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| This page contains details on graduate admissions for computer science.
| | ==Major in Computer Science?== |
| | Computer Science is a great major - there are many well-paying jobs, you can work in many different fields, and the work can be very interesting. You likely will not be sure if Computer Science is the right field for you until after you have done your first 1-2 courses that require a large amount of programming. So you should begin by signing up for the first course in the CS major. You can also check the [https://cs.indstate.edu/info/files/CS-flyer-and-advice.pdf CS Flyer and Advice]. |
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| == Have Questions? == | | ==Accelerated 4+1 BS and MS== |
| If you have questions on our programs and the admissions process, please first read over all of the information on this page and on pages linked from here. If you still have questions, then you should contact...
| | For undergrads with a 3.0 GPA, at least 90 credits (including the current term), and in their 4th to last term before graduating, you may qualify for the accelerated 4+1 BS + MS degree program. This allows you to take some graduate courses during your last 3 terms year as an undergraduate, and then complete the CS MS with 1 additional year of graduate study. Some additional details and rules are listed [https://catalog.indstate.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=57&poid=11135&returnto=2942 in the graduate catalog]. You would be able to register for up to 9 credits of 500 level courses that can count towards both the BS and MS, and up to 6 credits of 600 level courses that would only count towards the MS (but could be taken during your last 3 terms of undergraduate study). If you are interested you can get in touch with your major advisor. If you meet the minimum requirements, you would apply for the CS MS to start the term after you finish your BS degree, and you would complete the Accelerated Program Application (at the [https://sycamoresindstate.sharepoint.com/sites/STU-Registrar/SitePages/Graduate-Studies.aspx Graduate Studies] page) with your advisor. |
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| * If you have questions related to getting an I-20 (this applies only to international students), contact [mailto:ISU-IPS@mail.indstate.edu ISU-IPS@mail.indstate.edu].
| | ==Undergraduate Programs== |
| * If you have questions about having an incomplete application, contact [mailto:admissions@indstate.edu admissions@indstate.edu].
| | The requirements for the CS major, CS minor, CS teaching minoor, and certificate in applied CS (that can be earned by non-degree students) are listed in the undergraduate catalog. The major includes the following concentrations - Computing Science (more focus on theory and systems), Data Science, Information Science (more focus on applications). Once you declare the major or minor you should see the requirements in your MySAM. |
| * If you have been admitted and have questions about setting up your ISU online account, contact the department administrative assistant listed on [[ISU CS People]].
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| * If you are ready to sign up for courses and need to know which courses to sign up for, contact a [[Graduate Advising|CS Graduate Advisor]].
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| ==University Requirements==
| | To see the requirements for the major, you can check the [https://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php Undergraduate Catalog] - click on "Academic Programs" and then find the program you are looking for - Computer Science Major, Computer Science Minor, Computer Science Teaching Minor, or Applied Computer Science Certificate. |
| First, all conditions of the university must be met. In particular, an applicant must hold a 4-year undergraduate/bachelor's degree before beginning at Indiana State (you can apply during your last year if you finish before starting at ISU), and must upload a transcript showing the final degree awarded into the application system <em>and</em> have an official transcript sent to ISU (if finishing your BS, upload your current transcript). The university normally requires a 3.0 college GPA, though the department can petition the university to grant admission also for those who pass the department requirements even if their GPA may be below this.
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| Note that '''for international students''', your transcript also needs to be evaluated. As of 2024, ISU will perform this evaluation if you have not already had it done. International students must also satisfy English proficiency requirements listed at https://indianastate.edu/admissions/international/meeting-english-language-requirement-scores, and note that only officially received test scores will be accepted.
| | See '''graphical overview''' of the BS (with prereqs and required courses) - '''[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1Rfav0yzAcbAlarNgqksXUuhXicmXH_m--Uqir7w9Y1k/edit if you start in fall 2024 or after]''', '''[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1qlwH-zRga42O3jIYn6PeP8jbRKGQQV_URTIVUF4-CBU/edit?usp=sharing if you started before fall 2024]'''. |
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| For information on the cost of tuition, see https://indianastate.edu/costs-aid/graduate-tuition-rates | | '''Other Courses, Sequence of Courses''' |
| | For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see [[Undergraduate Advising]] and |
| | the "CS BS" sheet in '''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mBt7E5r35rLXG5Ith0SjUMHiHmUtxH58v_ZOvt3bjvA/edit#gid=1748557442 CS Course Sequences ]'''. |
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| ==Department Requirements==
| | '''Related majors/minors''' - Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Cyber & Security Studies, General Studies. See these in the list of undergraduate programs in the undergraduate catalog. |
| We are looking for people interested in learning new material and concepts. Having a bachelor's degree in computer science is an advantage. However, if your degree is not in CS but in engineering/math/statistics/physics/biology/chemistry/etc., and you have a strong math/reasoning background, then a master's in CS is a good fit for you.
