Master of Science in Computer Science Plan A

Minimum Requirements

• TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 5 on each subscale
• Extensive experience in computing, programming experience in C++, and a course in Data Structures and Algorithms (CS 2420), as well as a working grasp of calculus and statistics
• 3.0 Cumulative GPA in your BS program

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. If you have an error on your application such as the start date, contact the School of Graduate Studies to adjust this before you complete the application.

Note: Admitted students may defer their acceptance for a maximum of one year. Beyond one year, students need to reapply for their program.

Program Pathway

1. Be accepted to the Computer Science MS program and work with your temporary advisor: the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu
2. Register for courses.
3. International students must register for International Graduate School Orientation their first semester.
4. Complete the RCR training for research by 2nd semester.
5. Second Semester (due Nov. 30th or Apr. 20th): Form your graduate committee and complete the Supervisory Committee Approval Form (SCAF)
6. 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 her know it is ready for approval.
7. Complete an Annual Review with your major professor each year. (due Apr. 30th).
8. Third Semester (or sooner): Submit your Thesis Proposal Approval (TPA).
9. Take 6 credits of CS 6970 and conduct your research. Take 24 credits of coursework, as listed on your POS.
10. Write your thesis and submit it to your major professor, then to your committee.
11. Tentatively schedule your defense with your committee and complete your Appointment for Examination (AFE) at least 2 weeks prior to your defense.
12. Work with the Staff Assistant to schedule a meeting room and publicize the thesis defense.
13. Defend your thesis then complete any edits requested by your major professor.
14. Complete post-defense forms: Format and Style, Authorship and Copyright, and Title Pages.
15. Your Computer Science MS, Plan A program is complete after you complete the coursework on your POS and your successfully defended thesis has been approved.
16. 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 (SCAF)

• New students are assigned a temporary advisor.
• By the end of their first semester students should know their research area and have identified a professor to supervise said research.
• Students formulate a research idea/topic and approach the identified professor.
• If the identified professor agrees to accept the new student, the professor becomes the student’s permanent advisor (also called Committee Chair or Major Professor).
• Together, the student and the Committee Chair decide the other members of the student’s Graduate Supervisory Committee. Contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu, to get more information about who can serve on the committee.
• For students joining the department in Fall semester, you will need to submit a Supervisory Committee Form (SCAF) by November 30th. For students joining the department in Spring semester, you will need to submit a SCAF by April 20th.
• If your advisor leaves USU, it is your responsibility to get a new advisor. The advisor cannot, in general, direct your progress from another university.

Program of Study (POS) Requirements

The Program of Study (POS) is a contract among the student, committee members, 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 30th of their second semester. Students joining the department in a Spring semester will need to submit a Program of Study by November 30th of their second semester.

In order to be approved, the POS must follow the Computer Science MS, Plan A degree requirements listed on the USU Catalog. Requirements for a Computer Science MS, Plan A POS are as follows:

GPA Policy

Graduate students frequently wonder whether they can get financial assistance from the Department. This is available to qualified students in a variety of forms:

• Research assistantships (GRA) are awarded by individual professors who have research funds to support graduate students; consult the web pages of individual faculty to determine whether they are seeking research assistants.

In addition to the stipend, students receiving financial aid usually qualify for a waiver of up to 9 credits non-resident and resident portion of tuition.

Students who accept the offer of admissions by April 15 will be eligible to apply for financial aid for the following Fall semester.

Some students are able to find campus employment with other departments or research groups.

• Apply for admission as a graduate student
• 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. For more information about employment in the CS department, contact the Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), Taryn Sommers taryn.sommers@usu.edu

The School of Computing Tuition Award Policy