The Computer Science accelerated M.S. program allows current Georgetown undergraduates in the B.S. Computer Science program the opportunity to take graduate-level coursework during their senior year and to apply some coursework to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. This allows students to complete the M.S. degree with only one year of additional study beyond the B.S. degree.
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted online beginning in mid-July. Visit the Graduate Admissions application page to begin an application.
The admissions committee begins reviewing applications after the priority deadline. Generally, applications received before March 1 will receive an admission decision by April 1.
Program Admissions
The accelerated M.S. program accepts applications annually from current Georgetown juniors who have declared the B.S. Computer Science major.
Information about the application process may be found below or by visiting our FAQ for Prospective Students. Answers to questions not found on these pages may be directed to cs-gradquestions@georgetown.edu.
Admission Requirements
Successful accelerated M.S. applicants will be current B.S. computer science students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement during their time at Georgetown and within the computer science program.
All applicants must meet certain requirements specified by the University Office of Graduate Studies in their application FAQ.
All programs and activities are open to all Georgetown University applicants regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected under University policy or applicable law.
Accelerated M.S. Program Requirements and Milestones
The accelerated M.S. requirements require students to complete both the requirements of the B.S. Computer Science (to receive the B.S. degree) and the requirements of the M.S. degree (to receive the M.S. degree). Students accomplish this by allowing certain courses to count towards both the B.S. and M.S. degree.
The information below is an overview of these requirements. The official requirements, procedures, and policies are kept in the Graduate Student Handbook.
During the first year of the program (which corresponds to the senior year of the B.S. degree) students select two courses (numbered 4000 or higher) which satisfy both a B.S. requirement and an M.S. requirement. These courses are applied towards both degrees. Students also select two courses (numbered 4000 or higher) which apply only towards the M.S. degree. The student must also complete any additional requirements for the B.S. degree during this year. At the end of the year, the B.S. degree is awarded.
During the second year of the program, students complete the remaining requirements for the M.S. degree either by taking 24 credits (6 courses) or by taking 18 credits (4 courses) and writing an M.S. thesis. (It is rare for accelerated M.S. students to write an M.S. thesis due to the time required to research and write such a thesis). At the end of the second year, the M.S. degree is awarded.
The timeline below is based on a typical progression for accelerated M.S. students:
| Year | Semester | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (senior year) | 1 | Two courses (4000+) applied to both the B.S. and M.S. degrees Any remaining B.S. coursework requirements |
| 2 | Two courses (4000+) applied to the M.S. degree Any remaining B.S. coursework requirements | |
| 2 (fifth year) | 3 | Three courses apply to the M.S. degree |
| 4 | Three courses apply to the M.S. degree |