistics with R
• ISCS 530, 3 credits, Information Security
• ISCS 531, 3 credits, Network Security and Management

Required Courses (9 Credits)

• ISCS 539, 3 credits, Data Analytics
• ISCS 540, 3 credits, Big Data Analytics
• ISCS 550, 3 credits, Data Mining & Machine Learning

Electives (6 Credits for Non-Thesis Option)
(2 courses from the list)

• ISCS 505, 3 credits, Introduction to Cybersecurity
• ISCS 532, 3 credits, Information Security Policy and Risk
• ISCS 534, 3 credits, Software Security
• ISCS 536, 3 credits, Mobile Security
• ISCS 537, 3 credits, Computer Forensics
• ISCS 538, 3 credits, Web Application Security
• ISCS 560, 3 credits, Internet of Things
• ISCS 580, 3 credits, Special Topics

Department Lists

• Any other approved 500 level ISCS courses

Thesis

• ISCS 600, 6 credits, ISCS Thesis
    

Degree Requirements

The MS-ISCS degree requires you to demonstrate proficiency in Information Systems, Information Security, IT Strategy, Data Science, and fundamental skills.

MS-ISCS Degree Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or closely related field 
• GPA of 3.0 or better at an undergraduate level
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE) /Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)  
• Statement of Purpose and three letters of recommendation

MS-ISCS Degree Requirements for International Students:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or closely related area
• GPA of 3.0 or better at an undergraduate level
• Graduate Records Examination (GRE) / Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Statement of Purpose and three letters of recommendation

Maximum Transfer Credits Allowed

The MS-ISCS degree allows up to 9 transfer credits, as defined in the Graduate Handbook.

 *Subject to revision

Helpful Information

• Cybersecurity Option
  • Program Curriculum Balance Sheet
• Data Science Option
  • Program Curriculum Balance Sheet
• Apply here! 

Computer Science Curriculum Sheet

Data Science Curriculum Sheet

Requirements

Computer Science and Information Systems

Information Technology (IT Major)

Computer Science Department launches a Minor in Computer Science - Spring 2016!

Purpose: To enable non-computer science majors to gain knowledge, understanding, and skills in the computing field so that the students can apply to their respective disciplines. This will make the students more productive and marketable as computer science and information technology is being integrated in almost every discipline.

A minor in computer science will be available to non-computer science majors who complete 18 hours by earning at least a C grade in the following courses: 

• CSCI 0150    Intro to Computer Science
• CSCI 0229    C++ for Engineers
• CSCI 0225    Computer Organization
• CSIT 0245    Intro. to Application Development Tools

Two out of the following:

• CSCI 0345    Business Database Management Systems
• CSCI 0370    Computer Networks
• CSCI 0380    Information Security

Note: For students who want to take other programming language such as Visual Basic, Java, Python, or other programming language, the department could recommend its substitution for CSCI 229.

Minor Course Descriptions

CSCI 0150. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE. 1st and 2nd Semesters, Summers. Lect. 3, Lab 2, 3 credits. This course is designed to introduce students to fundamentals of computer science and technologies. Topics include history of computer, operating system, computer structure, data storage, database, computer network, and other areas in computing. Problem solving skills, algorithms, and programming concepts are also covered. Co-Prerequisites: MATH 0107 or Departmental Approval. 

CSCI 0225.  COMPUTER ORGANIZATION.  1st and 2nd Semesters.  Lect. 3, 3 credits.  Topics include Number systems, Computer function and interconnection, Fundamental of digital logic, Memory technology and organization, Input and output, Registers and arithmetic and logic unit, Computer arithmetic, Instruction set, addressing modes and the concepts of microprogramming and assembly programming. Prerequisites:  CSCI 0210 or Departmental Approval.

CSCI 0229. C++ FOR ENGINEERS. 1st and 2nd Semesters. Lect. 3,  3 credits. To provide students with the fundamentals of structured programming for science and engineering problems using the C++ programming language.  Topics will include sequence and control structures, functions, files, arrays, algorithmic development, debugging and documentation. This course cannot be used as a CSCI elective for CSCI majors. Prerequisites: MATH 0108 or Departmental Approval. 

CSIT 0245. INTRODUCTION TO APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT TOOLS.  1st Semester.  Lect. 3, 3 credits. Application development principles, and associated development tools and programming. HTML, CSS, and PHP are examples of open source development tools that are becoming standards within the development community. Knowledge of these tools will benefit the student in subsequent courses and in their career development. Prerequisites:  CSCI 0210 or Departmental Approval.

