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Combined BS/MS Five Year Program - Overview

CS students in a lab

The Five-Year Combined BS/MS Program provides an opportunity for JMU undergraduate students to complete an MS degree in only one additional year of study. Students in this program will complete all requirements of the regular BS degree in Computer Science as well as the graduate curriculum described in the curriculum outline. Participants are awarded a BS in Computer Science after their fourth year of studies, and an MS degree after their fifth year.

The objectives and content of graduate studies under this program are essentially the same as in the Secure Software Systems Program, but the curriculum is arranged differently in order to allow completion in five years, along with a BS degree. Participants follow the standard undergraduate curriculum for the first three years, then take both undergraduate and graduate courses during their fourth year, and in the fifth year they take the same courses as 2nd year graduate students. An elective graduate course is normally required during the summer between the fourth and fifth years in order to complete the program requirements.

The program is designed specifically for Computer Science majors, but it is open to all JMU undergraduates who are willing to complete the necessary courses in CS. Students majoring in fields other than CS are required to complete about 30 hours in undergraduate CS courses during their first four years in order to prepare for graduate studies (see Admissions Requirements). Non-CS undergraduate majors will receive a baccalaureate degree in their undergraduate field, and an MS in Computer Science.