This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is built on a rigorous, highly concentrated, accredited curriculum of computer science courses, and includes concentrations in cybersecurity, data science and software engineering. The program provides a strong foundation in the discipline and includes advanced study in several important areas of computer science.
The degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours and includes undergraduate requirements, general education requirements and computer science major requirements.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions
- Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline
- Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts
- Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline
- Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions
Special requirements
The B.S. in Computer Science requires a minimum of 120 credits. Students must receive a minimum grade of C in all computer science courses in order to graduate.
Based on the results of the Computer Science Placement Test, students may be required to take CMSC 254, which then can count toward the degree requirements as an elective.
Degree requirements for Computer Science, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| CMSC 235 | Computing and Data Ethics | 3 |
| CMSC 254 | Introduction to Problem-solving | 4 |
| CMSC 255 | Object-oriented Programming | 4 |
| CMSC 256 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| CMSC 302 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 303 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CMSC 304 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| CMSC 311 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| CMSC 355 | Fundamentals of Software Engineering | 3 |
| CMSC 357 | Computer Systems | 4 |
| CMSC 401 | Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 405 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CMSC 408 | Databases | 3 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| CMSC 441 & CMSC 451 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) and Senior Project I | 3 |
| CMSC 442 & CMSC 452 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) and Senior Project II | 3 |
| • Major electives | ||
| CMSC upper-level electives | 9 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| ECON 205 | The Economics of Product Development and Markets (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral science and AOI for global perspectives) | 3 |
| ENGR 395 | Professional Development | 1 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 4 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| Humanities electives (from list below) | 6 | |
| MATH course (300 to 400 level) | 3 | |
| Natural science option: Select from BIOL, CHEM or PHYS course with a lab (3-5 credits satisfy general education BOK for natural science and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) 1 | 4-5 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 9-10 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
CMSC upper-level electives
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CMSC 410 | Introduction to Quantum Computing | 3 |
| CMSC 411 | Computer Graphics | 3 |
| CMSC 412 | Social Network Analysis and Cybersecurity Risks | 3 |
| CMSC 413 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 3 |
| CMSC 414 | Computer and Network Security | 3 |
| CMSC 415 | Introduction to Cryptography | 3 |
| CMSC 420 | Software Project Management | 3 |
| CMSC 425 | Introduction to Software Analysis and Testing | 3 |
| CMSC 426 | Software as a Service | 3 |
| CMSC 427 | Design and Implementation of User Interfaces | 3 |
| CMSC 428 | Mobile Programming: iOS | 3 |
| CMSC 435 | Introduction to Data Science | 3 |
| CMSC 436 | Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CMSC 437 | Introduction to Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CMSC 438 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| CMSC 491 | Topics in Computer Science | 1-3 |
| CMSC 492 | Independent Study | 2-4 |
| CMSC 506 | Computer Networks and Communications | 3 |
Approved humanities electives
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select six credits from the following programs or subject areas: | 6 | |
African-American studies | ||
American studies | ||
Anthropology | ||
School of the Arts | ||
English | ||
Foreign language | ||
History | ||
Philosophy | ||
Psychology | ||
Religious studies | ||
Social work | ||
Sociology | ||
Urban studies | ||
Some courses in other programs (including most honors modules and other courses that focus on human behavior, communication and/or social interaction) may be counted toward this requirement with departmental approval.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| CMSC 235 | Computing and Data Ethics | 3 |
| CMSC 254 | Introduction to Problem-solving | 4 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Humanities elective (from list) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 255 | Object-oriented Programming | 4 |
| ECON 205 | The Economics of Product Development and Markets (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral science and AOI for global perspectives) | 3 |
| MATH 200 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 4 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 256 | Introduction to Data Structures | 4 |
| CMSC 302 | Introduction to Discrete Structures | 3 |
| MATH 201 | Calculus with Analytic Geometry II | 4 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 304 | Programming Languages | 3 |
| CMSC 311 | Computer Organization | 3 |
| ENGR 395 | Professional Development | 1 |
| STAT 212 | Concepts of Statistics | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Humanities electives (from list) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 303 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CMSC 355 | Fundamentals of Software Engineering | 3 |
| CMSC 357 | Computer Systems | 4 |
| Natural science option (4-5 credits satisfies general education BOK for natural science and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) (select one): | 4-5 | |
| CHEM 101 & CHEZ 101 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | 4 |
| PHYS 207 | University Physics I | 5 |
| BIOL 151 & BIOZ 151 | Introduction to Biological Sciences I and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | 4 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 17-18 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 401 | Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 405 | Operating Systems | 3 |
| CMSC 408 | Databases | 3 |
| MATH course (300 to 400 level) | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK for humanities/fine arts) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| CMSC upper-level electives | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| CMSC upper-level elective | 6 | |
| Open electives | 3-4 | |
| Term Hours: | 13 | |
| Total Hours: | 120-121 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S.in Computer Science and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to twelve hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 138 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
Students holding these degrees will have a head start for pursuing careers in industry or continuing in academia. The M.S. degree with a thesis option provides formal research experience and both options can lead to expanded job opportunities, greater potential for job advancement and higher starting salaries.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include an overall GPA of 3.0. Additionally, for students pursuing the thesis option of the master’s program, a letter of endorsement from a prospective thesis adviser from the biomedical engineering faculty must accompany the application. Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with the faculty adviser to the biomedical engineering graduate program before they have completed 95 credits. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate computer science adviser and the faculty adviser to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Three reference letters (including one from the computer science undergraduate program director and at least one more from a computer science faculty member) must accompany the application. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may submit GRE scores to receive further consideration.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits of 500-level graduate courses may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits will be utilized to fulfill engineering electives course requirements for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, must be approved by the adviser or graduate program director and include 500-level courses from the following subject areas: EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, INNO and OVPR.
