Accelerated MS Eligibility and Admissions

Eligibility

The Accelerated MS program is open to computer science BS or BA undergraduate students at UMass Amherst who meet the following two criteria:

• At least 3.6 overall GPA upon application to the program. Students who have a 3.5 GPA may apply for a pending status and have an end of semester GPA review.
• B+ or higher in COMPSCI 311 upon application to the program. Students who did not earn a B+ in  COMPSCI 311 may use COMPSCI 501, 513, 514, 515,  575, 589 or Math 411, 545, 590STA with a B.
• Completion of two eligible graduate courses to double count and two eligible graduate courses to transfer upon graduation. Students who do not meet this requirement may apply for the Bay State Scholarship and the MS in computer science degree program without the accelerated option.

Application and Admission Process 

• Students should apply in the second semester of their junior year (the semester prior to their final two semesters of their undergraduate program).
  • Students who are interested in funding their 4+1 degree with the Scholarship for Service program should apply to both programs concurrently. 
• Students who do not meet the minimum requirements during the second semester of junior year can apply in the first semester of their senior year, as long as the following criteria are met:
  • B+ in COMPSCI 311 or approved replacement course (see above)
  • 3.6 overall GPA
  • On track to complete four eligible 500 or 600 level courses to count toward the MS degree.

Accelerated applicants should apply for the Bay State Scholarship in their final semester.