Admissions Requirements
Ready to dive in? Here’s what we’re looking for when it comes to program candidates:

Requirements
Our program accepts students from different backgrounds, a bachelor's degree in computer science is not required. Students may be accepted into our program without a computer science bachelor's degree if they can demonstrate competency in the areas of Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms. Students are not required to take the GRE.
Application Deadlines
Interested in applying for our next cohort? We are currently accepting applications for students looking to start our program in Fall 2025.
Fall 2025 General Deadline: Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Application Checklist
Application Checklist
Official Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for initial application review but all applicants must submit official transcripts for all higher education institutions if accepted into the program. Official digital transcripts can be sent to smcadmit@gener8co.com. Note: Current SMC students and alumni will not have to submit official transcripts.
Current Resume/CV: Please be sure to include your educational background and any work experience in computer science or a related field.
Personal Statement: Applicants are asked to provide a 2-3 page, double-spaced document addressing the following questions:
In what way does pursuing an MS CS align with your career objectives? If you are coming with a non-CS background, how do you think this degree would enable you to transition into the CS field?
Give an example of a significant challenge you have faced in the past (academic or otherwise) that you have overcome. How did you approach it, what enabled you to overcome the challenge?
What role does CS and technology play in today's world, both positive and negative? How do you see your future professional self functioning within that?
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation: We require two recommendation letters from people familiar with the applicant’s ability to be successful in the classroom and pursue graduate-level work. At least one of the letters should reference your potential for professional growth in the field of computer science and the contributions you would bring to the program.
GPA Exemption Petition: If your undergraduate GPA is below 2.8, please submit a statement that includes relevant information about past academic or personal circumstances and evidence of your ability to succeed in a graduate program.
Non-Refundable Application Fee ($50): Fee waivers are occasionally available for students—please contact cas38@gener8co.com with any requests.
Completion of Interview**
**An interview process may be considered as part of the admission criteria at the discretion of program leadership.
Application Deadlines
Interested in applying for our next cohort? We are currently accepting applications for students looking to start our program in Fall 2025.
Fall 2025 General Deadline: Friday, May 2nd, 2025
Pathways to Admission
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a computer science or related field (e.g., computer engineering ) should submit copies of all transcripts with any previous undergraduate or graduate level work.
Those with extensive professional experience, (2 or more years working in the industry), should address how their experience has prepared them for a graduate degree in computer science, and can expect an interview with the program director additionally as part of their application materials.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in a different field must have completed equivalent courses to the Saint Mary's Courses below with a grade of a B- or above:
- CS 121 - Programming I
- CS 222 - Programming II (Data Structures)
- CS 374 - Analysis of Algorithms
Students should submit copies of their transcripts from any previous undergraduate or graduate-level coursework that demonstrates completion of the courses listed above.
School and Department Information
Udayan Das, Ph.D.
Program Director, MS Computer Science
udd15@gener8co.com
Collin Skeen
Assistant Director of Admissions and Recruitment
cas38@gener8co.com
925-631-4190