CSCI 0345. BUSINESS DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. 1st Semester. Lect.3, 3 credits. Involves the study of generalized database management systems. The study will include logical data base models and physical base models based primarily on the relational model. The students will create a database utilizing an established database management system. The focus is on issues and principles of managing organizational data. Students will get extensive experience in developing data models, creating relational databases, and formulating and executing queries based on business applications. Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Departmental Approval.

CSCI 0370 COMPUTER NETWORKS. 1st Semester. Lect. 3, 3 credits. Data Communications and Networks Overview, Protocol Architecture, Circuit and Packet switching, ATM, Routing, Congestion control, Wireless networks, Cellular Wireless Networks, Security services and mechanisms in ISO Reference Model. Prerequisites: CSCI 0220 and CSCI 0225 or Departmental Approval.  

CSCI 0380 INFORMATION SECURITY. 1st Semester. Lect. 3, 3 credits. This is an introductory course in information security which presents the students an overview of the fundamental principles, the security problems, risk analysis, and policies.  Topics include basic concepts, access control, security policies, authentication, assurance and trust, information flow, vulnerabilities analysis, incident response, and legal and ethical issues. Prerequisites: CSCI 0220 or Departmental Approval.  

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Fan Wu
Department Head
Computer Science Department
Room 105 - Andrew F. Brimmer Hall
Phone: 334.727.8362
Email: fwu@tuskegee.edu

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop proficiency in utilizing tools and coding techniques for data collection, manipulation, visualization, and analysis.
• Apply statistical methods to interpret data effectively, emphasizing practical approaches for drawing conclusions and making predictions.
• Examine the social, cultural, ethical, and political implications of data, fostering critical awareness of the broader contexts in which data is utilized.
• Cultivate teamwork and collaboration skills by engaging with peers from diverse academic backgrounds, preparing graduates for interdisciplinary work environments.
• Acquire practical skills aligned with industry demands, enabling graduates to excel in roles that involve data-driven decision-making in various professional settings.

Required Courses (12 credits):

• CSCI 150 Intro to Computer Science
• CSCI 210 Programming I
• CSCI 481 Ethical Issues in Computing
• CSCI 499 Introduction to Data Science

Elective Courses (6 Credit - Two of the following):

• CSCI 360  Introduction to Statistics with R 
• CSCI 485  Artificial Intelligence
• CSCI 499I  Cloud Computing
• CSCI 499J Data Analysis
• CSCI 499K  Big Data Analytics
• CSCI 499M Internet of Things

The TU Cyber Bridge

Our proposed TU Cyber Bridge will consist of four (4) 3-credit hour preparatory courses for non-computer students. Tentatively, these courses include:

CSCI 210 Programming I

CSCI 300 Discrete Mathematics

CSCI 360 Introduction to Statistics

CSCI 406 Introduction to Data Science

In January of 1984, Dr. Hira Narang was recruited to head the Computer Science Department. In 1990 the Information Systems option was added to the department. This curriculum was developed to prepare students in the area of designing and managing software applications in a business environment. In 2004, Computer Science and Information Systems was confirmed as another major offered by the Computer Science Department.

In 1991, the Computer Science Department along with the Mathematics Department, offered a Penn Foundation supported summer program, FMACS (Freshman Mathematics and Computer Science), for recent high schools graduates with an interest in majoring in mathematics or computer science. Students participating in the 8-week summer program enrolled in 3 freshman level college courses. In addition to the classroom activities, students attended weekly lecture series with speakers that included university personnel, alumni, and professionals in the technical fields. They also toured surrounding corporations to gain first hand exposure to professionals in the workplace. Student in the program had the opportunity to earn scholarships and acclimate themselves to college life. The FMACS program ran until the summer of 1995.

In 1996, NSF awarded the department with a 5-year grant for Minority Infrastructure for Teaching and Research in High Performance Computing. A part of this grant was used to start the FPICS (Feeder Program in Computer Science) and PREFICS (Pre-Freshman Program in Computer Science). The intent of both programs was to build a pipeline of minority students with the skills and interest in pursuing a degree in computer science at Tuskegee University. The FPICS program was a summer program for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. The FPICS program was designed to enrich the skills and comprehension of mathematical concepts and solving problems through existing software and technology.  The PREFICS program was similar to the previous FMACS summer program; however, it was meant for computer science majors only.

