Computer Science Accelerated Master's Programs

Fast-track your graduate studies in computer science while obtaining your degree at a lower cost.

Research-based CS MS   Course-based CS MS  

  • You may take up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level (5000 numbered) courses while you pursue your bachelor's degree in computer science.
  • Six credit hours of CSCI 5000-level courses can be simultaneously applied toward your bachelor's and graduate degree requirements.
  • While enrolled in your undergraduate program, you are highly encouraged to enroll in BIN (9 credits) and an approved elective by your current undergraduate advisor.

Application Deadlines

  • For fall admission: Feb. 28
  • For spring admission: Oct. 15

Eligibility for BA/BS Applicants

  •  You must have at least junior class standing.
  • ​ You must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
    • If you do not have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, you must have one letter of reference from a faculty member or your academic advisor outlining why you should be considered. Your letter-writer should send their letter directly to gradadms@colorado.edu.
  • Complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B.
 

Prerequisite classes for BS/BA applicants:

  • CSCI 1300 Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
  • CSCI 2270 Computer Science 2: Data Structures
  • CSCI 2400 Computer Systems
  • CSCI 3104 Algorithms or CSCI 3434 Theory of Computation
  • CSCI 3155 Principles of Programming Languages or CSCI 3753 Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

Process for BA/BS students

  • Check your eligibility, including the necessary prerequite courses. If you have questions on eligibility, please contact your academic advisor.
  • Students should complete the following steps between October 1 - October 15 for spring start, or February 14 - February 28 for fall start.
  • Complete the BAM Intent Form:
    • CS BS students select COMPUTER SCIENCE BS (CSEN-BS)
    • ​CS BA students select COMPUTER SCIENCE BA (CSEN-BA)
  • Submit the BS or BA in CS departmental BAM application.
    • If you are interested in the research-based master's option, make sure to collect a letter of support from the faculty that you are planning on doing research with and upload that with the Department application form.

Eligibility for Post-Bacc students

  • ​ You must have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
    • If you do not have at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, credit completion, or the necessary prerequisites, you must have one letter of reference from a faculty member or your academic advisor outlining why you should be considered. Your letter-writer should send their letter directly to gradadms@colorado.edu.
  • ​ If you are interested in applying to the Research Based MS option, you need a letter of support from the faculty you wish to do your research with. You need to upload that letter with your department application.
  • You must complete all prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B.
  • CSPB 1300 Computer Science 1: Starting Computing
  • CSPB 2270 Computer Science 2: Data Structures
  • CSPB 2400 Computer Systems
  • CSPB 3104 Algorithms
  • CSPB 3155 Principles of Programming Languages or CSPB 3753 Design and Analysis of Operating Systems

Process for Post-Bacc students

  • Check your eligibility, including the necessary prerequite courses. If you have questions on eligibility, please contact your academic advisor.
  • Read information on various MS degree options very carefully before submitting the application. 
  • Submit the BAM Intent Form:
    • select APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE POST-BACC (CSAP-BSACS)
  • Submit the BS/BA in CS departmental BAM application. 
    • If you are interested in the research-based master's option, make sure to collect a letter of support from the faculty that you are planning on doing research with and upload that with the Department application form.

Continuation Deadlines

  • Feb. 1 - Students graduating in May
  • March 1 - Sudents graduating in August
  • Oct. 1 - Students graduating in December

Complete these forms by the continuation deadlines:

  • Apply to graduate with your bachelor's degree.
  • Submit the master's continuation form.
  • At the start of your final undergraduate semester, BS and BA in CS students submit the BAM supplement form to confirm which courses will double-count and which you will use toward the master's degree.
  • At the start of your final semester, Post Bacc in CS students submit the PBAM supplement form to confirm which courses will double-count and which you will use toward the master's degree.