1. NIU Department of Computer Science
  2. Undergraduate Program
  3. Second Degree

Computer Science as a Second Undergraduate Degree

While completing a second Undergraduate Degree in Computer Science is an option, students are encouraged to consider pursuing the Master's Degree in Computer Science. Even including the preparatory computer programming coursework that is recommended to complete before enrollment into one of the Principles of Programming courses at the Graduate level, the degree completion time is nearly the same, costs no more, and will open up employment opportunities after graduation that are unique to students with a Master's degree.

B.S. Requirements
(Software Development Emphasis)		 M.S. Requirements
12 CSCI courses (3-4 hours each) 10 CSCI courses (3 hours each)
  • Choose one:
    • STAT 200: Elementary Statistics (4)
    • STAT 300: Intro to Probability and Statistics (3)
  • Choose one sequence:
      1. MATH 206: Discrete Math (3)
      2. MATH 211: Business Calc (3)
      1. MATH 206: Discrete Math (3)
      2. MATH 229: Calc I (4)
      3. MATH 230: Calc II (4)
 No additional Math requirements.
12-16 Total Courses (12 CSCI) 10 Total Courses (10 CSCI)

Here is what we generally require of people with non-CS-related undergraduate degrees.

  1. Before you start taking courses at NIU, apply to the Graduate School as a Student-at-Large (SAL). This is quick and easy to do.
  2. During the semester in which you take a Principles of Programming course, apply for admission to the department’s Master of Science program. This will require taking the GRE (just the general exam, not any special topic exam), getting some letters of recommendation, providing your undergraduate transcript, and a couple of other details. Of course, your grade in the Principles of Programming course will also be important factor. By this time, you will know if this field is right for you, and your record in this course will give a good indication of your ability.
  3. Once you are accepted, you will take graduate-level courses just like any other grad student. You can find much more information on the program under the other Graduate Program links to the left.

The steps above are usually followed for most students. However, every person is different, so it may be possible and appropriate in some cases to modify them. If you have questions or concerns or need further details, please contact us (see left).

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