Program Overview

Introduction to the BS CS / MS CSEM Integrated Degree

The 5-year Integrated Program in CS & CSEM enables students with strong academic records to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and a Master of Science in Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (MSCSEM) within a five-year period. The BS in Computer Science provides students with a strong foundation in computing, while the MS in Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics complements this foundation with a strong emphasis on mathematics, scientific computing, and applications of computing to real-world problems.

Program Overview

The CSEM Master's Program is a highly interdisciplinary program and consists of three concentration areas:

• Area A — applicable mathematics
• Area B — numerical analysis and scientific computation
• Area C — mathematical modeling and applications The integrated BS CS / MS CSEM program will provide students with a well-rounded education enabling them to not only understand the fundamental science of computing but also how computing is used to tackle challenging problems.

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the program, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in the Computer Science undergraduate program at the University of Texas at Austin
• Be within 12 hours of completing their undergraduate courses at the time of application
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 Application materials include:
  • Online application form
  • Recommendations (2 required)
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Resume
  • List of publications (optional)

Program Requirements

The BSCS Option IV (integrated program) degree requires a total of 120 hours. The MSCSEM degree requires a total of 30 hours, which includes a Master's Report. A minimum of 24 credit hours must be taken for a grade in the three CSEM concentration areas.

• 27 hours approved coursework:
  • 6 hours (2 courses) taken from Area A
  • 6 hours (2 courses) taken from Area B
  • 6 hours (2 courses) taken from Area C
  • 6 hours (2 courses) taken from Area A, B, or C
  • 3 hours (1 course) taken from Area A, B, or C; any elective course approved by the CSEM Graduate Advisor
• 3 hours Master's Report

Program Structure

The program is divided into two stages:

• Stage One: The student is registered in the CS BS integrated program major code and is classified as an undergraduate student.
• Stage Two: The student is registered in the MS CSE integrated program major code and is classified as a graduate student. Students may only be admitted for the fall term. Applications are open only to currently enrolled, degree-seeking computer science majors at the University of Texas at Austin.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Tuition information may be found at the university's website. Graduate students in the CSEM program are charged the Engineering tuition rate. The CSEM Program does not have funding available for Master's students. Students may contact faculty for possible Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions once they have entered stage 2 of the program (graduate student status). GRA positions are managed directly by the hiring faculty supervisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between stage one and stage two of the program?
  • During stage one, the student is registered in the CS BS integrated program major code and is classified as an undergraduate student. During stage two, the student is registered in the MS CSE integrated program major code and is classified as a graduate student.
• Is the GRE required to move to stage two?
  • No, the GRE is not required.
• Is there a limit to how many graduate level courses can be taken as an undergraduate student (stage one)?
  • Yes, students in the integrated program may take no more than 6 hours of graduate level courses per semester during stage one.
• If I finish my undergraduate courses early may I take more graduate level courses in stage one?
  • No. Students will not be allowed to take more than 6 hours of graduate level courses per semester during stage one.
• If I finish my undergraduate courses early can I move to stage two early?
  • No. Students may not enter stage two prior to the Fall of their 5th year.
• How do I move to stage two?
  • In the Fall of the 4th year (stage one), students will submit a graduate application to the MS CSEM integrated program. At the conclusion of stage one (May of the 4th year), student progress will be evaluated. If satisfactory progress is being made, student will be admitted to stage two beginning Fall of the 5th year.
• How many credit hours can be taken once a student is in stage two?
  • Graduate students in the integrated program are limited to 9 credit hours per semester (three 3-hour classes). This is a full-time course load for a graduate student. Exceptions will only be made in rare and unusual circumstances with the approval of the Graduate Adviser.
• Is enrollment in courses outside of the CSEM program guaranteed?
  • We cannot guarantee that graduate courses offered by other departments will be available to integrated program students. We will work closely with the CS department to ensure that CS courses recommended by the CSEM graduate adviser will be made available to students in the integrated program.
• How is tuition determined for students in the integrated program?
  • In the 4th year, the student remains enrolled in the undergraduate program major code and tuition rate will be calculated based on the student’s undergraduate status. In the 5th year, the student will be enrolled in the integrated program graduate major code and will be classified as a graduate student. Tuition will be calculated based on the student’s graduate status.
• Is there financial aid available for students in the integrated program?
  • The CSEM Program does not have funding available for Master's students. Students may contact faculty for possible Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) positions once they have entered stage 2 of the program (graduate student status). GRA positions are managed directly by the hiring faculty supervisor.