M.S. Students

Special Announcements: There is no longer an internal transfer process for new students. All students interested in CS must apply directly to the program.  Students from other engineering backgrounds may have the opportunity to be admitted to a special expanded 37 unit version of the M.S. in Computer Science designed for Scientists and Engineers.  See details at the bottom of this page.


A maximum of 4 units may be taken from approved 400-level courses in either Electrical Engineering or Computer Science; the remaining units must be approved courses at the 500 or 600 level.


A maximum of 2 units of CSCI 590 and a maximum of 2 units of CSCI 591 may be applied aplied to the degree.


Thesis courses (CSCI 594abz) and Internship courses (ENGR 595abcdz/596/597/598) are not eligible for elective credit.

M.S. Computer Science Advisement: Frequently Asked Questions:
M.S. Computer Science students receive academic advisement from our team of advisors. Current students can contact the advisement team directly via a dedicated email address. All advisement appointments are scheduled online through myViterbi.
M.S. Student Resources: Degree Requirements:
Helpful Links:

Forms and Procedures:

Graduation Application (All Students)
Students must submit their graduation application to the CS department after they have finalized their last semester’s enrollment. Advisors will announce a graduation application deadline at the start of each semester. Please use the "Application to Graduate" tool in the myViterbi portal. We do not accept the paper application. Failure to submit your electronic graduation application in myViterbi may delay your degree conferral and prevent you from being included in commencement related announcements and activities.
Online Form (myViterbi)


DEN Course Petition (On Campus Students)
On campus students who need to take an off campus (DEN) course must petition the VASE Office using their online petition form.


Transfer Credit Evaluation
Please read the instructions on the form carefully. You must first verify your prior bachelor's degree before requesting a transfer credit evaluation. Complete the transfer credit evaluation form and turn it in to the Registrar's Office in JHH Lobby. After they evaluate your courses you will receive a Graduate Transfer Credit Report. Then send the CS department the course syllabi for the courses that have been approved to transfer. The CS department will review the courses and apply approved courses to your M.S. degree.  The number of transfer units eligible to be applied varies by program.
Form (PDF)


Leave of Absence
Students can be approved for up to 4 semesters of leave. Domestic students must obtain CS department approval. International students must obtain approval from the VASE Office (OHE 106) and the Office of International Services (Royal Street Structure, Suite 101).
Fillable Form (Domestic Students) (PDF)
Online Form (International Students)


Reduced Course Load (RCL)
International students must be registered for a full course of study during fall and spring semesters. Registration is not required in Summer semesters, unless it is the student’s first or last semester. International students who plan to be enrolled for less than full-time must submit the Reduced Course Load form. Please note that RCL is administrated by the Viterbi Admission and Student Engagement Office in OHE 106 along with the Office of International Services (OIS) in (Royal Street Structure, Suite 101). The CS Advisors cannot sign or approve your RCL application.
Apply for RCL (VASE Website)


Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
CPT is administrated by the Viterbi Admission and Student Enagement Office in OHE 106 along with the Office of International Services (OIS) (Royal Street Structure, Suite 101). The CS Advisors cannot sign or approve your CPT application. Approval comes from the VASE Office. To apply for CPT, please first review the CPT information at the VASE Office’s website and the OIS website, then make an appointment with an Advisor in the VASE Office if you have questions.
Apply for CPT (VASE Website)


Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT is administrated by the Viterbi Admission and Student Enagement Office in OHE 106 along with the Office of International Services (OIS) in the Royal Street Structure, Suite 101. The CS Advisors cannot sign or approve your OPT application. Approval comes from the VASE Office. To apply for OPT, please first review the OPT information at the VASE Office’s website and the OIS website, then make an appointment with an Advisor in the VASE Office in OHE 106. Note: You must file for graduation with the CS department before the VASE Office will approve your OPT application.
Apply for OPT (VASE Website)


Transfer to CS:
  • Important: There is no longer an internal transfer process for new students. New students must apply directly to the CS program via the Viterbi Graduate Admissions Office. Students without an academic background in CS must apply for the Master of Science in Computer Science (Scientists and Engineers), which is a full-time 2 year, 37 unit program.
  • You must attend the program for which you were admitted and certified.
  • Students admitted to other Viterbi departments are not permitted to take CSCI courses during their first semester.
  • Ph.D. Students from outside Viterbi seeking to add an M.S. in Computer Science or Viterbi M.S. students seeking a 2nd M.S. in Computer Science should apply via the Viterbi Graduate Admissions Office.

  • Viterbi Ph.D. students seeking to add a M.S. in Computer Science should contact a CS Advisor for details.

Published on June 14th, 2016

Last updated on August 2nd, 2023