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Master of Science Course Descriptions

For all areas of study except Information Technology, the Master of Science degree program includes 18 credits of core courses, 12 credits of area of study requirements and a 6-credit Master's project. For the Information Technology area of study, students who are not working as information technology professionals at the time of their admittance into the program will be required to take 18 credits of core courses and all students in the Information Technology area of study are required to complete 15 credits in the area of study, bringing the total credits needed to earn the degree to 39 credits. Students who are IT professionals at the time they are admitted into the program will not be required to take MSI-501, pending a review by the dean.

Core Courses: 18 credits top of page

APS-510: Project Management for Technology (3 credits)
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This course introduces project management from the standpoint of a manager who must organize, plan, implement, and control tasks to achieve an organization's schedule, budget, and performance objectives. Tools and concepts such as project charter, scope statement, work breakdown structure, project estimating, and scheduling methodologies are studied. Students will practice with Microsoft Project software to be able to manage a project from start to deployment. What is a project? How is it managed? What is the best approach? This course will answer those questions and many more. This is an opportunity to learn the project management fundamentals that can guide a project through a maze of challenges to successful completion. Successful projects do not occur by luck or by chance. In fact, many projects do not achieve their organization's goals.
APS-600: Enhancing Performance in Technology Organizations (3 credits)
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This course provides an overview of the most successful strategies and approaches for achieving performance improvement in technology-based organizations, using the latest research findings and examples of high performing technology organizations. Topics covered include organizational capabilities in managing costs and productivity, performance measurement, leadership system for high performance, enhanced quality in products and services, employee engagement, and enhanced customer engagement and satisfaction as well as performance capabilities (such as organizational values, adaptability, flexibility, agility, responsiveness, and decisiveness) that enable organizations to anticipate and respond to change. The Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence are examined as assessment tools for achieving desired organizational capabilities. Discussion also covers specific approaches that contribute to high performance and organizational effectiveness, such as customer relationship management, supply chain management, Six Sigma, lean methodologies, and other process improvement tools. Successful applications of these strategies and approaches are illustrated through practical applications.
APS-601: Technology Innovation and Commercialization (3 credits)
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This course examines the relationship between sustainable growth, innovation, and the commercialization process. Particular emphasis is placed on how to drive profitable innovation through a dynamic process of constantly creating new business models, improving customer experiences, opening new markets, and commercializing or launching new products. Students will research innovative technologies; identify processes that transform technology innovations, research, and results from the laboratory to the real marketplace; determine their commercialization potential; and discuss different types of legal protection.
APS-602: Managing People in Technology-Based Organizations (3 credits)
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Regardless of the size and purpose of the organization and the level of technology involved, people are the common denominator when managing in an information-based global economy. Success or failure hinges on the ability to attract, develop, retain, and motivate a diverse array of appropriately-skilled employees. The purpose of this course is to help students appreciate the value of effective management of people in technology-based organizations as well as to provide the approaches, tools, and methods for doing so. The course will aid students in influencing performance in technological organizations by showing the linkages between contemporary organizational behavior theories and their application. The course has a pragmatic perspective, and the theory-practice link relies on real-life examples, current events, and case studies. Students will both understand organizational behavior concepts and be able to apply them to technology-based organizations. The course focuses on three levels of managing behavior in organizations: managing individual employees; managing groups and relationships effectively; and managing behavior across the organization. In addition, the course will cover emerging organizational behavior topics facing technology-based organizations, such as managing a global workforce, virtual organizations and teams, motivating for creativity/innovation, designing high performance work systems, developing learning organizations, self-efficacy, transformational leadership, work-life balance, the linkage of motivation theory to practice, creating a culture for high performance, and change management.
APS-610: Cost Estimation and Financial Management For Engineers and Technologists (3 credits)
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Decisions on large and small programs, whether in government or industry, always have a financial component and financial impacts. This course will provide students with an understanding of the financial aspects of decision making. The focus will be on the application of cost estimates and cost benefit analyses to program and financial management, budget preparation and justification, the understanding and use of financial statements, and program control. In addition, the course will help participants to become informed consumers of cost estimates and cost benefit analyses. Being informed includes evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the cost-benefit analysis approach as well as the role of risk and uncertainty, comprehending sensitivity analysis, and knowing the right questions to ask when the individual is the recipient of a cost-benefit analysis.
THC-625: Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses (3 credits)
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Technology and the Human Community: Challenges and Responses looks at technology historically and philosophically. The course focuses on technological issues affecting contemporary and emerging professional, public, and private structures. A central issue is the role of the citizen in dealing with political, economic, and social pressures related to technology. A key purpose of this course is for students to exchange views by engaging in and discussing serious social and technological issues with a view toward their resolution.

