|
Navigate to a section by clicking one of the following links or scroll through the questions to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Carnegie Mellon West and the programs offered.
ACCREDITATION
By what organization is Carnegie Mellon accredited?
What will my diploma say upon completion of the program?
GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS
What degree programs do you offer?
What is the best way for me to learn about the graduate programs at Carnegie Mellon West?
Do you offer any part-time programs?
Does Carnegie Mellon West offer PhD degree programs?
Can I enroll in a single course?
How long does it take to complete the full-time program?
How are the programs offered at Carnegie Mellon West different from other master’s programs?
When do classes meet?
Am I required to come to campus to attend classes?
How are teams assigned?
Given that most projects are a team effort, how are individual students graded?
Is orientation required?
Are there any prerequisites for the programs?
How many courses am I taking per semester?
May I choose my courses in the curriculum?
ADMISSIONS
When is your next Information Session?
When are the application deadlines?
What is the enrollment date for each deadline?
In which round should I apply?
Must I have post-undergraduate work experience?
What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
I don’t have an undergraduate degree in computer science. May I still apply?
May I apply to both the full-time and part-time MS in Software Engineering programs, or may I transfer from one program to the other?
How do I arrange for an interview?
When will I be notified of the admissions decision?
Where do I send my supplemental materials?
Do you accept transfer credits from other universities?
May I defer admission to another year?
If I am not accepted, can I get feedback on my application?
What is the process if I am a re-applicant?
May I call about the status of my application?
Test Scores
Is the GRE required?
Do I need to take the GRE before I apply?
Do you require the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test?
Can I petition to waive the GRE?
Is the TOEFL required?
What is the minimum TOEFL score considered for application?
How do I send my TOEFL scores to Carnegie Mellon West?
Eligibility Questions
What are the pre-requisites for applying to the program?
I just completed my undergraduate program and do not have full-time work experience. May I still apply?
Is there an age limit for applying to the program?
International Applicants
What international student resources to you provide?
I reside outside of the U.S. May I participate in the full-time MS Software Engineering program remotely?
I have a three-year undergraduate degree from India. May I still apply?
COSTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
What is the Carnegie Mellon West tuition?
Can I defer payment?
Do you offer fellowships?
Is financial aid available?
Are student loans available?
Do you offer any other financial aid resources?
Can I make monthly payments?
Can the University provide healthcare for me and my family?
CAMPUS INFORMATION
When was Carnegie Mellon West established?
What are the backgrounds of the Carnegie Mellon West faculty members?
Do you offer graduate housing on-campus?
May I visit Carnegie Mellon West?
How do I get to campus?
Where should I stay when I visit?
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
ACCREDITATION back to top
By what organization is Carnegie Mellon West accredited?
Carnegie Mellon's west coast campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting agency for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. For a statement on our accreditation status, please click here.
What will my diploma say upon completion of the program?
Your diploma will read “Carnegie Mellon University.”
GENERAL PROGRAM QUESTIONS back to top
What degree programs do you offer?
Carnegie Mellon West offers an MS in Software Engineering and an MS in Software Management. The MS in Software Engineering is offered on both a part-time and full-time basis. The MS in Software Management program is offered only on a part-time basis.
What is the best way for me to learn about the graduate programs at Carnegie Mellon West?
We offer information sessions beginning October 2, 2007. Info sessions are a great opportunity for you to hear more about the program, course offerings, and admissions process. A faculty member and an admissions representative present at each session, and current students and alumni are present to answer your questions. You may also attend one of our virtual information sessions at your convenience. To learn more, please click here.
Do you offer any part-time programs?
Yes, Carnegie Mellon West offers part-time graduate programs in Software Engineering and Software Management. More information about the program can be found by clicking here.
Does Carnegie Mellon West offer PhD degree programs?
Carnegie Mellon West does not currently offer a Ph.D. program.
Can I enroll in a single course?
We do not offer stand-alone courses at this time. You must be an admitted, enrolled student to participate in the Carnegie Mellon West masters programs.
