FAQ for Graduate Students – CS MS Page – Penn State Harrisburg Math & Computer Sciences

Computer Science Graduate Student FAQ

This FAQ is intended to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions by graduate students in Computer Science at Penn State Harrisburg. If the answer you need is not contained here, contact Dr. Sukmoon Chang, Graduate Program Coordinator, at (717) 948-6121 or sukmoon@psu.edu, or the staff assistant for the Math and Computer Science programs at (717) 948-6081.

Please note: Many of these links will take you to web pages located on different servers. Therefore, to return to this page, you should always use your browser’s back button.

Applying to the program
(Please note: This information is for the Computer Science graduate degree from Penn State Harrisburg. If you are interested in the Computer Science and Engineering program at Penn State University, University Park campus, please visit their web site at www.cse.psu.edu.)
Advising
Registration
Course Work
The Defense and Graduation
Access Accounts/Software
* these links will take you to the undergraduate Computer Science FAQ
Sun Lab Machines/Accounts
* these links will take you to the undergraduate Computer Science FAQ

How do I apply? TOP
Penn State University requires all applications to be done electronically. You can access applications on-line from the Graduate School Admissions at http://harrisburg.psu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions
Where do I send in my application materials TOP
Please do not send graduate application materials to the Computer Science Department directly. Send all application materials (with the exception of test scores) to:
Penn State Harrisburg
Graduate Admissions Office
Swatara Building
777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057-4898

All test scores (such as GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS) should be sent to Graduate Enrollment Services. TOEFL and GRE should be sent electronically by selecting the option for “Penn State University” (school code 2660). Until IELTS scores can be sent electronically, applicants should have hard copies sent to Penn State’s Graduate School at:
The Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Enrollment Services
114 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802
What are the fees for applying? TOP
Please go to http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html to find information regarding the fees for application.
What are the tuition fees and other expenses? TOP
You can check the PSU Tuition web page at tuition.psu.edu to get up-to-date information on tuition fees and various other charges, including housing costs, activity fees, student surcharge fees and the Information Technology Fee.
What are the entrance requirements? TOP
The entrance requirements are explained on the at PSH Computer Science web page. Please note: Penn State University does not recognize the three year BS degree in Computer Science from India.
What if I do not meet the entrance requirements? TOP
If you do not have all of the entrance requirements necessary for admissions into the program, there are two things you might do. If you are missing only a few of the courses necessary to meet the entrance requirements (typically 2 or 3), you can still apply for admission; however, you will probably be granted provisional admission. If you are missing more than 4 of the entrance requirements, you are advised to take courses as a non-degree graduate student until you have made up some of the deficiencies. Taking courses as a non-degree graduate student does not require admission to the program. Some courses taken as a non-degree graduate student can be transferred into the program.
What if my undergraduate degree is not in Computer Science or a closely related field? TOP
Another frequently asked question is “Do I need an undergraduate degree in Computer Science to apply?”. The answer is no. However, if your previous degree is not in computer science or a closely related field, then there will be courses you need to take before applying to the program.
What if I do not have an undergraduate degree in any field? TOP
If you are close to finishing your BS degree, you can be admitted provisionally into the MS program pending completion of your BS degree. This is the only exception allowed to the requirement that a student have a BS degree from an accredited institution.
What materials are necessary for admission? TOP
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding admission materials is “Do I have to take the GRE?”. Students are not required to take the GRE to apply for admission. Although the department reserves the right to ask a student to take the GRE, this is typically not required.
NOTE: If you plan to apply for an assistantship, you must take the GRE exam.

