Master’s of Science in Computer Science and Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
(This guide is currently a work in progress. Check back for additional information!)
Application Procedures
I have missed the priority deadline. Can I still apply?
Yes. If we have space available in the program, you may apply after the deadline. If it is less than two months prior to the start of the quarter, please email to find out if space is available.
When should I send in my official transcript?
We do not need your official copy to review your file for admission.
Please upload unofficial copies of all your transcripts in MyGrad. Upon receiving an offer of admission, you will need to submit your official transcript and\or attested letter from your degree-granting institution to the Graduate School in Seattle. You may send your transcripts after your final grades and degree are posted. Note: If you are an international student and your degree was taught in English, you will need to submit official documents for TOEFL exemption prior to being admitted.
My GRE or TOEFL scores are missing. What should I do?
Did you have the scores sent to the UW Graduate School, code #4854? If so, it may take several weeks for the scores to arrive. If it has been more than a month since your request, please contact and request a score search.
What should I mail to Tacoma?
Nothing! All of your materials are submitted online through MyGrad. After you receive your admissions decision, you will send your official transcripts to Seattle.
My application is marked incomplete but I have submitted all of my materials.
Please be patient. Sometimes it takes awhile for our advisers to double-check that all materials have been received. The “incomplete” code does not mean that your application hasn’t gone to the committee for review.
I sent in my official transcript over a month ago but it is not showing as received in MyGrad.
Don’t worry. Your transcript is probably filed at the Graduate School. Your file may not be updated until you have been accepted by the academic program and your degree has been verified. About a month prior to the start of the quarter, the Graduate School will notify students who are missing transcripts.
Can I mail in paper copies of my letters of recommendation?
We strongly prefer for you to use our online recommendation form. If you wish to send paper copies, please send them to the Institute of Technology in Tacoma. These letters are the only materials that should not go to Seattle.
Admitted Students
I have been notified via email that I have been admitted. Now what should I do?
Congratulations! Your offer email will soon by followed by additional information about your next steps, including funding opportunities. In the meantime, you may request your official transcripts (after your final grades and degree are posted) to be sent to the Graduate School in Seattle, collect your measles immunization records, start a visa application process, and log into your admissions profile to accept the offer.
When do I need to decide if I am attending?
Please enter your decision in MyGrad by May 1st for Autumn Quarter. Your Enrollment Confirmation Fee is due by June 1st. You will receive your Enrollment Confirmation letter via email or mail several weeks after you have been admitted.
I have questions about the I-20 and applying for a visa. Who should I contact?
Sandra Spadoni is our International Student Services Adviser. Visit tacoma.uw.edu/admissions/international-students/qualify-i-20
or email for assistance.
Important Details
When does Autumn Quarter begin?
Classes begin on Monday, September 24th, 2012.
Can I live on campus?
Yes. The University of Washington Tacoma doesn’t have traditional residence halls but students can choose to live in Court 17. These apartments are across the street from campus. The priority deadline to reserve housing for fall is April 15th. Here is more information:
tacoma.washington.edu/studentaffairs/SS/housing_oncampus.cfm
Where can I find more information about faculty?
Please visit our faculty directory page at tacoma.uw.edu/institute-technology/areas-faculty-research
Can I continue my studies in Seattle with the Phd program?
The Master’s of Science in Computer Science and Systems at the University of Washington Tacoma is a terminal degree. The program in Seattle is highly competitive and focuses primarly on those who wish to earn their Phd. Our credits usually do not transfer at this time. Our smaller program offers students the opportunity to complete a thesis and conduct research, working closely with faculty, and some of these students choose to go on to earn their Phd. Admission to the Seattle and Tacoma programs is separate, each with their own unique requirements.
Is there funding available for graduate study?
MSCSS students may apply for our graduate assistantships, the William W. Phillip Scholarship, paid research positions and other part-time paid employment on campus. Many of our students accept paid internships after they have been here several quarters. Most funding is awarded in late spring and summer for students planning to start in the fall. Our website includes more information:
tacoma.uw.edu/institute-technology/scholarships
Apply now for Autumn 2012 funding!
In addition, the University of Washington Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards offers a searchable database of outside scholarship opportunities:
washington.edu/students/ugrad/scholar/for/international/funding
washington.edu/students/ugrad/scholar/
Where do your graduates work?
Click on “Institute of Technology” for facts and details. This is a short list of employers…our students are working for high tech companies across the Puget Sound region, though companies in California keep trying to recruit them.
tacoma.washington.edu/irp/information/program_facts/program_facts.cfm
Where can I get more information? I’d like to connect with other students.
Join our Linked In group at MSCSS at UW Tacoma!