B.S. Computer Science Program
M.S. Computer Science Program
Synopsis
This program provides a means for academically excellent upper-division students to complete MSCSC graduate studies while completing BSCSC, BSCPE, and BSSE degree requirements. Students are NOT eligible to apply if they have enrolled and/or finished senior project. Find out more information on the Blended BS + MS FAQ page.
University guidelines for blended programs are available at http://www.calpoly.edu/~rgp/graduate.programs.html.
Program Features
- Simplified application process
- BS and MS coursework can be taken concurrently
- Common project fulfills requirements for Senior Project and Master's Thesis
- Access to graduate student facilities
- TA appointments (if available)
- Priority registration for CSC Department courses after completion of 186 units
The department offers an accelerated program for
motivated, well-qualified students. The blended BS+MS
program allows Computer Science, Computer Engineering,
and Software Engineering students to progress toward
the Master's degree while still undergraduates. The
scheduling flexibility provided by the program enables
students to complete the BS and MS degrees efficiently.
| Application Deadline |
Application Packages Due to Department |
Decision By |
| *Fall Quarter |
May 1 |
May 30 |
| *Winter Quarter |
October 1 |
October 30 |
*Applications for the Computer Science Blended BS+MS
program are only accepted for Fall and Winter quarters.
Admission Requirements
Students are eligible to apply to the Computer Science
Blended BS+MS (4+1) program upon the achievement of junior
status and completion of 20 units of CSC/CPE/SE courses
past 103. A minimum GPA of 3.3 in CSC/CPE/SE courses is
required. Participation in the program is based on prior
academic performance and other measures of professional
promise. Students are selected by a faculty committee.
To apply, please submit:
- Your application in [pdf] or word [doc] format
- Three letters of recommendation. Download the Graduate Letter of Recommendation in [pdf] or [doc]
- Change of objective form available for download
- Resume
- Statement of purpose (one page)
- Unofficial copy of transcript
Students who are admitted into the Blended BS+MS [4+1]
program must submit a formal study plan of which at least
20 units must be from 500-level classes [a list of these
courses and possible elective courses are contained in
the Current Graduate Student Information link on the
department web page. Note that the completion of the
Master's thesis also satisfies the senior project
requirement. The formal study plan is to be developed with
the graduate advisor and submitted before the 12th
unit of work is completed for the MS degree.
Upon completion of the program, students are awarded
the BS and the MS degrees at the same graduation ceremony
and at the same time. Degrees are earned concurrently,
not serially.
For more information, please contact the CSC Department at (805) 756-2825
The change of status from a BS to a BMS can affect your
financial aid. Please contact the Financial Aid Office before
applying if you have questions about this.
After Acceptance into Program
Do first quarter in program:
- Students are strongly encouraged to complete the Graduation
Writing Requirement (GWR).
After first quarter in program:
- It is the student's responsibility to keep track of
the completion of 186 units to allow the filing of the Change
of Objective form. The student should obtain a copy of their
"undergraduate evaluation form" from their file in the CENG
Advising Center. Update this form until you have completed
186 units, and then submit the form to the CSC Department
Office and the Change of Objective form will be filed with
Evaluations. After the form is received and processed by
Evaluations, the student will obtain BMS status and have
graduate student registration priority.
- A Formal Study Plan should be submitted to the
graduate coordinator and filed with the Graduate Programs
Office after completing 12 units to count towards the Master's
degree. All graduate forms are available on the web at
http://www.calpoly.edu/~rgp/graduate.programs.html.
- All BS+MS students should also file an undergraduate
Technical Elective form with the CENG Advising Center.
- All students must file an Advancement to Candidacy
form with the department office two quarters prior to
expected graduation.
- All students must file a Request for Master's Evaluation
one quarter prior to graduation.
Additional Benefits of the Blended BS+MS program
- Graduate student priority registration after submission & acceptance of Change of Objective form by Evaluations. i.e., upon completion of 186 units
- Students do not pay $55 application fee for MS program
- Students are not required to take the GRE (General Record Exam)
- Students can combine the requirements for the senior project and thesis, eliminating 5 units of work
Information
New and continuing graduate student information [pdf]
Prospective graduate student information [pdf]
Degree Completion Checklist [pdf]
Past Masters' Theses
Applications
Online Graduate Application
Blended BS + MS Application [pdf] [doc]
Teaching Assistant (TA) Application Process
Forms
Formal Study Plan [pdf] [doc]
Amendment to Formal Study Plan [pdf] [doc]
Advancement to Candidacy [pdf] [doc]
Request for Graduate Evaluation Form [pdf]
Special Consideration Form [pdf] [doc]
Graduate Letter of Recommendation [pdf] [doc]
Supervisory Course Enrollment Form [pdf]
4+1 Application [pdf]
