College of Natural Sciences
POST 317
1680 East-West Road
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-7420
Fax: (808) 956-3548
Web: ics.hawaii.edu
Faculty
*Graduate Faculty
*S. P. Robertson, PhD (Chair)—human-computer interaction, digital government and digital democracy
*L. Altenberg, PhD—evolution of complex systems, synthesis of complex artificial systems, evolutionary computation
*K. Baek, PhD—computer vision, machine learning, bioinformatics
*M. Belcaid, PhD—data science education, big data approximation, probabilistic programming in genomics
*E. Biagioni, PhD—networks, systems, languages
*K. Binsted, PhD—artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, cognitive science, natural language processing
*H. Casanova, PhD—high performance computing, distributed systems
*M. E. Crosby, PhD—human-computer interaction, cognitive science, augmented cognition
B. Endicott, PhD—cyber-security
*R. Gazan, PhD—social aspects of information technology
*P. Johnson, PhD—software engineering, serious games, renewable energy
G. Lau, MS—educational specialist
*J. Leigh, PhD—big data visualization, virtual reality, high performance networking, human augmentics, video game design
*D. Li, PhD—security, privacy and performance in systems, software, networks and databases
*L. Lim, PhD—database systems, information retrieval, data mining, big data
*C. A. Moore, PhD—software engineering, application development: software quality
*M. B. Ogawa, PhD—educational specialist
*D. Pavlovic, PhD—security, software, search and networks, quantum computation
*G. Poisson, PhD—bioinformatics
*P. Sadowski, PhD—machine learning and artificial intelligence, deep learning in the natural sciences
*P-M. Seidel, DrEng habil—formal methods, computer arithmetic, computer architecture, algorithms
*N. Sitchinava, PhD—algorithms and data structures, parallel and distributed computation, I/O- and cache-efficient computation
*J. Stelovsky, DrTechSc—computer-hypermedia, human-computer interaction
*S. Still, PhD—information theory, machine learning, physics of information, computational neuroscience, theoretical biology
*T. Sutherland, PhD—digital cultures, community and cultural informatics
*D. Suthers, PhD—human-computer interaction, computer-supported collaborative learning, technology for education, socio-technical networks and online communities
Affiliate Graduate Faculty
B. Auerhheimer, PhD—software engineering
A. Koniges, PhD—high performance computing, machine learning
D. R. Stoutemyer, PhD—computer algebra, mathematical software
D. Streveler, PhD—medical informatics
Emeritus Faculty
V. Harada, PhD—school library administration, information literacy
S. Itoga, PhD—database system, expert system and logic programming
D. Streveler, PhD—medical informatics, international public health, telemedicine
Degrees Offered: BA in information and computer sciences, BS (including minor) in computer science, MS in computer science, MLISc in library and information science, PhD in computer science, and PhD in communication and information sciences (interdisciplinary)
The Academic Program
Information and computer sciences (ICS) is the study of the description and representation of information and the theory, design, analysis, implementation, and application of algorithmic processes that transform information. Students majoring in ICS will learn to use computer systems, a valuable skill which can be applied in all fields of study. Students will also learn the scientific principles and technology required to develop new computer systems and applications. The curriculum covers all major areas of computer science with special emphasis on software engineering, computer networks, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, bioinformatics, security science (UH Manoa is an NSA/DHS designated Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research), data science, machine learning, and areas uniquely suited to Hawai‘i’s role as a multicultural and geographical center of the Pacific.
Undergraduate Study
Bachelor’s Degree
To be admitted into the program, first-year students entering UH Manoa directly from high school must first be admitted into the Colleges of Arts and Sciences. For continuing students, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is required for admission.
All students wishing to enroll in courses with any of (ICS 111, 141, 211, and 241) in their prerequisites must meet the grade requirement of C (not C-) or higher in those courses prior to registering for the course.
For information on a Bachelor Degree Program Sheet, go to programsheets/.
BA in Information and Computer Sciences
Requirements
Students pursuing these degrees are required to submit a short proposal listing the courses they intend to take to complete their ICS major. An ICS faculty advisor must approve this proposal in writing. Samples of course proposals are available at the ICS department office.
Students must complete the following related courses for all BA and Bs degrees: (MATH 215 or 241 or 251A) and (MATH 216 or 242 or 252A).
There are three BA degree options you can choose from:
Bachelor of Arts in Information and Computer Sciences
Students must complete the following courses (51 credits):
- Core: ICS 111, 141, 211, 212, 241, 311, 314, 321, 332
- Two of (ICS 312 or 331), (ICS 313 or 361), (ICS 351 or 451), 355
- At least one ICS course at the 400-level or above,
- Four upper division (300-level or above) courses in some area of concentration. The Area of Concentration courses do NOT have to be from the same department and may include ICS courses as long as they meet the minimum total of 12 credit hours
Bachelor of Arts in Information and Computer Sciences, Security Science (SecSci) Track
Students must complete the following courses (51 credits):
- Core: ICS 111, 141, 211, (212 or 215), 241, 311, 314, 321, 332
- Track: ICS 222, 355, (ICS 351 or 451)
- Four electives from: ICS 423, 425, 426, 428, 455, 495, EE 406
Bachelor of Arts in Information and Computer Sciences, Information Technology (IT) Track
There is no admittance to the BA in ICS IT Track effective Fall 2021. Students must complete the following courses (54 credits)
- Core: ICS 111, 141, 211, (212 or 215), 241, 311, 314, 321, 332
- Track: ICS 222, 355, (ICS 351 or 451)
- ICS 414, 415, 425, 426, 464
BS in Computer Science
Substitutions are permitted with the written approval of an ICS faculty advisor. Waiver of certain requirements, such as by Advanced Placement CS Exam, must be approved by the ICS faculty advisor.
