DigiPen offers students the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation and Master of Science in Computer Science programs in five years through an accelerated schedule.
The accelerated schedule permits students who meet the minimum requirements to take selected graduate-level courses during the junior and senior years of their undergraduate study and apply up to 15 credits towards both BS and MS degree requirements. Students who pursue the accelerated schedule will successfully complete their BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation degree while at the same time beginning to extend their knowledge into the graduate-level curriculum and allow students to finish both degree programs in five years sequentially (i.e., BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation in four years, and then MS in Computer Science in one year).
Eligibility
To be considered for the BS/MS accelerated schedule, students must meet the following minimum requirements:
Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation degree program at DigiPen Institute of Technology
Have Junior standing
Have a cumulative GPA in CS/MAT/PHY courses of 3.0 or higher
Submit petition to take graduate-level CS electives to MSCS program director
The Master of Science in Computer Science Admissions Committee will review the student’s request of entering the accelerated schedule and inform the student within three weeks upon receiving the petition. 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 program following the standard admission procedures.
Policies
The recommended course sequence for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation degree program includes several electives. Students on the accelerated schedule may choose up to five graduate-level CS, PHY, or MAT courses for their corresponding electives. Those courses will be shared between undergraduate and graduate programs. No more than two of the shared courses can be non-CS electives. Students may only share credits of courses for which they earn a B- or higher. Shared courses must satisfy requirements of the Master of Science in Computer Science Program.
Degree Requirements
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 program graduation requirements by completing the following:
One of the remaining courses must be a MAT course numbered 500 or higher
GAM 550 and GAM 551 are required
Students must take CS 598 (MS in Computer Science Colloquium)
A sequence of 2 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
Displayed below is the recommended MS in Computer Science course sequence for students completing the accelerated schedule:
| Semester | Options | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | MAT Elective | MAT 500 or above | 3 |
| Concentration Elective | See MS in Computer Science Degree Requirements | 3 | |
| GAM 550 | Advanced Game Project | 3 | |
| Elective or CS 601 | CS 500 or above or Master’s Thesis I | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 12 | ||
| Semester 2 | CS 598 | CS Colloquium | 1 |
| Concentration Elective | See MS in Computer Science Degree Requirements | 3 | |
| GAM 551 | Advanced Game Project | 3 | |
| Elective or CS 602 | CS 500 or above or Master’s Thesis II | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 10 | ||