Academic

    1. Program requirements: In order to graduate from the Program students must meet all academic requirements of the Program, including satisfactory completion of the Development of Consciousness component (see the University Bulletin: http://www.mum.edu/bulletin ). In addition to the courses conducted on campus, the Program coursework includes 8 units of practicum that are completed while students work in a professional computer science internship. Please note that the graduation requirements may change at the discretion of the Computer Science Department.Students must complete the following courses in order to graduate from the program: (please see below for grade requirements)* Science of Creative Intelligence or Science and Technology of Consciousness (4 units)
      ** Forest Academy (2 units), Modern Programming Practices (MPP) (4 units), plus 32 units of Computer Science courses (16 units are of the 500 level or higher) (and either CS 435-Algorithms or CS 505-Advanced Programming Languages).

      1. *SCI-33 Science of Creative Intelligence or Science and Technology of Consciousness:
        Successful completion of one of the above courses is necessary in order to continue in the program. The 33-lesson Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI) course presents the interdisciplinary basis of the entire graduate Computer Science program. The course is based on a series of videotaped lectures by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi on the nature, range, qualities, and principles of creative intelligence(as expressed in human consciousness and the laws of nature studied by the sciences). Maharishi also presents the expressions of creative intelligence in individual life and its application in every area of society to realize the highest potential. Because Computer Science like all other disciplines is based in the intellectual understanding and experience of the structures of Natural Law, the general principles brought out in this course provide a unifying theme for all of the more specific principles studied in all other courses in the curriculum.
      2. **Forest Academy Forest Academy is a 2-week course which is an opportunity for the students to deepen their understanding of their own personal growth. Topics include skill in action, higher states of consciousness, cultural values, mind and body, creativity, collective consciousness, and world peace.

      For a more complete description of graduation requirements, please refer to the Bulletin.

    2. Standard 8 Months On Campus: The standard schedule is approximately 8 months of full time MSCS study at the University’s campus in Fairfield, Iowa before starting your practical training internship. The classes in that time period include SCI, Forest Academy, MPP and four CS courses of 4 units each. For those needing to take the one month FPP course, then they will stay an additional month on campus.
    3. Distance Education: Students will complete the remaining MSCS academic courses through distance education during the period of practicum employment. Students will need to take these distance education courses during non-working hours at the rate of one credit per four weeks. Such credits normally require 30-40 hours of study time per credit, or 7.5 to 10 hours of study per week. (please see point 7 below for more details on Distance Education policies and procedures).
    4. Graduation requirements for the Master of Science in Computer Science starting with the August 2016 entry (See below *):
      Graduation Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Computer Science prior to August 2016 entry:To graduate with an MS in Computer Science, students must successfully complete all requirements for the master’s degree. (Please refer to “Degree Requirements” in “Academic Policies.”) Program requirements are:

        1. 40 credits of computer science courses at the 400 level or above (includes CS 401, MPP)
        2. At least one of the following must be completed with a grade of “B” or better: • CS 435 Algorithms • CS 505 Advanced Programming Languages.
        3. Two computer science courses at the 500 level must be completed with a “B” grade or better.
        4. The cumulative grade point average AND the Computer Science courses grade point average must be at least “B” (GPA of 3.0) or higher.
        5. Students cannot have more than one 4 points below a B (B- being one point, etc), that count towards their graduation requirement.
        6. Students may replace one 4-unit computer science course with 8 units of Curricular Practical Training (CPT CS 575). For students in this option, they are required to complete four 500 level computer science courses only.

      NOTE: The Forest Academy requirement for this program is either FOR 500 or FOR 501 in the first semester plus one two-week Forest Academy course (FOR 411–499) for each semester enrolled on the standard schedule.

