Computer Science

Admission Requirements

The graduate program is based on the presumption that the student has an undergraduate degree with a major in computer science, or equivalent coursework in the principal computer science and mathematics subjects required for such an undergraduate degree. Students without such preparation cannot be admitted. These are minimum requirements for the program admission. Admission is competitive and meeting minimum requirement does not guarantee admission to the program. 

Unconditional Admission Requirments

Applicants seeking unconditional admission must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or closely related field with a GPA of 3.0 or better in all courses or the most recent 60 semester units attempted, and have successfully completed courses covering the following topics with a GPA of 3.0 or better:
  • 10-12 semester units including Calculus and Probability and Statistics
  • 12-15 semester units including Object-Oriented Programming, Discrete Structures and Logic, Data Structures, and Computer Organization and Digital Design
  • 12-15 upper division semester units including Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Software Engineering.

Conditional Admission Requirements

Applicants who do not meet unconditional admission but have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 3.0 may seek conditional admission. However, priority will be given to unconditional admissions first. Conditional admission requires successful completion of courses covering the following topics with a GPA of 3.0 or better:
  • 10-12 semester units including Calculus and Probability and Statistics
  • 12-15 semester units including Object-Oriented Programming, Discrete Structures and Logic, Data Structures, and Computer Organization and Digital Design
  • Students in conditional standing must satisfactorily complete the following list of upper division courses before becoming eligible for unconditional graduate standing.
    • 12 upper division semester units including Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Software Engineering.
  • Students admitted conditionally will not be allowed to concurrently register for graduate courses that are required for the completion of their projected graduate or professional program.
  • However, per CSU Admissions and SEVIS Policy, international students attending the University on a visa requiring issuance of an I-20 will NOT be conditionally admitted and must meet all requirements prior to gaining admission to the University.
  • Students in conditional standing do not qualify for federal financial aid until they are in unconditional standing.

English Language Requirement

Applicants whose native language is not English and who hold a bachelor's degree from a college or university where the principal language of instruction was not English must have passed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam with a minimum score of 6.5 or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam with a minimum score of 213 on the computer-based, or 550 on the paper-based, or 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. For questions, please email admissions@cpp.edu.

Other Students Seeking Admission

Students without the necessary preparation cannot be admitted as graduate students; they must first take a number of undergraduate courses as listed above prior to applying for the Master's program. These courses can be taken at Cal Poly Pomona through the Extended University or at another institution such as a community college.