Master of Science: Accelerated

Master of Science in Computer Science (Accelerated)

The accelerated degree program (ADP) gives an opportunity to undergraduate students in the Department of Computer Science to complete the requirements for the master’s degree at an accelerated pace. These undergraduate students may count up to 12 (but not fewer than 6) credit hours of 5000-level courses taken during their undergraduate studies toward a master’s degree in computer science within 24 months after the completion of their bachelor’s degree in computer science. These students may choose to pursue a master’s degree in computer science under either the thesis option or the non-thesis option. This program will allow an undergraduate student majoring in computer science to complete an accelerated master’s in computer science by completing 140 combined undergraduate/graduate credit hours. Further details regarding the computer science accelerated program may be obtained from the department's office administrative assistants.

Application to the Accelerated Degree Program

A prospective student who meets the eligibility requirements (see Criteria for Admission) must set up a meeting with the CS undergraduate advisor and the graduate advisor to develop Plans of Work for the bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Before admission to an ADP can be finalized, students must submit the standard application for admission to the Office of Admissions/Graduate Admissions including:

  1. An application
  2. Application fee
  3. Copy of all transcripts
  4. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores
  5. A Plan of Graduate Work, signed by the prospective student, the undergraduate program director and the graduate program director.

The Plan of Graduate Work for the master’s degree must clearly indicate:

  1. The 5000-level courses (a maximum of 12 graduate credit hours) that will be counted for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees
  2. The graduation date for the master’s degree that meets the time limit for the ADP (i.e. obtaining a master’s degree in Computer Science within 24 months of completing the bachelor’s degree). Any changed to the ADP Plan of Graduate Work must be submitted in writing and approved by the graduate program director and graduate dean.

For any further questions regarding admissions email to cs-admissions-enquiry@wmich.edu .

Criteria for Admission to the Accelerated Degree Program

Permission to pursue an ADP does not guarantee admission to the Graduate College. Admission is contingent on meeting the following eligibility requirements at the time of entering the graduate program:

  1. Students must have completed a minimum of eighty (80) and a maximum of ninety-six (96) credit hours in their undergraduate programs, including credits earned from advanced placement.
  2. Transfer students must have completed, as a full-time undergraduate student at WMU, a minimum of 15 WMU computer science credit hours and a minimum of 30 WMU credit hours.
  3. Students must have a minimum accumulated grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 at WMU and 3.5 in Computer Science classes.
  4. International students must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services before submitting an admission application.

Admission to the ADP does not guarantee admission to the Graduate College. However, successful completion of an undergraduate degree under and meeting the grade criterion of 3.00 will ensure admission to the Graduate College.