Chances of Getting Into NYU Poly MS Computer Science as a non-cs Undergrad

Graduate School
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<p>Hello,</p>

<p>Im currently a senior in the UC system graduating with a BA in media and cultural studies and looking into getting an MS in computer science focusing on gaming. Now a lot of people would probably wonder why a media studies student would want to go into game programming. My major focuses on how media influences cultures and people around the world and urges the students to be active creators of positive media for our society. Instead of creating films or texts, I want to create games that will help our society. This is why I want to go into computer science for my masters. </p>

<p>Now that I have explained why I want to do my masters, I have a question regarding my chances of getting into an MS in computer science despite having little to no computer science background. In my undergrad career I have taken a full year of math and science because I started as a bio major but switched out after my first year to media and cultural studies. I have found a few programs, like NYU Poly, who will accept exceptional students despite not having a CS background. </p>

<p>Finally, the only other issue I am afraid of is my gpa. In my first year as a bio student i did poorly because I was unmotivated and was almost subject to dismissal (i had a 1.7 at one point). But since my 2nd year onwards to now I have raised my gpa and received pretty much 4.0's for every quarter since my first year (currently at around 3.4-3.5). I even have a 4.0 in my major's upper division courses with multiple A+'s. In addition to my gpa increase I have also received somewhat high GRE scores, each of my scores were in the 80's percentile range. I also have a bunch of other extra curriculars, jobs, and published work but I'm not too sure they will apply to a cs application. </p>

<p>do you think i have a chance at getting into this program? I also received a free application waiver from the school after I took my gre's so even if i apply i'm not really losing much but I would be really happy if i actually have a chance of getting into this program.</p>

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<p>I have to wonder why you didn’t at least take a CS intro class to see if you really want to do that or even like it. What college math classes did you take and what grade? </p>

<p>I am not reading the NYU Poly admission page the same way as you do. Like everyone </p>

<p>“Admission to this program requires you to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, mathematics, science, or engineering, with a superior undergraduate record from an accredited institution.”</p>

<p>And they will consider individuals without that on a case by case basis. That situations may apply to many programs so you aren’t limited to this program in your search. They still seem to expect:</p>

<p>A working knowledge of a high-level, general-purpose programming language (preferably C++).</p>

<p>A basic understanding of computer fundamentals such as computer organization and operation, data structures, and computer architecture.</p>

<p>So if they did admit you conditionally, as they say they can with students who lack sufficient background, you are going to have to take 2 or 3 semesters of courses I think, with a B grade or better. They don’t mention game development in the Masters, but they do in the undergrad. They do mention computer graphics.</p>

<p>Illinois Institute of Technology lists the courses that students must take as prereqs if they don’t have the BS in CS:
<a href=“Prerequisite Undergraduate CS Coursework | Illinois Institute of Technology”>http://science.iit.edu/computer-science/programs/graduate/graduate-program-resources/prerequisite-undergraduate-coursework&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>I don’t know about chances at all, but I think you should do something first to show yourself that you have the aptitude and interest in actual CS work. And you’d better apply to more programs and look especially for programs for non majors. Do a search of this forum too. </p>

<p>Look at are DePaul in Chicago. I read an interesting discussion board of someone starting this program with a nontechnical background, taking the prereq ‘boot camp’ and getting really good internship offers his first summer of the actual master’s work. “Students from any background are encouraged to apply.” This program is pretty forgiving in that you only have to maintain a 2.5 and you can actually get a C-. You can have a Software Engineering track with game development coursework. The Master’s seems to have Intro and basic classes in the program so you may not have to take so many prereqs, esp if you have calculus. They actually have a Game Development degree, too (with a B- minimum in the non intro courses) that looks like a real CS degree just with game focus in the coursework:
<a href=“http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/pages/2013fall/msingamedevelopment.aspx”>http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/academics/pages/2013fall/msingamedevelopment.aspx&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Worthwhile reading about game industry and jobs, ignore the stuff not relevant to you, read the valuable stuff about technical skills and what experience you need to do to get a job
<a href=“John Ratcliff's Code Suppository: So your teenager tells you they want to 'make video games' for a living...”>http://codesuppository.blogspot.com/2013/04/so-your-teenager-tells-you-they-want-to.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>I read that paragraph the same way as BrownParent. It seems like they prefer people with undergraduate degrees in CS or a closely related field. In addition to that, I’m pretty sure that by “one year of science” they mean a science related to CS - biology doesn’t count, and it certainly doesn’t count if your bio grades are in the D range. There’s also this:</p>

<p>**A working knowledge of a high-level, general-purpose programming language (preferably C++).</p>

<p>A basic understanding of computer fundamentals such as computer organization and operation, data structures, and computer architecture.</p>

<p>Do you have that? FYI, computer architecture and data structures are usually two separate 3-credit courses in a CS major. I’m pretty sure org and op is either a two semester sequence or one class - don’t know for sure, as CS is not my field - but basically, this is the basic knowledge from the first 3-4 classes you would take in a CS major.</p>

<p>I agree with BrownParent - I think the “case-by-case” basis would apply to applicants who didn’t major in CS but perhaps minored in it, or didn’t major in CS but have maybe worked in IT or a computer-related field for a few years - something that demonstrated both interest and aptitude. Unless your major included some significant coursework in CS, math, or engineering, I don’t think the chances look very good. Remember that graduate degrees are intended to build upon undergraduate coursework, so they’re not going to take someone who doesn’t at least have a foundation upon which to build.</p>

<p>I think the best thing you can do is 1) graduate and then 2) work for 2-3 years post-college. In that time, take a few CS classes as a non-degree student. It would also be great if you could try to get a job at a media company of some type. You’ll be a much stronger applicant if you do that.</p>