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This page answers some common questions about applying to and completing the CSE Combined BS/MS program. More info about admissions, requirements, and other details for current and prospective students is available through the links to the left. Because the CSE Combined BS/MS program is new and still under development, details may change and these FAQ should be considered tentative.
FAQ for prospective students
Eligibility
Can I apply after graduating from CSE?
Yes. However, we expect to admit most students after their junior year, and will likely admit very few recent alumni. To apply after graduating, you must begin the program within one year of graduation. For example, if you graduate in June 08, you must apply and be admitted a graduate student before June 09. Students who plan to take a job after graduating may want to consider our Professional Master's Program instead.
I only have one 300-level course left. Can I just apply now?
No. You'll be eligible to apply when you've finished all 300-level CSE courses.
Can undergrads not majoring in CSE apply?
No. The masters curriculum is designed to overlap with the undergraduate CSE curriculum, so only current CS or CE majors may apply. Undergrads in other departments may be interested in our courses for non-majors.
The Application
I've graduated and no longer have access to edit info in MyCSE, and I can't access the application!
Please email Crystal, and your CSE account will be re-activated. If you are unable to update your MyCSE info, please just include updated work experience at the end of your personal statement.
I'm having technical issues with the application!
You may also email the undergrad advisers with any technical issues. If you need to include comments or additional info in your application, please just include it at the end of the personal statement.
Is there an application fee?
There is no fee for the students completing the initial CSE BS/MS application.
Students admitted to the BS/MS program must complete the UW Grad School application and pay a $65 application fee, as well as a $100 enrollment fee once you become a grad student (due before tuition).
Should we list non-CSE-related jobs in our work history?
You may list these jobs and experiences, but keep in mind that jobs related to computer science and engineering are probably most relevant and helpful for the admissions committee to see.
Can I submit letters of recommendation?
Nope, we are not accepting letters of recommendation, we just ask applicants to list CSE faculty references.
How can I make sure faculty give me a good reference?
You should select faculty who know you well: people in whose classes you performed well, and with whom you interacted often; people who can speak specifically about your work. Working on research with a professor is a good way to achieve a solid relationship with a faculty member.
I did research with EE (or other) faculty, but it was approved by CS faculty. Can/should I list the EE faculty member on the application?
The online application only allows you to select CSE faculty and affiliate faculty. If you worked with someone in another department and had your research approved by CSE, you may mention that professor in your personal statement and provide a email address so we can contact him/her.
The Admissions Review Process
How can I be a competitive applicant?
Admission is competitive; we only have space for a small number of students, and the applicant pool is very strong. We will need to deny many well-qualified applicants. Admitted students will be academically competitive, present a well-written and compelling personal statement, and provide highly favorable CSE faculty references. It's hard to estimate standards after only two admissions cycles, but the average GPA for all undergrads in CSE is around 3.6.
How many students will be admitted per year?
The program is currently funded for 10 students per year.
Once the program is established and university budgets allow, we hope to fund 30 students per year. That means that ideally we'll admit some students at the end of fall, winter, and spring.
Planning for the Program
Can I attend the BS/MS program part-time?
Probably not. We realize some students may take an extra quarter to finish the requirements, but this is not meant as a part-time program. Students who want a part-time Masters program should apply to CSE's Professional Masters Program. If you're admitted to the program then have a change of circumstance that prevents full-time enrollment, please talk with an adviser.
Will I be able to use Federal Student Aid towards grad school?
Read this link for information on financial aid and graduate school: http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/graduate/
I hear BS/MS students are encouraged to TA, and would be paid at the graduate pay rate. Do you know what that is?
Please check the Outside the Classroom Q&A about TAing below.
How much is tuition?
The 2008-09 tuition rate for tier 1 grad students was $3,349 per quarter for Washington residents, and $7,507 for nonresidents. Tuition increases annually.
FAQ for admitted students
Curriculum
I have loads of questions. Who's my adviser?
Combined BS/MS students will continue to work with the CSE undergrad advising staff, who know the students best, and Paul Beame, the faculty adviser for the program. Crystal Eney and Raven Avery work most closely with this
program on behalf of the ugrad advising team.
What classes will I take as a grad student?
Courses available to each student vary by quarter and individual preparation. Often, we'll need to approve each class you want to take each quarter. You'll select most classes from these areas:
- Masters courses in our PhD program (called "quals" courses, and highlighted in teal in the CSE teaching schedule)
- Professional Masters Program courses
- 400-level courses, after you've become an official grad student
- Courses that fulfill one of the "check-box" requirements: a capstone and an approved writing course (these may be done as an undergrad)
For details on requirements, read the Courses and Requirements page.
We'll send course suggestions and keep you up-to-date on new offerings. However, a number of variables make it impossible to compile a comprehensive list of courses that will work for all BS/MS students: some grad courses may only be appropriate if you've taken an undergrad course in the area; some may only be appropriate if you *haven't* taken the undergrad version, because they will be too similar; some PMP courses may assume extensive professional experience. We also want to help students plan manageable schedules, and new grads may not realize the workload of some grad classes. This is why we'll meet with you individually to plan your classes.
Can I get more info on the 'quals' courses?
Quals courses are PhD-track masters courses listed in teal on the CSE teaching schedule. Many of these will be appropriate for BS/MS students, but the workload will likely be significantly greater than your 400-level CSE courses. It's common for PhD-track grad students to take one or two quals courses each quarter; even if you're a super strong and motivated student who successfully took three upper-division CSE courses (against your advisers' recommendation), you should not plan for more than one, maybe two, quals courses each quarter. We'll talk to each of you individually about specific courses and schedules.