Clinical Trials Management: 12 creditstop of page

CTM-510: Introduction to Clinical Trials Research and Drug Development (3 credits)
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This course introduces students to the field of clinical research and provides an overview of the environment, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval processes and regulations, and various elements involved in the development and conduct of clinical trials.
CTM-520: Clinical Trials Research: Practice to Policy (3 credits)
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This course provides students with an understanding of clinical research methods as well as current issues concerning drug and device development in the United States. Students will learn how to formulate a scientific literature search to inform their research efforts and will develop the skills that are necessary for critical evaluation of published studies. The design of clinical research will also be discussed in detail so that the student is prepared to recommend what type of study is best suited for answering a particular research question. This will include a discussion about prospective versus retrospective and cross-sectional designs, randomization and blinding methods, and parallel group versus cross-over studies. Next, students will learn about the various approaches for conducting a survey as a part of clinical research, with a discussion about the relative merits of conducting a survey versus using other sources of data. Specific study endpoints will also be discussed in detail, including economic/cost measures, health-related quality of life measures, and work productivity measures. Reliability and validity of study endpoints will be explored so that students are prepared to identify possible sources of error and bias in clinical studies. Finally, students will develop an understanding of current issues related to clinical research, including controversies surrounding the relationship between industry sponsors and researchers as well as the impact of biotechnology and the generics market on product development.
CTM-530: Introduction to Clinical Trials Data Management (3 credits)
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This course provides an overview of the clinical data management process in pharmaceutical research settings. Introduction to Clinical Trials Data Management is one of four courses in the Clinical Trials Management curriculum.
CTM-540: Ethical Issues and Regulatory Principles in Clinical Trials (3 credits)
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The purpose of this course is to gain a better understanding of the ethical issues and regulatory principles in clinical research. Each module has been designed to be a step-wise approach to understanding clinical research and how today's regulations impact tomorrow's drugs. Modules 1 through 3 take students through the basics of regulation. Module 1 discusses the basics of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by exploring the FDA's structure, history, and goals. Module 2 is an introduction to basic guidelines used when conducting clinical trials. Module 3 talks about the primary applications that must be submitted to the FDA for drug approval. All 10 modules discuss ethics in clinical research. Module 4 digs deeper into the realm of ethics by exploring early ethical guidelines, such as the Nuremberg Code and the Declaration of Helsinki. Module 5 then applies these guidelines to current practice. Modules 6 through 8 take the time to explore essential regulatory documents, regulatory inspections, and adverse event and safety monitoring, all essential aspects of running clinical trials. Finally, Modules 9 and 10 explore regulatory guidelines outside of the United States by discussing the basic regulatory guidelines in 21 other countries around the world. Each module has exercises designed to further enhance the student's drug development knowledge through reading, discussion boards, and assignments.

Information Technology: 15 credits top of page

MSI-501: Foundations of Information Technology (3 credits)
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This course is a survey course on information technology (IT). It is designed to give students ample opportunity to review critically emerging trends and implications for business managers and IT professionals. Topics covered include IT foundation concepts, data/information management systems, networking systems, enterprise models/systems, IT management processes, IT security, and IT ethics.
MSI-502: Telecommunications and Networking (3 credits)
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This course examines data communication and networking technologies from the business perspective. Topics covered include the networked enterprise, telecommunication network models, communication hardware, and trends and emerging technology, such as social media, mobile computing, cloud computing, big data, and the internet of things (IoT). Emphasis is on data communications as an integral element of business.
MSI-503: Object-Oriented Application Development (3 credits)
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This course provides students with knowledge and skills for object-oriented design and implementation of software applications. Students will learn to apply object-oriented concepts in solving computational problems and implementing structured and easily maintainable software solutions. The course also covers concepts on algorithmic design for problem solving and computer language mechanics.

