FAQ - Admissions
The following FAQ answers common questions about the admissions process of the Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems.
- What items should be included in my application?
- Where is the online application form?
- What is the current application fee?
- What are the application deadlines?
- Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?
- What should I include in my letter of application?
- Should I have recommendation letters sent directly to UW-Parkside?
- Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?
- If I take the GRE, do I need to take a subject test?
- What are the cutoff scores for the GRE?
- What are the cutoff scores for the GMAT?
- What if my undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or my GRE or GMAT score is below the cutoff?
- Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?
- What if my institution cannot provide official transcripts?
- What does the "consent of instructor" course prerequisite mean?
- What can I expect my tuition costs to be per semester?
- What financial aid is available for my graduate study?
Admission
What items should be included in my application?An application is complete when all of the following materials have been received:
- A completed on-line application form.
- Application fee payment.
- GRE or GMAT scores and official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work sent directly to the Computer Science Department office.
- Two letters of recommendation sent directly to the Computer Science Department office.
- Letter of application.
- International students must also submit a sponsorship form, a transcript evaluation, and evidence of English proficiency.
- Additional materials in support of the applicant, as appropriate.
The online application form for CIS can be found by clicking the following link: Graduate Student Application Form.
What is the current application fee?A $56 US non-refundable application fee.
What are the application deadlines?Application deadlines are:
| Semester | Date | |
| Fall | August 1 | |
| Spring | December 15 | |
| Summer | April 15 |
International students requiring an I-20 form to study in the U.S. should apply at least two months prior to these deadlines.
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation?You should seek letters of recommendation from those who are familiar with your academic work and who can comment with confidence on the likelihood of your success in graduate studies. You can also seek letters from employers who are familiar with your work habits and problem-solving abilities, though such letters should not be used exclusively.
What should I include in my letter of application?Your letter should address your educational and career goals, including how your CIS graduate studies will help to achieve these goals. If you believe your supporting documentation (including transcripts of prior academic work or test scores) may be viewed as deficient, your letter should address these deficiencies and should indicate why you believe you can be successful as a graduate student.
Should I have recommendation letters sent directly to UW-Parkside?Yes. Have your recommendation letters sent directly to the Department of Computer Science at UW-Parkside.
Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT?Yes, even if you have been out of school for a long time or if you are unsure of your likelihood of getting a good score. We use the GRE and GMAT scores as only one of several indicators of the likelihood of success of our applicants.
If I take the GRE, do I need to take a subject test?No, you need only take the General Aptitude Test.
What are the cutoff scores for the GRE?On the General Aptitude Test, we look at your Analytical and Quantitative scores. The sum of these two scores should be above 1100.
What are the cutoff scores for the GMAT?Your GMAT score, plus 200 times your undergraduate GPA, should exceed 1000.
What if my undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 or my GRE or GMAT score is below the cutoff?We can admit you into the CIS program provisionally if your other supporting documentation strongly indicates you have significant promise for success in graduate work. Such documentation may include particularly strong letters of recommendation or a clear indication of success in graduate work at other institutions, for example. Your letter of application should address these issues. If you are admitted without meeting normal admission standards, we will consider your admission to be probationary during your first 9 hours of graduate work; to continue in your graduate studies, you must earn a UW-Parkside GPA of 3.0 in these first 9 hours.
Are unofficial transcripts acceptable?You may submit unofficial transcripts for an initial review of your application, but official transcripts should be sent directly from your prior institutions before your admission is complete and you begin taking classes.
What if my institution cannot provide official transcripts?If your institution is unable to provide official transcripts, you will need to obtain documentation from an official source indicating the nature of your studies and their equivalents. If all or part of your studies were taken abroad, you may use the services of a credit evaluation agency that can verify your educational background and provide US equivalents. See the section on International Students for more information.
What does the "consent of instructor" course prerequisite mean?Most CIS core courses have a prerequisite of "consent of instructor". Students who have completed the prerequisite courses and who follow their peer group by taking Foundation and Core courses in proper rotation will automatically satisfy the course prerequisites. Those who take courses out of rotation or who are starting their degree requirements with some transfer credits may need to discuss their preparation with the instructor.
What can I expect my tuition costs to be per semester?Your actual tuition costs will depend on the tuition schedule for the semesters in which you enroll. See the Cashier's Office Fee Facts Booklet for full information about tuition and fees for the current semester.
What financial aid is available for my graduate study?Graduate students who are at least half-time status (5 credits) and have applied for federal student financial aid through the FAFSA form are eligible to receive federal Stafford student loans. For more information, contact the Office Financial Aid at 262-595-2574.
The Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) gives grants to minority and disadvantaged students pursuing a graduate degree at a UW System institution. AOP grants are intended for African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and other non-minority disadvantaged students. Both Wisconsin residents and non-residents are eligible. Full-time and part-time graduate students can apply. For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at 262-595-2731.
