This accelerated program combines the Computer Science B.S. and the Master of Science degrees from Penn State Harrisburg. The Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate (IUG) degree program offers a select group of high-achieving students the opportunity to earn both degrees in just five years, through a streamlined, continuous course of study, and gain a comprehensive education in computer science. As many as twelve of the credits required for the master’s degree may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Degree Requirements
Students in the accelerated degree program must satisfy the degree requirements for both the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science in Computer Science; however, the total course load is reduced because of the maximum of 12 credits that can count towards both degrees. A minimum of 6 credits proposed to count for both degrees must be at the 500 level. Thesis credits may not be double counted. The first two years of the accelerated program are identical to the first two years of the B.S. degree program. The third and fourth years of the accelerated program differ from those of the B.S. degree program because of the courses that count toward the M.S. degree requirements. Student performance will be monitored on an on-going basis.
If for any reason a student admitted to the accelerated program is unable to complete the requirements for the M.S. degree, the student will be permitted to receive the B.S. degree assuming all the undergraduate degree requirements have been satisfactorily completed. Students who successfully complete the courses listed in the recommended schedule will satisfy the requirements for the B.S. degree by the end of their fourth year.
Eligibility for a Graduate Assistantship
Students in the accelerated program will be eligible for consideration for a graduate assistantship to be awarded beginning the fifth year. To be eligible, students must have completed the requirements for their B.S. degree. The GRE exam is not required for admission into the accelerated program; however, if a student is interested in being considered for a graduate assistantship, GRE scores must be submitted before the beginning of the 8th semester.
Senior Year Review
A formal evaluation of student academic performance will be performed when the student has completed 100 to 105 credits, which is at the end of the first semester of the senior year for a typical student in the program. Students who have not maintained a 3.0 GPA in their math and computer science courses will be put on probationary status with respect to the accelerated program. Their ability to continue in the accelerated program will be based on their academic performance in the last semester of their senior year. As part of the review in the senior year, students will be advised about the paper option and thesis option in the graduate program. Students intending to pursue the thesis option would be advised to do so only if they have been doing very well in the program and are in no danger of not being able to continue into the fifth year.