Advisory: This course is designed for students with a basic understanding of computer programming. Specific programming skills or previous programming experience is not required. However, object-oriented application development will be fully explored so having a basic, working knowledge of computer programming is encouraged.
MSI-504: Information Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design (3 credits)
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The focus of this course is on the identification of an organization problem, the goals and the purpose of information technology (IT) systems, and how to carry out all the activities in the analysis and design of the systems. It addresses the design phases and all the techniques that are used to carry out the activities using a structured approach. Students will be required to apply these techniques to a work group project.
MSI-505: Principles of Database Design (3 credits)
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This course covers most of the major advancements in the technology of the design, development, and management of database management systems (DBMS) as well as the theoretical concepts and applications of DBMS. Students will have hands-on experience through case study exercises and the design and implementation of projects.

Note: This course requires that students use Microsoft Access software, which is a Windows-based product and will not run on Macs. Students can run this software and other Windows software on a Mac using Apple's Boot Camp technology or third-party virtualization tools like Parallels or VMWare Fusion. These tools make it possible to run Mac OSX and a Windows operating system side by side. This solution will require a Windows license.
MSI-506: Operating Systems (3 credits)
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The focus of this course incorporates core concepts of operating systems. Emphasis is placed on interpreting universal concepts that are applicable to a wide range of operating systems. Topics explored include processes and threads, memory management, virtualization, scheduling and interaction between computers, and the services provided by operating systems hardware. Examples are utilized from UNIX, Windows, and Android operating systems.

Nuclear Energy Technology Management: 12 creditstop of page

APS-501: Human Performance Improvement (3 credits)
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This course is designed to explore the field of human performance improvement and focuses on the concepts and principles of human performance technology, human performance technology models, training needs assessment, and knowledge management. Other topics include performance improvement interventions, such as behavioral and job task analysis, work redesign, performance management and coaching, and instructional strategies to improve workplace performance.
NUC-501: Atmospheric Dispersion of Radioisotopes (3 credits)
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This course examines the prediction of radiological consequences from the dispersion of airborne radioactive effluents. The theoretical models are substantiated by meteorological data and dose assessment. The applications phase will link the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) code RASCAL to nuclear facility licensing, compliance, and emergency planning. Use of the code for analysis and evaluation is incorporated into the course as instruction.
NUC-502: Criticality Safety (3 credits)
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This course assesses nuclear industry prevention of an accidental, unplanned, and inadvertent self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction that could result in large radiation exposures or release of radioactive materials to the environment. The course emphasis is on the analysis of processes or systems that involve fissile materials, double-contingency principles, independent events in processes that must occur concurrently, and the need for continuous improvements based on operating experience.
NUC-503: Current Issues and Case Studies (3 credits)
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This course presents current nuclear industry incidents, accidents, and issues confronting the future of the commercial nuclear power industry that will be synthesized and evaluated for the creation of continuous improvement recommendations with justifiable evidence. The course requires students to apply a systematic problem-solving approach for the cases discussed. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, new nuclear power plant construction, and small modular reactors are examples of the sources of issues for the course. The course concludes with the project for each student to develop a comprehensive incident analysis report or case study.

