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Computer Science welcomes new students to our project-based program! Lower-division courses follow the common computing core that is shared between Computer Science, Computer Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Engineering and Cognitive Science, along with courses that will earn a minor in mathematics. The upper-division program is project-based. Students will work on a series of four significant semester-long projects that come from industry challenges or research projects. Students will typically work on teams to complete the projects and have the option of doing a senior thesis prior to graduation.
Upper-division admission requires a program application. First year students should start by following the major's four-year plan.
If you are ready for upper-division, apply with this form if you are currently a Minnesota State Mankato Student or with this application if you are transferring to the University.
You will be asked to include the following in your application:
- Unofficial transcript(s)
- An essay (300-500 words) describing why you want to participate in this project-based Computer Science program.
- An essay (300-500 words) describing how you will contribute to the learning communities that develop within this computer science program.
- Sample code (25-100 lines) from an outside project or your Algorithms class with a brief description of what the code does (100 words).
- Either one letter of recommendation addressing your ability to succeed as a computer scientist in this project-based program or the name of a current College of Science, Engineering, & Technology faculty member with whom you have spoken about your interest in this program. It is strongly recommended to have a math, science, computer science, engineering, or computing professor or an industry mentor be your recommender. Recommenders can send a letter directly to computer.science@mnsu.edu.
The Computer Science minor is still available, although courses will be updated in the coming year to reflect new computer science courses. See the bulletin for more information.
Want to learn more about the project-based Computer Science program and how to succeed in winning a seat in an upper division cohort?
Please join us for a fun and interactive information/advising session.
Three sessions are available:
- Monday, October 2, 6-7pm
- Monday, October 9, 7-8pm
- Friday, October 13, 4-5pm
No need to reserve, just come on in! We'll be meeting in WH 284.
- Learn more about the Computer Science program and its unique and power ties to industry
- Meet faculty and students
- Learn how to maximize your chances for earning a seat
Any questions? Please email lin.chase@mnsu.edu.
We look forward to seeing you!
Applications for the Spring 2024 entry into the Computer Science upper division program are due October 12, 2023.
Interviews with candidates will take place between October 20 and October 28, 2023. All applications received by the original deadline will receive an answer by November 4, 2023. Applications will be accepted after October 12 but admission for applicants who apply after that date will be granted only on a space-available basis.
