CSUN Computer Science - Graduate Programs - Prospective Students

How to Apply

Application forms for prospective students can be completed on-line through Cal State Apply. Application materials are processed through the CSUN University Office of Admissions. Applications are accepted until all positions are full, until the application deadline has been reached, or until the University closes the admission period. Special regulations, including application deadlines, govern applications from non-resident and foreign students.

Students already enrolled at CSUN in another M.S. program may apply for admission to the Computer Science M.S. program by filing a change of objective form. These applications are evaluated in the same way as those received from outside the University.

Application Process

In order to be admitted to the Computer Science Department, you must first meet the University admission criteria and then be evaluated and recommended by the Department for admission to its program. The Department bases its evaluation on your undergraduate and graduate grade point averages (GPA) and your general Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. A statement of purpose is not required for admission, but, if submitted, will be used in the evaluation. Send application materials directly to the CSUN Admissions Office.

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into one of the Computer Science Masters degree programs you must have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or a GPA of at least 3.0 from your last 60 units of work, as calculated by the CSUN Admissions & Records Office; and in most cases you must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). We expect GRE scores in all three sections to be at least or above the 50th percentile. Under some special circumstances, if your GPA is under 3.0 but above 2.5 you can still be admitted into one of the programs, but other parts of the application need to be well-above the minimum requirements.

Applicants with an undergraduate Computer Science degree from an ABET-accredited Computer Science program are not required to provide GRE scores, if their undergraduate GPA is 3.0 or higher. All other applicants must send their GRE scores to CSUN.

All lower division program prerequisite courses need to be completed in order to be considered for admission. The CSUN Admissions Office does not forward applications to the Computer Science Department until it receives all transcripts and supporting documentation. The Computer Science Department does not consider any application until the GRE scores have arrived.  Questions regarding arrival of transcripts or GRE scores should be addressed to the CSUN Admissions Office.

Program Prerequisites Pending (PPP)

Students who are accepted to one of the Computer Science Department's Masters programs, but who have not completed the undergraduate prerequisite material, are admitted program prerequisite pending (PPP). If accepted to one of the graduate programs with PPP status, the following prerequisite courses for that program must be completed, while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. You can receive credit for equivalent prerequisite classes taken at accredited colleges or universities outside CSUN. Many of these classes are also available at local community colleges and other nearby universities. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the Department. All 100-level and 200-level prerequisites must be completed, prior to application.

You may take graduate classes while working on your program prerequisites, however, you may not take COMP 696C and COMP 698C before you have completed all program prerequisites.

Also, up to 9 units of graduate level work with a grade of B or better can be transferred from another institution, subject to University and Departmental approvals.