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| For those with a background in social science, taking computer science courses such as AI and machine learning can help you excel in your field.
| | ==Graduate Programs== |
| | The requirements for the CS MS are listed in the [https://catalog.indstate.edu/index.php Graduate Catalog] - click on "Programs" on the menu on the right, and then find Computer Science M.S. (or Computer Science (Accelerated M.S.) for undergrads doing the 4+1 accelerated program). We offer the following concentrations - Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional. |
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| Applicants should also be able to communicate clearly in English.
| | To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Graduate Catalog. |
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| ==Graduate Admissions - FAQ==
| | For a '''graphical overview''' of the required courses in the major, see '''[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1tFNux0jIVIsThe7waIxzfPdi_pu-Yd5ZmJRibkn6YGY/edit?usp=sharing CS MS graphical overview ]'''. |
| ''Is a computer science BS required for admission?'' As noted above, a computer science degree is NOT required for admission. See above for more details. | |
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| ''Is there an application fee waiver?'' We do not offer application fee waivers. Note that once you have paid the application fee, you will NOT be required to pay it again (e.g., if you are not admitted and decide to apply again in a future term). | | '''Other Courses, Sequence of Courses''' For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see [[Graduate Advising]] and the "CS MS" sheet in '''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mBt7E5r35rLXG5Ith0SjUMHiHmUtxH58v_ZOvt3bjvA/edit#gid=1748557442 CS Course Sequences]'''. |
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| ''Is an unofficial transcript enough for admission?'' As of the writing of this FAQ, an unofficial transcript CAN be uploaded in your application for making an admissions decision. Note that an official transcript must still be sent if you attend ISU. This is a decision of the Admissions Office, and is subject to change. | | '''Concentrations''' The current concentrations for the CS Graduate program are Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional. New graduate students are typically put into the Professional Concentration by default. The professional concentration is more flexible and geared towards skills and applications. See the Graduate Catalog for more on the different concentrations. |
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| ''Is a transcript evaluation required?'' As of the writing of this FAQ, an external transcript evaluation is NOT required. This is a decision of the Admissions Office, and is subject to change. | | '''Related Degrees''' - Biology, Business MBA, ECET/IT MS IT concentration, Math. See these in the Graduate Catalog. |
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| ''Are there any scholarships, tuition waivers, or assistantship positions?'' We consider all applicants for positions inside the department. Positions are awarded based on knowledge/skills in computer science. We do not take into account your previous work experience or previous course projects; we go strictly based off of our admissions process (see above). Most good students are able to find a position at the university by the end of the first term of study. | |
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| ''Is the program available online?'' Yes, the program is available online, with all courses beginning offered either online asynchronous (using mostly lecture recordings, readings, email, and arranged meetings) or online synchronous (lectures via zoom and recorded for those who cannot be present live).
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| ''Why is my application "incomplete"?'' Check your online application to find out, and if it is not clear then write to [mailto:admissions@indstate.edu admissions@indstate.edu]. The most common missing items are: application fee, unofficial transcripts, English language test scores (for international students). See more information above.
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| == Admissions Deadline and Timeline ==
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| In general, for spring admission we consider all applications that are complete before November 15; for fall admission we normally consider all applications that are complete before July 15. To be complete, you must have uploaded a resume into the application. If you are an international student you must have scores sent demonstrating you have met the English language requirements of ISU as mentioned above. You should also check the application system to see if it indicates any other information that is missing.
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| '''Last chance deadlines''' The following are the dates that are normally used as the "last chance to apply". After these dates, it is not possible to apply for the given term, and an application should be complete before the deadline.
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| * Admission to begin in Fall: July 15
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| * Admission to begin in Spring: November 15
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| * Admission to begin in Summer: March 15 (though note that we only admit to begin in the summer in special circumstances)
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| == Assistantships and Funding ==
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| The department regularly supports some of our best students with full assistantships, which cover the cost of tuition and include a stipend. Positions are limited and competitive. Those awarded funding typically are strong in both algorithms/theory and programming, obtain at least 80th percentile on the quantitative portion of the GRE, and are very hard working and earnest individuals. All who apply for admission will automatically be given consideration for an assistantship position.
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| '''Deadline''' For new students to be considered for departmental assistantships, their application must be complete before March 15 for fall admission, and before Oct 15 for spring admission. Note that if you are applying during your final term of your undergraduate degree, you should upload an unofficial transcript into the application system.
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| '''Other positions''' Most CS students end up with an on campus job by the end of their first term at ISU, and are able to earn roughly half of their living and tuition expenses. Around half of CS students end up with an assistantship position in some department by the time they are done at ISU. You can see job and GA postings at https://jobs.indstate.edu/.
