US Computer Science Master's for Career Switchers: Admissions Preferences and Real Cases

发布时间：Date: 2023-04-02 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

Against the backdrop of accelerating digital transformation, the computer science field, with its broad employment prospects, has become a popular choice for many liberal arts students and non-STEM graduates to switch careers. To address the pain points of cross-disciplinary applications for US computer science master's degrees, CheersYou（清柚教育） has specially compiled a list of friendly programs at top universities like the University of Chicago and the University of Pennsylvania that are designed for students with zero or weak backgrounds. For example, the University of Chicago's MS in Computer Science (with Immersion) and MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy, as well as the University of Pennsylvania's MCIT program specifically for non-CS backgrounds, effectively lower the barrier to career switching by adding prerequisite courses such as programming fundamentals and discrete mathematics, helping students transition smoothly and master core skills.

In addition to the program overview, this article delves into the preferences of such US graduate CS programs regarding applicants, and includes real admission case studies for reference. For those intending to switch to CS but lacking relevant backgrounds, it is recommended to focus on programs that do not require prerequisites or offer immersive foundational training. CheersYou（清柚教育） reminds all applicants that while some programs are highly inclusive of various academic backgrounds, they still need to demonstrate strong learning potential and logical thinking skills. If you need to develop a personalized application strategy based on your specific situation, please contact CheersYou（清柚教育） for one-on-one professional guidance to help you smoothly transition your career path.

As the information industry rapidly develops and digital transformation deepens, the demand for talent in software and digital technologies has risen. Compared with some humanities disciplines, the computer science field offers greater room for growth. Thus, many liberal arts students worried about employment are choosing to study programming and digital technology in this field. CheersYou（清柚教育） has compiled some US programs that accept cross-disciplinary career switchers. Interested students can contact CheersYou（清柚教育） to discuss their situations and receive one-on-one application guidance.

Program Overview

The University of Chicago

Computer Science MS in Computer Science (with Immersion) program

The University of Chicago's computer science department is one of the strongest in the US, notably emphasizing the integration of computing with business needs—applying computer knowledge to commerce, markets, and various decision-making analyses. It offers a program tailored for cross-disciplinary students: the MS in Computer Science (with Immersion) program. Compared with the regular MSCS, this program adds two courses:

Concepts of Programming

Math for Computer Science: Discrete Math

Program website:

http://cs.uchicago.edu/academics/masters/mpcs/

Computational Analysis and Public Policy MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy (CAPP)

This program, jointly offered by the Computer Science Department and the Harris School of Public Policy, is very friendly to liberal arts students wanting to switch to CS. It is highly recommended for applicants with a humanities background.

Program website: http://capp.uchicago.edu/

University of Pennsylvania

Computer and Information Technology Master of Computer and Information Technology program (MCIT)

The University of Pennsylvania's computer science department conducts research in artificial intelligence, computer graphics, information management, software principles, and computer theory.

UPenn's MCIT program has no prerequisite course requirements and is specifically designed for those without a computer science background.

Students must complete six required courses in the first semester:

Software-related

- CIT 591 Introduction to Software Development

- CIT 594 Data Structures and Software Design

Math-related

- CIT 592 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science

- CIT 596 Algorithm and Computation

Computer-related

- CIT 593 Introduction to Computer Systems

- CIT 595 Computer Systems Programming

Program website:

https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/masters/computer-and-information-technology-mcit/

Brandeis University

Computer Science MA in Computer Science for Non-majors

Brandeis's program is specifically designed for students without a computer science background.

The program lasts two years (equivalent to four semesters), one semester longer than the regular CS program. That extra semester is mainly used to cover fundamental computer courses.

Program website:

https://www.brandeis.edu/computer-science/graduate/12-course-masters.html

Computational Linguistics MA in Computational Linguistics

The MA in Computational Linguistics is also a two-year program.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree; any major is acceptable, but backgrounds in linguistics, computer science, language study, or related fields are suitable.

If applicants lack the above backgrounds, they may be required to complete prerequisite courses in linguistics or computer science before enrollment.

Program website:

https://www.brandeis.edu/computer-science/computational-linguistics/masters/index.html

University of Southern California

All USC CS programs are housed in the Viterbi School of Engineering, with ten master's degree options covering many directions:

Data Science

Game Development

Computer Security

Computer Networks

Software Engineering

Intelligent Robotics

Multimedia and Creative Technologies

High Performance Computing and Simulation

Scientists and Engineers

Program website:

https://viterbigradadmission.usc.edu/programs/masters/msprograms/computer-science/

If you have a CS-related background, you can apply to all the above programs. But if you lack CS experience, the best choice is likely Scientists and Engineers. Compared with other tracks, this program requires three additional prerequisite courses:

Introduction to Programming Systems Design

Operating Systems

Computer Systems Organization/Introduction to Computer Networks

Program website:

https://www.cs.usc.edu/academic-programs/masters/scientists-and-engineers/

Northeastern University

Computer Science Align MS in CS

In addition to the regular CS program, Northeastern offers the Align MS in CS, specifically designed for students without a CS background. The Align Program adds four foundational computer courses compared to the standard MSCS program:

Fundamentals of Computer Science

Discrete Structures

Computer Systems/Algorithms

Object Oriented Design/Java Programming

Program website:

https://www.khoury.northeastern.edu/programs/align-masters-of-science-in-computer-science/

New York University

Computer Science CS——Tandon School of Engineering

NYU offers CS master's programs in two schools: the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the Tandon School of Engineering. The CS rankings of these two schools differ, at 29 and 70 respectively.

Program website:

https://cims.nyu.edu/dynamic/

If you have limited CS experience, it's recommended to apply to the Tandon School's CS program.

Tandon's CS program offers a preparatory bridge course for students with minimal CS experience, covering Data Structures, Computer Organization, Data Types and Expressions, Predicate Logic, etc.

As long as you earn a B+ or higher in this course and meet NYU Tandon's admission requirements, you have a strong chance of receiving an offer.

Program website:

https://engineering.nyu.edu/academics/programs/computer-science-ms

Cornell University

Computer Science and Engineering Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Computer Science

Cornell, as a top-ranked US university, is relatively friendly to students switching to CS.

Cornell has two CS programs: an M.Eng. and a master's.

If you lack sufficient CS experience, consider applying for the M.Eng. This is a two-semester program; to enroll smoothly, you only need to complete five prerequisite courses:

Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures

Data Structures and Functional Programming

Computer System Organization and Programming

Discrete Structures

Basic Calculus and Linear Algebra

Program website:

https://courses.cornell.edu/content.php?catoid=52&navoid=21367#mengcompsci

Program website:

https://tech.cornell.edu/programs/masters-programs/master-in-computer-science/

CheersYou（清柚教育） has helped students obtain offers from the above programs. If you'd like to learn more about specific majors, GPAs, GRE scores, etc., feel free to add a CheersYou（清柚教育） advisor for consultation~