Note that the tax issues for graduate tuition may be different than for undergraduate tuition.

Q: What are "Star" courses?

A Star course is one of about ten "breadth" courses in the Computer Science Ph.D program. Click here for a list of this year's Star courses.

Q: When does the program begin?

Students can start in the Summer or in the Fall, after completing their Bachelor of Science degree.

Q: Is there a minimum grade I need to have a course count toward my degree?

Yes, students need to achieve at least a "B" in a course for it to count towards their MS degree.

Q: If I took a graduate course as an undergrad, will it count toward my Masters?

Up to one graduate course taken as an undergraduate can count towards the Fifth Year MS degree.

Q: Who can advise a Fifth Year Masters student?

The program is a Computer Science Department program, but any faculty member in SCS can be an advisor to a Fifth Year Masters student.

Q: Can I switch to a new advisor after I have been admitted to the 5th Year MS program?

Yes, that is possible. You should submit a request to the program coordinator. Your request should include a new research statement describing the project you propose to do with your new advisor. Requests to change advisor must be submitted before you start the program.

If you have further questions, please contact Professors Karl Crary (crary@cs.cmu.edu) or Peter Steenkiste (prs@cs.cmu.edu).

Last updated September 14, 2006.