Carnegie Mellon University West Coast Campus - Frequently Asked Questions About Our MS Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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 both a part-time and full-time basis.

Which of the two part-time masters programs is best for me?
Each program has been designed to help you develop a unique skill set to achieve your career goals. To compare programs, visit: http://west.cmu.edu/prospective_students/graduate_school/compare.

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. To learn more, please click here.

Do you offer any full-time programs?
Carnegie Mellon West offers a full-time MS in Software Engineering program. More information about the program can be found by clicking here.

Does Carnegie Mellon West offer undergraduate degrees?
Carnegie Mellon West does not offer undergraduate degree programs. For more information on Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate programs visit http://cmu.edu/home/pros_students/index.html.

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 part-time program?
The MS programs take two years to complete. The entire part-time program is six 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 by Carnegie Mellon West are designed for working professionals and 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 programs simulate 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 your responsibilities at work.

When do classes meet?
Classes meet at various times and are held at Carnegie Mellon West in Mountain View, CA. Depending on the course and program, classes may meet in the evenings or on the weekend. In addition to attending class sessions, students are required to meet with a team of students. Class attendance and team meetings are frequently attended remotely by using synchronous and asynchronous communication tools.

Am I required to come to attend classes on campus?
No, it is not mandatory for you to come to campus for classes; you may participate from wherever you are. Many of our students participate in the program remotely through synchronous and asynchronous communications tools. However, if you are a local student, we encourage you to participate on campus as it enhances your student experience to work face-to-face with classmates and professors.

What types of collaborative communication tools are available for remote work?
We currently use Microsoft's Live Meeting computer-supported collaborative work environment. We also use freely available tools like voice over IP applications (Ventrilo) and Yahoo instant messenger.

What is the weekly time commitment required of students?
Students spend between 15 and 20 hours each week on school work. The time is divided among team meetings, working on deliverables, plenary sessions, and discussions with faculty members.

Are there scheduled breaks?
In general, most courses run for seven weeks with a one-week break between courses. There is also a three-week break in December/January and a three-week break in August.

If my company has two or more students enrolled in the program, can we be on the same team and do a common project?
Teams are formed to maximize the educational experience, so you may or may not work with people you know.

How are teams assigned?
Teams are formed according to the skills and learning objectives of each student, their academic and professional backgrounds, and their geographic locations. 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 the last weekend in August and begins on Thursday evening, running through Sunday afternoon.

Are there any prerequisites for the programs?
Applicants to the Software Engineering program are expected to have two or more years experience as a software developer, and experience in team-based software development. An undergraduate degree in computer science is not required; however, applicants are expected to have a working knowledge of the Java programming language and to be generally familiar with modern object-oriented software development.

Applicants to the MS Software Management program are expected to have five or more years of software-related experience and experience managing one or more technical teams. An undergraduate degree in computer science is not required; however, applicants are expected to be generally familiar with modern object-oriented software development.

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 which round 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?
Work-experience requirements vary based on the program for which you are applying. For the part-time MS in Software Management, post-undergraduate work experience is a prerequisite for admission. We seek candidates with five or more years of relevant work experience for the MS in Software Management program.

For the part-time MS in Software Engineering, post-undergraduate work experience is not a pre-requisite, however, having relevant work experience will strengthen your application to the program.

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 or GMAT score (You may choose to take either exam, though applicants to the MS Software Management program are encouraged to take the GMAT.)

2. Qualitative

Letters of recommendation: References enable the admissions committee to learn more about your technical and/or organizational 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. We prefer professional letters of recommendation, which speak to your performance in the workplace. 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. In fact, many of our students do not have undergraduate computer science degrees. 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. Please contact us if you have any questions about the adequacy of your preparation.

Does my work experience need to be in software development?
Ideally yes, but we will also consider applicants with closely related experience. Please contact us if you have any questions about the relevance of your work experience.