      Graduation Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, Cooperative Program
      To graduate with an MS in Computer Science

      Track III, Cooperative Program, students must successfully complete all requirements for the master’s degree. (Please refer to “Degree Requirements” in “Academic Policies.”) Program requirements are the same as for the MS in Computer Science standard program with the following modifications: 44 credits of instruction are required, including,

      • 36 credits of course work corresponding to the standard MS program listed above (includes CS 401, MPP)
      • 8 credits of Practicum (CS 575–CS 579)

      NOTE: The Forest Academy requirement for this program is either FOR 500 or FOR 501 in the first semester plus one two-week Forest Academy course (FOR 411–499) for each semester enrolled on the standard schedule.

      * Graduation requirements starting with the August 2016 entry:

      To graduate with an MS in Computer Science, students must successfully complete all requirements for the master’s degree. (Please refer to “Degree Requirements” in “Academic Policies.”) Program requirements are:

      1. 40 credits of computer science courses at the 400 level or above (includes 4 credits of CS 401, MPP)
      2. At least one of the following must be completed with a grade of “B” or better: • CS 435 Algorithms • CS 505 Advanced Programming Languages.
      3. No more than one course can have a grade of C or C-.
      4. The cumulative grade point average for Computer Science courses at the 400 level and above must be at least “B” (GPA of 3.0) or higher.
      5. If the master’s thesis option is selected by the student and approved by the faculty, then Master’s Thesis Research (CS 588) with an oral defense may be used to satisfy up to 8 credits.
      6. If, upon admission to the program, the student lacks one of the required mathematics courses, it can be taken to satisfy 4 of the 12 credits of additional computer science course work — if approved by the Department.

      NOTE: The Forest Academy requirement for this program is either FOR 500 or FOR 501 in the first semester, plus one two-week Forest Academy course (FOR 411–499) for each semester enrolled on campus.
      Graduation Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, Cooperative Program
      To graduate with an MS in Computer Science
      (* Starting with the August 2016 entry) To graduate with an MS in Computer Science — Track III, Cooperative Program, students must successfully complete all requirements for the master’s degree. (Please refer to “Degree Requirements” in “Academic Policies.”) Program requirements are:

      1. 40 credits of computer science courses at the 400 level or above (includes 4 credits of CS 401 MPP)
      2. At least 50% of the credits applied to the MS degree must be at the 500-level (five 500-level courses).
      3. At least one of the following must be completed with a grade of “B” or better:
        • CS 435 Algorithms
        • CS 505 Advanced Programming Languages
      4. Must complete at least one systems or analysis courses (DBMS, Security, Computer Networks, Operating Systems, Parallel Programming, Compilers, Software Testing, Big Data Analytics, Systems Analysis, Project Management)
      5. No more than one course can have a grade of C, C+, or C-.
      6. The cumulative grade point average for Computer Science courses must be at least “B” (GPA of 3.0) or higher.
      7. If the master’s thesis option is selected by the student and approved by the faculty, then Master’s Thesis Research (CS 588) with an oral defense may be used to satisfy up to 8 credits.
      8. If, upon admission to the program, the student lacks one of the required mathematics courses, it can be taken to satisfy 4 of the 12 credits of additional computer science course work — if approved by the Department.

      NOTE: The Forest Academy requirement for this program is either FOR 500 or FOR 501 in the first semester, plus one two-week Forest Academy course for each semester enrolled on campus.

      Graduation Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Computer Science, Cooperative Program

      To graduate with an MS in Computer Science, Cooperative Program, students must successfully complete all requirements for the master’s degree. (Please refer to “Degree Requirements” in “Academic Policies.”) Program requirements are the same as for the MS in Computer Science program listed above with the following modifications: 44 credits of instruction are required, including,