How long does it take to complete the full-time program? (Scottie double-check)
The MS programs take twelve months to complete. The entire full-time program is three semesters in length, and you will enroll during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. In general, the Fall semester is from August through December, the spring semester is from January through May, and the summer semester is from May through August.
How are the programs offered at Carnegie Mellon West different from other master’s programs?
The programs of study offered at Carnegie Mellon’s West coast campus are based on a teaching philosophy in which students learn by working on authentic projects. Faculty members use a wide variety of teaching methods to maximize your learning experience including plenary discussions, workshops, small group coaching, problem-driven seminars and reading groups, individual and group tutorials, and “just-in-time” instruction in the form of online materials, learning guides, and short tutorials. The intensity of the program simulates how you would learn and work in an industry environment, featuring a heavy reliance on learn-by-doing projects, case analyses, and industrial practicums so that your coursework is immediately applicable to professional projects.
When do classes meet?
The program consists of a combination of daytime and early evening courses.
Am I required to come to campus to attend classes?
Yes, you must participate on our campus here in Mountain View, California to be enrolled in the full-time MS Software Engineering program.
How are teams assigned?
Teams are formed according to the skills and background of each student. Teams are typically reassigned at the start of each new semester.
Given that most projects are a team effort, how are individual students graded?
Grades are calculated based on a quantitative score assigned to each team deliverable and project presentation, your individual contribution, and your team participation. In addition, most courses require you to submit work that is evaluated exclusively on your own performance.
Is orientation required?
Yes, all new students are required to attend a four-day New Student Orientation in August. Orientation is generally held during mid-August.
Are there any prerequisites for the programs?
Applicants to the full-time MS Software Engineering program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, a minor in computer science, or equivalent preparation, including:
- Knowledge, at least at the level of an undergraduate course, of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages;
- Basic knowledge of object-oriented design;
- Skills in programming-in-the-small, as well as competence in using an object-oriented language such as Java; and
- Practical knowledge of programming methods and computer organization.
How many courses am I taking per semester?
The program consists of 48 units per semester. The course load varies from 2-4 courses per semester, depending on the semester.
May I choose my courses in the curriculum?
The curriculum is comprised of a core set of courses, which make up the bulk of the 12-month program. There is some flexibility in your last semester to choose electives.
ADMISSIONS back to top
When is your next Information Session?
Information sessions are held frequently. For the latest schedule visit: http://west.cmu.edu/prospective_students/info_sessions.
When are the application deadlines?
This year’s application deadlines are:
January 15, 2008
March 15, 2008
June 1, 2008
What is the enrollment date for each deadline?
All three application rounds are for the same Fall 2008 enrollment date, regardless of the round in which you apply.
In which round should I apply?
It is important that you apply only when you feel your application is as strong as it can be. Admission to the Carnegie Mellon West programs is competitive, and you want to spend the appropriate time needed to present yourself accurately and thoroughly. However, submitting your application in the earlier rounds will allow more time to address important issues such as financial aid.
Must I have post-undergraduate work experience?
No, for the full-time MS in Software Engineering, post-undergraduate work experience is not a pre-requisite. We will evaluate your application based on the strength of your academic background and your software development experience.
What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
The application consists of two major components – the quantitative section and the qualitative section.
1. Quantitative
- Prior academic record (transcripts required)
- GRE score (The GRE general test is required. Your scores should be sent to the Carnegie Mellon West. The subject test in Computer Science is not required but highly recommended.)
2. Qualitative
- Letters of recommendation: References enable the admissions committee to learn more about your technical and/or academic performance. The title of the recommender is not nearly as important as the ability of the recommender to comment on the quality of your work. If possible, one recommendation should be from an instructor and another from a supervisor in an internship program or technical job. We encourage you to consider your choices carefully and select those people who you believe are most qualified to comment on your performance and your potential to achieve your goals at Carnegie Mellon University.