May I apply to both the MS in Software Engineering and the MS in Software Management, or may I transfer from one program to the other?
You must make an initial decision regarding which of the two master’s programs is of interest to you. However, if you apply to one program and are not admitted, you may ask to have your application considered for the other program. Additionally, admissions requirements of the two programs are sufficiently different that the admissions committee may deem your application more appropriate for another program. Within the MS in Software Engineering program, we ask that you indicate which track you plan to attend – the Technical track or the Development Management track; however, you have the flexibility to change your track within your first year.

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 or GMAT 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 test score reports for the GRE or GMAT
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 back to top

Is the GRE or GMAT required?
Yes, and either exam may be taken. There is no minimum score requirement. We review the GRE or GMAT in conjunction with your transcripts to assess your overall academic qualification. You may petition to waive the GRE or GMAT if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree. Waivers are granted by the Admissions Committee. The GRE insitution code is 4024. The GMAT program code is 69H-Z3-42. To schedule a GRE examination, please go to http://gre.org; to schedule a GMAT examination, please go to http://mba.com.

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT before I apply?
You may submit your application prior to completing the GRE or GMAT, but the final review of your application will be conditional upon receipt of your official score report.

Do you prefer to receive GRE or GMAT scores?
We will accept the GRE or GMAT for either program. However, if you have not taken either exam and are planning to apply to the MS in Software Management program, we recommend the GMAT as it is more business-oriented.

Do you require the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test?
We ask for the GRE General Test.

Can I petition to waive the GRE or GMAT?
You may petition to waive the GRE or GMAT requirement if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree. Waiver decisions are made by the admissions committee.

Is the TOEFL required?
International students who hold degrees from an institution in which the primary language of instruction was English are eligible to waive the TOEFL. Applicants should send a letter requesting the waiver with their application packet.

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

I'm currently unemployed and on an H4 visa. Is this a problem?
H4s can also change to F or J status. 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. The Office of International Education has more information at http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/.

I reside outside of the U.S. May I participate in your remote programs?
In principle, you certainly may, but consider that:

The program is team-based;
Teams coordinate their own work schedules; and
Few, if any, students or faculty members will be in your time zone.

Therefore, you would need to schedule your participation in synchronous meetings and faculty reviews around the times when U.S. participants are available.

I have a three-year undergraduate degree from India. May I still apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply.

What are the pre-requisites for applying to the program?
The only pre-requisites to apply for the program are:

You have received a bachelor’s degree, and
For the MS Software Management program only: You have relevant work experience (a minimum of 5 years).
For the MS in Software Engineering program only, a working knowledge of object-oriented development experience will be assessed as part of the application process.

I just completed my undergraduate program and do not have full-time work experience. May I still apply?
Yes, you may still apply; however, keep in mind that your application will be evaluated relative to the rest of the applicant pool. Therefore, the admissions committee will likely find the work experience component of your application to be significantly weaker than other applicants who have more work experience. We encourage applicants to apply when they have sufficient work experience that will enable them to maximize their learning experience in the program and their contributions to their classmates’ educational experiences as well.

Is there an age limit for applying to the program?
No, there is never an age limit to learning!

COSTS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE back to top

What is the Carnegie Mellon West tuition?
Fall 2008-2009*
Part-time MS Software Engineering Program: $49,000
Part-time MS Software Management Program: $49,000

Payment Schedule
$8,166.67 each of six 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?
Carnegie Mellon West is pleased to be one of a small handful of part-time professional graduate programs in the country to offer fellowships to part-time students. These fellowships are awarded on the strength of your academic and professional background. To apply for a fellowship, go to the online application at http://west.cmu.edu/apply and submit a completed form and the required essay.

In addition, many students receive some level of tuition assistance through their company’s benefits program. We encourage you to speak to your human resources representative.

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.

In addition, many students receive some level of tuition assistance through their company’s benefits program. We encourage you to speak to your human resources department about its tuition assistance programs.

How does employee reimbursement work?
Each company’s reimbursement process is unique. Contact your manager or company’s human resource department for details, and we will work with you to facilitate the process.

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 another 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.

Is there housing assistance available through Pittsburgh?
No assistance is available through the Pittsburgh campus.

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.

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