BS CS to MS CS
BS CS to MS CS
Combined Advanced Degree in Computer Science
A master's degree is becoming increasingly valuable when it comes to working your way into a high-paying career, but there's a downside: two more years in school means more lost income and probably more student debt, as well. Accelerated master's degrees save majoring students the cost and study time of graduate admission tests, application fees, and extra courses. By applying for an accelerated master's program, you can start taking courses toward your master's in your senior year and get dual course credit for both your undergraduate and master's degree.
The Combined Advanced Degree Program, also known as the 4 + 1 Program, in Computer Science allows interested and qualified students to complete the department’s Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in a shorter time, usually in five years rather than the normal six. This program allows highly motivated students to begin taking graduate courses in their senior year, accelerating their graduate studies while still at the undergraduate level and while paying undergraduate tuition and fees.
The Combined Advanced Degree BS/MS in CS is structured so that students first complete requirements for the BS in CS Degree Program, but begin to take graduate courses required for the MS in CS Degree Program in the first semester of their senior year.
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application.
Forms
The one-page Application Form, Program Description, and Student Agreement Form are available for download.
Process for Application
The Combined Advanced Degree in CS process is as follows:
- Complete your admissions application during the last semester of your junior year by the application deadline (see dates below).
- Your application is then reviewed by the CS Graduate Committee for admission approval. The Committee will be looking for a high CS GPA and two strong letters of recommendation.
- During your senior year you take four graduate courses, instead of the four CS restricted electives that are required for the BS in CS. These four graduate courses count as your CS restricted electives, and you get to pay for these 12 graduate credits at the less expensive undergraduate tuition rate. You can walk at graduation and the CS department can give you a letter saying that you have completed the BS in CS degree requirements, but you don't get your diploma yet.
- You continue enrollment as a full-time Rowan student for one more year while you complete additional graduate credits, for which you are charged the graduate tuition rate. After completing your total of 30 graduate CS credits, you receive your BS and MS in CS diplomas simultaneously.
- Notice that you receive your BS and your MS in five years (instead of the 4 + 2 years of a traditional MS degree) while paying for only 18 graduate credits (instead of 30). You pledge to stay for a "graduate year" as a full-time graduate student immediately after your BS degree. If you leave the program during your "graduate year" before completing the requirements for the MS, you will get your BS in CS degree but not the MS degree
Requirements for Application
To apply to the program, student has to:
- Complete the CADP Application
- Request letters of support from 2 faculty members –have them emailed directly to mscs@rowan.edu with the subject line “Graduate Committee: Recommendation for <your name>”
- Complete and sign CADP Student Agreement and Confirmation Form
Submit completed application and student agreement form to mscs@rowan.edu by the deadlines listed below.
Application Deadline
- Fall: March 1st
- Spring: October 1st