FAQ

Last updated September 2024

What is the application deadline?

• Domestic + International Applicants – December 15, 2024
• Domestic Applicants Last Deadline – January 15, 2025

What is required for admission to the program?

• Please review our Admissions page https://mcs.ics.uci.edu/prospective-students/admissions-requirement/ 

Do you accept admissions on a rolling basis?

• No, students are admitted once a year, for the following Fall quarter.

Do you offer Spring admission?

• No, we admit for Fall only.

Do you accept students that have degrees outside of Computer Science?

• Yes.  Although most of our applicants have undergraduate preparation in degrees such as computer science, computer engineering, or other related fields, applicants from other backgrounds will be considered if they demonstrate sufficient computer science preparation and have related professional experience.

What prerequisite courses or skills should students have prior to joining the program?

• It is highly recommended that applicants have a strong programming foundation, in addition to the following preparation, before submitting an application for admission:
  • At least one course in programming in C++, Java, Python, or C, or equivalent of professional experience.
  • At least one course in algorithms or data structures.
  • At least one course in discrete mathematics, boolean algebra, and linear algebra.
  • At least one year of relevant internship or professional experience.

Admitted applicants should consider taking community college classes and/or online classes during the summer prior to joining in the fall to fill any gaps in their knowledge.

May I defer my admission?

• MCS does not defer admission.  Admission is valid only for the year it has been offered.  Applicants must reapply to the program, and be offered admission, in order to begin the program the following year.

Is the GRE General Exam required?

• No. GRE is optional.

Is there a minimum GRE score to be eligible to apply to your program?

• No. GRE is optional.

Do you accept GMAT in lieu of the GRE?

• No. GRE is optional.

Can I send photocopies of my GRE score and/or TOEFL scores?

• If you wish to submit your exam scores, the scores must be official and sent from the Testing service. UCI’s institutional code to send scores is 4859

Am I eligible for the TOEFL waiver?

• For information on TOEFL waivers and other information for international students, please go here.

Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?

• Yes. Three is the minimum.  It is highly recommended that at least two of the three letters are from academic faculty.

I graduated from undergrad a long time ago.  I am afraid I cannot find faculty to write a recommendation letter for me.

• Present the faculty with an “application portfolio” that includes items such as your transcript, resume, statement of purpose, projects that you have completed, and anything else that the faculty can review and leverage as information to use as he/she writes your letter.

I am an international student, was not able to obtain a visa on time for the Fall quarter, and cannot travel to the US. Can I enroll remotely?

• No. The program is in-person and does not have a remote option. 

What is the cost of the program?

• Information regarding fees can be found here. 

What is the normative time to degree?

• The program is fifteen months (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall). Students may not graduate earlier and also may not extend their time in the program.

Am I allowed to go part-time?

• Our program offers a full-time option only.

Is this program online?

• No.  We are a fully in-person program.

When are classes offered?

• Our courses are offered all throughout the day, including mornings, afternoons and evenings. 

Are the faculty in the MCS program the same as the MSCS program?

• Yes.  Both of the programs share the same faculty.

Can I take courses outside of the MCS program while I am a student?

• No.  MCS students may take only the designated courses offered through the MCS program. These include any graduate course that ends with a ‘P’. (Ex: MCS students may enroll in Comp Sci 250P, but they may not enroll in Comp Sci 250).

Is this a STEM approved program?

• Yes.  MCS benefits from a STEM classification.

Do you offer fellowships for students?

• Fellowships are available to domestic and international students based on academic merit, as well as financial need. Fellowships are also available to students who strengthen our commitment to diversity and under-representation in Computer Science.  A separate fellowship application is not required; fellowship recipients are selected for fellowships by our faculty during the admissions review process.  

Is there a thesis or dissertation requirement to graduate from the program?

• No.  Students in our program must take and successfully complete the Capstone courses to meet graduation requirements.

Can I apply for the Reader (Grader)/TA/RA positions?

• Yes, while you may apply for these positions, first priority is given to MS and PhD students. Few MCS students receive TA/Reader positions.

Is the summer internship mandatory?

• No.  However, since we are a professional program, we strongly encourage internship experiences and our career development team will guide you through the process.

What if I cannot secure an internship in Summer? May I still graduate in Fall?

• Yes.  The summer internship is not mandatory and is not an official requirement to graduate from the program.

What if my undergraduate degree is in Engineering or Business? Will I still be able to find a technology related internship?

• Yes.  We will encourage students with Engineering or Business (or science) backgrounds to include domain specific companies in their searches in order to increase their chances of success. The career development team will guide students through their search process.

Is G-SHIP (graduate student health insurance plan) included in my fees?

• All MCS students are automatically charged for and enrolled in the UC Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan. If you are covered by another health insurance plan that complies with UC’s waiver criteria, you may apply for a waiver.

Is health insurance required?

• Yes.

Can students in the program request Filing Fee status in their last quarter?

• No.  This is a lock-step program. Students pay one program fee and are expected to graduate with their cohort when courses are completed. 

Can students attend the UCI career fairs?

• Yes, MCS students can take advantage of UCI career fairs.  The program also has a dedicated career development team so students in this program will have extra assistance for finding the best employment opportunities and careers.

Will the dedicated career counselor for the program provide extra help beyond the typical job fairs?

• Yes. The Career Development team will offer career-related workshops and will also be available throughout the program for one-on-one coaching sessions.

As a student in one of ICS’ Professional Master’s Programs, you have access to a dedicated Career Development team that will provide you career development and job search support during your program.  

Visit the CODE website and the Student FAQ page for more information.

Contact Us

Office #: 949-824-5158

General Email: mcs@ics.uci.edu