Recommended plan of study for thesis master’s
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the senior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| Technical elective (consider BME course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Technical elective (consider BME course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| EGRB 601 | Numerical Methods and Modeling in Biomedical Engineering | 4 |
| EGRB 697 | Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | 3 |
| Open elective 1 | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 10 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| EGRB 602 | Biomedical Engineering Systems Physiology | 4 |
| EGRB 690 | Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar | 1 |
| EGRB 697 | Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | 4 |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
EGRB, EGMN, ENGR, PHYS, MATH, CMSC, BIOL, PHIS, or BIOC at 500-level or above.
Recommended plan of study for non-thesis master’s
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the senior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| Technical electives (consider BME course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Technical electives (consider BME course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| EGRB 601 | Numerical Methods and Modeling in Biomedical Engineering | 4 |
| EGRB technical electives (500-level or above) | 3 | |
| Open elective 1 | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 13 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| EGRB 602 | Biomedical Engineering Systems Physiology | 4 |
| EGRB 690 | Biomedical Engineering Research Seminar | 1 |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 11 | |
EGRB, EGMN, ENGR, PHYS, MATH, CMSC, BIOL, PHIS or BIOC at 500-level or above.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. and M.S. in Computer Science in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to six hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 144 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
The program is designed to develop skills and educate computer science students to be major contributors in the computing industry. The graduate program in computer science provides state-of-the-art education through the use of didactic courses to those students who wish to further their knowledge and careers within the computing industry. The program emphasizes continuing self-development and broadening of the knowledge of individuals currently engaged in science, technology and engineering-related fields. It also prepares persons who have completed undergraduate majors in these fields for entry into a career in the numerous areas that use computing technology. Both the theoretical and applied aspects of computer science are emphasized in this program.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 30 undergraduate credit hours including six computer science courses CMSC 255, CMSC 256, CMSC 257, CMSC 302, CMSC 303 and CMSC 311; an overall GPA of 3.0; and a GPA of 3.4 in the six courses identified above. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate computer science adviser and the faculty adviser to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Three reference letters (including one from the computer science undergraduate program director and at least one more from a computer science faculty member) must accompany the application. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may submit GRE scores to receive further consideration.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. At most, six of these graduate credits will substitute for open elective credits for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate computer science courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, are:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum for shared credits is 12. | ||
| CMSC 501 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
| CMSC 502 | Parallel Algorithms | 3 |
| CMSC 510 | Regularization Methods for Machine Learning | 3 |
| CMSC 516 | Advanced Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| CMSC 525 | Introduction to Software Analysis, Testing and Verification | 3 |
| CMSC 591 | Topics in Computer Science | 3 |
Recommended course sequence/plan of study for students pursuing a thesis master’s
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 257 | Computer Systems | 4 |
| CMSC 303 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CMSC 355 | Fundamentals of Software Engineering | 3 |
| Approved natural science course (BIOL, CHEM or PHYS course that counts toward the major in that science) | 4-5 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Biological Sciences I and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| General education course | 3 | |
| Contact undergraduate and graduate program directors | ||
| Term Hours: | 17-18 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 401 | Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 408 | Databases | 3 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| MATH upper-level (300 to 400) | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK for humanities/fine arts) | 3 | |
| Secure approval from undergraduate program director | ||
| Apply to the M.S. program | ||
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 501 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
| CMSC 516 | Advanced Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 312 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| CMSC 525 | Introduction to Software Analysis, Testing and Verification (counts toward B.S. and M.S.) | 3 |
| CMSC 5XX (Select fourth shared graduate course from list above.) | 3 | |
| Choose the M.S. thesis adviser | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 697 | Directed Research | 3 |
| M.S. foundational area courses (theory and systems) 1 | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 697 | Directed Research | 6 |
| M.S. foundational area course (applied) 1 | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
See the Graduate Bulletin for the list of theory, systems and applied foundational area courses.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study for students pursuing a non-thesis master’s
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 257 | Computer Systems | 4 |
| CMSC 303 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CMSC 355 | Fundamentals of Software Engineering | 3 |
| Approved natural science course (BIOL, CHEM or PHYS course that counts toward the major in that science) | 4-5 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Introduction to Biological Sciences I and Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| General education course | 3 | |
| Contact undergraduate and graduate program directors | ||
| Term Hours: | 17-18 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 401 | Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 408 | Databases | 3 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| MATH upper-level (300 to 400) | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK for humanities/fine arts) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Secure approval from the undergraduate program director | ||
| Apply to the M.S. program | ||
