BS/MS Option in Computer Science

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This fast-track program enables well-qualified BS degree students in Computer Science to complete both the BS and the MS with nine fewer credits than if taken separately. 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 and 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 111, 112 (or the equivalents for transfer students) with a GPA of at least 2.800.

Those interested may consult the Computer Science Graduate Program Director about their eligibility. Students apply for admission to the BS/MS option through the Office of Graduate Studies, submitting the regular graduate application but without GRE or TOEFL scores, or recommendation letters. Application decisions are reviewed by the CIS Graduate Committee.

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 and have completed all junior (300-level) CIS and MTH courses, providing they have a GPA in all CIS courses at or above 3.000. Students selecting 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.