The Department of Computer Science now offers the 4+1 Accelerated Bachelor and Master of Science Program for our majors. A master’s degree is becoming more valuable in today’s job market, but it usually means the extra expense and time of two more years in school. This program was created so high-achieving Bachelor of Science (B.S.) students can take graduate level courses as an undergraduate and have them count toward both their Bachelor of Science Undergraduate Degree and a Master of Science Graduate Degree in Computer Science. The program allows strong students to move on to advanced course work and thesis research, with the ability to earn as many as 15 credits towards the 32 credits required for the master’s degree.

HOW IT WORKS

Students who are currently enrolled in the B.S. in Computer Science and have taken at least 60 credits with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, may apply to the M.S. in Computer Science program (see process below). Once enrolled, they may take graduate courses and have a maximum of 15 graduate credits double-count towards the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Choices include the four 'core courses' of the graduate program:

• CSci 713 Software Development Processes instead of CSCI 413 Principles of Software Engineering
• CSCI 741 Algorithm Analysis instead of CSCI 467 Algorithm Analysis
• CSCI 724 Survey of Artificial Intelligence instead of CSCI 426 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
• CSCI 765 Introduction to Database Systems instead of CSCI 366 Database Systems

Any 600-level course of a 400/600 combination will work, but notice that the M.S. program allows, at most, 6 credits at the 600 level. All others having to be at the 700 or 800 level. If you are interested in a particular 700-level course, please check with your advisor which electives at the 400 level may have matching content.

APPLICATION PROCESS

NDSU Computer Science Bachelor of Science (B.S.) students who are on track to complete 60 credits and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply. Students interested should contact their academic advisor and submit  the Combined/Accelerated Degree Program Declaration Form (requires NDUS login) to the computer science graduate coordinator who will work with the undergraduate coordinator to approve the application. View full set of guidelines.

For further information, email your Computer Science Advisor or stop by the Department of Computer Science, Quentin Burdick Building (QBB) #258.