LAKERS TOGETHER: Grand Valley is preparing for successful learning experiences when classes resume on Aug. 31. Learn more about the plan for fall in this handbook.
Combined Degree: Computer Science B.S. and Applied Computer Science M.S.
Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer students
the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree,
meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a
combined degree program can reduce the cost and total time required to
complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Visit the program website for more information.
Listen to Podcast
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain both the B.S. in computer science and M.S. in applied computer science within the accelerated time frame.
Students apply directly to the School of Computing and Information Systems for the combined B.S./M.S. program during their second academic year. Application requirements include:
- Overall GPA of 3.25 or greater
- Already admitted to the computer science program
- 60 hours of academic credit completed or in progress
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- Letter of intent
Why Pursue Combined Degrees at Grand Valley?
- Highly-credentialed and well-connected faculty.
- The School of CIS has its own dedicated state of the art computer labs for hands-on equipment. A premier data communications lab and computer architecture lab are also available.
- Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
- Respond to emerging job markets.
- Meet the growing national need for more master's trained employees.
- Gain valuable internship and career opportunities through partnerships in the West Michigan area.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus; classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
Students admitted to this program will count up to 12 credits of graduate work in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree.
The following courses students may dual-count toward the B.S./M.S. degrees. Students are encouraged to meet with the CIS graduate program director to ensure all requirements are met.
- CIS 611 for CIS 350
- CIS 616 for CIS 458
- CIS 617 for CIS 430
- CIS 635 for CIS 335
- CIS 657 for CIS 357
- CIS 658 for CIS 371
- CIS 660 for CIS 360
- CIS 672 for CIS 351
- CIS 673 for CIS 353
- CIS 654 for CIS 457
- CIS 693 for CIS 467
Career Options
Job opportunities in the computing and information technology industry are growing rapidly. The U.S. Department of Labor projects six of the fastest growing occupations for 2006-2016 are in computing. Graduates pursue careers as programmers, developers, analysts, administrators, and engineers.
Skills Employers Want
The M.S. in Applied Computer Science degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in computing.
- Agile Software Development
- Information Systems
- SQL (Programming Language)
- Business Process
- Strategic Planning
- Business Requirements
- Project Management
- Budgeting
- Auditing
Source: EMSI, 2020
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Computing and Information SystemsRobert Adams, Ph.D., Program Director
C-2-100 Mackinac
Hall
(616) 331-2060
adamsr@gvsu.edu
cis.gvsu.edu