If you’re in our B.S. in Computer Science program, good news: you can apply for our accelerated master’s program and earn both the B.S. and a Master of Science in Computer Science in just five years, increasing your expertise and your earning potential.
A five-year B.S. M.S. program
Why do the accelerated master’s?
Earn more, sooner
In 2022, our traditional M.S. graduates had an average starting salary of $128,500.
Prepare to be promoted
When you’re hired, you’ll already have the advanced skills and degree you need to move up.
Save time and money
You’ll take up to 9 fewer credit hours than if you earned a B.S. and M.S. individually.
Build on your connections here
Learn even more from your IU mentors, and keep collaborating with your friends and partners.
Get the same valuable degree
All M.S. in Computer Science students earn the same degree and diploma.
How it works
The program is designed so that highly motivated students can earn a master’s degree in just one additional year. To do that, you’ll take at least one graduate-level course during your senior year, when you’re still classified as an undergraduate. You need to request permission from your advisor.
You’ll be classified as an undergraduate through the last semester you are enrolled in undergrad requirements. You have to complete at least 15 hours of coursework while classified as a grad student.
Undergraduate scholarships and funding
Transitioning to graduate student status may affect any undergrad scholarships or other funding you have. Make sure to check on this and plan for it.
Costs
For the semesters you are in graduate status, you will pay the same tuition and fees as other M.S. students. Learn about costs and financial aid.
When you’ll get your degrees
You’ll receive your B.S. and M.S. simultaneously after you’ve completed both degrees.
B.S. M.S. Accelerated Application Deadlines
Students should apply during their junior year.
- June 1 - Applications open
- January 15 - Priority deadline
- April 1 - Last date to submit application
What is the Admissions Committee Looking for in a Computer Science B.S. M.S. Accelerated Applicant?
Each program has its own admissions committee that reviews applications. The committee also reviews applications for any type of school-offred funding. The committee seeks students who are good program fits.
Computer Science B.S. M.S. Accelerated Applicant Profile
Undergraduate Major:
Computer Science
GPA Requirement:
The Computer Science B.S. M.S. Accelerated programs are very selective in their admissions process. Applicants are required to have a GPA of B (3.0) or higher.
Core Courses:
As part of the review process, the admissions committee looks at the grades that applicants earned in math and core computer science classes, particularly Calculus, Discrete Structures, Data Structures, Theory of Computing, Programming Languages, Introduction to Design and Analysis of Algorithms, and Introduction to Operating Systems. The minimum average GPA for these courses is a B (3.0) or higher. Although applicants are not required to have completed all of these courses at the time of application, the admission committee expects that their transcripts demonstrate a good coverage of these core courses.
Other Requirements:
- Proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, C, or C++
- Undergraduate coursework in the following areas:
- Foundational concepts of computer science and mathematics
- Data structures and algorithm analysis
- Computer structures, compilers, and operating systems
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo (required for international students). The majority of our students score 100 on the TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, and 130 on the Duolingo.
- GRE, optional
How to Apply
To apply to the B.S. M.S. Accelerated program, you must first talk with your undergraduate advisor, who will review your academic record to ensure that you meet the admission requirements. If you meet the requirements, the advisor will notify the Luddy Graduate Office who will provide you with an invitation code which will give you access to the application. The Luddy Graduate Office will also provide you with an application fee waiver code.
Evaluation
The admission committee will make the final decision on admissions after reviewing the entire application package.
Application Supporting Materials Include:
- CV/Resume
- Personal Statement
- Letter of Recommendation, at least one recommendation is required
- Transcript, a scanned copy
- TOEFL/TOEFL at Home Edition/IELTS or Duolingo Scores, for international students
- GRE optional
Review your Degree Requirements
Degree requirements for the Accelerated MS in Computer Science are listed in the Luddy academic bulletin. To review your specific requirements, choose the bulletin that represents the year you entered IU.
If your start year isn’t listed here, you can find an earlier bulletin.
Special opportunities
Indiana Genomics Research Training Program
The INGEN4CS provides support for CS Master students (US citizen or PR required) to conduct genomics research that will prepare them to decode the functional information hidden in DNA sequences.
Questions
If you have questions about your application, email GoLuddy@iu.edu