The Network Systems Track
The Network Systems track is intended for students who wish to develop state-of-the-art knowledge of network
systems technologies and the underlying principles, protocols and algorithms. Networking technologies play a
central, driving role in shaping the directions of both the IT and communication industries. This track will
help you develop leading-edge knowledge of these technologies.
Track Advisors
Prof. Henning Schulzrinne
and Prof. Vishal Misra are the advisors
for Masters students following this track. E-mail: hgs@cs.columbia.edu (Prof. Schulzrinne);
misra@cs.columbia.edu (Prof. Misra).
Overall Requirements
Students must complete at least a total of 30 graduate credits.
1. Fulfill the 12-credit core requirement; two core courses COMS W4115 and COMS W4118 are prerequisites for this track.
2. One required track course (3 credits): CSEE W4119
3. Four elective courses (12 credits) selected from the Electives list below; at least 2 of these courses must
be 6000-level CS courses.
4. One general elective graduate CS course (3 credits), at the 4000-level or above.
5. Students using Special Considerations to credit previous courses towards core or track requirements may
complete the 30 graduate credits by expanding their electives beyond the base track requirements above.
Core Breadth Requirement:
Students must complete at least four Core courses out of the following six:
COMS W4115: Programming Languages and Translators
COMS W4118: Operating Systems
COMS W4156: Advanced Software Engineering
CSOR W4231: Analysis of Algorithms
COMS W4701: Artificial Intelligence
CSEE W4824: Computer Architecture
Candidates must complete the core courses W4115 and W4118 or equivalent courses, to develop a fundamental
understanding of computer systems. Ideally, students should complete these courses prior to pursuing track
courses, but they may be taken concurrently with track courses.
Required Track Course
Candidates are required to complete the following course:
CSEE W4119: Introduction to Computer Networks
Students who have completed an equivalent course with a grade of at least 3.0 may apply this course to
satisfy the requirement and devote more credits to pursue elective courses.
Elective Track Courses
Candidates are required to complete four (4) courses from the following list; at least two courses
must be 6000-level CS courses:
COMS E6181: Advanced Internet Services
COMS E6998: Advanced Internet Routing
COMS W6998: Content Networking
COMS W4180: Introduction to Network Security
COMS W4261: Introduction to Cryptography
COMS W4995: VOIP Security
COMS E6998: Advanced Topics in Security
COMS E6185: Intrusion and Anomaly Detection Systems
COMS E6118: Operating Systems II
COMS E6180: Modeling & Performance Evaluation
COMS E6125: Web Enhanced Information Management
COMS E6901: Projects in Computer Science
ELEN E6717: Information Theory
ELEN E4703: Wireless Communications
ELEN E6761: Computer Communication Networks
ELEN E6950: Wireless & Mobile Networks, I
ELEN E6951: Wireless & Mobile Networks, II
SIEO W4606: Stochastic Processes (or substitute with IEOR-W4106)
IEOR E6704: Queuing Theory and Applications
IEOR E6801: Monte Carlo & Discrete Event Simulation
IEOR E4406: Facilities Location, Routing, Network Design
General Electives
Candidates are required to complete at least one Columbia graduate course, approved by your Advisor.
Note: The list of electives may be updated to reflect changes in the schedule of course offerings.