Program Overview

Computer Science, BS & MS Five Year Program

Overview

The Computer Science, BS & MS Five Year Program at Wake Forest University allows undergraduates pursuing a B.S. degree in Computer Science to also complete an M.S. degree in Computer Science with one additional year of study. This program provides a unique combination of computer science graduate coursework and experiential learning in a professional setting, making it an excellent option for students seeking a more industry-oriented career.

Program Director

The program is directed by William Turkett.

Admission Criteria

Applicants must be enrolled in and complete the B.S. degree in Computer Science at Wake Forest University. They must apply for admission before the spring semester of their junior year and only after completing eighteen hours in the major, including:

• CSC 251: Computer Systems II (3 hours)
• CSC 201: Data Structures and Algorithms (3 hours)
• MTH 121: Linear Algebra I (3 hours)
  • or MTH 205: Introduction to Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Applicants must have a major and overall GPA of 3.25 or better at the time of application and undergraduate graduation. They must also provide three recommendation letters, two of which must be from Wake Forest University computer science faculty. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission.

Degree Requirements

In addition to completing the requirements for the B.S. degree in Computer Science, the program requires the completion of thirty-three semester hours of graduate coursework. The coursework must include the nine-hour core consisting of:

• CSC 631: Software Engineering (3 hours)
• CSC 641: Operating Systems (3 hours)
• CSC 721: Theory of Algorithms (3 hours)
  • Total Hours: 9

The thirty-three hours of graduate coursework will be completed as follows:

• Admitted students must enroll in at least nine hours of computer science graduate coursework during their senior year.
• Students must also complete six hours of approved computer science graduate internship coursework during the summer following the completion of their undergraduate degree.
• The remaining eighteen hours of coursework will be completed during the next academic year and are selected from computer science graduate courses, with at least six of these hours from 700-level courses.

• CSC 791: Thesis Research I (1-9 hours)
• CSC 792: Thesis Research II (1-9 hours)
• CSC 795: Project (3 hours)

For additional degree requirements, see Requirements for Degrees.