Which CS masters programs to consider? non-cs undergrad

Graduate School
1

<p>Hello, I am looking into getting a MS in CS and I am very confused about the grad school application process so here are a few questions I am hoping someone would be generous to answer</p>

<p>a little background: I am a civil engineering grad from UCLA, I am looking into getting my masters in CS as I lost interest in civil towards the end of undergrad. I graduated with 2.8 GPA (I know this is going to close a lot of doors) and I have been working in IT for the past 2 years (basic computer stuff not sure if it helps). I have taken the GRE and got 149 verbal 167 quant. And also have EIT if that helps at all. And also I have taken the lower division CS courses (C++, Assembly)</p>

<p>So my first question is how strict are the prereqs that programs list? I am hoping for something in the lower level UCs (UCSB, UCI, UCR) would also be open to out of state (not sure where to start my research on their program as I have no clue how schools rank relative to CA schools). As I read the prereqs they are all listing an minimum GPA of 3.0, so my question is does that mean I should just not apply to them?</p>

<p>I guess my main question is which schools would be slight reach (but not completely out of the question) and which ones are closer to match based on my background?</p>

<p>thanks in advance everyone!</p>

2

<p>I’m a bit late, but I wanted to point out that, especially for CS, UCSB is not a low tier school. Their CS grad program is one of the top ten in the nation. </p>

<p>That being said, the GPA cutoff is usually a hard one, unless you have some very extenuating circumstances. Also, a few lower div classes is not enough to prep you for CS grad school. You’re probably missing a lot of theory, which is necessary. I’d make sure you really want to do CS first (because you like it, not because you don’t like something else), then take some upper division CS courses before applying. </p>

<p>Good luck, though! If you have any questions about CS feel free to ask. =)</p>

3

<p>UCI has a strong grad program in CS too. No idea about Riverside.</p>