In 2000, Tuskegee University Board of Trustees approved the reorganization of the colleges on campus. As a result, the computer science department became a part of the College of Business and Information Science (CBIS). Renovations of the John Andrew Building led to the department's relocation to Wilcox-E Building in 2002. In this new location, the department had 6 labs used for both research and instruction. In the fall of 2007, the College of Business and Information Science moved to a new building (Andrew F. Brimmer Hall), which has state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and facilities. In addition to the labs used for instruction and experiments there are 5 special labs for reserved for special projects and research. These special labs are the Robotics Lab, the Gaming Technology Lab, the High Performance Bio-Computing Lab, the Information Assurance Lab, and the Digital Forensics Lab.

In 2004, Raytheon awarded the department with a Minority Pipeline Initiative Grant to improve the recruitment and retention of students to the department, support faculty development and research, and provide summer internships for Raytheon scholars.

In 2006--2007, the National Security Agency (NSA) awarded the department a grant  of about half a million  to build the Information Assurance (IA) track in computer science. The digital forensics lab was established with this funding to support faculty and student research and instruction in digital forensics. A total of 8 courses in the IA area were developed and some have been offered. Consequently, the department acquired 4011 and 4012 security certifications from NSA and in 2012; the Center of Information Assurance Education in the department was recognized to as a CAE (Center of Academic Excellence) in Information Assurance by NSA and DHS.

In 2009, the Computer Science Department was awarded an NSF HBCU-UP grant based on a joint proposal involving six STEM disciplines (Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Biology, Physics and Chemistry) on the TU campus. Under this grant, the High Performance Bio-Computing Lab was established for teaching and research in bio-sciences and a new option in health sciences computing is in the initial planning stages. Also with this funding, the department started a pilot program that uses undergraduate student assistants (juniors and seniors) to support professors in teaching and to mentor freshman and sophomore level students. With the positive outcome of pilot study, this program now serves as an innovative model and has become a regular feature for teaching basic core courses in computer science.

In 2013, the department added another major – Information Technology – to train professionals for education and skills needed to manage and secure the systems and networks, for government and industry. 

In 2014, the department established a graduate program (M.S) in Information Systems and Security Management, which has currently 30 students and is expected to graduate roughly 20 students by the end of 2015 or spring 2016. This program is expected to grow tremendously and will be the biggest graduate program on the campus.

In 2017, the Center of Information Assurance Education in the department was re-designated as National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by NSA and DHS till 2022.

In 2021, the Masters program in the department was changed to Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) with two options: Cybersecurity option and Data Science option.

Wu, Fan, Ph.D.
Department Head and Professor
Brimmer Hall Rm. 105
334-727-8362
fwu@tuskegee.edu

Bhuyan, Jay, Ph.D.
Professor
Brimmer Hall 108
334-727-8371
jbhuyan@tuskegee.edu

Buchannon, Brookelynn
Secretary
Brimmer Hall 100
334-727-8484
bbuchannon@tuskegee.edu

Chang, Xiao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brimmer Hall 300E-4
334-724-4246
xchang@tuskegee.edu

Chen, Baiyun, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brimmer Hall 101A
334-727-8518
bchen@tuskegee.edu

Fadlalla, Dalya, M.S.
Adjunct Professor
Brimmer Hall 101
334-724-4791
dfadlalla@tuskegee.edu

Kahai, Paramjit, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Brimmer Hall 300E-2
334-727-8554
pkahai@tuskegee.edu

Kushagra, Kushagra, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brimmer Hall 300E-3
334-727-8021
kkushagra@tuskegee.edu

Rahman, Mohammad, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brimmer Hall 107
334-727-8982
mrahman@tuskegee.edu

Rawajfih, Yasmeen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Brimmer Hall 106
334-727-8159
yrawajfih@tuskegee.edu

Thomas, Cassandra F., Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Brimmer Hall 300E-1
334-727-8587
cthomas@tuskegee.edu

Wang, Fengxia, M.S.
Adjunct Instructor
Brimmer Hall 101
334-724-4791
fwang@tuskegee.edu

Yehudah, Mendel
Systems Administrator
Brimmer Hall 101
myehudah@tuskegee.edu

From the Desk of Dr. Fan Wu

Department Head of Computer Science

Since the inception of the program in 1984, the Department of Computer Science (College of Business and Information Sciences) has grown in strength, now offering a curriculum for about 100 majors and 30 graduates.

