Accelerated BS to MS Program in Computer Science

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The Accelerated BS-to-MS Program in Computer Science is a streamlined pathway for students aiming to earn both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, along with a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity. This condensed program offers a unique opportunity to fast-track into advanced career positions or delve into graduate-level research immediately upon completing their Bachelor’s degree.

Curriculum Breakdown:

BS in Computer Science: 120 credits
MS in Computer Science: 33 credits
Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity: 15 credits

Through this program, students have the advantage of double-counting 12 credits of graduate courses, meeting requirements for both their undergraduate and graduate studies. This strategic approach enables the completion of what would traditionally be a six-year educational journey in five and a half years.

Admission Requirements & Application Process

Comprehensive details on admissions for UA Little Rock Early Entry Programs can be found here
Upon submission of a completed application, the Computer Science Department will typically respond within 30 days. Admission is competitive, with only a limited number of seats available annually.
The MS in Computer Science provides an additional option to earn a Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity, encompassing 5 courses.

A Complete Application Includes:

A filled-out graduate application form for the UALR Graduate School.
An Accelerated BS to MS Program form.
A transcript, including transferred courses.

Submission:

Applications should be directed to the Accelerated BS to MS Program Coordinator for Computer Science.

Program Stipulations

Students admitted will initially have a provisional graduate program status, which becomes confirmed upon receiving their bachelor’s degree.
Undergraduate cybersecurity degree students are required to complete the CPSC 5399 Special Topics course as one of their early-entry graduate courses if specific deficiency courses are not completed.
Students failing to achieve a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA or securing grades below a ‘B’ in graduate courses by the conclusion of their bachelor’s program will be excused from the graduate program.
Policies applicable to traditionally admitted graduate students also apply to those in the BS-to-MS program.
The BS-to-MS program cannot be merged with the credit reservation program. Consequently, graduate courses completed before joining the Accelerated BS-to-MS program cannot be counted toward a graduate degree.