The PhD-track courses that are not highlighted in teal in the teaching schedule are much less likely to be appropriate BS/MS students. They typically require PhD quals courses as prerequisites.
When can I take 400-level courses?
400-level CSE courses taken after you're officially coded as a grad student can count toward the program. 400-level courses taken while you're still an undergrad (even if they go beyond any undergrad requirements) can't count, except to "check off" the Capstone or Approved Writing requirements.
What's this Planning Worksheet?
One requirement of the program is an individualized plan for each student. We'll meet with you before you begin the program to talk about your interests and options, and to outline a tentative plan of courses. If your interests change, we can adjust this later.
** Remember to watch your inbox for the deadlines by which new students should submit this plan.
What are the 590 research seminars? Should I take one of these or attend the colloquia?
Most of the CSE research areas have a 590 seminar each quarter. In these seminars, grad students read and present on recent academic articles relevant to the research area. You get one credit for each 590 seminar you take. The colloquia is a weekly series of speakers, mostly guests, sometimes faculty candidates, talking about their work. You also get one credit for enrolling in CSE 519 or 520 and attending the colloquium talks. As listed on the Courses and Requirements page, you need four credits of research seminars or colloquia, so you should plan to take one seminar and/or attend the colloquia each quarter, for a total of four credits.
Outside the classroom
Research
Some BS/MS students may participate in research, either as a paid RA or for credit. The Courses and Requirements page shows how research can apply to your graduate requirements. If you're interested in research, you should contact faculty directly to discuss your interests and see what work they may have available. If you or your potential research adviser has questions about how research can work as part of your masters' degree, contact an undergrad adviser or Paul Beame.
Can I be a TA?
TA positions may be available for some BS/MS students, and would be paid at the graduate pay rate (full tuition, plus a stipend). Note that due to budget restrictions, we do not expect to be able to offer TA positions to all interested BS/MS students in the 2009-10 school year.
Can I fund my year of masters courses as a TA?
BS/MS students who get a TA position will be paid the graduate TA rate; for 2008-09, the salary is be $2,062 per month, plus tuition is fully paid, for 20 hours of work per week. Graduate TA rate takes effect once you're officially coded as a graduate student; admitted students who are still undergrads still earn the standard undergrad rate for being a TA. Due to budget restrictions, we do not expect to be able to offer TA positions to all interested BS/MS students in the 2009-10 school year. You may apply to TA, but please prepare a back-up plan for paying the full tuition for the program. Keep in mind that if you do not TA, you'll likely be able to finish the program more quickly, spending less on tuition and earning a salary sooner.
Where do BS/MS students fit in with other CSE students? Should I stop hanging out with undergrads? Can I attend events for PhD students?
We hope BS/MS students will continue to be active in the CSE community. Some career- or research-related undergrad events may be appropriate, and BS/MS students are invited to the graduate TGIF happy-hour events each Friday (usually in the atrium; look for email announcements).
We expect that BS/MS students will likely form their own social circle as well, since you do occupy a unique position in the department. Welcome events for BS/MS students should help you meet your BS/MS peers. If you have ideas for other BS/MS events, let us know.
Beyond the BS/MS
Is this masters going to be viewed as equal to a "real" masters?
CSE BS/MS students take real graduate courses, and receive a real diploma (it reads "Masters of Science in Computer Science & Engineering"). We require 40 credits for the masters, four credits beyond the standard minimum of 36 the UW requires for masters programs. CSE BS/MS students can earn a masters degree in a relatively short amount of time because they integrate their bachelor's and master's requirements -- completing the same amount of work normally required for both a BS and MS, but squished into roughly three years total.
Realistically, masters programs vary, and the reputation for this program will be established by the students currently enrolled. Individuals will determine how valuable this program is for them by designing their curriculum and utilizing the extra time here for research, internships, networking, and other opportunities.
How much of a salary boost will a masters give me?
Your salary prospects will depend on your individual qualifications. However, it's reasonable to expect that an extra year of advanced coursework, professional networking, and (for some) research, plus an additional summer for one more internship, will give students a noticeable boost in salary and job prospects. We'll have more concrete salary data after students graduate from the program and receive job offers.
How are statewide budget cuts going to affect the BS/MS program?
Budget details are currently tentative. We're moving ahead with the program, but will not increase enrollment beyond 10 students per year. Limited availability of TA positions will affect some students who hoped to fund their degree by being a TA. Research may be positively affected, thanks to stimulus funding for research. We don't have any more-specific predictions, but we encourage admitted students to explore all options for funding their degree.
Can I go to a PhD program after the Combined BS/MS?
Maybe. Competitiveness for PhD programs depends on many factors, but it's reasonable to expect that an extra year of advanced coursework, networking with faculty, and research opportunities would benefit students in applying to PhD programs. However, remember that this program is designed as a stand-alone masters degree, not as a transitional piece between undergrad and PhD. We encourage strong students who know they want a PhD to apply directly to PhD programs. If you're uncertain of you interests, contact an adviser or Paul Beame. Our grad adviser and other faculty could also give insight into your options or your particular area of interest.
Questions or concerns?
This page and our main BS/MS page contain all current details on the CSE combined BS/MS program. These pages will be updated as new details are finalized. Please contact the CSE undergraduate advisers if you have any questions or concerns not addressed here.
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