There are three BS degree options you can choose from:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Students must complete the following courses (54 credits):
- ICS 111, 141, 211, 212, 241, 311, 314, 321, 332, 496, (MATH 307 or MATH 372) (if students take MATH 307, then they should take MATH 242 as Calculus II prerequisite)
- Two of (ICS 312 or 331), (ICS 313 or 361), (ICS 351 or 451)
- At least four ICS or other approved courses at the 400 level or above
Substitution allowed: (MATH 301 and 372) can be a substitution for (ICS 141 and 241). In that case, students must take MATH 307.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Security Science (SecSci) Track
Students must complete the following courses (54 credits):
- ICS 111, 141, 211, 212, 241, 311, 314, 321, (312 or 331 or 332), (MATH 307 or 372) (If students take MATH 307, then they should take MATH 242 as calculus II prerequisite)
- Track: ICS 222, 355, (ICS 351 or 451)
- Four electives from: ICS 423, 425, 426, 428, 455, 495, EE 406
Substitution allowed: (MATH 301 and 372) can be a substitution for (ICS 141 and 241). In that case, students must take MATH 307.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science Track
Students must complete the following courses (54 credits):
-
- ICS 111, 211, 212, 235, 311, 314, 321, 434, 435, 438, 484
- MATH 301, 307, 372
- Three electives (400-level or above) in an area relevant to Data Science. The courses may include ICS courses or courses from other departments as long as they are approved by an ICS advisor and meet the minimum total of 9 credit hours.
Substitution allowed: (ICS 141 and 241) can be a substitution for MATH 301 in the Data Science Track only.
Minor
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and a grade of C (not C-) or higher in ICS 111 in computer science are required for admission.
Requirements
Students must complete ICS 211 with a grade of C (not C-) or higher, 212, and 241 and their prerequisites, 111 and 141, and three ICS courses at the 300 level and above with a grade of C (not C-) or better.
Combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science
The combined BS/MS degree program is intended to allow students the opportunity to receive both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Computer Science in 5 years. To be admitted into the program, students must submit the Graduate Admissions Applications as well as all required program admission materials specified in the “Graduate Study” section by the start of their junior year (5th semester).
Requirements
Students pursuing this degree should meet the degree requirements for regular Master of Science in Computer Science. Gateway course: ICS 311 with a grade C or higher. The minimum grade requirement is C (not C-) or higher.
There are three pathways students can take depending on their BS degree option. Each pathway differs in the set of courses that can be double-counted for both the bachelor’s and master’s degree.
BS and MS in Computer Science
The following courses can be double-counted in BS in Computer Science and MS in Computer Science.
- ICS 414, 621, 635
BS in Computer Science in Data Science and MS in Computer Science
The following courses can be double-counted in BS in Computer Science in Data Science track and MS in Computer Science.
- ICS 434, 621, 635
BS in Computer Science in Security Science and MS in Computer Science
The following courses can be double-counted in BS in Computer Science in Data Science track and MS in Computer Science.
- ICS 423, 621, 623
Graduate Study
The department offers the MS degree in computer science, the MLISc degree in library and information science (see the “Library and Information Science” section for more information), and the PhD degree in computer science. The department is one of four academic programs that cooperate in an interdisciplinary doctoral program in communication and information sciences (see the “Communication and Information Sciences” section for more information).
Applicants for the MS and the PhD in computer science are required to take the GRE General Test. Applicants from foreign countries must be academically qualified, proficient in English (TOEFL or IETLS with scores above the minimum required by Graduate Division, with the additional requirement that TOEFL scores be 580/237/92 or above for admission to the MS program, and 600/250/100 or above for admission to the PhD program, where scores are listed as paper/computer/internet), and sufficiently financially supported.
The department offers three forms of financial aid: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and tuition waivers. The department offers a limited number of assistantships each semester, most of which are teaching assistantships. Teaching and research assistants work approximately 20 hours per week under the supervision of a faculty member and receive a stipend as well as a tuition waiver. Teaching assistants support instruction and research assistants support extramurally funded research projects. Teaching assistantships are awarded to those applicants who can best support the instructional program. Similarly, research assistantships are awarded to those applicants who can best assist faculty with their research projects. Applicants accepted for admission may be eligible for partial financial aid in the form of a tuition waiver from Graduate Division and foreign applicants from Pacific or Asian countries may be eligible for Pacific-Asian Scholarships. Prior to submitting a tuition waiver application form, foreign applicants must submit TOEFL/IETLS scores and documentation of financial support for expenses other than tuition to Graduate Division Student Services. To apply for any of these forms of support, students should submit the ICS Graduate Assistantship Application along with three letters of recommendation using the Graduate Assistantship Evaluation Form. Because we can offer assistance to only a small fraction of applicants, we highly encourage students to also seek other forms of support, such as the East-West Center or other scholarships or forms of employment.
