This fast-track program enables well-qualified BS degree students in Computer Science to complete both the BS and the MS in nine fewer total credits. Students will take three graduate courses as their CIS BS-degree technical electives. Students electing the BS/MS option are required to complete a master's thesis.
Eligibility
Current undergraduate Computer Science students (including transfer students) who are in progress towards completing their first bachelor's degree are eligible to apply if they
- have completed 60 credits towards the BS degree
- have not taken and are not currently enrolled in any senior-level (400-level) or graduate (500-level) course
- have completed courses CIS 180, 181, 190, 272, 273 (or 264), 280 (or equivalents for transfer students)
- have a GPA of at least 3.000 in all CIS courses taken at the time of application
- have completed MTH 181, 182 and MTH 151/153, MTH 152/154 (or equivalents for transfer students) with a GPA of at least 2.800
Interested students need to have their eligibility approved by the Computer Science Graduate Program Director or the Chairperson. Students apply for admission to the BS/MS option through the Office of Graduate Studies using the regular graduate application, but must indicate that the applicant is a BS to MS student and select the time of admission as when the applicant would normally begin a master’s degree, after meeting all BS graduation conditions. Applicants to the BS/MS program are not required to submit GRE score, TOEFL score or recommendation letters. Application decisions are reviewed by the CIS Graduate Committee.
The department will follow a schedule:
- Graduate Committee identifies qualified students: February
- Graduate Committee sends invitation letters: March
- Students/Advisors Develop Program of Study: March/April
- Application filing deadline: May 1
Progression to MS Study
The student will earn the BS degree at the point of meeting all BS degree requirements, counting the completed three graduate courses as senior electives. At this time, the approved BS/MS student's status changes to graduate level. However, BS/MS students may change to graduate status earlier once they have completed at least 111 credits toward the BS, have completed all junior (300-level) CIS and MTH courses, and have a GPA in all CIS courses at or above 3.000. Students electing the BS/MS option will pay undergraduate rates until changed to graduate status; in graduate status they may be considered for graduate assistantships.
Maintaining MS Status
The department has determined a specific policy to monitor BS/MS students' performance and progression towards their BS and then MS degrees. Any student accepted to the BS/MS option but later dismissed from the MS level will be transferred back to the BS level program.
Obtaining MS Degree
For additional degree requirements, refer to the general Information & Requirements for MS in Computer Science degree.