Computer Science M.S.
Getting Started
Admission to the Program
In addition to the general requirements of the university, specific requirements for admission to classified graduate status are:
1. An acceptable score on the GRE (general examination only);
2. Three letters of recommendation;
3. Completion of the graduate entrance writing requirement;
4. A statement of purpose from the student; and
5. Either A or B below:
A. A baccalaureate degree in computer science;
B. A baccalaureate degree in a related field with a cumulative grade point average of "B" (3.0) or better with no grade lower than "C+" (2.3) in a selection of program preparatory courses including:
1. The equivalent of a one-year sequence of "Introduction to Computer Science" courses, as defined by the ACM Curriculum Committee as courses CS1 and CS2. This can be satisfied by the successful completion of:
CSCI 201. Computer Science I
CSCI 202. Computer Science II
CSCI 330. Data Structures
2. Courses in calculus and discrete mathematics equivalent to:
MATH 211. Basic Concepts of Calculus
MATH 212. Calculus II
MATH 272. Discrete Mathematics
3. CSCI 598. Foundations of Computer Architecture (4) (Must be taken by students who did not have the equivalent of computer organization and architecture courses.)
4. CSCI 599. Foundations of Software Systems (4)
(Must be taken by students who did not have the equivalent of software engineering and operating system courses.)
Advancement to Candidacy
In order to be advanced to candidacy, a student must have:
1. Achieved classified standing;
2. Secured a major advisor from the Department of Computer Science for the preparation of the thesis or the implementation of a project;
3. Completed at least 12 quarter units and no more than 20
quarter units of work applicable to the degree program as a graduate student at this university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 ("B");
4. Submitted a formal program of graduate study prepared in consultation with and approved by the Department of Computer Science graduate committee and/or the major advisor. This program of graduate study should include an abstract to serve as a thesis research proposal for thesis option or a tentative title and description of the project for the project option, or enrollment in CSCI 689 for the exam option;
5. For students choosing the project option, satisfactory passage of the comprehensive oral examination to be administered by the graduate committee;
6. Obtained final approval of the program and of the candidacy itself by the Department of Computer Science graduate committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies.
Please refer to the University catalog at http://catalog.csusb.edu for official information.