Doctorate of Software Development

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Doctorate of Software Development 

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Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree program, graduates will be able to:

    • Evaluate organizational issues and recommend database solutions.
    • Evaluate appropriate design choices when solving real-world problems.
    • Develop software engineering process models and management approaches for design and architecture of large software systems.
    • Design technical documentations to include the technical aspects of architecture, design, and quality assurance.
    • Develop Business Intelligence (BI) using a wide range of applications, practices, and technologies for the extraction, transformation, integration, visualization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data to support improved decision making.

Course Information

Doctorate of Software Development (DSD): 62 Credits

Program Length

SYNC SESSIONS

DSD Courses

OFFERED TIMES

Thursday or Friday Night (8PM, 9PM, or 10PM EST)

Program Core: 62 Credits

DS7000: Database Management & Implementation

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, students will explore Database Concepts, Advanced Design and Implementation, Data modeling and the importance of Data models. This course also includes Best Practices in database design and management as well as usage of data specifications.

DS7100: Advanced Operating Systems

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, students will examine the use of operating systems, their impact of improving areas such as memory management, process scheduling, file systems, and device drivers. This course will also examine the techniques and technologies of non-distributed operating systems that benefit researcher, academicians, and practitioners.

DS7200: Software Engineering & Development

(Prerequisite: RM8500)  In this course, students will explore Software Engineering techniques and deepen their understanding of high-level languages and systems programming.  Some of the principles discussed include abstraction, algorithms, data structures, and web development.  Students will also apply the methods and techniques for creating software systems using the best practices in modeling, architecture, process analysis, design, and object-orientated design patterns. This course will provide students with the principles and concepts involved in the analysis and design of large software systems.

DS7300: Software Architecture & Design

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, provides students with an advanced understanding of software development with an emphasis on architecture and design, and how this relates to programming and implementation. Students will explore advanced object oriented concepts and the relationship between design in UML (Unified Modelling Language) and its expression in code and how this is supported by modelling tools and development platforms; parallelism using multi-threading, and first principles client server architecture using socket communications and basic protocols.

DS7400: Software Comprehension and Maintenance

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, students will examine topics related to maintaining large-scale software systems.  Students will also investigate Database Systems, Networks, Cloud Computing, Electronic Commerce and Enterprise Systems.  Some of the advanced features of this course will examine Knowledge Management and Specialized Information Systems.  Finally, this course will examine Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues associated with Information Systems.

DS7500: Problem Solving and Programming for the Research Practitioner

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, students will be introduced to computer programming in a contemporary language. Algorithm development, refinement, and problem solving approaches. Data types and control structures. Program debugging and testing. Interactive input/output. Single and multi-dimensional arrays. Simple sorting and searching algorithms. Introduction to classes, objects, and object-oriented programming.

DS7600: Big Data and Analytical Research Methods for Software Developers

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course students will learn Advanced Data Analysis techniques which are oftentimes associated with Data Mining.  Students will evaluate various optimization and simulation models in an effort to determine which models are best suited for various markets.  Students will conduct extensive analysis to determine relationships among variables within various environmental settings.

DS7700: Concurrent and Distributed Systems

(Prerequisite: RM8500) This course is designed to introduce students to concurrency control and distribution concepts and their implications for system design and implementation. Therefore, this course will provide an overview of properties of distributed and concurrent systems, software system structure, occurrence of concurrency in systems, concurrency control, and recovery methods.

IA8070: Design and Development of Security Architectures

In this course, students evaluate the principles, attributes and processes used in designing and deploying a comprehensive and resilient layered security architecture that supports the business and technical objectives of the enterprise.

PM8100: Information Security Project Management

In this course, students utilize PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) as a framework to apply project management concepts in the information security arena. Each student develops a project plan for a security assessment which incorporates the technical and behavioral characteristics of high performance teams.

DS7500: Problem Solving and Programming for the Research Practitioner

(Prerequisite: RM8500) In this course, students will be introduced to computer programming in a contemporary language. Algorithm development, refinement, and problem solving approaches. Data types and control structures. Program debugging and testing. Interactive input/output. Single and multi-dimensional arrays. Simple sorting and searching algorithms. Introduction to classes, objects, and object-oriented programming.

Pre Dissertation:

RM8500: Research Foundations

In this course, doctoral students are introduced to the purpose and nature of primary research. Students explore the foundations and concepts of applied field research.

RM9100: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

(Prerequisite: Program Core Courses completed)  In this course, students compare, contrast, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis for solving business problems and conducting business-related field research. In week 4, the Comprehensive and qualifying exam is released as a separate course shell, IA9130. The Exam is expected to be completed concurrently while completing RM9100 and is due in week 8.

CHP555 Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing

(Prereq. MSC640) This course analyzes the principles and techniques associated with the cybersecurity practice known as penetration testing. The course covers planning, reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, post‐exploitation, and result reporting and prepares students for the Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certifications.

DS9130-CX: Comprehensive Exam

(Program Core courses must have been taken; Taken concurrently with RM9100) Students take the comprehensive and qualifying exam.

