Computer Science (MS) - Accelerated Master's Program

The expectation is that you will complete your undergraduate degree within four years, and the fourth year will coincide with the first year of graduate study. As such, successful applicants will be those who demonstrate the maturity, intellectual ability, and ability to work in a team necessary for the rigors of an accelerated, highly competitive program.

You will need:

• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a minimum of 12 units of undergraduate UA credit.

• a 3.5 computer science GPA.

• a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours is required at the time of entry into the AMP. If your cumulative GPA falls below 3.3, or your major GPA falls below a 3.5, at the time you have completed 90 units, you will not be admitted into the program.

• to have completed or be near completion of general education requirements.

• to be a Computer Science major.

• to have completed the undergraduate core curriculum (CSC 252, 335, 345, and 352) and be enrolled in or completed one 400-level CSC course.

You will need to be prepared to upload:

• A letter of intent/statement of purpose

  • The narrative, no longer than one single-spaced page, should outline why you are applying for the AMP, what your career goals are, what your academic/research interests are, and a description of your relevant research/work experience.

• Names and email addresses of at least two references

  • The completed application will include two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your aptitude for graduate study and ability to handle the rigors of the AMP. At least one reference must be a member of the Computer Science faculty. You will enter the names and email addresses in the online application, which generates an automated email to your references asking them to submit a letter on your behalf through the online interface.

• Copies of your transcripts

  • You will need to upload copies of your unofficial transcripts (yes, even for the University of Arizona). Upload transcripts for other post-secondary schools you have attended.

• Your curriculum vitae or resume

  • Include a copy of your CV, no longer than 2 pages, or resume, no longer than one page.

You are not required to take the GRE as part of your admission to the AMP. However, the GRE is sometimes required for external fellowship or scholarship applications. If you think you might be interested in applying for outside sources of funding, it may be in your best interest to take them.

The Department of Computer Science does not set aside any funding specific to students in the AMP. You will be expected to cover the costs of your undergraduate and graduate programs. Once an AMP student is fully admitted to the MS program, the funding opportunities listed below are available.

Graduate Assistantships

There may be limited teaching assistantships available for MS students each semester, and an application form will be sent out if and when those positions become available.

Some tips for finding graduate assistantships:

• Reach out to any research faculty you'd be interested in working with to see if they have a research assistantship available.
• Reach out to other departments on campus to ask if they have any graduate assistantships available.  Some departments post these positions on Handshake.

MS Program Fee Scholarship

In order to be considered for the MS Program Fee Scholarship, domestic students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and international students must complete the UA's Financial Need Calculation for International Students Form to demonstrate need. Required forms demonstrating need must be on file with the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before the first day of the semester. In addition to financial need, students must be in good academic standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) to be considered for the scholarship. Students awarded the scholarship will have the amount credited to their student account.

Additional Funding Resources

Visit the UA's Graduate College website for additional funding and financial information.

Applications for the AMP will be considered at anytime.  To apply for the AMP, the student needs to meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator to obtain the Application Authorization Code. The application must be submitted online at apply.grad.arizona.edu. Students should apply at least 10 weeks prior to the semester they would like to begin graduate coursework.

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 0402