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| == Other Information ==
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| If you have other questions that have not been answered, you are encouraged to view the pages linked at https://indianastate.edu/administration/academic-affairs/graduate-studies for further information about Indiana State University. You can also find information by going to the [https://indianastate.edu/search/offices A-Z Department/Office Directory], and search for what you are looking for in the list.
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| == Applying ==
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| The instructions and application for applying for a master's of Computer Science are on [https://www.indstate.edu/cgps/graduate?qt-graduate_quicktabs=1#qt-graduate_quicktabs this webpage] at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies' website. They will process your application and route it to the Math and CS department for consideration. After we have decided on whether to admit you to the program, you will be contacted by the College of Gradate and Professional Studies.
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| '''Important''' - It generally takes about 4 weeks to process an application and come to a decision on admittance. If all required documents have been submitted and you have been admitted, you will receive an email and an official acceptance letter in the mail. If this is being mailed to an international address, the standard mailing system can take up to 4-6 weeks of shipping time. In this case, we recommend that you choose the expedited shipping so that your acceptance letter arrives sooner - giving you more time to schedule for a visa interview. For information on expediting your I-20 shipment, see [https://www.indstate.edu/ips/future-students/immigration/get-i20-fast this link].
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| '''Important''' - Make sure to submit all required documents when applying (according to the application instructions). If you do not submit all required forms, this will delay a decision on your admittance. You will not be admitted until all required forms have been received.
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| '''Application status''' - If you have been contacted by the department with the current status of your application, the meaning of the status codes mentioned in the email are as follows.
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| * ''Regular Admission'' - you have been granted admission, and should receive an official email to this effect from admissions@instate.edu, ISU-gradinfo@indstate.edu, or a similar address soon (or you have already received that). See [[For New Graduate Students]] to get information on what to do next.
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| * ''Updated to Different Term'' - you were granted admission and later changed which term you wanted to begin.
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| * ''Referred to Department'' - the department has been sent your application information, and the department has not yet decided. If you were sent a message by someone in the department (e.g., the department administrative assistant) asking for some information and have not responded, we will not take action on your application until you respond with the requested information. Importantly, you will receive an email asking you to complete the admissions quizzes; the email has instructions on how to submit your results.
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| * ''Incomplete Application'' - there is something missing from your application. This is most often your transcript or English language test scores (for international students). Note that international students can upload an unofficial transcript for admissions decisions to be made, but must have an official transcript sent as well. Domestic students must have their official transcript sent and received at ISU before your application can be reviewed.
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| * ''Not Admitted'' - the department considered your application and decided to not admit you. We wish you the best in finding a program somewhere else that will work for you. If you improve your skills you can feel free to apply again for a future term at ISU.
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| == Visa Interview ==
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| For international students, once all documents have been verified you will receive an email from the admissions office notifying you of your admission. Within a week or so you should hear from the ISU [https://www.indstate.edu/ips International Programs and Services] office with information on having an I-20 shipped to you, which you will need to apply for a student visa to enter the US. Some of our previous students have compiled some advice to consider when preparing for your visa interview.
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| * During the visa interview the consulate performs a thorough background check. We need to make sure we have all the documents accurate and ready.
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| * We have to provide a strong proof of financial security, either from the bank or show that our family has enough funds to support our education.
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| * They go through our undergraduate records, and they will ask us the reason if we have any backlogs or failed in any of the subjects. We must be ready to give a reasonable response.
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| * They will ask us the reason we chose ISU (Indiana State University) to pursue our Masters. The students can mention some of the things I experienced after coming to ISU. ISU has a small program, where each individual gets a lot of focus. Highly skilled and dedicated professors, from whom we can learn a lot, get an opportunity to be involved in their research work. Lot of opportunities to get Graduate Assistantships, which will provide job and a fee waiver. (In the visa interview it's best not to mention about future employment opportunities, because the consulate expects students to return to their homeland after their education.)
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| * The students could go through some of the papers or current work of some of the professors, relate their own field of interest or research experience and explain why studying or working under them will be a great and beneficial experience.
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| * Finally what matters is how we present ourselves and how well we convey our message to them.
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| * You need to be completely CLEAR on your aim and what you are going to do in US. Be CONFIDANT to answer the questions. Go through cs.indstate.edu to check all course work, professors and summer research areas. In ISU you will have good opportunity to learn and you will be involved in the research areas based on your interests. (You can mention these points in the visa interview to show him your interest.)
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| * Keep in mind that the VO’s job is to probe you as a potential immigrant and financially incapable student. The VO’s every question has an intention (a "trap" for you). Consider all possible questions beforehand and practice your answers. In your preparation, think like a VO, think what look like weaknesses or problems in your application, and be ready to address those.
