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Graduate Program - Admission Requirements & Process

Admission preference is given to students with undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and/or professional experience in computing. The program is open to all students who have completed a baccalaureate degree, however, and strong students from other disciplines are encouraged to apply. Students judged able to complete the program but lacking background in Computer Science will be admitted conditionally and will be required to complete up to six preparatory courses. Preparatory courses may be completed at JMU or at other acceptable institutions.

Admissions decisions are based on a combination of undergraduate grades, GRE scores, professional experience (if any), and TOEFL scores (if applicable). Professional experience is not a requirement, but is considered a positive factor if present. There are no specific requirements for grades and test scores, but we generally prefer to see at least a B average in grades, 50th percentile in GRE scores, and 88 on the TOEFL Internet-based test, if applicable. Meeting these minimums will not guarantee admission, however.

Upon beginning graduate work, students are expected to have a practical understanding of object-oriented programming in Java and C++. Other programming languages may be introduced in specific courses as well.

Graduate applications for all programs at JMU are handled by the Graduate School. For information about the application process, forms, tests, fees, etc., please visit the Graduate School web site.