Admission to the program is based on a review and evaluation of the following items from the applicant:
1. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate education. A minimum GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission.
2. Three letters of reference, at least one of which is from an academic source.
3. A letter outlining significant work experience and academic and career objectives.
4. At the discretion of the program, students may be required to provide scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and/or the GRE subject test in computer science.
  NOTE: GRE scores MUST be submitted if the applicant is applying for an assistantship.
5. The language of instruction at Penn State is English. International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5.
  International applicants are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement who have received a baccalaureate or a masters degree from a college/university/institution in any of the following: Australia, Belize, British Caribbean and British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Republic of Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the United States and Wales.
6. A copy of an official transcript from each college or university attended (with the exception of Penn State University) must be submitted as part of your online application. If you are offered admission and accept, you will be required to have official transcripts sent from each of these institutions.
Please do not send graduate application materials to the Computer Science Department directly. Once your online application is complete, please send any supporting materials not uploaded in the online application to:
Penn State Harrisburg
Graduate Admissions Office
Swatara Building
777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057-4898

All test scores (such as GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS) should be sent to Graduate Enrollment Services. TOEFL and GRE should be sent electronically by selecting the option for “Penn State University” (school code 2660). Until IELTS scores can be sent electronically, applicants should have hard copies sent to Penn State’s Graduate School at:
The Pennsylvania State University
Graduate Enrollment Services
114 Kern Building
University Park, PA 16802
What are the application deadlines? TOP
Although the department has no set deadlines for graduate applications, there are university deadlines for international students.
- For fall semester, the deadline is May 31
- For spring semester, the deadline is September 30
- For summer semester, the deadline is February 28
The Computer Science admissions committee needs time to review your application. Therefore, even though we do not have a deadline for applications, we require some time to review applications. Typically, once we receive your completed paperwork from the admissions office, we can review applications and send letters in approximately 2-3 weeks.
What is the difference between provisional and full admission? TOP
If students apply for admission into the program and have not met all of the entrance requirements, they may end up with provisional admission. This simply means there are requirements the student must meet. Any deficiencies must be removed during the first two semesters of the program if you are a full-time student or within the first 15 credits as a part-time student. Full admission to the program depends on your ability to make up the deficiencies while maintaining a 2.75 average for those courses. The transition from provisional to full-time is typically done automatically once the requirements have been met.
How do I determine what will transfer into the program? TOP
You must confer with your advisor about transferring any courses into the program. In general, the following rules apply:
- Regarding transferring non-degree graduate credits into a graduate degree program: at most, 15 non-degree graduate credits from a Penn State location and at most 10 non-degree graduate credits from a non-Penn State location can be transferred into a graduate degree program (the actual number is up to the program). This is done by filling out a form available from the staff assistant.
- Regarding transferring PSU undergraduate credits into a graduate degree program: a student can transfer up to 9 credits into a graduate program if these credits were not used in fulfilling the undergraduate degree requirements and they are at the 400 or 500 level. No undergraduate credits from other schools can be transferred. This is done by filling out a form (available from the staff assistant).
All transfer credits must be approved by the student’s advisor.
How do I get financial aid? TOP
There is a limited number of scholarships and research grants available. Many students work full-time and take classes part-time. In many cases, employers have a tuition-reimbursement plan paying for partial or full tuition. To find other options available to you, you can contact the Financial Aid Office at 717-948-6307 or go to PSH Financial Aid Office . Financial aid for graduate students is only available for 400-level and higher coursework. For information pertaining to financial aid for graduate students, please see PSH Financial Aid For Graduate Students, where you will find information on Fellowships, Grants-in-Aid, and the Minority Scholars Program.
What do I do if I want a Graduate School assistantship? TOP
Full-time graduate students who are interested in an assistantship should contact the graduate program coordinator. Students must be nominated for an assistantship by their program coordinator. Students applying for an assistantship should submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) by January 30.
What are my housing options? TOP
The only on-campus housing currently available is in the student apartments available through the Residence Life office. (See the campus map for a map of campus and pictures of these apartments.) Many students also live off-campus, both in Middletown and in Harrisburg and its surrounding areas. One popular apartment complex is: The Village Of Pineford in Middletown. See also: www.middletownborough.com for housing information in Middletown itself. You can also live in Harrisburg, which is roughly 10 miles away from campus, depending on location.
