We offer distance versions of both of our nonthesis degree programs, the Master of Computer Science (MCS) and the Master of Engineering in computer engineering (MEN).
Note: The first available semester of the MCS program will be fall 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Application
What is the deadline for the Online Master's Program?
June 1st is the deadline for Fall applications. November 1st is the deadline for Spring applications. We do not offer Summer admission.
Do I need to do anything special to apply for a distance program?
You submit your application for a distance program in the same way as an in-person degree program. Select the distance option when choosing the program you are applying to.
Can I apply for both the in-person and distance programs?
If you apply but are not selected for an in-person program, you may be considered for admission to the distance program instead. You should have the option to note that you are interested in this when applying to an in-person program.
I am a Texas A&M undergraduate student. Can I apply through the Quick Admit process?
Yes, starting in fall 2023. Quick Admit might not be available prior to that term.
Is it better to apply for one program or the other?
You should pick the program that best fits your own interests and curricular interests. We use the same criteria for admissions to both programs, so there is no advantage to applying for one distance program over the other. It is straightforward to switch programs later.
Can I apply for a distance thesis master’s degree?
No, our distance program is only for nonthesis degrees.
Program
Can a student admitted into the distance degree program take in-person courses?
No. Students enrolled in the Distance Education Degree Programs can only enroll in distance courses.
Can I switch between the distance MCS degree and the distance MEN degree if I change my mind?
Yes, you can change between the distance versions of the programs, even after starting one program.
If I am an international student, can I receive an F-1 visa for this program? Am I eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training (OPT)?
No. As a distance program, you will not receive an I-20 form and will not have an F-1 visa. Thus, you would not be eligible to participate in CPT or OPT.
Can I later switch from the in-person program to the distance program?
Yes. We will allow students who have been in person to switch to the distance program. If you are an international student, you need to make sure that switching programs does not affect your immigration status since you will not be able to remain on an F-1 visa.
Can I later switch from the distance program to the in-person program?
You can apply to the in-person program, but this will require applying and going through the admission process for the in-person program; you would be evaluated along with all other applicants at that time. Spaces in our in-person program are very limited, and admission is very competitive. While this may be possible, you should not join the distance program with the expectation that you can move to our in-person program.
If I did join the in-person program after a year, would my distance courses still count?
Yes. Courses taken through the distance program are the same as those taken in person. However, note that for the in-person program, no more than 50% of your credits can be taken online, so you would need to take at least as many hours in person as you previously took online. There are also residence requirements regarding how long you would need to be on campus. In a situation where you spent one year in a distance program and then a year in person, it is unlikely you would be able to participate in CPT (but could participate in OPT).
Will I have an advisor or someone I can ask questions?
As this is a nonthesis program, the graduate advisor will be considered your advisor; you will not have to find a research advisor. The department’s graduate advising office handles both in-person and distance students. Appointments with the graduate advising office are regularly conducted over Zoom or handled by email. Advising appointments are offered during regular working hours in the U.S. Central Time Zone, so distance students may need to allow for time differences for any advising meetings.
What is the cost of the program? Is it the same as the in-person program?
Distance fees are different from in-person fees. For specific costs, check with Student Business Services and their Tuition Calculator - Texas A&M University. In particular, note that there is a Significant Distance Fee and an Engineering Remote Education Fee, charged per credit hour, attached to online courses. Distance students will pay the Engineering Program Fee (Remote) instead of the standard Graduate Engineering Program Fee. Distance students do not pay certain on-campus fees.
Curriculum
What are the degree requirements?
These are identical to our in-person degree programs.
How are the courses different from the in-person courses?
Other than being offered for distance, they are considered to be the same courses. The instructors will generally be the same ones teaching the in-person courses, following the same curriculum. There is not a distinction in the courses on your transcript. Distance courses will be offered asynchronously, so you will not be required to be online at particular times, but you may be required to engage with the class in specified windows of time (e.g., within a one-day period).
Are all graduate courses offered via distance?
No, not all courses will be offered in a distance format. However, we are developing a set of distance offerings that can be regularly offered and easily meet degree requirements. These include many of our most popular classes.
Which classes will be offered?
Many classes will be offered with a distance version in addition to an in-person version, so the list here is a minimum list. The set of classes we are currently targeting to offer in a distance format includes CSCE 606, 608, 611, 614, 625, 629, 633, 636, 681, 713 and 735.
Is there a schedule of which courses will be offered during each semester?
Not at this time. Schedules depend on faculty availability, which can vary and change until near the start of the semester. We hope to offer the classes listed above at least once a year, but in either case we will offer courses on a schedule that allows students to get all required courses completed within 1 1/2 years.
Can I take courses outside of computer science, also?
Yes. You are welcome to take distance classes from other departments. In fact, the MEN degree requires at least six hours taken from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Our department does not control distance offerings of other departments, but the statistics department is another common department that our students have taken distance classes from.
How many classes do I take at a time?
A standard full-time load of graduate courses is considered to be 9-10 hours (generally three courses, possibly adding a seminar course) during the fall/spring or six hours in the summer. Students who are in person will often take nine hours while also having a part-time job. Students with no other job responsibilities might take 12 hours. Students with a full-time job might take as few as three hours.
How long does the degree program take?
The length of time to complete the degree depends on how quickly classes are completed, and this will depend on your individual situation and how many classes you take at a time. We expect to offer a minimum of four distance classes during each long semester and two during the summer. Therefore, it may be possible for someone to finish in as little as one year if taking a maximum number of classes or may take several years if only taking one course at a time. We expect most students taking classes full time will complete the degree in 1 1/2 years.
I am/was a Texas A&M undergraduate student who took some graduate-level classes already. Will these count toward the distance program?
Yes, assuming they were not already used on your undergraduate degree. Any in-person courses taken may also be applied to the distance degree.