Five-Year BS/MS Accelerated Program

Description: An accelerated program that enables Computer Science students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree as well as a Master of Computer Science degree in five years.

Purpose of the program: The Accelerated Master’s Program is designed to attract the best current undergraduate students. The program is designed for students who demonstrate an interest in, and ability for, additional education beyond the bachelor’s degree. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in graduate courses during their third (Junior) and fourth (Senior) years of study.

Application to the program:

BSCS + MCIS

A student is eligible to apply for the accelerated program if the following conditions are satisfied:

• The student has been accepted as a BSCS major.
• The student has completed at least 70 credit hours, and  at least 16 credit hours in CIS courses.
• The student has completed at least 30 credit hours earned at CSU.
• The student has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or better, and a grade-point average of 3.25 or better in all CIS courses.

Typically, such applications should be made at the end of the junior year. In addition, students should apply to the accelerated program before the completion of 110 credit hours towards the bachelor’s degree, including transfer credits, to take full advantage of the program. Also, admission to the accelerated program does not require GRE or equivalent tests.

Application Process:

Students who wish to be considered for admission must complete and submit an application package to the Graduate Program Director of the Computer Science Department.  A complete application must include:

• An Accelerated Master’s Program application form;
• Two letters of recommendation
• A one- to two-page written statement describing why and how this program will enhance the student’s scholarly and career goals.

Program Details:

Students admitted to the Accelerated Master’s Program retain undergraduate status until they meet the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. After admission to the Accelerated Master’s Program, the student may complete up to 9 credit hours of graduate courses while enrolled in the undergraduate program. These 9 credit-hours can count towards both the undergraduate degree and the graduate degree, depending on program requirements. Graduate courses taken by undergraduates will count towards the graduate degree only if the student receives a grade of B or better. Only graduate courses that begin after admission to the Accelerated Master’s Program are eligible to count towards the graduate degree. Upon receipt of the Bachelor’s degree, students who have a 3.0 or better average in their graduate courses are guaranteed admission to the graduate program. They will have up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework (and grades) placed on their graduate transcripts. After receiving the undergraduate degree, students must apply to the respective Master's program and attend the next regular semester as a graduate student in order to continue in the program. Graduate students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 to remain in the program.

Honors students:  500-level courses that are counted as Honors credits can be used as graduate courses in this program.

Application Form