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 501 | Advanced Algorithms | 3 |
| CMSC 516 | Advanced Natural Language Processing | 3 |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 312 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| CMSC 525 | Introduction to Software Analysis, Testing and Verification (counts toward B.S. and M.S.) | 3 |
| CMSC 5XX (Select fourth shared graduate course from list above.) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| M.S. foundational area courses (theory, systems and applied) 1 | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Graduate didactic course work | 9 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
See the Graduate Bulletin for the list of theory, systems and applied foundational area courses.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S.-to-M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. in Computer Science and the M.S. in Engineering, concentration in aerospace engineering; chemical and life science engineering; electrical and computer engineering; engineering management; environmental and sustainable engineering; rehabilitation engineering; systems engineering; or tissue engineering and regenerative medicine in a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to six hours (non-thesis option) or 12 hours (thesis option) of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees.
Students holding these degrees will have a head start for pursuing careers in industry or continuing in academia. The M.S. degree provides formal research experience and can lead to expanded job opportunities, greater potential for job advancement and higher starting salaries.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to any accelerated program include completion of 95 undergraduate credit hours and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with the faculty adviser to the graduate program before they have completed 95 credits. Successful applicants would enter the program in the following semester after graduation with the bachelor's degree..
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate graduate program adviser and the graduate program director.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. The GRE and application fee is waived for admission to the program for all students. Additionally, for students pursuing the thesis option of the master’s program, a letter of endorsement from a prospective thesis adviser from a faculty member in the relevant department may accompany the application.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree will be awarded upon completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
For students entering the non-thesis option, a maximum of six graduate credits may be taken prior to the completion of the baccalaureate degree. For students entering the thesis option, a maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken. These graduate credits will count as open or technical elective credits for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, must be approved by the adviser or graduate program director and include 500-level courses from the following subject areas: EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, INNO and OVPR.
Curriculum requirements
Concentration in aerospace engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGMN 604 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | 3 |
| EGMN 605 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| EGMN 606 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
| EGMN 607 | Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | 3 |
| Directed research component | ||
| This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee. | ||
| EGMN 697 | Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 15 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGMN 604 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | 3 |
| EGMN 605 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| EGMN 606 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
| EGMN 607 | Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | 3 |
| EGMN 661 | Computational Fluid Dynamics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in chemical and life science engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 6 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE, PESC) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 9 | |
| Concentration component - CLSE course work | ||
| CLSE 650 | Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 654 | Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | 3 |
| CLSE 655 | Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 656 | Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
| Choose additional CLSE course work at the 500 level or higher | 3 | |
| Directed research | ||
| Select six credit hours from the following: | 6 | |
| Research Seminar in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE, PESC) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component - CLSE course work | ||
| CLSE 650 | Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 654 | Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | 3 |
| CLSE 655 | Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 656 | Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | 3 |
| Choose additional CLSE course work at the 500 level or higher | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in electrical and computer engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRE course work (EGRE 500-level or higher or courses approved by the advisory committee): This component allows the student to pursue a series of courses that focus on a specific field of engineering and serve as the student’s primary engineering discipline. | 12 | |
| Directed research component | ||
| This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee. | ||
| EGRE 697 | Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 15 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRE course work (EGRE 500-level or higher or courses approved by the adviser): This component allows the student to pursue a series of courses that focus on a specific field of engineering and serve as the student’s primary engineering discipline. | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in engineering management
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser. This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 18 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGMN 507 | Law and Engineering | 3 |
| ENGR 601 | Engineering Project Management | 3 |
| ENGR 602 | Engineering Contracts and Effective Negotiations | 3 |
| ENGR 696 | Engineering Products and Economic Considerations | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in environmental and sustainable engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| CLSE 545 | Water Essentials | 3 |
| CLSE 580 | Sustainable Chemical Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 650 | Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 655 | Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| Directed research component | ||
| This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee. | ||
| CLSE 697 | Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 18 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| CLSE 545 | Water Essentials | 3 |
