Program Overview

Computer and Data Sciences Program

The Computer and Data Sciences program at Case School of Engineering offers a range of academic programs, including Bachelor's Degree Programs, Bridge Program, BS/MS Integrated Program, MS in Computer Science, MS in Computer Science (Online), MS in Data Science, and PhD.

Academics

The program provides a comprehensive education in computer and data sciences, with courses in:

• Algorithmic Foundations
• Programming and Data Structures
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Data Mining and Visualization
• Security and Privacy
• Networks and Distributed Systems
• Software Engineering

Research

The program has research focus areas in:

• Algorithms and Theory
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Data Mining and Visualization
• Security and Privacy
• Networks and Distributed Systems
• Software Engineering

Student Opportunities

The program offers various student opportunities, including student groups, peer advising, co-op programs, global opportunities, and student support offices.

Faculty and Staff

The program has a diverse faculty and staff, including:

• Faculty
• Research Faculty
• Emeritus Faculty
• Associated Faculty
• Administrative Staff

Computer Science Bridge Program

The Computer Science Bridge Program is designed for prospective applicants who lack a formal preparation in undergraduate Computer Science. The program defines a bridge that will put students in a competitive position to apply to the Master's program and pave the way for success in their graduate studies.

Prerequisites

The Bridge to Computer Science is a sequence of courses that will prepare students for their graduate studies and a successful career switch. The Bridge includes courses in:

• Algorithmic Foundations
  • A semester of college calculus
  • CSDS 302/MATH 304 Discrete Mathematics
  • CSDS 410 Algorithms
• Programming and Data Structures
  • CSDS 132 Introduction to Programming in Java
  • CSDS 233 Introduction to Data Structures
• A breadth course in Computer Science

Transferable Courses

Bridge students can take courses in addition to those listed above, including:

• Any course listed under the CSDS code whose number is 300 and above
• Any non-CSDS course whose number is 400 and above and is relevant to Computer Science

Application to the Bridge

Bridge students are regarded as non-degree seeking students and should apply following the corresponding procedure outlined by the School of Graduate Studies.

Application to the MS

Bridge students can apply for admission to the CWRU MS CS program, and completion of the Bridge does not ensure admission to the MS program. However, a strong record in coursework and recommendation of Bridge instructors are major factors in the positive evaluation of MS applicants.

Financial Aid

Funding for the bridge courses may be obtained through private educational loans offered by external commercial lenders.

Costs

Tuition depends on many factors, such as the number of background courses needed and the term in which they are taken. For illustration purposes only, a student taking and passing all available proficiency tests, CSDS 233, and CSDS 302 at CWRU in the summer term would pay $7,203 in tuition at 2024 rates, excluding fees and living expenses.

Certificate

Bridge students can request transcripts showing the courses that they have taken in the Bridge. Although a post-baccalaureate certificate is currently being developed, at this time, Bridge students will not receive a separate certificate.

Full-Time Status

Bridge students are required to maintain full-time status only if mandated by immigration law or by financial aid requirements. Students can maintain their full-time status by taking at least 9 credit hours of coursework per semester during the academic year and 6 hours during the summer.

Visas

International students will be issued documentation for an F-1 visa as non-degree seeking students. Upon admission to the MS program, their visa documentation will be updated.

CWRU Students

Current CWRU undergraduate students can complete the Bridge requirements during their undergraduate studies. Most Bridge courses can be counted toward an undergraduate minor in Computer Science or double-counted within the CBM program in Computer Science. Current CWRU graduate students can take Bridge courses during their graduate studies, and graduate students can elect to take CSDS 410 and the breadth course as fellowship courses and be charged no tuition.