Technical Studies: 12 creditstop of page

APS-501: Human Performance Improvement (3 credits)
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This course is designed to explore the field of human performance improvement and focuses on the concepts and principles of human performance technology, human performance technology models, training needs assessment, and knowledge management. Other topics include performance improvement interventions, such as behavioral and job task analysis, work redesign, performance management and coaching, and instructional strategies to improve workplace performance.
APS-502: Advanced Quality Analysis (3 credits)
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Advanced Quality Analysis course will explore the most up-to-date quality methods, research, and tools that companies need to succeed in today's challenging environment. Students will explore today's quality management landscape and the universal applications, procedures, techniques, and strategies used in attaining superior and sustainable business results through quality.
CMP-500: Network and Computer Security (3 credits)
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This course is designed for graduate students who are either in the information technology (IT) field or going into IT security, who have some understanding of hardware, operating systems, software, and networks, but not necessarily any background in computer science practices. The course covers the principles, approaches, and standards in computer security. In addition, the course introduces students to security functional requirements, fundamental security design principles, and computer security strategies. This includes fundamentals of securing computers and networks as well as defending networks from security attacks. Topics cover infrastructure security, software and system security, and management issues.
EUT-500: Renewable and Alternative Energy (3 credits)
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This course examines renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, biofuel, and energy storage. Other concepts include material efficiency issues, recycling, composting, and the concept of life-cycle design. The course also addresses conservation strategies that aid in the development of a more ecologically and economically sustainable future. Students will research renewable and alternative energy innovations, identify the processes they use to capture and store energy, and describe their commercialization potential.

Aviation Management: 15 creditstop of page

AVM-501: Aviation Safety and Security Programs Management (3 credits)
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This course examines programs employed by air carriers and airport operators in operating and maintaining various safety and security services. Special emphasis is on the Safety Management System (SMS) as well as the federal guidelines and their applications at commercial service airports. This course will build on subjects learned in TESU AVF-303: Aviation Safety Management. Additional topics include: history and evolution of SMS, components of SMS, safety regulations, and aviation security programs.
AVM-502: Air Carrier Operations (3 credits)
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This course integrates the fundamentals of economics, operations, marketing, and finance in developing the overview of Air Carrier Operations. While these major topics are found in any industry, the uniqueness of Air Carrier Operations requires that they be examined in detail specific to the aviation industry. For example, flight routing structure and queuing are clearly unique to Air Carrier Operations and would not be found in a marketing course. Other fundamental content in the course includes security, regulations, and international flight scheduling. The manager with a broad understanding of the industry and its competitive environment is better equipped to work interdisciplinary assignments within the industry and, ultimately, to succeed and progress in an airline operations career.
AVM-503: Airport Management and Operations (3 credits)
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This course addresses requirements, responsibilities, and methods of operating major U.S. and international airports. The course studies both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards regarding airside and landside operations, operational safety, maintenance and construction, security, and emergency preparedness. The course will build on subjects learned in AVF-472: Airport Management I and AVF-474: Airport Management II. Airport Management and Operations will provide an in-depth analysis of airport operations and the myriad of responsibilities that airport managers face on a day-to-day basis. It will present airport expansion in its historical context along with the impact airports have had on regional development and on the environment. Students are introduced to the regulatory aspects as well as the operational requirements affecting airports and air travelers. Additional topics include analysis of airport planning and design, financial management, and marketing. Because airports are continually evolving, this course provides airport executives with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to properly evaluate and satisfy these needs while combining fiscal responsibility with sensible management and planning.
AVM-504: Aviation Economics and Fiscal Management (3 credits)
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This course focuses on the fiscal management and financial issues of airports, airlines, and others in the aviation industry. Topics include a review of Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and fiscal decision making as they relate to air transportation entities using financial statements, ratios, financial planning, and appraisals. An in-depth examination of operating sources of finance, leasing, costing of operations, and revenue management are explored using finance and micro/macro-economic forecasting. The course integrates economics and fiscal management of airline and airport operations to enable the student to use finance management tools to make knowledgeable and data driven decisions in the air transportation industry.
AVM-505: Human Resource Management and Labor Relations in Aviation (3 credits)
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This course offers a management approach to understanding labor-management relations in the aviation industry with an added focus on the development of labor law in the United States. Additional topics include the collective bargaining process and the use of pressure tactics, contract administration, the arbitration process, legal rights of union members, unfair labor practices, contemporary issues pertaining to labor-management relations in aviation, and current trends in union memberships.

Master's Project: 6 credits top of page

APS-700: Master Project in Applied Science and Technology (6 credits)
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The Master Project in Applied Science and Technology is designed to provide a guided in-depth experience in defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling a significant opportunity or challenge relevant to the learner's applied science or technology workplace or profession. The learner will be expected to acquire knowledge, apply real-life experience, and conduct research to make recommendations that are based upon solid data and benchmarking.