| CLSE 580 | Sustainable Chemical Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 650 | Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| CLSE 655 | Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in rehabilitation engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 6 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 8 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRB 520 | Assistive Technology | 3 |
| EGRB 521 | Human Factors Engineering | 3 |
| EGRB 523 | Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | 3 |
| EGRB 603 | Biomedical Signal Processing | 3 |
| ANAT 610 | Systems Neuroscience | 4 |
| Directed research | ||
| EGRB 697 | Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 14 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRB 520 | Assistive Technology | 3 |
| EGRB 521 | Human Factors Engineering | 3 |
| EGRB 523 | Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | 3 |
| EGRB 603 | Biomedical Signal Processing | 3 |
| ANAT 610 | Systems Neuroscience | 4 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in systems engineering
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRE 510 | Introduction to Internet of Things | 3 |
| EGRE 512 | Intelligent Autonomous Systems | 3 |
| EGRE 513 | Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | 3 |
| EGRE 615 | Systems Modeling | 3 |
| Directed research component | ||
| This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee. | ||
| EGRE 697 | Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 18 | |
| Concentration component | ||
| EGRE 510 | Introduction to Internet of Things | 3 |
| EGRE 512 | Intelligent Autonomous Systems | 3 |
| EGRE 513 | Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | 3 |
| EGRE 615 | Systems Modeling | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Concentration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the advisory committee: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 12 | |
| Concentration component - TERM course work | ||
| EGRB 512 | Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | 3 |
| EGRB 613 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| EGRB 614 | Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| EGRB 616 | Cell Engineering | 3 |
| Directed research | ||
| EGRB 697 | Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | 6 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required graduate-level coursework | ||
| Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser. | 15 | |
| Concentration component - TERM course work | ||
| EGRB 512 | Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | 3 |
| EGRB 613 | Biomaterials | 3 |
| EGRB 614 | Tissue Engineering | 3 |
| EGRB 616 | Cell Engineering | 3 |
| Choose additional course work at the 500 level or higher | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior/senior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 257 | Computer Systems | 4 |
| CMSC 303 | Introduction to the Theory of Computation | 3 |
| CMSC 355 | Fundamentals of Software Engineering | 3 |
| Approved natural science course (BIOL, CHEM or PHS course that counts toward the major in that science) | 4-5 | |
| Introduction to Biological Sciences I | ||
| Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory I | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry Laboratory I | ||
| University Physics I | ||
| General education course | 3 | |
| Contact undergraduate and graduate program directors | ||
| Term Hours: | 17-18 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 312 | Introduction to Operating Systems | 3 |
| CMSC 401 | Algorithm Analysis with Advanced Data Structures | 3 |
| CMSC 408 | Databases | 3 |
| MATH upper-level (300-400) | 3 | |
| Approved natural science course (BIOL, CHEM or PHS course that counts toward the major in that science) | 4-5 | |
| Introduction to Biological Sciences II | ||
| Introduction to Biological Science Laboratory II | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| General Chemistry Laboratory II | ||
| University Physics II | ||
| Term Hours: | 16-17 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| Technical elective (consider appropriate MS program course for accelerated pathway) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Technical elective (consider appropriate MS program course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC and OVPR at 500-level or above
Concentration in aerospace engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | ||
| Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Heat and Mass Transfer Theory and Applications | ||
| Computational Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in chemical and life science engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Research Seminar in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | ||
Choose additional CLSE course work at the 500 level or higher | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Research Seminar in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in electrical and computer engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specifc courses 2 | 6 | |
| Directed research 3 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses 2 | 6 | |
| Directed research 3 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses 2 | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses 2 | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
EGRE course work (EGRE 500-level or higher or courses approved by the advisory committee): This component allows the student to pursue a series of courses that focus on a specific field of engineering and serve as the student’s primary engineering discipline.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in engineering management
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specifc courses | 6 | |
| Law and Engineering | ||
| Engineering Project Management | ||
| Engineering Contracts and Effective Negotiations | ||
| Engineering Products and Economic Considerations | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Law and Engineering | ||
| Engineering Project Management | ||
| Engineering Contracts and Effective Negotiations | ||
| Engineering Products and Economic Considerations | ||
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
Concentration in environmental and sustainable engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific | 6 | |
| Water Essentials | ||
| Sustainable Chemical Engineering | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Water Essentials | ||
| Sustainable Chemical Engineering | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Water Essentials | ||
| Sustainable Chemical Engineering | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Water Essentials | ||
| Sustainable Chemical Engineering | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering | ||
| Term Hours | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in rehabilitation engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specifc courses | 6 | |
| Assistive Technology | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | ||
| Biomedical Signal Processing | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Assistive Technology | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | ||
| Biomedical Signal Processing | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Assistive Technology | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | ||
