UMBC Computer Science majors considering a Master of Science degree in Computer Science may apply for admission to a combined course of study leading to the Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Computer Science. The program has two phases. In Phase I, undergraduate students may take up to nine credits of graduate level course work, subject to the restrictions listed below, which may be applied towards the requirements of both degrees. Students typically apply for Phase I of the program after completing CMSC 313, 331, and 341. Phase II corresponds to admission into the M.S. program. This program is open to full-time and part-time students. By taking nine credits applicable to both degrees, a full-time student should be able to finish the combined program in five years.
Students may apply for admission into the combined program at any time after completing MATH 151, MATH 152, MATH 221, CMSC 341 and 17 additional credits in computer science courses. Admission to Phase I is based on the student’s academic record, an evaluation of the student’s Statement of Purpose as it appears on the application, and an interview. In particular, applicants to Phase I are expected to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and an average of 3.5 or higher in computer science courses. Once admitted to Phase I, the student may take up to nine credits of graduate-level Computer Science courses (with the exception of CMSC 698, CMSC 699, CMSC 799) to be applied towards the requirements for the Bachelor’s degree. The student selects these graduate courses in consultation with his or her faculty advisor. In general, the courses selected will be used as electives in Area VI, as described in the undergraduate brochure and catalog.
Applicants to Phase I of the BS/MS program in Computer Science should provide the names of two people who would provide a recommendation, preferably UMBC faculty members. We will contact these people as needed.
Admission to Phase II is based on most of the same criteria as admission into the regular M.S. degree program, namely academic record and letters of recommendation. (Admission into Phase I does not constitute a promise to admit the student to Phase II.) A major difference is that Phase II applicants in the BS/MS program are not required to take the GRE and do not need to apply for a GRE waiver.
For more details and to apply, click here.