Switching Degree Options

The department of Computer Science offers following Master’s degree programs:

  • Traditional MS in Computer Science (research based) - CSEN-MS
  • Professional MS in Computer Science (course based) - CSEN - MSCPS
  • Professional MS in Network Engineering (course based) - MS-NE
  • Traditional MS in Technology, Cybersecurity and Policy - MS-TCP

Students may switch between various degree options only once during their academic tenure at CU Boulder. 

Students cannot switch between degrees or options during their first semester or during the semester they plan to graduate. Please note the last semester starts after the census date of the previous term. For example, if a student is graduating in Spring 2022 term, the switch cannot happen after the census date of Fall 2021 term.

Students have to submit a petition to switch between degrees.

The switch request has to be for genuine academic reasons and not for financial reasons.

General requirements for switches:

From CSEN-MS to CSEN-MSCPS

From CSEN-MSCPS  to CSEN-MS 

  • Identify a faculty advisor who is ready to advise your research and ready to work with you in either IS or MS Thesis.

  • Request the faculty to email their support letter to your academic advisor for Grad Comm review. Once approved your academic advisor will inform you of the decision. 

  • If approved, fill out the degree/option change request form .

  • Your academic advisor will process the switch.

From MS-TCP to CSEN-MS

  • Students must have completed the CS PREREQS, either during their undergrad or must have completed equivalent grad courses here at CU Boulder

  • Must have completed 3 CS BIN courses  at CU Boulder and received a grade of B or better.

AND,

  • Identify a faculty advisor who is ready to advise your research and ready to work with you in either IS or MS Thesis.

  • Request the faculty to email their support letter to your academic advisor for Grad Comm review. Once approved your academic advisor will inform you of the decision. 

  • If approved, fill out the degree/option change request form .

  • Your academic advisor will process the switch.

From MS-TCP to CSEN MSCPS

  • Students must have completed the CS PREREQS, either during their undergrad or must have completed equivalent grad courses here at CU Boulder

  • Must have completed 3 CS BIN courses at CU Boulder and received a grade of B or better.

AND,

From MSNE- to CSEN MS 

  • Students must have completed the CS PREREQS, either during their undergrad or must have completed equivalent grad courses here at CU Boulder
  • Must have completed 3 CS BIN courses at CU Boulder and received a grade of B or better.

AND

  • Identify a faculty advisor who is ready to advise your research and ready to work with you in either IS or MS Thesis.

  • Request the faculty to email their support letter to your academic advisor for Grad Comm review. Once approved your academic advisor will inform you of the decision. 

  • If approved, fill out the degree/option change request form .

  • Your academic advisor will process the switch.

From MS NE to CSEN MSCPS

  • Students must have completed the CS PREREQS, either during their undergrad or must have completed equivalent grad courses here at CU Boulder

  • Must have completed 3 CS BIN courses at CU Boulder and received a grade of B or better.

AND,

From CS-MS to MS-NE

From CS- MSCPS to MS-NE

 MS TCP to MS NE

AND

NE to TCP 

MS in CS to TCP 

MSCPS in CS to TCP