Fifth-Year BS/MS Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the BS/MS program.
Eligibility
Applying
The Admissions Process
Planning for the Program
Eligibility
Can I apply after graduating with my bachelor's degree from CSE?
Yes. However, most students should apply before graduating with their bachelor's degree, ideally as soon as possible after completing all required 300-level CSE courses. We expect to admit very few recent alumni. All students must begin the master's degree within one year of graduation. For example, if you graduate in June, you must apply and be admitted as a graduate student before the following June. Students who plan to take a job after graduating may consider our Professional Master's Program.I have only one required 300-level CSE course left to complete. Can I apply now?
All required 300-level CSE courses must be completed before the BS/MS Admissions committee begins reviewing applications. If the application opens during spring quarter, but the Admissions committee does not review applications until after the end of the quarter, then you may have your final required 300-level CSE courses in-progress that spring.Can undergrads not majoring in CSE apply?
No. The master's 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, so I longer have access to edit info in MyCSE, and I can't access the application!
Please email the advisors, and your CSE account will be re-activated. If you are unable to update your MyCSE information, just include updated work experience at the end of your personal statement.I'm having technical issues with the application!
Email the undergrad advisors with any technical issues. If you need to include comments or additional info in your application, please include those at the end of your personal statement.Is there an application fee?
There is no fee for 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; these rates may increase).
Should we list non-CSE-related jobs in our work history?
You may list jobs and experiences that seems unrelated. However, CSE-related experiences will typically have a more significant impact on your application and be the most helpful for the Admissions committee to review.Can I submit letters of recommendation?
No. Instead of letters of recommendation, we ask applicants to list three CSE faculty references. Faculty will submit feedback through the online application.How can I make sure faculty give me a good reference?
Select faculty who know you well: professors in whose classes you performed well, people with whom you interacted often, and people who can speak specifically about your work. Working on research with a professor is a good way to form this relationship with a faculty member. If you are unsure whether professors will provide a positive recommendation, you could ask them something like, "Do you feel you know me and my work well enough to provide a positive reference for the BS/MS application?"I did research with faculty in another department, but I earned credit through CSE. Can I use my faculty reearch advisor in the other department as a reference on the application?
The online application only allows you to select CSE faculty and CSE Affiliate faculty. If you worked with someone in another department but earned credit through CSE, you may mention that professor in your personal statement and provide an email address so we can contact her or him.
The Admissions Review Process
How can I be a competitive applicant?
Admission is competitive; we have space for only 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.How many students will be admitted per year?
The program is currently limited to 10 students per year.Once the university budgets allow, we plan to admit 30 students per year. That means that over time we will admit some students at the end of fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Planning for the Program
Can I attend the BS/MS program part-time?
We realize some students may take an extra quarter to finish program requirements, but the BS/MS is not meant as a part-time program. Students who want a part-time master's program should apply to CSE's Professional Master's Program. If you're admitted to the program then have a change of circumstance that prevents full-time enrollment, please talk with an advisor.Will I be able to use Federal Student Aid towards grad school?
Read this link for information on financial aid and graduate school.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 FAQs about being a TA.How much is tuition?
BS/MS students pay tier 1 grad student tuition. Please check the current rates. Tuition increases annually.

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