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| * Keep your documents ready, but remember --- your main target is to convince them, just not to show the documents (it is somewhat common for a VO to make a decision without ever looking at the documents - be ready for them to look at them, and be ready for them not to look at them). So make your answer short and simple.
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| * The financial plan/documents should sound "reasonable" and "make sense" - what job your funding source has that allows for sufficient savings/support, etc.
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| * Note that you may only have a few minutes to convince the VO. Be confident.
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| And the following is advice from a past designated school official (DSO, the local ISU point of contact between international students and the department of homeland security).
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| * From Homeland Security - [https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2015/06/five-ways-to-prepare-for-your-visa-interview how to prepare for a visa interview]
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| * The Right Attitude
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| ** Speak in English - Practice interviewing in English with a native English speaker. Being fluent and confident will help you present your case better. However, avoid preparing a speech
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| ** Speak for yourself - Make your case yourself. Having your parents or others speak on your behalf does not make a good impression on the consular officer.
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| ** Be brief - Keep your answers and explanations short and to the point, as consular officers can only spend a limited amount of time with each applicant.
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| ** Be positive - Do not argue with the consular officer or come across as rude and sarcastic, even if you are denied a visa. Instead courteously ask the officer to suggest additional documents you could bring in order to overcome the refusal.
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| * Some tips to demonstrate your intentions to return to your native country:
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| ** Convince the consular officer that the sole (not just "primary") purpose of your visit to the US is to pursue a program of study.
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| ** Outline your plans for when you complete your education and return to your country.
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| ** Document family ties, business interests, and assets in your home country.
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| ** Discuss your job prospects, upon completion of your US education, in your native country.
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Major in Computer Science?
Computer Science is a great major - there are many well-paying jobs, you can work in many different fields, and the work can be very interesting. You likely will not be sure if Computer Science is the right field for you until after you have done your first 1-2 courses that require a large amount of programming. So you should begin by signing up for the first course in the CS major. You can also check the CS Flyer and Advice.
Accelerated 4+1 BS and MS
For undergrads with a 3.0 GPA, at least 90 credits (including the current term), and in their 4th to last term before graduating, you may qualify for the accelerated 4+1 BS + MS degree program. This allows you to take some graduate courses during your last 3 terms year as an undergraduate, and then complete the CS MS with 1 additional year of graduate study. Some additional details and rules are listed in the graduate catalog. You would be able to register for up to 9 credits of 500 level courses that can count towards both the BS and MS, and up to 6 credits of 600 level courses that would only count towards the MS (but could be taken during your last 3 terms of undergraduate study). If you are interested you can get in touch with your major advisor. If you meet the minimum requirements, you would apply for the CS MS to start the term after you finish your BS degree, and you would complete the Accelerated Program Application (at the Graduate Studies page) with your advisor.
Undergraduate Programs
The requirements for the CS major, CS minor, CS teaching minoor, and certificate in applied CS (that can be earned by non-degree students) are listed in the undergraduate catalog. The major includes the following concentrations - Computing Science (more focus on theory and systems), Data Science, Information Science (more focus on applications). Once you declare the major or minor you should see the requirements in your MySAM.
To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Undergraduate Catalog - click on "Academic Programs" and then find the program you are looking for - Computer Science Major, Computer Science Minor, Computer Science Teaching Minor, or Applied Computer Science Certificate.
See graphical overview of the BS (with prereqs and required courses) - if you start in fall 2024 or after, if you started before fall 2024.
Other Courses, Sequence of Courses
For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see Undergraduate Advising and
the "CS BS" sheet in CS Course Sequences .
Related majors/minors - Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Cyber & Security Studies, General Studies. See these in the list of undergraduate programs in the undergraduate catalog.
Graduate Programs
The requirements for the CS MS are listed in the Graduate Catalog - click on "Programs" on the menu on the right, and then find Computer Science M.S. (or Computer Science (Accelerated M.S.) for undergrads doing the 4+1 accelerated program). We offer the following concentrations - Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional.
To see the requirements for the major, you can check the Graduate Catalog.
For a graphical overview of the required courses in the major, see CS MS graphical overview .
Other Courses, Sequence of Courses For advice on which other courses to take and which order to take the courses in, see Graduate Advising and the "CS MS" sheet in CS Course Sequences.
Concentrations The current concentrations for the CS Graduate program are Academic, Bioinformatics, Data Science, Professional. New graduate students are typically put into the Professional Concentration by default. The professional concentration is more flexible and geared towards skills and applications. See the Graduate Catalog for more on the different concentrations.
Related Degrees - Biology, Business MBA, ECET/IT MS IT concentration, Math. See these in the Graduate Catalog.