Master’s Degree in Computer Science

FAQs

• If I meet the admissions criteria, will I be automatically admitted to the program?

  No applicant will be automatically admitted to the program. All applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee to make certain those admitted have the ability to succeed in the online degree program.
• Is there a certain score needed on the GRE to be admitted?

  There is no minimum GRE test score, however applicants admitted to the CS graduate program usually have high quantitative and verbal GRE scores and a math background that includes study through some discrete math. If you feel that your test scores are not valid indicators of your ability, you should explain your concerns in your statement of purpose.
• How do I check the status of my application?

  GIAC MyStatus: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/adm/mystatus/. This is the status check site for the Graduate International Admissions Center (GIAC). GIAC verifies application information, test scores, residency and admissions GPA calculations/equivalencies. If you have questions about the information your MyStatus page, please contact GIAC.
• Can I submit my GRE/TOEFL scores and transcripts after the application deadline?

  All GRE/TOEFL scores, transcripts, CV’s, personal statement and recommendation letters (if submitting), must be submitted by the application deadline.
• Can I apply for both the traditional master’s program and the master’s online program?

  You can apply for both programs but you must fill out two separate applications and upload documents to both systems. You can find information about applying to the traditional master’s degree program here https://www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate/prospective-students/apply.
• Where should ETS send my test scores?

  For GRE and TOEFL scores, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) institution code for UT-Austin is 6882. It is not necessary to use a department code. There is no institutional code for the IELTS examination. To fulfill the requirement with scores from the IELTS, please use the IELTS electronic score delivery service to send your scores to the “University of Texas at Austin” account.
• Is the TOEFL required for International Students?

  Yes, the TOEFL or the IELTS is required for international applicants. International applicants who are from a qualifying country are exempt from this requirement. Additionally, applicants are exempt from the requirement if they possess a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution or a qualifying country. The requirement is not waived for applicants who have earned a master’s – but not a bachelor’s – degree from a similar institution.
• With regards to transcript submission from a foreign university, do I need to submit a foreign credential evaluation from WES or another organization?

  A foreign credential evaluation is not required. If a transcript is written in a language other than English, a complete and official English translation must be uploaded together with the original transcript.
• Will the university ask my recommender for a letter of recommendation?

  Through the ApplyTexas system, you will be given the opportunity to submit three recommenders and provide contact information. The system will send an email to your recommenders directing them to a website where they may complete the process. In addition, your MyStatus portal offers a self-service feature you can use to resend the request email to your recommenders, if necessary. Use it to supply an alternate email address if your recommender’s spam filter blocks the original request or has removed the link. You can also add a new recommender or revise your right-to-view status from “retained” to “waived” through MyStatus.
• What is the curriculum?

  The degree requirements will consist of ten online courses total or 30 credit hours. Online students will take a combination of foundational coursework and elective options. Through completion of the foundational coursework, students will gain a broad understanding of the field. As courses continue to be added to the program, students will also have significant elective flexibility to pursue a course of study best tailored to their professional aspirations.
• What degree is earned at the end of the program?

  Master of Science in Computer Science.
• How many credit hours will I need in order to graduate?

  30 credit hours, which equals 10 courses.
• How long will the program take me to complete?

  The program can be completed in 1.5-3 years and the curriculum is highly flexible. Students may participate in this program on a part-time or full-time basis. They will have up to six years to complete their program of work.
• Will there be financial aid assistance?

  US-based students in Option III programs are eligible only for federal guaranteed loans and some private sector loans. The Office of Financial Aid can advise Option III students on availability of these loans and required procedures for applying. Please contact Financial Aid. Please note students taking 3 hours are not aid eligible. Please note that with Option III programs students are not eligible for grant loans.
• Will GI benefits apply?

  Students in Option III programs are not eligible for Hinson-Hazelwood Act Exemptions (for Texas ex-servicemen and their children), but may be eligible for GI Bill benefits. Please direct questions to [email protected] and or [email protected]. Eligibility requirements can be found here: https://www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate-program/masters-program/online-option/admissions#eligibility
• Do I need an undergraduate degree for enrollment?

  An undergraduate degree or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution is required for this program.
• Do I have to maintain a certain GPA in order to stay in the program?

  Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the course of the program. If a student drops below 3.0, he or she will have one semester to bring up the GPA. If the student fails to do this, they will be dismissed from the program.
• How many courses will I be allowed to take at a time?

  A student may take up to five courses each semester. The online master’s degree program courses are of comparable rigor to the traditional courses. For working professionals we recommend taking one to two courses per semester.
• Can you start taking classes in the fall or the spring?

  Students are admitted in the fall and spring semesters. Students can start taking classes in the semester they apply for.
• When will the semester start and end?

  The program will follow the timeline of the traditional semester. The university calendar can be found here https://registrar.utexas.edu/calendars.
• Who can take this program?

  Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this program: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this program in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.