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
- Submit a graduate admission application and pay the $40 application fee. Apply to the term in which you plan to begin the combined bachelor's and graduate courses.
- After submitting your application, complete the "plan of study" form with approval from your undergraduate advisor and graduate program director.
- Submit all other required graduate admission application materials, including:
- Statement of purpose detailing background and career plans
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.
