Computer Science Postbaccalaureate Pathways

Are you looking for career change in the field of Computer Science? Whether you are thinking about pursuing a second bachelor's or master's degree, Portland State University offers multiple paths to our Computer Science programs. These paths are reserved for students who have previously earned an accredited bachelor's degree in a field other than Computer Science.

Second Bachelor's Degree

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Broader topical coverage than Master's program
Begin any term
Must complete all undergraduate major requirements
Must maintain a C or better
Completed in as little as four years

CS Bachelor's Degree page

Grad Prep Program

Provides preparatory work necessary to enter the CS Master's program
BA and BS degree holders welcome
Begin any term
32-40 credits of Computer Science undergraduate coursework
Must maintain a B or better
Completed in as little as 12 months plus time required for Master's

Grad Prep Requirements

Grad Prep students must complete the following with a B or better:

CS 160 Exploring Computer Science (4 credits)
CS 161 Intro to Programming & Problem-solving (4 credits)
CS 162 Intro to Computer Science (4 credits)
CS 163 Data Structures (4 credits)
CS 205 System Programming & Architecture (4 credits)
CS 250 Discrete Structures I (4 credits)
CS 251 Discrete Structures II (4 credits)
CS 302 Programming Methodologies and Software Implementation (4 credits)
CS 350 Algorithms and Complexity (4 credits)

Some courses can be tested out of by demonstrating mastery through prior academic or professional/personal programming experience via credit by exam. A student may begin with any of these courses based on prior experience — see the Introductory Course Guide for details. GRE is waived for Grad Prep students applying to the M.S.

Attend a CS Postbac Info Session

Review the slides from a past session here.

Questions? Contact the CS Graduate Advisor at gccs@pdx.edu.