A Reference Model for Master of Science Program in Services Computing

Services Computing has become an increasingly important area in the IT and business sectors. In particular, Services now account for more than half of the economy in the United States and other countries. Numerous Services Computing-related degree programs and accreditation processes are being created. However, very few systematic guidelines exist for building graduate programs for Services Computing. In this paper, we present a reference model of the Masters Program in Services Computing for academic institutions and accreditation agencies as a relevant curriculum guideline. Specifically, the core and elective courses are introduced to help build the reference program. The inter-connections between core and elective courses are also illustrated to help create concentration programs based on the introducing sequences of the courses. Some practices of delivering Services Computing related courses and conducting accreditation application process are presented in this paper to help others more rapidly initiate the adoption process of the Services Computing curriculum.