What do I do when I first get to campus? TOP
The department has prepared a list of things for new graduate students to do once they arrive on campus.
Who is my advisor? TOP
There are basically two advisors for graduate students. Your academic advisor is the faculty member assigned to help you get started in the Computer Science graduate program, and particularly to help you with scheduling courses, transferring potential courses, and making sure that you satisfy degree requirements. You should have received a letter with your academic advisor’s name and contact information when you were accepted into the Computer Science graduate program. You should meet with your academic advisor before every semester to register for your courses. Do not simply stop by the office and ask for a signature; instead, make an appointment and hold a discussion so you and your advisor are both clear on your goals. Included in these discussions with your advisor are: your educational goals, your career goals, your scheduling goals, potential financial aid, and your background.
After you have started course work, you will need to choose a project advisor. This advisor will be the person who helps you with your master’s project. Steps on how do choose this advisor can be found in the “How do I choose a project advisor” section.
How do I decide which classes to take? TOP
Your academic advisor should always be consulted regarding your class scheduling.
Once you have selected your project advisor, this advisor will take over academic advising duties in addition to helping you with your project and defense.
How do I choose a project advisor? TOP
Once you decide to begin working on your master’s project, it is a good idea to talk to all of the Computer Science faculty members. When you start your graduate degree, some of you may know exactly what you want to do for your project. However, many of you will not. Therefore, it is very important for all graduate students to get to know the faculty. How can you do this? There are many ways.
1. Each spring, the department has a graduate open house where the faculty members discuss their various research interests and potential master’s projects. As a new graduate student without a project advisor, you will want to attend this open house. It will give you an idea of what is being done by other graduate students in the department as well.
2. Take courses from professors in the area in which you are interested.
3. Make an appointment to speak with all the professors. You can see the individual faculty members’ interests on their web pages here .
4. Speak with other grad students.
Your project advisor must be a member of the Computer Science Department at Penn State Harrisburg. Start talking to potential advisors early — it may take longer to find a project than you think.
Once you have selected a project advisor, you will need to set goals, communicate expectations and establish a timeline for completion of your project. Be sure you and your advisor are in agreement about the progression of your education and its completion. You should discuss course work, publication of papers, presentations, your defense, meeting times, your graduate committee, and all the necessary paperwork for your project and graduation.
What are the standards of academic performance? TOP
As a graduate student in the Computer Science MS program, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 for course work approved by the program taken as a graduate student. When a student’s grade point average for any semester falls below 3.00, he or she should consult with his or her advisor immediately. A student whose grade point average drops below 3.00 for two consecutive semesters is normally dropped from the program. At the 400 and 500 levels, grades of A, B, and C denote graduate credit, whereas D and F are failing grades for graduate students.
What is considered full-time for a graduate student? TOP
To be considered full-time, graduate students must take a minimum of 9 credits per semester, for the fall and spring semesters. The minimum required number of credits for full-time status in the summer is 5 credit hours (9 credits for financial aid). See University Registrar for information pertaining to enrollment status at Penn State.
Can I take courses over? If so, what happens to my GPA? TOP
Yes, you can take courses over. However, the original grade you receive in the course is not erased from your transcript. The original grade will also contribute to your cumulative GPA.
Can I get help with writing papers, etc.? TOP
The Learning Center in Olmsted C216 provides help to students with writing and other course-related issues. Services are provided free to students enrolled in Penn State Harrisburg courses.
What is the master’s defense? TOP
At some point as you are working with your advisor on your master’s project, you will be ready to schedule your defense (oral examination). Every graduate student is expected to give a presentation of his or her project. At this presentation, the student will also be expected to answer questions regarding the project. Your committee members will be present for this defense; other faculty members or students may also attend.
What do I need to do to prepare for the defense? TOP
You and your project advisor need to work out a timeline for your defense. There is no specific paperwork to fill out for the defense; however, there are some deadlines, so be sure to work closely with your project advisor. Other members of your committee need time to review your paper before your defense. You should allow at least two weeks for this.
What do I need to do to prepare for graduation? TOP
The most important thing is to file an intent to graduate to get on the graduation list. Please see the undergraduate FAQ section on: How do I get onto the graduation list?
There is rarely substantial revision to your written paper after your defense, but typically there will be some modification required to produce the final draft.