Research Methodologies:

DS8000: Advanced Qualitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre-Dissertation Classes) This course is part of a two-course advanced research methodology sequence that is designed to assess the student’s ability to conduct independent research under the guidance of an instructor.  These courses will assess the student’s ability to listen to the instructor and incorporate the instructor’s feedback.  These courses will also assess the student’s ability to work productively with the instructor to accomplish the following goals including, but not limited to: choosing an appropriate a topic that aligns with the parameters set forth in the class syllabus; refining the topic; conducting the literature review; designing the study that that aligns with the parameters set forth in the class syllabus; collecting appropriate evidence; interpreting the findings; critically assessing/analyzing the evidence in relation to the problem under investigation and the research questions; critically assessing/analyzing the evidence in relation to the problem under investigation and the hypotheses (quantitative research); and writing scholarly doctoral-level research that adheres to APA guidelines. The assessment of the aforementioned personal attributes and skill-sets, in addition to the formal research knowledge and skill-sets under investigation in these two classes, are paramount to improving the student’s success later in the program when h/she is researching and writing his/her own, original dissertation project with his/her Chair.

DS8100: Advanced Quantitative Methods in Software Development/Engineering

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre-Dissertation Classes) This course is part of a two-course advanced research methodology sequence that is designed to assess the student’s ability to conduct independent research under the guidance of an instructor. These courses will assess the student’s ability to listen to the instructor and incorporate the instructor’s feedback. These courses will also assess the student’s ability to work productively with the instructor to accomplish the following goals including, but not limited to: choosing an appropriate a topic that aligns with the parameters set forth in the class syllabus; refining the topic; conducting the literature review; designing the study that that aligns with the parameters set forth in the class syllabus; collecting appropriate evidence; interpreting the findings; critically assessing/analyzing the evidence in relation to the problem under investigation and the research questions; critically assessing/analyzing the evidence in relation to the problem under investigation and the hypotheses (quantitative research); and writing scholarly doctoral-level research that adheres to APA guidelines. The assessment of the aforementioned personal attributes and skill-sets, in addition to the formal research knowledge and skill-sets under investigation in these two classes, are paramount to improving the student’s success later in the program when h/she is researching and writing his/her own, original dissertation project with his/her Chair.

Phase I:

RM9150: Feasibility Problem Driven Research

(Prerequisite: Program Core, Pre-Dissertation and Research Methodologies completed) In this course, students identify a research site, describe a plan for access to the research site, identify a problem affecting the research site that can be developed into a feasible topic area for field research, and develop a working bibliography of recent and relevant peer-reviewed research that supports the theoretical framework of the proposed topic. Students apply the concept of problem-driven research as the basis for selecting a feasible and non-trivial research topic or problem.

DS9200: Designing Solution to Software Development Problems

In this course, doctoral students enrolled in the DIA program continue to evaluate the feasibility of their proposed research site and the potential solutions to be studied. Students present their proposed project at the Dissertation Bootcamp at the end of this course.

Phase II:

DS8110: Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 1)

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre Dissertation, Research Methodologies, Phase I Classes) This is the first course in Phase II of the doctoral plan. Phase II consists of the Research Preparation courses (DS8110, DS8120, DS8121, and DS8130) in which doctoral students follow a structured approach to designing their dissertation study, refining their research question(s), and developing the operational details for their study. The focus is on clearly specifying the assessment criteria and organizational requirements needed to justify a proposed improvement in professional practice, and on designing and implementing such an assessment. DS8110 is the first course in which students start developing the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1-4.1).

DS8120: Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 2)

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre Dissertation, Research Methodologies, Phase I Classes and DS8110) This is the second course in Phase II of the doctoral plan. Phase II consists of the Research Preparation courses (DS8110, DS8120, DS8121, and DS8130) in which doctoral students follow a structured approach to designing their dissertation study, refining their research question(s), and developing the operational details for their study. The focus is on clearly specifying the assessment criteria and organizational requirements needed to justify a proposed improvement in professional practice, and on designing and implementing such an assessment. The goal of the entire course sequence is to complete the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.1). (3 credits)
In this seminar, students will revisit the foundations of research methods and apply them to the modifications required for creating the required dissertation deliverables. DS8120 is the second course in which students continue developing the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1-4.1). Concepts covered include: research problems, questions and hypotheses, data types, quantitative and qualitative approaches, research designs, variables and scales, data collection instruments, and sampling.

DS8121: Dissertation Proposal (Chapter 2 Continued)

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre Dissertation, Research Methodologies, Phase I Classes and DS8110 and DS8120) This is the third course in Phase II of the doctoral plan. Phase II consists of the Research Preparation courses (DS8110, DS8120, DS8121, and DS8130) in which doctoral students follow a structured approach to designing their dissertation study, refining their research question(s), and developing the operational details for their study. The focus is on clearly specifying the assessment criteria and organizational requirements needed to justify a proposed improvement in professional practice, and on designing and implementing such an assessment. The goal of the entire course sequence is to complete the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.1).

