Accelerated Combined Degrees
This accelerated combined degree program allows students to complete two degrees in just five academic years.
- BA or BS in Computer Science
- MS in Computer Science
Students receive the same benefits of both curriculums and move seamlessly from the undergraduate program to graduate studies. You will save time and money, as well as jump-start your career.
Admission Requirements
SIUE undergraduate students who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
- Major in computer science
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA
- Complete prerequisite and required computer science courses with grades of B or better within two years prior
- Be within 32 credit hours of bachelor's degree completion at intended entry term
How to Apply
- Consult with your academic advisor and/or the Graduate Program Director of your program of interest to discuss which graduate-level courses are appropriate for you to enroll in if you are accepted to the program.
- Submit a graduate admission application to the program following the student instructions.
- Select the "SIUE Undergraduate to Graduate Student" option from the student type list within the application.
- Complete the Plan of Study information detailing which graduate courses you plan to take and the semesters you plan to take them.
- Enter your undergraduate academic advisor's name and email address within the recommendation requirement so they can review your Plan of Study.
Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at graduateadmissions@siue.edu with questions regarding the application process.
Sample Curriculum
The accelerated master's in computer science requires that students complete 6-12 credit hours of approved graduate courses during the undergraduate senior year. These credit hours are shared and apply to both the BA or BS in computer science and the MS in computer science. The following courses are approved to be taken as part of the accelerated master's in computer science:
CS 423: Complier Constructions
CS 434: Database Management Systems
CS 438: Artificial Intelligence
CS 447: Networks and Data Communications
CS 454: Theory of Computation
CS 456: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
CS 463: Cryptography
CS 476: Bioinformatics Algorithms
CS 482: Computer Graphics
CS 490: Topics in Computer Science
Senior Year (Fall Semester)
(3) CS 425 Senior Project: Software Design
(3) CS 447 Networks and Data Communications - shared credit
(3) CS 456 Advanced Algorithms - shared credit
(3) CS Undergraduate Elective I
(3) Breadth Social Science/Global Cultures, Race, and Equity Education Experience
15 Total Credits
Senior Year (Spring Semester)
(3) CS 499 Senior Project: Software Implementation
(3) CS 434 Database Management Systems - shared credit
(3) CS 438 Artificial Intelligence - shared credit
(3) Life, Physical or Social Science/Health Experience
(3) Life, Physical or Social Science/US Race, Gender, and Equity Experience
15 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Fall Semester)
(1) CS 500 Graduate Seminar in Computer Science
(3) CS 514 Computer Architecture
(3) CS Graduate Elective I
(3) CS 500 Master's Thesis
10 Total Credits
Graduate Year (Spring Semester)
(3) CS 516 Operating Systems
(3) CS Graduate Elective II
(3) CS Graduate Elective III
(3) CS 500 Master's Thesis
12 Total Credits
Please review the academic policy for program requirements and restrictions.