      • 36 credits of course work corresponding to the MS CS program listed above (includes 4 credits of CS 401 MPP)
      • 8 credits of Practicum (CS 575–CS 579), plus at least 4 other 500-level CS courses
    5. On-Campus Students and Probation: Students must maintain satisfactory progress towards completing their MS degree. Because of the short time that students spend on campus, this criteria is evaluated after completion of each course. If a student receives an NC in a course,, or if his Computer Science courses GPA is below a 3.0, then they are put on academic probation and may be required by the faculty to take some additional course work on campus (before starting internship search for the CPT position) to remedy the deficiencies leading to these below standards grades. If a student is required to take or repeat an additional course in order to graduate, then there will be an additional tuition charge of $1800 per course.Subsequently:
      • If they complete 8 units of CS courses at a B (3.0) grade or higher, they are off of probation.
      • If they repeat the NC course and pass, then probation is removed.
      • However, if they receive NC while on probation they will be reviewed for dismissal from the program.
      • If they receive a grade of less than B while on academic probation then their standing in the program will be reviewed and they may be asked to leave the program.
    6. Academic dishonesty includes the practicum phase of your program (e.g. CPT) where falsifying a resume with incorrect information, making false statements to employers, and using misleading descriptions or false documentation of your status in the U.S are subject to the same penalties as above.
    7. Withdrawing from Courses or Taking Make-up Courses: For a student to remain on campus and enrolled at the University, they must be in some structured and faculty supervised activity.
      1. If you need some remedial course, or to make-up a foundation course, you can do this as a directed study under faculty supervision. This would mean that you pay tuition for this course, and get some final evaluation. It can be Pass/Fail, just indicating enrollment and success. For this you must make a proposal of the plan of study, a timeline with specific milestones and results (e.g. chapters read, problems solved, projects completed), and at least one outcome evaluation (exam, project, etc).
      2. If you feel that you are strong enough in some area to study without ongoing faculty support and guidance, then you can enroll in a self-study course. You must have a proposal of your planned activities (as above). You must pay an additional $200 for the directed studies.
      3. If you are not in a structured academic activity, you should file for a LOA (Leave of Absence), and plan to move off-campus for that month.

      For any special study arrangement like this you must submit a written proposal, which requires faculty approval of a supervising faculty, and departmental approval.

      In cases where the course is in a required area which was a part of admissions requirements, you may be required to pay the additional tuition costs before the course if you have not already paid adequate tuition to cover this additional course.

      In all cases, you must maintain your RC meditation requirements.

    8. Course Withdrawal Policy (On-Campus, Full time): A student must withdraw from a course within the first two days of class in order to not be charged for that course. If he is in the class for more than two days, he will be charged for the full amount of tuition, room and board for that course. Also, in order to not receive an NC (no credit) on the transcript, a student must withdraw before the midterm exam. To withdraw from a course the student must complete the official forms which are at the Enrollment Center.
    9. Missing Exams: All examinations for a course will be scheduled at a common time, and if you are not able to make that exam time, then you have to petition to the appropriate faculty (before the day of the exam) for an alternate exam and date. If a student does not petition for a late exam before the exam date, then he will be subject to receiving an NC for that exam. This policy is for both on-campus and DE courses. The fee of $200 must be paid to the Enrollment Center before the exam is taken.
    10. Transferring Credit:
      1. Graduate credit can be transferred into a program and applied towards a degree only if it is:
        • graduate level credit from another accredited institution,
        • in a comparable or program related area,
        • the course grade was B or better, on a comparable grade scale,
        • the previous Master’s degree must not have been completed.

        All transfer requests are made through the Registrars office, and reviewed for approval by the CS department. A maximum of 8 units of credit transferred may be applied to the MS degree. Transfer credits may reduce the time required to complete the degree, however there will be no reduction in program charges.

