Many graduates with degrees in fields other than Computer Science are interested in pursuing a M.S. in Computer Science. The Graduate Preparation (or "Grad Prep") Track can assist a high performing, motivated student in mastering the essential computer science core necessary to be successful in the Master's program. The Grad Prep Track consists of a Programming & Languages Core and a Theory Core, comprised of many of the same classes taken by undergraduate Computer Science majors. Some of these courses have the option to test out of by demonstrating mastery based on either prior academic preparation or professional/personal programming experience through a credit by exam process.
We encourage all prospective students to attend one of our monthly CS Postbac Info sessions first to learn more about our postbaccalaureate options. Contact the CS Graduate Advisor (gccs@pdx.edu) for any questions.
For more detailed information about the Graduate Preparation Track, please consult the Graduate Handbook.
Grad Prep Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the CS Master's program, Grad Prep students must complete the following courses with a B or better. For Grad Prep students, the GRE is waived for the M.S. application.
*Based on prior experience, a student may begin with any of these courses. See Introductory Course Guide for details.
Admission to PSU
To begin Grad Prep at PSU, prospective students must first apply for postbaccalaureate admission. Postbaccalaureate applications are processed as they are received, generally within 4-6 weeks.
Sample Schedules
Students who did not take math beyond pre-calculus in their prior coursework are strongly advised to take at least one such course (e.g. calculus, linear algebra, discrete math, etc.) prior to taking CS 250.
- This sample program assumes the student has modest programming experience and an adequate mathematical background.
- This sample program assumes the student has no prior programming experience and a limited mathematical background.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the admission process to the graduate CS program selective?
In general, yes, but not for Grad Prep students. At this time, all students who successfully complete Grad Prep who also meet the basic graduate admission requirements are admitted to the CS graduate program. - Can Grad Prep courses be in progress when the graduate application is submitted?
Yes. In this case, the student is admitted conditionally to the graduate program, meaning, on the condition that they receive a passing grade for all in progress courses. If the in-progress coursework is not completed with the appropriate grade by the end of the term, graduate admission will be deferred to a future term until all Grad Prep courses have been successfully completed. - Can Grad Prep coursework be taken at a community college?
Yes. The 100-200 level Grad Prep courses, and any necessary math courses, can be completed at one of the community colleges listed in the transfer guide. Coursework offered at institutions that are not on this list need to be evaluated. To initiate this evaluation, send a course syllabus to the CS Graduate Advisor ahead of enrolling in the course. If the course has already been completed, also include an unofficial transcript. - Can a student register in their next Grad Prep class at PSU when their last community college course is still in progress?
Yes. The student must submit a current unofficial transcript from the college that shows the course in progress to the CS Graduate Advisor. Once the grade has been recorded for the class, the student will need to send an updated unofficial transcript to the CS Graduate Advisor in order to demonstrate that they have met the prerequisite requirement for the PSU class. They will also need to submit an official transcript to PSU Admissions so the course can be officially transferred to PSU. - Once the student is admitted to the CS graduate program, will tuition increase?
Yes. Details of tuition and fees are located on the Student Finance page.