The mission of the Department of Computer Science is in three areas: instruction, research and service. The Department ensures a broad education in the arts, sciences, technology and humanities for its students. It provides quality instruction in Computer and Information Sciences to students of this department and those of other departments within the campus. The department’s aim is to educate our students in the necessary computer and information technology theory and skills, such that they are adequately prepared for conducting themselves in a professional and ethical manner in the industry, government and academia.

The Department strives to preserve, refine, and develop the bodies of knowledge in Computer and Information Science already discovered. We also strive to discover new knowledge in Computer and Information Science for the continued growth and enrichment of the university and society. The Department also develops and offers various projects and programs in an effort to serve the community locally and at large.

• Computer Science Department Research Capabilities Statement
• Cybersecurity, Data Science, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, High Performance Computing, Software Engineering, FRID and Sensor, Database, Computer Graphics, Mobile Applications

The program educational objectives of the Computer Science Program are related to the mission of Tuskegee University and the Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science. The objectives were developed in part by Departmental faculty in consultation with alumni, advisory board, and industry partners. The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) can be also found on the Tuskegee University website as it relates to the Mission of the Department of Computer Science.

Program Educational Objectives

The Computer Science undergraduate program at TU prepares its graduates to achieve the following career and professional goals:

1. To apply their knowledge of computing, evolving technologies, and analytical thinking, in designing problem solutions to the issues encountered in their professional careers or in pursuit of advanced degrees.
2. To communicate well orally and in writing, interact professionally, and collaborate effectively on interdisciplinary teams to realize goals or objectives.
3. To maintain high ethical standards in leadership roles, as well as address concerns for the impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and the global society.
4. To continually broaden knowledge and skills as well as develop expertise in a computing and/or technology area.

Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to perform by the time of graduation. These statements relate to the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that students acquire in their matriculation through the program. The goal/objective of the program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (general option) is to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical background in the use of analytical thinking to design software solutions to real world problems. Computer science professional should also have the ability to evolve their knowledge and skills as new technologies are discovered and apply this knowledge with ethical consideration of the individual and collective impact.  These same objectives are reflected in the ABET student outcomes, therefore; the Department of Computer Science has chosen to adopt the ABET student outcomes, which are listed as follow:

By the time of graduation, the students should have:

1. An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
2. An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
3. An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
4. An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
5. An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;
6. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
7. An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society;
8. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development. 
9. An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices.
10. An ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices;
11. An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

Enrollment & Graduation Data

Annual Enrollment for Computer Science Undergraduate Program: 75.

2016 – 75
2015 – 74
2014 – 73
2013 – 68
2012 – 60

Tuskegee University is flexible and comprehensive in evaluations to ensure students are admitted who can take full advantage of the Tuskegee experience while enriching the overall campus community. Table 1-2 shows the history of admission standards for computer science freshman for the past five years.

Undergraduate Degrees Awarded:

2016 – 14
2015 – 8
2014 – 8
2013 – 8 
2012 – 9 

• Great News! Computer Science Cybersecurity Program is ranked #2 in Cybersecurity Guide’s 2024 rankings!
• Great News! Computer Science Launches Masters Program in Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) with two options: Cybersecurity option and Data Science option - Spring 2021
• Great News! Computer Science Department will offer virtual R coding bootcamp jointly with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on May 17-18, 2021.
• Great News! Computer Science Department received about 1M grant from NSF ITEST program to hold summer camp for Rising 9-11th graders attending schools in Alabama Black Belt staring from Summer 2022. Please see the project website here (Under Construction)

• Scholasrhip for Service (SFS) Program: Strengthening the National Cyber Security Workforce
• Center of Information Assurance Education (CIAE)
• Computer Science Course Descriptions
• Minor in Computer Science (Launches in Spring 2026 (Read more on this page)

Minimum Graduation Requirements for BS in Computer Science Major, and Information Technology MajorBS in Computer Science General Option:

• A minimum grade of “C” is required in ENGL 101, 102, ECON 201, BUSN, CSCI, and MATH courses. Course work in natural science must include the equivalent of a two semester sequence (with lab) for science majors.

BS in Information Technology (Including Computer Science Information System Option):

• A minimum grade of “C” is required in ENGL 101, 102, ECON 201, BUSN, CSCI, CSIT, and MATH courses.