Master’s Degree
The master’s program is intended for students planning to specialize in computer science or to apply computer science to another field. Applicants who do not possess an undergraduate degree in computer science from an accredited institution will need to complete equivalent course work.
Requirements
Plan A (thesis) and Plan B (non-thesis) are available. A minimum of 31 credit hours is required under both plans. A minimum B average must be maintained in all courses.
Plan A (Thesis) Requirements
- At least six ICS graduate courses, i.e. courses with numbers between ICS 600 and 692, with the exception of ICS 690. At least one course must be taken from each of four areas of concentration in the program to ensure breadth of knowledge. 3 credits of ICS 700 may be substituted for one of these six courses;
- Two additional elective 600-level courses must be taken either from the ICS department or some related discipline (such as LIS, EE, MIS, etc.) on a topic related to computer science. Elective courses must have prior approval from the ICS graduate chair as to the suitability prior to enrollment in the courses;
- Up to two of the graduate courses may be replaced by regular ICS 400-level courses (not ICS 499), taken after enrolling in the ICS graduate program. ICS 400-level courses do not count towards the area requirement with the exception of ICS 423.
- Thesis research taken as 6 credits of ICS 700 is required for the degree. These credits are typically taken close to or during the final semester in the program (an additional 3 credits of ICS 700 may be taken as a replacement for one of the two additional elective 600-level courses described in point 2 above); and
- ICS 690 (taken for CR/NC) for one semester.
Plan B (Non-thesis) Requirements
- At least six ICS graduate courses, i.e. courses with numbers between ICS 600 and ICS 691, with the exception of ICS 690. At least one course must be taken from each of four areas of concentration in the program to ensure breadth of knowledge;
- Two additional elective 600-level courses must be taken either from the ICS department or some related discipline (such as LIS, EE, MIS, etc.) on a topic related to computer science. Elective courses must have prior approval from the ICS graduate chair as to the suitability prior to enrollment in the courses;
- Up to two of the graduate courses may be replaced by regular ICS 400-level courses (not ICS 499), taken after enrolling in the ICS graduate program. ICS 400-level courses do not count towards the area requirement with the exception of ICS 423;
- A final project ending with a required written report, taken as ICS 699 (a maximum of six credits is counted toward the degree) under the supervision of a faculty member; and
- ICS 690 (taken for CR/NC) for one semester.
The administrative procedures for the program include the following rules:
- The student must meet with the graduate program chair during the first semester;
- Upon completion of at least 12 credit hours of courses applicable to the degree, students are encouraged to propose a degree plan by selecting Plan A (Thesis) or Plan B (Non-Thesis) options;
- Plan A students are encouraged to choose a thesis topic and committee upon completion of 18 credit hours of applicable courses; and
- All requests for changes in degree plan must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by the graduate program chair before the diploma application is filed.
PhD in Computer Science
The department offers a PhD in computer science that prepares students for creative research, teaching, and service. There are two programs leading to the PhD degree, one designed for the applicant entering with bachelor’s degrees, and the other for those who already have master’s degrees. Students may begin their program either in the fall or spring semesters.
Applicants with bachelor’s degrees must first satisfy the admission and degree requirements of the master’s degree in computer science. Advantages to this route are (1) students are admitted at an early stage to the PhD program; (2) they will, in practice, usually take a year LESS to obtain their PhD since the MS portion of the program will prepare them for their qualifying examination; and (3) students who have completed the MS requirements will have the option of obtaining a master’s degree even if they do not continue with the PhD program.
Applicants with master’s degrees in areas other than computer science may be admitted to the program, but will be required to fulfill their program deficiencies with additional course work.
Requirements for students to complete the PhD program are:
- Passing a qualifying examination demonstrating core competency in computer science no later than the end of the first year of their PhD studies;
- Preparing a portfolio showing research readiness by the end of the second year of their PhD studies;
- Defend their PhD proposal;
- Final defense of PhD dissertation.
In addition, students must continue to pass a seminar course(s), ICS 690, during the “PhD portion” of their program. After passing the oral examination covering their general preparation for the research involved, students must write a dissertation that must be approved by the doctoral committee.
Interdisciplinary Doctoral Degree Program
The ICS department participates in an interdisciplinary program in Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) that integrates computer science, library science, communication and management information systems. Due to the broad knowledge base required to support the program, it draws on a variety of majors such as behavioral science, economics, engineering, and political science. The computer science program is one of four academic programs (COM, ICS, ITM, and LIS) that support this degree. See the “Interdisciplinary Program” section for more information on this program.