- Work and life experience (resume)
- Personal essays
- Interview: The interview gives you an opportunity to learn more about the masters program and also enables the admissions committee to learn more about you beyond the written materials you have provided in your application. Interviews are required for all applicants and can be done in person or by telephone.
I don’t have an undergraduate degree in computer science. May I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply. A bachelor's degree in computer science is not required for admission to our program. We do, however, expect you to have a combination of previous coursework and software development experience that has prepared you adequately to succeed in the program. Although most students admitted to the MS Software Engineering program hold undergraduate degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics, cognitive science or physics, applicants who can clearly demonstrate the ability to perform graduate-level work in software engineering are also considered. Excellence and promise will balance a lack of formal preparation. Please contact us if you have any questions about the adequacy of your preparation.
May I apply to both the full-time and part-time MS in Software Engineering programs, or may I transfer from one program to the other?
You must make an initial decision regarding which of the master’s programs is of interest to you. Transferring from the full-time program to the part-time program is discouraged; however, if special circumstances can be discussed with the Associate Dean of Education on a case-by-case basis.
How do I arrange for an interview?
An interview is a requirement for every applicant. Interviews are conducted via telephone or in person. After you submit your on-line application, including transcripts and recommendation letters, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.
When will I be notified of the admissions decision?
Once your application is complete and you participate in the required admissions interview, a decision is posted online within three weeks of your interview date. Decisions are available for you to view through the online application system, ApplyYourself.
Where do I send my supplemental materials?
Please send all materials to:
Carnegie Mellon West
Attn: Admissions
NASA Research Park
Building 23 (MS 23-11)
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
Do you accept transfer credits from other universities?
Carnegie Mellon West does not accept transfer credits from other graduate programs because our curriculum is designed so that each course builds upon previous ones.
May I defer admission to another year?
We are unable to offer deferrals of admission. Each applicant is evaluated based on his or her individual qualifications as well as on his or her qualifications relative to the rest of the applicant pool. Because each year’s applicant pool changes, we cannot guarantee admission from one year to the next. Admitted applicants who do not enroll for the term in which they were accepted must re-submit an application should they decide to re-apply. However, the re-application process is relatively easy – you must update any new information, including your resume, work experience, etc. Keep in mind that, in general, the quality of the applicant pools increases each year, so it will be to your advantage to update your application with your most recent accomplishments. If you choose to re-apply within two years of your initial application, we will still have your original transcripts, test scores, and other documents.
If I am not accepted, can I get feedback on my application?
Yes, we offer feedback sessions in September, after the admissions cycle is complete. If you are interested in receiving feedback, please email admissions@west.cmu.edu to schedule an appointment. We will be glad to work with you to strengthen your application should you be interested in re-applying to our programs.
What is the process if I am a re-applicant?
We welcome re-applicants and appreciate your continued interest in Carnegie Mellon West. If you applied within the past two years, we will have your original application on file, and any components you submitted previously, including your transcripts, GRE and/or TOEFL test scores, and recommendation letters. As a re-applicant, you will need to submit the following:
- An updated application
- One additional letter of recommendation
- Any new GRE or TOEFL test score reports
- Any new transcripts for classes or degrees you may have received
- An updated resume
The application fee is waived for re-applicants. Please keep in mind that, in general, the quality of applicant pools increases each year, so it will be to your advantage to update your application with your most recent accomplishments. If you previously applied and were denied admission to the program, we encourage you to schedule a feedback session, so we can work with you to strengthen your re-application.
May I call about the status of my application?
Yes, you are welcome to call the admissions office at 650/335-2808 or email admissions@west.cmu.edu. You may also check the status of your application by logging into your ApplyYourself account, which is the same account you used when you created your application. Once you log in with your PIN and password, continue to the main page where you will see your application status.
Test Scores
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE general test is required. The subject test in Computer Science is not required but highly recommended. There is no minimum score requirement. We review the GRE in conjunction with your transcripts to assess your overall academic qualification. You may petition to waive the GRE if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree. Waivers are granted by the Admissions Committee. The GRE insitution code is 4024. To schedule a GRE examination, please go to http://gre.org.
