The Accelerated Masters Program (AMP) in Computer Science, allows high achieving students in the Computer Science bachelor’s program (all concentrations) who are interested in graduate studies to pursue an advanced degree in less time. Students may apply for admission to the program and begin taking graduate courses during their undergraduate study. AMP offers flexibility in scheduling and completing upper-division undergraduate requirements while concurrently fulfilling graduate course requirements for the M.S. degree.

Below are program information, application instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

WHAT IS AMP?

Accelerated master’s programs (AMP) partner an undergraduate and a master’s degree graduate program within or between departments, in a streamlined path that reduces the time to earn a master’s degree. Undergraduate students are admitted internally by the participating programs and are guaranteed conditional admission to the partnering graduate program during their undergraduate career. Final admission to the graduate program and Graduate School is granted when students meet the minimum graduate program and Graduate School admissions criteria upon completion of the bachelor’s degrees.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AMP?

Students accepted to this program are allowed to apply up to 13 credits of 500-level regular CS coursework to both the undergraduate and graduate degrees, provided they earn at least a B grade in those courses. At the graduate level, students must satisfy all the requirements of the M.S. degree as outlined in the department Graduate Student Manual (GSM).

Applicants must plan early, meet with undergraduate and graduate advisors, and submit an application to be reviewed by the Graduate Recruitment Committee (GRC). Applicants have the GRE requirement waived. Undergraduate and graduate units that partner to build an AMP will create a graduate admission policy for the undergraduate students that guarantees them contingent admission to the partnering graduate program at any point during the student’s undergraduate career. Final admission is conferred when the students meet the minimum AMP and Graduate School admissions criteria upon completion of their bachelor’s degrees. Students must complete the Graduate Admissions Application.

WHO CAN APPLY?

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.000 is required for entrance into an AMP. Students apply by the end of the semester during which they complete core 300-level courses (for example CS 320, CS370 and CS 314). Late applications are accepted but may delay the student’s progression through the program.

To be eligible for the AMP applicants must be enrolled in the computer science B.S. program and:

  1. Show promise and/or evidence of high accomplishment through research or scholarly activity
  2. Have their application supported by (3) letters of recommendation
  3. Have a high GPA (3.0 minimum), especially in CS courses
  4. Either have or are currently taking the following: CS 314, CS 320, CS 370

The CS Graduate Recruiting Committee (GRC) evaluates each individual application and responds before the start of the next semester.

WHAT COURSES CAN I EXPECT TO TAKE AS A CS AMP STUDENT?

AMP students may take any 500-level regular CS courses (most CS courses are 4 credits each) for which they have the background to support success (any required prerequisites, etc.) and which may also contribute to a graduate plan program of study. Specific courses are determined in consultation with a faculty advisor. These courses also fulfill the senior electives requirements for the undergraduate degree.

AMP students will be required to take CS 501 during the duration of concurrent enrollment.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE APPLYING?

There may be implications for federal student aid. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid for details. Undergraduate students enrolled in graduate level coursework should contact the Office of Financial Aid for information about the availability of financial aid for such coursework.

Students must complete the Graduate School application and pay the application fee during their final year as undergraduates. Graduate applications will not be accepted earlier than one year prior to starting the graduate program.

Students must complete and submit the Request to Double Count Courses Form to the Graduate School during their final undergraduate semester and prior to completing the undergraduate degree.