| Biomedical Signal Processing | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Assistive Technology | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses | ||
| Biomedical Signal Processing | ||
| Systems Neuroscience | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in systems engineering
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Internet of Things | ||
| Intelligent Autonomous Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Modeling | ||
| Directed research | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Internet of Things | ||
| Intelligent Autonomous Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Modeling | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Electrical and Computer Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Internet of Things | ||
| Intelligent Autonomous Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Modeling | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Introduction to Internet of Things | ||
| Intelligent Autonomous Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Modern Systems Engineering | ||
| Systems Modeling | ||
| Term Hours | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Concentration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Cell Engineering | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses 1 | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Cell Engineering | ||
| Directed research 2 | 3 | |
| Directed Research in Biomedical Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Non-thesis option | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Required graduate-level courses | 3 | |
| Concentration specific courses | 6 | |
| Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Cell Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Required graduate-level courses | ||
| Concentration specific courses | ||
| Regenerative Engineering and Medicine | ||
| Biomaterials | ||
| Tissue Engineering | ||
| Cell Engineering | ||
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
Engineering or other relevant graduate course work (including a minimum of 9 credit hours from 500-level or higher courses in EGRE, ENGR, EGRB, EGMN, CMSC, CLSE) approved by the adviser: This component allows the student to take courses in either engineering or science with approval of the student’s adviser.
This component emphasizes research directed toward completion of degree requirements under the direction of an adviser and advisory committee.
Accelerated B.S. and M.S.
The accelerated B.S. and M.S. program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S.in Computer Science and M.S. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering a minimum of five years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to twelve hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 138 credits rather than the 150 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
The program is designed to develop skills and educate computer science students to be major contributors in the computing industry. The graduate program in computer science provides state-of-the-art education through the use of didactic courses to those students who wish to further their knowledge and careers within the computing industry. The program emphasizes continuing self-development and broadening of the knowledge of individuals currently engaged in science, technology and engineering-related fields. It also prepares persons who have completed undergraduate majors in these fields for entry into a career in the numerous areas that use computing technology. Both the theoretical and applied aspects of computer science are emphasized in this program.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include an overall GPA of 3.0. Additionally, for students pursuing the thesis option of the master’s program, a letter of endorsement from a prospective thesis adviser from the biomedical engineering faculty must accompany the application. Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with the faculty adviser to the mechanical and nuclear engineering graduate program before they have completed 95 credits. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program is provided by both the undergraduate computer science adviser and the faculty adviser to the graduate program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application to the master’s program, which is submitted through Graduate Admissions no later than a semester prior to graduation with the baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the fall semester of the senior year. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Three reference letters (including one from the computer science undergraduate program director and at least one more from a computer science faculty member) must accompany the application. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements may submit GRE scores to receive further consideration.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits of 500-level graduate courses may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits will be utilized to fulfill engineering electives course requirements for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, must be approved by the adviser or graduate program director and include 500-level courses from the following subject areas: EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, INNO and OVPR.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of graduate study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the senior year.
For students pursuing the thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| Technical elective (consider MNE course for accelerated pathway) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Technical electives (consider MNE course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| EGMN 605 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| EGMN 606 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
| EGMN 610 | Topics in Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| EGMN 697 | Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering | 6 |
| Technical electives (Select 600-level courses with permission of graduate program director) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
For students pursuing the non-thesis option
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CMSC 441 | Senior Design Studio I (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 451 | Senior Project I | 1 |
| CMSC 440 | Data Communication and Networking | 3 |
| Technical electives (consider MNE course for accelerated pathway) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CMSC 442 | Senior Design Studio II (Laboratory/Project Time) | 2 |
| CMSC 452 | Senior Project II | 1 |
| Technical electives (consider MNE course for accelerated pathway) | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| EGMN 605 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis | 3 |
| EGMN 606 | Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics | 3 |
| EGMN 610 | Topics in Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Technical electives (Select 600-level courses with permission of graduate program director) | 6 | |
| Technical electives (Select 500- or 600-level courses with permission of graduate program director) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |