Computer Science AMP

All students must meet the Requirements for the Accelerated Master's Degree Programs

Overview

The Accelerated Master’s Entry Program (AMP) in computer science allows students with strong ability and motivation to complete a bachelor’s degree at UVM and a master's degree at UVM in computer science within 5 years.

Specific Requirements

Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Master of Science for Accelerated Master's Students

Students enrolled in any undergraduate bachelor’s degree program at UVM are eligible to apply for the computer science AMP. Following formal admission by the Graduate College to the Accelerated Master's Program, students may count up to 6 graduate level course work  credits toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.  Another 3 graduate credits can be counted towards the master's degree while an undergraduate but cannot count towards the bachelor's degree. 

Although the bachelor’s degree need not be in computer science, applicants must have at least a 3.2 GPA and demonstrate that they have taken the following prerequisite courses, or have equivalent knowledge:

2 courses that treat systematic program development in a high-level language, for example:
CS 1210Computer Programming I3
CS 2100Intermediate Programming4
1 course in computer system organization, for example:
CS 2210Computer Organization3
1 course in data structures, for example:
CS 2240Data Struc & Algorithms3
1 course in computability and complexity, for example:
CS 2250Computability& Complexity3
2 courses in differential and integral calculus, for example:
MATH 1234Calculus I4
MATH 1248Calculus II4
1 course in linear algebra:
MATH 2522Applied Linear Algebra3
Coursework in probability and statistics, for example:
STAT 2430Statistics for Engineering3
STAT 2510Applied Probability3

Undergraduates interested in the AMP should discuss this option with the College of Engineering & Mathematical Sciences Graduate Coordinator prior to any semester in which they wish to take courses that will apply to the master’s degree.

There is no GRE requirement for AMP students.

Minimum Degree Requirements

Option A (Thesis)
30 credits, including a minimum of 21 credits of approved course work, at least 6 of which must be at the 6000-level, and a minimum of 6 credits of thesis research (CS 6391)30
Option B (Project)
30 credits, including a minimum of 24 credits of approved course work, at least 6 of which must be at the 6000-level, and a minimum of 3 credits of project research (CS 6392)30
Option C (Non-Thesis)
30 credits of approved course work, at least 6 of which must be at the 6000-level30
All Options
Students in all options must take 4 core Computer Science Courses, to be determined in consultation with and approval of the student’s graduate advisor and the CS graduate coordinator, depending on a student’s background and interests.
Pass comprehensive exams covering material from the 4 approved core courses.
Fulfill the credit requirement with approved graduate-level course work in computer science or related areas. (Only courses with grades of B- or above are counted towards course work requirements and students with 2 grades below B are eligible for dismissal.)

Comprehensive Examination

Receiving a grade of A- or better in all courses constitutes successfully completing the comprehensive examination in that area. 

Students who receive a grade of B+ or lower in any of their courses must pass an oral comprehensive exam in that area. In this event, the Graduate Coordinator will form an exam committee for the oral exam(s). Each student who needs to take 1 or more comprehensive oral exam(s) should arrange a single date for all required oral exam(s) with the examiner(s) and then inform the Graduate Coordinator of the exam date. It is strongly recommended that the examination is completed during the academic year, unless all examiners voluntarily agree to give the exam on a date during the break.

Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Science

Passing of the comprehensive exam.