M.S. in Computer Science

Entry requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 70

1. Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must have completed a recognized undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent) is required. This translates to approximately 60% or above in the grading system.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 80.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 53.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105.

3. Standardized Tests:

• GRE: A minimum GRE score of 310 is required.

California State University, Fresno, is committed to supporting the academic aspirations of international students by offering various scholarships and financial aid opportunities. These scholarships help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education in the United States. 

1. International Student Scholarship: Fresno State offers merit-based scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may cover a significant portion of tuition costs.

2. Dean's Graduate Medal: This scholarship is awarded to the top graduate student from each academic college at Fresno State. It recognizes outstanding academic achievement and contributions to the college.

3. President's Graduate Medal: The President's Graduate Medal is the highest honor for a graduate student at Fresno State. It is awarded to a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, and service.

4. Graduate Equity Fellowship: The Graduate Equity Fellowship is designed to support underrepresented and economically disadvantaged graduate students. It provides financial assistance and mentoring to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.

5. Athletic Scholarships: Fresno State offers athletic scholarships to talented student-athletes. These scholarships are typically awarded to individuals who excel in specific sports and contribute to the university's athletic programs.

6. External Scholarships: International students can also explore external scholarship opportunities, including those offered by government agencies, private organizations, and foundations in their home countries.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at Fresno State may offer scholarships to graduate students in specific fields of study. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria and application processes.

8. Fulbright Scholarships: Fresno State participates in the Fulbright Program, which offers scholarships for international students to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. Applicants can apply for Fulbright scholarships through the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in their home country.

9. Cultural and Exchange Program Scholarships: Fresno State may offer scholarships to international students participating in cultural exchange programs or partnership agreements with specific universities and organizations.

10. Research and Teaching Assistantships: Graduate students may have opportunities to work as research or teaching assistants, which often come with a stipend and/or tuition remission.

Tips for Scholarship Application:

• Applicants should pay close attention to scholarship application deadlines and ensure that all required documents are submitted on time.
• Strong academic performance, letters of recommendation, a well-written personal statement, and a demonstrated commitment to community involvement and leadership can enhance scholarship application chances.

Graduates of the STEM-designated M.S. in Computer Science program at California State University, Fresno, are in high demand and well-prepared for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the tech industry, research institutions, academia, and beyond.  

1. Software Engineer/Developer: Graduates can work as software engineers or developers, designing, coding, and testing software applications and systems.

2. Data Scientist/Analyst: Data scientists and analysts analyze large datasets to extract valuable insights and make data-driven decisions.

3. Machine Learning Engineer: Machine learning engineers design and implement algorithms for machine learning applications, including predictive modeling and natural language processing.

4. Artificial Intelligence Specialist: Graduates can specialize in artificial intelligence, working on projects related to computer vision, speech recognition, and autonomous systems.

5. Cybersecurity Analyst: Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from cyber threats by implementing security measures, monitoring networks, and responding to security incidents.

6. Database Administrator: Database administrators manage and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity and availability.

7. Network Engineer: Network engineers design and manage computer networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

8. Software Architect: Software architects design the structure and components of complex software systems, ensuring scalability and performance.

9. Research Scientist: Graduates interested in research can pursue roles as research scientists in academia or industry, contributing to advancements in computer science.

10. IT Manager/Director: IT managers and directors oversee an organization's technology infrastructure and strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals.

11. Consultant: Graduates can work as IT consultants, providing expertise to businesses on technology solutions and strategies.

12. Academic/Professor: Some graduates may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science or a related field, entering academia and teaching future computer scientists.

13. Product Manager: Product managers guide the development of software products, from conception to launch, ensuring they meet market needs.

14. Quality Assurance Engineer: Quality assurance engineers test software applications to identify and fix defects, ensuring product quality.

15. Startup Entrepreneur: Graduates with entrepreneurial ambitions can launch their own tech startups, leveraging their knowledge and skills to innovate in the industry.