We offer an accelerated option for students to complete both the BS program in Computer Science or Cybersecurity and the MS program in Computer Science. This option allows qualified seniors in the BS program in Computer Science or Cybersecurity to enroll in 5000-level graduate classes in the MS program in Computer Science. As a result, these students will be able to complete the requirements for their BS and MS degrees in 4 + 1 = 5 years (rather than in 4 + 2 = 6 years).
Requirements for the 4 + 1 option:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25
- Completion of a minimum of 75% of the required 3000-level CSCI/CSEC courses (with no D’s)
- Must be within 12 months of completing the BS program in Computer Science or Cybersecurity
- May not exceed 18 credit hours in any 4 + 1 semester
- Must maintain a minimum of 3.0 grade point average in each 4 + 1 semester
- Submission of an online application (refer to the instructions given below)
Note that students who do not meet all of these requirements may still be able to enroll in the option with the approval of the graduate dean. Such students should, however, contact the department chair first.
Eligible students are encouraged to apply near the end of their junior year but before the beginning of their senior year. Enrollment is also possible during the senior year, but there may be more paperwork involved, and the student may not be able to take full advantage of the option.
Application: Complete the Graduate School online application. Choose the “Graduate School” application option. On the Field of Study application page, choose “Undergraduate Enrollment” as the Program Type and choose “Computer Science BS/MS (4+1)” or “Cybersecurity BS/MS (4+1)” as the Degree Program. Answer “Yes” to the question BS/MS Program. There is no application fee.
4 + 1 students are undergraduates and thus may not enroll in regular 5000- or 6000-level CSCI classes. They may enroll only in designated 5000-level CSCI classes. These special sections are concealed to prevent accidental enrollment; students should contact the department chair to enroll in them. Notes:
- A maximum of nine credit hours (earned through 4 + 1 classes) may be counted towards both the BS and MS degrees.
- Required senior-level Computer Science courses without 4 + 1 counterparts: CSCI 4321 (Ethical Implications) and CSCI 4490 (Software Engineering). In other words, these may not be taken as 4 + 1 classes.
- Required senior-level Computer Science courses with 4 + 1 counterparts: CSCI 4300 (Operating Systems) and CSCI 4315 (Information Security).
- Most elective senior-level Computer Science courses have 4 + 1 counterparts.
- Undergraduate courses may not be repeated at the 4 + 1 level with the expectation of credit. For example, if you have already taken CSCI 4300, you may not take CSCI 5300 as a 4 + 1 class.
- Admission to the 4 + 1 option does not imply admission to the MS program in Computer Science. In other words, 4 + 1 students intending to continue to the MS program must still apply for admission to the graduate program once they complete their undergraduate programs.