Accelerated Master’s Degree in Computer Science
Department of Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering at Marshall University offers an accelerated path for students in B.S. in Computer Science degree program to its three Master’s degree programs: M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Cybersecurity, and M.S. in Data Science.
Undergraduates accepted to an Accelerated Master’s Degree (AMD) program can begin taking graduate coursework while still in the B.S. program. These graduate credits can be taken in their senior year up to a maximum of 12 hours in place of electives. AMD will facilitate an easy and fast transition into the graduates program.
We encourage qualified undergraduates to consider doing an accelerated Master’s degree and please meet your advisor to see if you qualify for the program.
Advantages of an Accelerated Degree
- complete the Bachelor’s degree with up to 12 fewer credit hours, (must meet all other degree requirements for the Bachelor’s degree);
- begin work on the master’s degree during the senior year;
- complete up to 12 graduate credits at undergraduate tuition rates;
- earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.
Eligibility Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program
- must have completed at least 90 hours toward the Bachelor’s degree;
- must have at least a 3.30 overall undergraduate GPA;
- must have at least a 3.50 GPA in the major;
- must submit two reference letters, a personal statement, a graduate application and fee but are exempt from submitting GRE scores and a final transcript.
How to Apply
- During the junior or senior year, eligible students should meet with their Undergraduate Advisor and the Chair/Director of the chosen Master’s degree program to develop an AMD Plan of Study. This form is available from this Link. The completed, signed, and approved Plan of Study must be submitted to the Graduate College. Any changes to the AMD Plan of Study must be approved by the Undergraduate Advisor and Chair/Director of Graduate Studies and submitted in writing to the Dean of the Graduate College.
- The student’s acceptance into the AMD program is subject to the approval of the Plan of Study by the Dean of the Graduate College.
- Students accepted into the AMD program should apply for admission to the chosen Master’s degree program for the first semester after the Bachelor’s degree is awarded. Applications should be submitted during the last semester of the senior year.
Requirements for Continuation in the AMD Degree Program
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for all graduate credit toward their Master’s degree program.
Withdrawal from the AMD
A student may withdraw at any time from an approved AMD program by informing the Undergraduate Advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Dean of the Graduate College in writing. A student’s status will then revert to the standard undergraduate degree program. Any graduate hours earned must be approved for use in fulfillment of bachelor’s degree requirements by the student’s Undergraduate Dean.
From Undergraduate to Graduate Student
Beginning with the semester after the student has earned the Bachelor’s degree and has been accepted into a Master’s degree program, the student is enrolled in the Graduate College and is assessed tuition and fees at the graduate rate. All rules regarding graduate education will apply to the student once admitted into the Master’s degree program.
For more information about the AMD program, please contact Dr. Wook-Sung Yoo at yoow@marshall.edu