How to Get a Masters in Computer Science (MS in CS) Admit with a Non-CS Background

For students to succumb to peer pressure or family pressure in India is not that unusual. The status quo attached with getting admission to top universities/colleges adds to the fear of making the wrong career choice leading many to choose specialization that may not be of interest to them. Reality hits with full force as the years advance and students come to realize the stark difference between their current pursuit and their actual interest. 

However, if you are already nearing your undergraduate degree, then changing course subjects to suit your changed goals is a bit difficult. That calls for putting extra hours in taking additional courses that could be overwhelming, cumbersome and take its toll. Several colleges don’t even allow for such a change. However, if you are in your first year or have just started with 2^nd year, there are good chances of switching streams or taking additional courses that align with your goal of getting an MS in CS.

Study of Computers or Computer Science as it is more popularly known has made a dramatic contribution to the world economy since the advent of computers. The cornerstone of the Silicon Valley and other ventures supported by technology has a ubiquitous presence which is felt by almost every industry not only in US but around the globe.

A further push has come from start-ups that have astoundingly invaded the tech scene by offering digital services for something as small as food delivery to homes to something as big as making secure online payments to bank accounts around the world. Not to forget an ever-optimistic and inspiring Elon Musk whose vision of Hybrid cars was ridiculed to the point of being ignored but ultimately revolutionized both the technology and auto industry once it was realized.

USA largely remains the favourite when it comes to choosing the most preferred destination for higher studies especially for getting a Masters degree in Computers. With top ranking universities that have managed to rake excellent reviews over the last decades, USA is regarded as the epitome of best education by international students and academic fraternity alike.

The application prerequisites vary from institution to institution (see the section on ‘Universities offering MS in CS to non-CS students’ towards the end). The popularity of the specialization makes it rather competitive as the number of computer aspirants has seen a quantum leap and getting into the university of your choice may be difficult to accomplish. Some go the MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) way which is an easy way to fulfilling prerequisites but do not hold same weightage as the actual coursework, hence is best avoided if you have set your eyes on a top ranked school.

1. USA Leads the Pack with Best Universities for MS in CS
2. Admission Prerequisites for MS in CS with a non-CS background

A Pre-emptive tactic against failure should be a well thought out plan. We offer a comprehensive list of “to dos” that is likely to ensure you a good place on the program in a good ranked university:

• If you’re in your undergrad, a cardinal approach is to take courses that are equivalent to prerequisite subjects and are likely to give you a common platform with students from CS background. Undergrad subjects such as Mathematics (Calculus & Statistics), Data Structure, Algorithm Analysis, Programming languages, Theory of Computation and Operating Systems are desired from non-CS applicants. Ability to crack code in languages such as Python, Javascript, Java, etc. could boost your resume.
• Some universities require a minimum score in certain prerequisite subjects. 
• When applying, applicants must include a cover letter or an essay (as is required by certain universities) that is a precise account of their professional accomplishments and outlines the purpose of their course of action (some institutions call it the “Statement of Purpose” or SOP). Use this as an opportunity to convince the selection committee of the skills and ideas you would bring to the table with your non-CS background.Since this is a tough job, it is advised students get guidance from an expert. We at GyanDhan provide SOP review and edit services as well as secret SOP hacks that will surely students, especially those changing their stream, to hit the mark. We will have our experts making suggestions and corrections to your SOP which you can respond to and send the edited version for review again. We provide the best SOP editing services at affordable rates.
• Translate applications to success with compelling Letters of Recommendation as they are highly regarded in high ranking US universities and seen as means of adding credibility to the application. It is good to ask your professors, academicians, managers, etc. whom you have worked closely with to establish plausibility and thus reflect your genuine interest in the respective university’s program through their testimonials.
• All the candidates are required to present a GRE score that may vary from college to college. High score in the quant section will position you better for securing an admit.
• A relevant IELTS/ TOEFL score to measure your proficiency in English. Applicants are advised to confirm with individual schools regarding their cut offs. 
• Relevant interdisciplinary research projects and 2+ years of work experience in Computers/Software industry is considered a great plus This will help offset the lack of a formal CS undergraduate degree.
• Research papers in prestigious journals would be a great way to demonstrate your interest and caliber in CS.
• Contribution to open source projects such as Google Summer of Code, Rails Girl Summer of Code, Apache projects, etc. are immensely popular and likely to give you first hand exposure to software development. Some experts and professors suggest creating your own mobile app or a large system and putting it on Github. Competitive programming is also helpful in establishing your caliber.

The chances of non-CS students getting admission to Masters in CS in top universities is tough but possible. However, there is no need to get disheartened as nearly all universities/colleges in US have fairly reputed Computer science programs regardless of the school’s overall rank. 

Most universities welcome non-CS students for an MS in Computer Science. There are very few that do not entertain students from other backgrounds to enrol in their CS program and to get a list of those schools is not easy. Instead, we have compiled a list of schools that are reputed and invite non-CS students to apply to their MS in CS program.

1. UCLA
2. Stanford University
3. The University of Chicago
4. Yale University
5. NC State University
6. Georgia Tech College of Computing