Do I need to take the GRE before I apply?
You may submit your application prior to completing the GRE, but the final review of your application will be conditional upon receipt of your official score report.
Do you require the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test?
We require for the GRE General Test. The subject test in Computer Science is not required but highly recommended.
Can I petition to waive the GRE?
You may petition to waive the GRE requirement if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree. Waiver decisions are made by the admissions committee.
Is the TOEFL required?
All international applicants MUST provide TOEFL scores from tests taken within the last 1-2 years. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was completed in the United States, or who attend an institution whose primary language of instruction was English, or whose mother language is English, are exempt from this requirement.
What is the minimum TOEFL score considered for application?
We do not have a minimum requirement; however, most graduate departments at Carnegie Mellon prefer to see TOEFL scores of 600 for the paper/pencil exam, 250 for the computer-based exam, and 100 for the iBT.
How do I send my TOEFL scores to Carnegie Mellon West?
TOEFL scores must be sent by ETS electronically to Carnegie Mellon West. Applicants must also report their TOEFL scores on their application. The institution code for Carnegie Mellon West is 5759.
Eligibility Questions back to top
What are the pre-requisites for applying to the program?
Applicants to the full-time MS Software Engineering program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, a minor in computer science, or equivalent preparation, including:
- Knowledge, at least at the level of an undergraduate course, of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages;
- Basic knowledge of object-oriented design;
- Skills in programming-in-the-small, as well as competence in using an object-oriented language such as Java; and
- Practical knowledge of programming methods and computer organization.
I just completed my undergraduate program and do not have full-time work experience. May I still apply?
Yes, we encourage you to apply. Work experience is not required for the full-time MS in Software Engineering program.
Is there an age limit for applying to the program?
No, there is never an age limit to learning!
International Applicants
What International Student Resources Do You Provide?
If you are an International Student and have questions about your visa status and eligibility, we are happy to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to contact Student Services at studentservices@west.cmu.edu.
The Office of International Education at the main campus in Pittsburgh, PA is also a resource. The main office number is (412) 268-5231. More information is available on their website http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/. The liaison for the West Coast campus is Linda Gentile. You may contact her by e-mail lgentile@andrew.cmu.edu.
Visa Status
If you have questions about changing your H4 visa to F or J status, you should know that the process is similar to that for changing H1Bs to F or J. The process is documented at http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/forstu/legal2.pdf. We advise you that it takes 2-3 months to change status – please start the process early.
OPT
Optional Practical Training is available to students on F1 visas. (For a detailed description of OPT, please see http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/forstu/jobs.cfm.) Please contact Student Services for help filling out the initial paperwork. We will then work with the Office of International for approval and further documentation.
I reside outside of the U.S. May I participate in the full-time MS Software Engineering program remotely?
No, to enroll in the full-time MS Software Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon West, you must be able to participate on our campus in Mountain View, California.
I have a three-year undergraduate degree from India. May I still apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply.
COSTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE back to top
What is the Carnegie Mellon West tuition?
Fall 2008-2009*
MS Software Engineering Program: $49,000
Payment Schedule
$16,333.33 each of three semesters
Additional Expenses
Technology Fee: $150 per year, $300 total
Students should expect to spend approximately $200 each semester on books and materials.
*Tuition rates for 2009-2010 may increase.
Can I defer payment?
Carnegie Mellon’s policy is that tuition for each semester is to be paid, in full, at the beginning of each term. However, there are several options for payment, including a monthly payment plan offered through a vendor named TMS. This service is available during the Fall and Spring semesters, not Summer. A student pays TMS an enrollment fee for an interest free loan. TMS pays Carnegie Mellon University the tuition and bills the student each month. For more information, click here.
Do you offer fellowships?
