Special/Joint programs
The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department has been involved in the creation of several special or joint programs:
- B.S./M.S. Program in Computer Science
- Combined B.A. Computer Science with MBA
- B.S. in Computational Physics, Joint with the Physics department
B.S./M.S. Program in Computer Science
Introduction
The B.S./M.S. Prgram in Computer Science is a combined degree program leading to simultaneous conferral of the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science. Advantages of this Program include: 134 credits required compared to 150 credits if the B.S. and M.S. degrees are earned sequentially, opportunity to compete for graduate financial assistance earlier than otherwise possible, and guaranteed admissions into Graduate School for students making satisfactory progress in the Program. This Program is intended for superior students with a committment to completing the B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science, offering such students accelerated paths to their goals. Those interested in a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science will be equally well prepared by this Program as students earning the B.S. and M.S. degrees sequentially.
Four and Five Year Paths
Students applying to the B.S./M.S. Program in Computer Science must choose either the Four Year Path or the Five Year Path. The course work and other academic requirements of both Paths are the same. These two Paths differ in their planned durations, eight semesters vs. ten semesters, and thus in their average credit load per semester. For this reason, the Four Year Path is reserved for only the most highly qualified and motivated students, with increased admissions Q.P.A. requirement (see next paragraph). For purposes of financial aid and tuition, Four Year Path students are considered graduate students at the beginning of the sixth semester, and Five Year Path students at the beginning of the seventh semester of the program. Sample programs for the two Paths are offered below.
Admission into the Program
Students normally apply for the Four Year Path during their fourth semester and for the Five Year Path during their sixth semester. Application forms may be secured from the C.S.E. Department Undergraduate Advisor in Bell Hall 251A. Applicants must have completed at least 56 credits before being accepted into the Program. Minimum Q.P.A requirements are 3.0 in all completed undergraduate and graduate CSE and MTH courses for the Five Year Path and 3.3 in all completed undergraduate and graduate CSE and MTH courses for the Four Year Path. For application to either Path, two letters of recommendation are required, in which both general comments and specific comments on the suitability of the applicant for an accelerated B.S./M.S. program in computer science are solicited. Successful applications must be approved by the B.S./M.S. Committee, with membership from the C.S.E. Department Graduate Affair Commitee and Undergraduate Affairs Committee. It is recommended that applicants have completed the following courses:
- CSE 115
- CSE 116
- CSE 241
- CSE 250
- MTH 141
- MTH 142
- MTH 191
- A calculus-based probability or statistics course
BA Computer Science/MBA Joint Five Year Program
The School of Management in conjunction with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers a five year program leading to both a Bachelor in Computer Science degree and a Master in Business Administration degree. This program reduces by one year the usual pattern of a four-year undergraduate degree and a two year MBA program.
A student wishing to pursue the joint program should make this known to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering by the beginning of his/her admission to sophomore year. After admission into the Computer Science and Engineering Department and enrollment in appropriate prerequisite courses, the student will make application to the School of Management during the third year of study. An applicant is required to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) during the third year and complete the application by the end of the third year.
Admission will be limited to students who have demonstrated superior capabilities. Each candidate must meet all the degree requirements of each faculty, except for the reduction in total credit hours. Applications for the joint five-year program may be obtained in 206 Jacobs Management Center.
