Accelerated BS/MS

Computer Science

Department

DigiPen offers students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree and Master of Science in Computer Science program in five years through an accelerated schedule for selected programs, including BS in Computer Science in Real Time Interactive Simulation, BS in Computer Science, and BS in Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence programs. The accelerated schedule permits students who meet the requirements to take selected graduate-level courses during their undergraduate study and apply up to 15 credits towards both BS and MS degree requirements. Students who pursue the accelerated schedule will complete their BS CS Programs while at the same time extending their knowledge into the graduate-level curriculum. This gives student an opportunity to finish both degree programs in five years sequentially, first their BS CS Programs and then Master of Science in Computer Science in one year.

Students on the accelerated schedule may choose up to 15 graduate-level credits that satisfy MS CS program requirements, at least 9 of which must be Computer Science credits. Those credits will be shared between undergraduate and graduate programs. Students may only share credits of courses for which they earn a grade of “B-” (or 2.7 quality points) or higher.

To be considered for the BS/MS accelerated schedule, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Enrolled in one of the following degree programs at DigiPen Institute of Technology
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation,
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, or
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Artificial Intelligence
  • Junior standing
  • Cumulative GPA in CS/MAT/PHY courses of 3.00 or higher
  • Approval of the MS CS Program Director

The Master of Science in Computer Science Program Director will review the student’s request of entering the accelerated schedule and inform the student. Please note that the petition to be considered for the BS/MS accelerated schedule does not indicate admission to the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program. Students must still apply for the Master of Science in Computer Science degree program following the standard admission procedures.

The MS in Computer Science degree program requires a total of 37 credits; students who complete 15 credits during their undergraduate program will have 22 credits remaining. Those remaining credits may be completed in two semesters (i.e., 12 credits during the first semester and 10 during the second). Students taking the accelerated schedule must also satisfy the MS in Computer Science degree program graduation requirements by completing the following:

  • A sequence of two graduate-level courses in an approved concentration area. Graduate-level courses taken during the undergraduate program may be used to fulfill this requirement.
  • Either one of the following:
    • Thesis or
    • Extra coursework and Comprehensive Exam.
  • As well as: 
Course Code
Title
Credits
Sub-Total Credits
10
Total Credits
37
Course Sequencing

Below is the recommended MS in Computer Science schedule for students completing the accelerated schedule.

Course Code
Title
Credits
3
3
Sub-Total Credits
12
Course Code
Title
Credits
3
Sub-Total Credits
10