The blended BS/MS program in Computer Science provides an accelerated route for academically excellent upper-division students in the BS degree program to complete the MS degree program while simultaneously completing the BS requirements. The main objectives of the program are:

• To provide an accelerated route to a graduate degree, with simultaneous awarding of both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• To provide a seamless process whereby a limited number of students can progress from undergraduate to graduate status.

Program Features

• Simplified application process
• BS and MS coursework can be taken concurrently
• Maximum of 9 shared elective units between BS and MS programs. Shared units are to be completed after University admission into the Blended Program.
• Access to graduate student facilities
• TA appointments (if available)
• Scheduling flexibility provided by the program enables students to complete the BS and MS degrees efficiently.

Admission to the Blended BS/MS Program

The eligibility requirements for admission to the blended BS/MS program are:

• Students must have completed a minimum of 80-semester units of coursework.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units. 
• Students must have completed all of the required CS 3000-level courses in the BS degree program with an average of 3.0 in these courses.
• Students must have completed the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)  .

Students are selected by a faculty committee based on prior academic performance, personal statements, and a letter of recommendation.

Applications must be submitted one semester in advance of the desired starting semester. To apply, please contact the Department of Computer Science .

Degree Requirements

• Successful completion of all requirements for the BS (180 - 183 quarter units / 120-122 semester units) and the MS (45 - 53 quarter units / 30 - 36 semester units) degrees with an overlap of 16 quarter units in electives.
• A minimum 2.0 GPA for courses counting towards the bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA for courses counting towards the master’s degree.
• Degrees are awarded when requirements for both the bachelor’s and the master’s degrees are met by the student and recorded by the Registrar’s Office. Both degrees are awarded in the same term.
• Students who select the Thesis Option must be enrolled during the term that they submit their approved graduate thesis/project to the Library.
• Students must apply to graduate in the Blended Program (BS / MS) by submitting a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office. This request should be submitted at least two terms prior to graduation.
• Students who fail to complete the requirements for the master’s degree may petition to withdraw from the Blended Program, if the petition is approved, the bachelor’s degree will be granted when all the requirements for that degree are met.

 

Visit the program description pages of the Computer Science, B.S.  and the Computer Science, M.S.  programs.