Phase III:

DS8130: The Dissertation Proposal (Chapters 3 and 4.1 & the IRB)

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre Dissertation, Research Methodologies, Phase I Classes and DS8110 and DS8120 and DS8121) This is the fourth and final course in Phase II of the doctoral plan. Phase II consists of the Research Preparation courses (DS8110, DS8120, DS8121, and DS8130) in which doctoral students follow a structured approach to designing their dissertation study, refining their research question(s), and developing the operational details for their study. The focus is on clearly specifying the assessment criteria and organizational requirements needed to justify a proposed improvement in professional practice, and on designing and implementing such an assessment. The goal of the entire DS course sequence (DS8110, 8120, 8121, and 8130) is to complete the dissertation proposal (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4.1).

Phase IV:

DS9600X: Dissertation Defense (Dissertation Committee & DDR)

(Prerequisites: Program Core, Pre Dissertation, Research Methodologies, Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III) Welcome to Phase IV of the doctoral plan. In this class, you will work with your assigned doctoral committee consisting of a Mentor/Chair and two or more faculty reviewers/readers to complete your dissertation manuscript. You work with your Mentor/Chair to solidify a solid final working draft of your entire manuscript for submission, review, and approval by your entire committee.

Technology Requirements

Following are the recommended general technical hardware/software specifications for students enrolled in all academic programs at the University of Fairfax. Please note that

a) these specifications are sufficient for the entire duration of the program,

b) need for specific applications/software would be determined by the actual course(s) registered and the availability of the applications, and

c) although students with Mac computers can access any applications/software by leveraging remote access tools, Mac platform is not recommended and supported, and

d) doctoral students will be required to user several open-source applications, hosted services, and publicly available virtual machines. This may include but is not limited to SAS (Statistical Analysis System) OnDemand, Oracle Virtual Box, Kali OS, Apache Web Server, GNU/Linux, OpenSSL, ROS (Robot Operating System), Blender (3D computer graphics), and Orange (Data Mining).

Minimum Recommended Specifications 

1. Ownership of either laptop or desktop is mandatory. Mobile devices such as Tablets/Smart Phones cannot be used for running any applications. Mobile devices may be used for simple tasks such as accessing Canvas courses for checking messages, grades, due dates, and read the slides. For other tasks such as taking test, uploading assignments, and participating in discussion forums, mobile devices are not recommended and must not be used.

2. These recommendations are universal across all academic programs and provide a basic format for all courses. As you move further into a degree program, these requirements may increase (only minimal) based on the expectations of the program and the availability of applications.

 Platform: Intel-based systems

Minimum

Better

Best
CPU 4 core 3.0 GHz. 6 core 3.0 GHz. 8 core 3.0 GHz.
RAM 16GB 32GB 32GB
Storage 500GB SSD 1TB SSD 1TB SSD
Graphics {Integrated} OR {2GB} OR {1GB DirectX 11} {Integrated} OR {4GB} OR {2GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB DirectX 11} {4GB} OR {NVIDIA 4GB} OR {4GB DirectX 11} OR {NVIDIA 6GB DirectX 11}
Operating System Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition Windows 10 or 11 64-bit (Professional Edition only), No Home Edition
Extras

2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports

 

Microphone

 

Camera

 

External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB)

2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports

 

Microphone

 

Camera

 

External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB)

2-3 USB 2.0 or 2-3 USB 3.0 Ports

 

Microphone

 

Camera

 

External USB Drive for backup (minimum 1 TB)
Recommended Standard Productivity Applications

Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve

 

Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)

 

Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional

 

Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)

 

Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners

 

Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc.

 

Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve

 

Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)

 

Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional

 

Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)

 

Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or 2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners

 

Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc.

Access, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Power BI, Project, Publisher, Visio, Sway, Word, Forms, Delve

 

Internet browsers like Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. (recommend the use of multiple browsers)

 

Document Management Application – Adobe Acrobat Professional

 

Zoom Desktop Client (https://zoom.us/download)

 

Free Video / Photo Editing (select 1 or 2) Application – PowerDirector (best) – Google, Promeo – Best App for Social Media, iMovie – Video Editor App for Beginners, Splice – Free Video Editor for Trimming and Cropping, Quik – Best Video Editor for Montages, KineMaster – Video Editing App For Experienced Editors, Filmmaker Pro – Best for Vertical Editing, InShot – Best Video Editor App for Aspiring Social Media Content Creators, Mojo – Best for Any Kind of Social Media Post, VivaVideo – Best for Beginners

 

Keep the system up to date with Windows Updates, .NET Framework etc.

 

 

Policy on Sync Sessions

  • The Sync Sessions must be held in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8.
  • The Sync Sessions must be spent having students defending and explaining their research assignment for that week. This time should not be spent lecturing as it should be structured in a manner to help prepare candidates in the process of defending and justifying their research.
  • The Sync Sessions must be held Thursday-Saturday.
  • If the Sync Sessions are held on a Thursday or Friday night, the times to begin should be 8pm, 9pm, or 10pm Est to accommodate students who are on the west coast.
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