Program Overview

Computer Science Accelerated Master's

The Computer Science Accelerated Master's program allows students to fast-track their graduate studies while obtaining their master's degree at a lower cost. This program is designed for students working towards a bachelor's degree in computer science through a BS, BA, or Post Bacc. Students can receive both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science within five years.

Why Computer Science?

A graduate degree in computer science provides a competitive advantage and prepares students for a wide range of careers in academia and industry. The program is situated in the high-tech Denver-Boulder corridor, offering opportunities for students to partner with established companies, start-ups, academia, and four national labs within 30 minutes of campus. Research focus areas include artificial intelligence, data science and engineering, and human-centered computing.

How to Apply

To apply for the Computer Science Accelerated Master's program, students must:

1. Check their eligibility, including the necessary prerequisite courses.
2. Read information on various MS degree options carefully before submitting the application.
3. Complete the BAM/PBAM intent application.
4. Complete the correct departmental application, which may require a letter of support from a faculty member for the research-based option.

Computer Science BAM Curriculum

Students can take up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level courses during their undergraduate studies, with six of those credits applicable towards both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Any CSCI 5000-level courses open to MS in CS students can be used to double-count, with specific classes identified by undergraduate academic advisors in coordination with the curriculum committee and graduate committee.

Eligibility Requirements

To gain admission to the Computer Science Accelerated Master's program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B.
2. If not meeting the criteria, students must have a letter of reference from a faculty member or academic advisor outlining why they should be considered.

CS Accelerated Masters - BS/BA Applicant Requirements and Deadlines

• Students must have at least junior class standing.
• Students must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. If not, a letter of reference from a faculty member or academic advisor is required.
• If interested in the Research Based MS option, a letter of support from the faculty member is required.
• Application deadlines:
  • Oct. 15 for spring semester
  • Feb. 28 for fall semester

Computer Science BS/BA Prerequisite Classes

• CSCI 1300: Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
• CSCI 2270: Computer Science 2: Data Structures
• CSCI 2400: Computer Systems
• CSCI 3104: Algorithms
• CSCI 3434: Theory of Computation
• CSCI 3155: Principles of Programming Languages
• CSCI 3753: Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

BAM Continuation

Once admitted to the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's program, students must:

1. Apply to graduate with their bachelor's degree.
2. Submit the master's continuation form.
3. Submit the BAM supplement form to confirm which courses will double-count and which will be used towards the master's degree.

Continuation Requirements

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at all times in the BAM program.
• Apply to graduate at the beginning of the semester in which the requirements for the BS/BA in CS degree program will be completed.
• Apply to continue with the master's degree program specified in the BAM application.
• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in the master's program, including courses used towards completion of the MS degree.
• Follow all master's degree requirements once admitted to the master's program.

CS Accelerated Masters - Post Bacc Applicant Requirements and Deadlines

• Students must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. If not, a letter of reference from a faculty member or academic advisor is required.
• If interested in the Research Based MS option, a letter of support from the faculty member is required.
• Application deadlines:
  • Oct. 15 for spring semester
  • Feb. 28 for fall semester

Computer Science Post Bacc Prerequisite Classes

• CSPB 1300: Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
• CSPB 2270: Computer Science 2: Data Structures
• CSPB 2400: Computer Systems
• CSPB 3104: Algorithms
• CSPB 3155: Principles of Programming Languages
• CSPB 3753: Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

PBAM Continuation

Once admitted to the Post Bacc Accelerated Master's program, students must:

1. Apply to graduate with their bachelor's degree.
2. Submit the master's continuation form.
3. Submit the PBAM supplement form to confirm which courses will double-count and which will be used towards the master's degree.

Continuation Requirements

• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA at all times in the PBAM program.
• Apply to graduate at the beginning of the semester in which the requirements for the PBAM program will be completed.
• Apply to continue with the master's degree program specified in the PBAM application.
• Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in the master's program, including courses used towards completion of the MS degree.
• Follow all master's degree requirements once admitted to the master's program.