Master of Science Degree in Computer Science
Program FAQ's
1. How do I apply for graduate study in computer science?
Apply to
the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services for study in Computer Science. Please see
The Graduate Admissions & Support Services web page for information on how to apply for graduate study.
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2. What is the deadline for my application?
The Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services processes application materials on an ongoing basis as they are received. Hence, there is no admission deadline. Realistically, students seeking admission for the fall semester should attempt to complete all application materials by no later than the end of July. Students seeking admission for the spring semester should attempt to submit complete application materials by the end of November.
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3. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?
Yes. Applicants for graduate study in computer science must take this test before they are permitted to matriculate.
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4. What is the minimum GRE score that is required for admission to graduate study in computer science?
There is no minimum score.
The Department reviews all of your application materials, including the material on your application form, your statement of objectives, transcripts, and recommendations, as well as GRE scores, in making admission decisions.
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5. Can I be admitted as a non-matriculated student without the GRE?
Yes. Please consult the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services for details. Note that non-matriculated students are admitted for one semester only. To become matriculated, students must complete the GRE.
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6. Do I need to take the GRE Subject Test in Computer Science?
No, the Computer Science Department does not currently require this test.
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7. What sort of preparation is needed for graduate study in computer science?
The Computer Science Department accepts students with undergraduate majors in computer science, mathematics, science, or engineering. We also accept students from any other major with a 3.00 grade-point average or other evidence of the ability to handle graduate work in computer science.
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8. What if my undergraduate major is not computer science?
The Computer Science Department (in conjunction with the Department of Mathematical Sciences) offers a sequence of pre-requisite courses for students who are not prepared to begin graduate-level work in computer science. These courses provide an accelerated introduction to the computer science and mathematics background that students need to pursue graduate-level study. The student must complete all of the necessary pre-requisite courses before beginning graduate-level study of computer science.
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9. What material do the prerequisite courses cover?
There are currently three prerequisite courses in computer science and three in mathematics. The computer science courses cover program development in a high level language (Java or C++), computer architecture and assembly language, elementary data structures, and programming in the large. The mathematics courses cover calculus, linear algebra, probability, and discrete mathematics.
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10. Which prerequisite courses will I need to take?
This depends on your previous academic coursework and, to a lesser extent, on your professional experience. After reviewing your background with you, the Graduate Program Coordinator in the Computer Science Department will determine which prerequisites courses you need to take.
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11. How long does it take to complete the prerequisite courses?
Students entering in the fall semester usually complete the pre-requisite courses in one year (fall, spring, and possibly summer). Because of the sequential nature of the pre-requisite courses, students entering in the spring semester may need a year and a half to complete the pre-requisites.
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12. What are the required courses for an M.S. in Computer Science?
Students must complete five core courses that cover the fundamental subject matter of computer science at an advanced level, two additional computer science courses, and four elective courses selected from a list of computer science and mathematics courses, for a total of eleven courses (33 credits). Please consult the catalog or the Computer Science Department web page for a detailed description of these requirements.
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13. Are there any degree requirements besides the coursework?
Yes. All students must pass a three-hour written comprehensive examination. The Department offers this exam twice a year, once during the fall and once during the spring. The core courses are designed to prepare the student to study for this exam.
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14. How long does it take to complete the M.S. in Computer Science?
In addition to the time needed to complete any pre-requisite courses, full-time students are usually able to complete the required coursework in one and a half to two years. Part-time students can usually finish their coursework in two and a half to three years. Note that the Office of Graduate Admissions & Support Services expects students to complete all degree requirements (including pre-requisites) within six years of matriculation.
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15. What is a Concentration?
A Concentration provides an opportunity for specialized study a subject related to computer science in greater depth. If a student elects to pursue a Concentration and successfully completes the requirements, the Concentration appears on the student's official transcript.
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16. Must I declare a Concentration?
No. Student who want a general advanced education in computer science do not need to declare a Concentration. The general degree is also a rigorous program that prepares students for a variety of careers in computing.
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17. What Concentrations are available in computer science?
The Computer Science Department currently offers three Concentrations: Applied Statistics, Applied Mathematics, and Informatics.
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18. What is the Concentration in Applied Statistics?
This Concentration prepares the student to use the computer as a tool for statistical modeling and analysis. This Concentration comprises the five core courses, two additional computer science courses, three courses in statistics and statistical computing, and one free elective. Please consult the Graduate Catalog or the Computer Science Department's web page for more details.
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19. What is the Concentration in Applied Mathematics?
This Concentration prepares the student to use the computer as a mathematical modeling and analysis tool. This Concentration comprises the five core courses, two additional computer science courses, three selected courses in mathematics, and on additional elective. Please consult the Computer Science Department web page or the Graduate Catalog for more details.
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20. What is the Concentration in Informatics?
This Concentration covers the conceptual and technical basis for Management Information Systems. This Concentration comprises the five core courses, required courses in System Analysis and Data Communication, an elective course in Software Engineering or Local Area Networks, and three elective courses. Please see the Computer Science Department web page or the Graduate Catalog for more details.
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21. What sort of financial support is available from the Computer Science Department?
The department offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships on a competitive basis. At present, Graduate Assistants receive full tuition re-imbursement and a stipend (currently $5000). The tuition re-imbursement does not include any special fees instituted by the Department.
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22. What are the responsibilities of a Graduate Assistant in the Computer Science Department?
Graduate Assistants work approximately fifteen hours a week. Most of this work is designing and/or conducting labs for undergraduate courses, or, on occasion, teaching undergraduate courses. Other possible responsibilities include supervising and answering students' questions in computer laboratories and general support for the Department.
TO APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM, PLEASE VISIT
http://www.montclair.edu/graduate/prospective/app.shtml
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