The Computer Science Department offers a Combined Bachelor’s Master’s Program, which enables our very best students to earn both a BS and MS in five years. It will provide an opportunity for students to begin the graduate experience at an earlier date, and accelerate their progress towards research.
The program keeps intact all course requirements for the BS and the MS degree. Students who are admitted to the program will be allowed to use graduate credits taken as an undergraduate towards the graduate degree. The essence of the program is to integrate the two programs into one experience and streamline the administrative process of connecting qualified students with advanced research and study opportunities.
A CS combined BS/MS Program is offered for students of exceptional ability and interest in Computer Science. Qualified majors are offered the opportunity to participate in the program. Details are available from the Advisor Consultant, the Associate Chair for Undergraduate Studies or the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.
Normally the minimum requirements for acceptance into this program are:
1. An overall GPA of at least 3.5.
2. No more than 15 credits remaining of required upper level computer science credits for the BS degree in the semester of admission. (A student may apply in advance of meeting this requirement, which would typically be at the end of his sophomore year for admission starting in his junior year.)
3. Recommendations from two faculty members, at least one of whom is in the Computer Science Department.
4. No more than 6 credits of CORE distributive studies requirements remaining for the BS degree.
5. An essay or statement of purpose.
6. An interview with the Associate Chair for Undergraduate studies and the associate chair for Graduate Studies.
7. A degree plan that satisfies all of the requirements for the BS and MS.
The GRE is not required for entrance into this degree program.
As indicated above, a student may apply to the combined program in advance of meeting credit requirements (#2 above). This is to encourage students to work closely with the faculty to develop an appropriate degree plan. However, any decision will be conditional upon the student meeting all admission criteria.
Students will remain in the combined program provided that they maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 and maintain progress towards the degree plan submitted.
To apply, bring a draft of your materials along with the application checklist to the undergraduate education office, 1119 AVW. We will work with you to coordinate the completion of your package (e.g., the interviews.) When all materials are complete, you need only make formal application on-line at the Graduate School web site (so you are in the system.) Then it is just the simple matter of completing the rest of your degree plan! 