In addition to tuition and living expenses, the total cost of attending a graduate-level program can be intimidating to many students. Carnegie Mellon West wants to ensure that financial need is not a barrier for students who are truly passionate about becoming a leader in the software industry. For this reason, we offer a variety of merit-based fellowships based on the strength of your application and background. This financial assistance ranges from partial to full tuition fellowships. To apply for a fellowship, go to the online application at http://west.cmu.edu/apply, and submit the required form and essay.
Is financial aid available?
To be eligible for financial aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis. You must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available at http://www.fasfa.com, the Carnegie Mellon Financial Aid Application (tax returns must be submitted with this form), the Federal Entrance Loan Counseling, and the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note. We recommend that you complete and return the financial aid applications no later than June 1, 2008. Applications may still be completed after this date, but it may delay the receipt of your funds. Please see http://www.cmu.edu/hub/fa/fa_grad.html for more information.
Are student loans available?
There are several types of Stafford Loans available. For more information, please see
http://www.cmu.edu/hub/fa/fa_grad_loans.html.
Do you offer any other financial aid resources?
Yes, please visit our cost and financial aid page for a list of external links and financial aid resources.
Can I make monthly payments?
Yes, Carnegie Mellon offers a monthly payment option through a vendor named TMS. This service is available during only the Fall and Spring semesters, not during the Summer semester. A student pays TMS an enrollment fee for a interest free loan. TMS pays Carnegie Mellon University the tuition and bills the student each month. More information.
Can the University provide healthcare for me and my family?
Yes, health care is required for all Carnegie Mellon students and their families and can be acquired through Carnegie Mellon University if you are not already covered through other means. Costs vary depending on the plan you choose. See http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices for more information.
CAMPUS INFORMATION back to top
When was Carnegie Mellon West established?
In 2002, Carnegie Mellon University established a west coast campus in Mountain View, California to offer its world-renowned professional programs in software engineering and software management, to perform innovative research that connects it to local companies, and to support the careers of all Carnegie Mellon alumni.
What are the backgrounds of the Carnegie Mellon West faculty members?
Carnegie Mellon West’s world-class faculty members have unique and powerful backgrounds, pairing their significant academic experience with extensive industry experience. Senior faculty members include respected authors, speakers, professors, industry consultants, and IEEE and ACM fellows. Their broad and varied industry experience range from previous roles at HP, Apple, Netscape, Tektronix, Xerox PARC, JPL, Business Objects, as well as many successful startups. Not only are the Carnegie Mellon West faculty members accomplished academics providing students with the latest theories of software engineering and management, but they also share their own industry experience in architecting, developing, and managing software products and initiatives.
Do you offer graduate housing on-campus?
Carnegie Mellon West does not have on-campus housing at this time, but housing is plentiful in the neighboring cities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale. If you are interested in re-locating to the area, we recommend contacting David Wang, a local realtor. His cell phone number is 650/504-8190 and his e-mail is david.procalbayarea@gmail.com.
Other resources include:
- Craig’s List (free online classifieds - link to: Cragislist.org)
- Meetup (free online social networking site - link to Meetup.com)
- Yelp (Free online reviews - link to Yelp.com)
- Mountain View Chamber of Commerce ( link to http://www.chambermv.org/)
- City of Mountain View Homepage (link to http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/)
- Mountain View Voice (Local newspaper - link to http://www.mv-voice.com/)
- City Data for Mountain View ( link to: http://www.city-data.com/city/Mountain-View-California.html)
May I visit Carnegie Mellon West?
Visitors are welcome! As a prospective student, we encourage you to explore our program and campus. Campus visitors are welcome Monday through Friday during regular business hours. We suggest you schedule a visit by contacting admissions@west.cmu.edu or by calling 650/335-2808.
How do I get to campus?
For directions to campus, visit: http://west.cmu.edu/who_we_are/visitor.
Where should I stay when I visit?
There are several accommodations nearby. Visitors frequently use the following two hotels:
County Inn
850 Leong Dr
Mountain View, CA
650-961-1131
Oakwood Mountain View
555 W. Middlefield Rd
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-528-5000
For more information, visit http://west.cmu.edu/prospective_students/apply
|
