Fast Track to MS in Computer Science
The Fast Track MSCS program offers an accelerated path for qualified and motivated students to obtain both bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science in five years. The main benefits of the program are:
- It allows students to take 10 credits of 5000-level electives in their undergraduate years and count them towards both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees.
- The application process for this program is greatly simplified compared to the graduate admission process. No GRE, recommendations, transcripts, or letter of intent is required.
Joining the Fast Track
In order to be eligible for fast-track, candidates must:
- Already be enrolled the BS program in Computer Science
- Have completed all required 3000-level CPSC courses (with a C or better)
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 as well as a major GPA of 3.0 at the time of application
Students must first declare intent by filling out this form: Fast Track Intent Form.
Students can only declare intent once they meet eligibility requirements. Students may declare intent once they meet eligibility requirements. Students may declare intent in the quarter they are finishing the required 3000-level courses.
Students must declare intent by the following deadlines:
- MSCS - Data Science specialization: April 26th of their junior year
- Other tracks: October 8th of their senior year
During their senior year, students also need to formally apply to the MSCS program. Deadline: April 8th. Please read this document carefully before starting your application: Fast Track - MSCS Application Instructions (PDF).
Additional Information
A couple things to keep in mind:
- Students cannot register for 5000-level CPSC courses unless they have declared intent and have been approved. Students will receive directions on how to register.
- A maximum of 10 credits can be applied to both the BS and MSCS program. Students need 180 credits to receive their BS degree and at least 36 additional credits for the MSCS degree.
