If you would like to apply to our coursework-only master’s program, make sure to select “Master of Computer Science” not “Computer Science MS.” The Master of Computer Science program is listed alphabetically with the M’s.
Overview
The USU Computer Science Department is excited to announce our new Master of Computer Science (MCS) program! This is a professional, coursework-only degree. Admissions are open now - please forward/share with your family, friends, classmates, and colleagues who may be interested in a career pivot to Computer Science (no previous CS experience required) or pursuing additional education. No GRE is required for admission!
The Master of Computer Science is a professional, coursework-only master's degree which:
- Invites students from all undergraduate backgrounds to apply
- No previous CS or coding experience required
- Students without a grade of C or better in a course in Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 2420 at USU) must complete three (3) prerequisite courses (two or three semesters) before beginning their MCS coursework
- Has no entrance exam requirement
- Admissions requirements: previous transcripts, three letters of recommendation, resume, and statement of purpose
- Allows students to take courses according to their interests
- Can be completed as quickly as three (3) semesters
- Only 33 credits (or 11 courses) are required
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Allows students to study Data Science/Data Analysis/Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Computer Vision, High Performance Computing, Visualization, Virtual Reality, Security, Algorithms, and more
Admissions
Minimum Requirements
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA in your BS program
- (International Students) TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 5 on each subscale
- A course in Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 2420) with a grade of C or better
- This is a non-funded degree
Application Materials
Note: Application materials may be submitted after paying the $55 nonrefundable application fee. For more information on application materials, visit the School of Graduate Studies' Steps to Apply and Admissions Policies.
Application Deadlines
| Semester | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (Begins in August) | June 1 |
| Spring (Begins in January) | December 1 |
| Summer (Begins in May) | No Admission |
Please note that MCS students are not eligible for Departmental funding (Graduate Teaching Assistantships).
Note: Admitted students may defer their acceptance for a maximum of one year. Beyond one year, students need to reapply for their program.
Coursework
Program Pathway
- Be accepted to the Master of Computer Science program and work with your advisor: the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu.
- Register for courses.
- Second Semester (due Nov. 30th or Apr. 30th): Submit your Program of Study (POS) by emailing the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu , to let them know it is ready for approval. If you are a split-student, please complete your POS your 1st semester (Sept 30th and January 30th).
- Complete 33 credits of coursework, as listed on your POS.
- Notify the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu , the semester you plan to graduate. Your MCS program is complete after you have completed the coursework on your POS.
- Check with the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu , about any final closeout steps for the School of Computing.
Supervisory Committee
Master of Computer Science (MCS) students do not need to find a major professor or form a Supervisory Committee. the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu , will serve as the permanent advisor for all MCS students.
Program of Study
The Program of Study (POS) is a contract among the student, the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu , and the School of Graduate Studies outlining which courses the student will take to meet the School of Graduate Studies requirements and complete their degree program.
Students joining the department in a Fall semester will need to submit a Program of Study by April 1st of their second semester. Students joining the department in a Spring semester will need to submit a Program of Study by November 1st of their second semester.
In order to be approved, the POS must follow the Master of Computer Science (MCS) degree requirements listed in the USU Catalog. Requirements for an MCS POS are as follows:
GPA Policy
Fall 2020 to Present
- Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses.
- Grades of C+ or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
Financial Aid
Departmental Funding (in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships) is not available for MCS students. Some students are able to find campus employment with other departments or research groups:
- School of Graduate Studies financial assistance (Fellowships, Assistantships, Tuition Waivers and Remission)
- University Financial Aid
- Learn more about student employment through the Career Design Center.