Q: What is CADS?
A: CADS is our shortened version of Computational and Data Sciences.
Q: Do you accept students that have degrees outside of Math and Computer Science?
A: Absolutely. While typical undergraduate preparation for this program will include degrees in computer science, mathematics, and statistics, applicants from other sciences, engineering or business will be considered if they demonstrate sufficient math and computer science preparation.
Q: What is required for admission to the program?
A: Please review our admissions requirements for more information. You may also contact our graduate admissions team at (714) 997-6711, or gradadmit@chapman.edu.
Q: What are the application deadlines?
A: The priority deadline for fall admission is January 15. The regular admission deadline is May 1. However, we will consider M.S. applications from qualified students after these deadlines until the cohort has been filled.
Q: What prerequisite courses or skills are required for the program?
A: Students should have the following:
1. A year or more of programming preferably in R, Python, and SQL; or equivalent or better of professional experience
2. Completion of upper-division differential equations courses such as MATH 350
3. Completion of upper-division statistics and probability courses such as MATH 350 and MATH 360
Q: What if I don’t have all the required prerequisites?
A: Students who need additional courses will be required to take the appropriate foundation courses prior to beginning core classes. These are:
1. CS 501 - Introductory Computation for Scientists
2. CS 502 - Applied Methods in Mathematics
3. CS 503 - Statistical Methods
Q: Is the GRE General Exam required?
A: Yes, the general GRE exam is required of all applicants. GRE scores are good for five years, after which time the exam must be repeated. Only the General exam is required.
Q: Do you accept GMAT in lieu of the GRE?
A: Only in special circumstances. Please ask if this applies to you.
Q: Is there a thesis or dissertation required?
A: No thesis or dissertation is required for the MS, but is encouraged especially for those who are looking to apply to Ph.D. programs. It is required for the Computational and Data Sciences Ph.D. program.
Q: Am I required to take the TOEFL (or equivalent)?
A: Applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree or higher at an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction must submit scores for an English Proficiency exam. Chapman University's institution code for the TOEFL is 4047.
Q: Who should my letters of recommendation come from? May I submit additional letters?
A: Letters of recommendation should come from former faculty members or those you've worked with in the industry who can attest to your academic and professional abilities. Two letters is recommended, but you can submit more if you wish.
Q: What are the most important factors in the application evaluation?
A: Our Program Director and Admissions Committee individually evaluate the entire application for each applicant. Every applicant is different and what might be a strength on one application may not be as highly considered in another. With that in mind, each piece of the application should be considered important.
Q: Can I send in transcripts to show coursework from non-degree granting institutions?
A: Yes, all courses you have completed will be taken into account by the admission committee
Q: Can I submit my application before I have all the necessary documents?
A: Yes, although some sections are required before submitting. Admissions will hold your application and notify us as your documents become available. You will not receive an admissions decision until all documents have been received.
Q: How many students are accepted each year?
A: The program looks to admit around 10 master's students per year.
Q: Do you accept admissions on a rolling basis?
A: No, students are admitted once a year – for the following fall semester.
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: The 22/23 cost of the MS program is $55,800 ($1,800 per credit regardless of residency).
Q: How long does the program take to complete?
A: Normative completion to the master’s degree is 2 years.
Q: Am I allowed to attend part-time?
A: Yes, part-time students are encouraged to enroll in a minimum of 12 credits per year (6 & 6).
Q: Is this program online?
A: No, this program is not online and does not offer any hybrid courses.
Q: When are classes offered?
A: Most courses are offered in the afternoons and evenings.
Q: Can I transfer courses?
A: Up to 6 credits may be accepted as transfer credit. We accept both standard and online courses that meet all transfer requirements and are from regionally accredited schools.
Q: Does the MS lead to a Ph.D. Degree?
A: Strong MS students will receive preferential consideration for the Ph.D. degree.
Q: Is there financial support available?
A: The program does not provide tuition support for Master's students; however, qualified students are eligible for assistantships ad other on-campus jobs.
Q: How do I find out about available assistantships?
A: Students who would like to be considered for assistantships should send their CV and evaluations from any previous teaching assignments to the Program Coordinator prior to the application deadline. Please specify level of knowledge in each of the following undergraduate areas: math, statistics, and/or computer science.
Q: What scholarships are available?
A: Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships sponsored by government agencies, corporations, and foundations. Some scholarship search options are found on the Financial Aid - Outside Scholarships page.
Q: What are the housing options?
A: On-campus housing is extremely limited and graduate students are encouraged to research alternative living arrangements off-campus by visiting our Introduction to Off-Campus Living page. After being accepted to the program, you can connect to the community through Facebook Off Campus Housing and Roommate Corner and Off-Campus Housing Listings. International students should also check with International Student & Scholar Services.
Q: How accessible are the professors at Chapman?
A: Faculty are easily accessible on campus and by email. Class sizes are intentionally small in order for students and faculty to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborate on research, and build close bonds with their professors.
Additional Information for International Students:
Q: Are Chapman's Computational and Data Sciences degrees STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs?
A: Yes, students in our program are eligible to apply for STEM benefits. See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.
Q: What is OPT?
A: Optional Practical Training or OPT allows you to work for one year, following graduation, in a job related to your major or field of study. See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.
Q: What is CPT?
A: Curricular Practical Training or CPT allows you to participate in an off-campus paid internship related to your major or field of study. See the International Student & Scholar Services for more information. You can also contact Lisa Luu-Luc, Specialist International Student & Scholar Services, at lluluc@chapman.edu or (714) 744-2110, with any questions.