      2. A graduate course requirement can be waived in similar circumstances, but more liberally if the individual can document or demonstrate adequate proficiency in the topical area. If a student has taken a comparable course elsewhere, but it was already counted as a part of an awarded degree, then they may request departmental approval to waive the need to take the same course here, but must still take the required number of units for graduation. They cannot transfer a course from an awarded degree.
    11. Taking Additional Courses once Full time Internship Search Has Started: The F-1 student visa regulations state that students must complete a minimum of 6 units of courses per semester, but no more than 3 of these units can be through Distance Education. Therefore, if a student is not able to receive 3 units of credit through Curricular Practical Training (CPT internship position) in any semester, then they must return to campus to take a 3-unit seminar that particular semester. This is a requirement to remain in legal status and therefore to remain in the MS in Computer Science Program.
    12. Taking Additional Courses Due to Failing Previous Courses: If a student has failed a course or received lower grades than allowed in order to graduate (see 5e: Grade Requirements), then he will be required to pay for the extra course once he has taken more than the normal 8 CS courses.
    13. Last course with No Loan: If a student only has one more course to take in order to complete the graduation requirements, but has not yet paid the University any money for his/her education, then they will be required to pay the tuition cost for that course prior to starting the course.
    14. Graduation Requirements (financial): In order to graduate from the program, it is necessary, in addition to the academic requirements, to have completed the majority of payments on your bank loan. This means you must be able to finish making all bank loan payments within 6 months after your graduation date, based on continuing your regular payments (and also be in good standing, having made regular payments for at least the past 8 consecutive months). You must also pay all balances due in your student account before you can graduate. It is also possible to graduate if you have completed all of your bank loan payments, and have less than $3500 due in your Student Accounts charges. You must agree to pay $1000 per month after graduating to your Student Accounts until all charges are paid.IMPORTANT NOTE: You can participate in all graduation ceremonies and activities with 6 or fewer loan payments left (or with the $3500 in Student Accounts), but you will not receive your actual diploma until all loan payments are made. Your diploma will be dated correctly but may be mailed to you a few months later when your loan is paid in full. This policy also applies to receiving official MUM transcripts; everything must be paid in full for a transcript to be sent.If you have completed all graduation requirements except for finances, you can get a letter from the University documenting that you have completed all the academic requirements for the Master’s degree and that you will graduate once your financial obligation is fulfilled.Once your academic requirements have been completed, it is possible to start a year of Optional Practical Training (OPT), as long as your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) was not longer than one year. If you plan to do this, please get in touch with Ms. Jennifer Lamothe (seviscoordinator@mum.edu) a few months before the end of your year of CPT.Also, the student must have completed 8 units of practicum in order to graduate. In the event that a student defaults on his/her bank loan for other reasons than not having an internship, then the student will be required to pay the full balance due before graduating.If a student is not placed in an internship, then it is possible to graduate if 40 units of Computer Science courses are taken and when all of the student’s educational expenses are paid to the University and the student successfully completes all curriculum and other requirements. (Please note that if you stay on campus to complete your studies you will be charged for the additional months of room and board).
    15. Development of Consciousness (DC) Requirements: The entire University campus has two regular group meditation sessions, once in the morning and again in the afternoon. This twice-a-day group practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique is part of a Development of Consciousness (DC) course that is required for each student. The morning session is done outside of class time, but the afternoon session is in class. All students are automatically enrolled in this course each semester for each block enrolled in school and for each block living on-campus doing internship search or working on staff. Academic credit is given for the DC courses. (Students also practice the Transcendental Meditation technique for an additional 10 minute period in class at the end of the morning lecture and just before lunch.)DC course grades are based on each student’s participation in the class meditation, as well as completing the requirement of 4 personal TM checkings, and attending a minimum of 4 TM Knowledge meetings over their time on campus, and will be either a Pass (P) or Fail (F) grade. This grade will be assigned at the end of the semester and will be based on the average of the student’s RC participation over all the blocks for which the student is registered in the semester.If a student has a DC grade of less than P, and leaves campus to begin his CPT part of the degree or for internship search activities, that student will be required to fulfill the missing requirements at the local Transcendental Meditation Center in the town the student is living/working in. This must be completed at least one month before the date of graduation.