Performance-Based Admissions | 鶹Ƶ Online MS-CS + MS-AI
Please use this information for documentation on performance-based admissions (PBA) for the online Master of Science in Computer Science (MS-CS) program or the online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MS-AI) program at the University of Colorado Boulder. The online MS-CS and MS-AI programs are fully accredited and designed for working professional students. These programs are also built on an equitable admissions process, Performance-Based Admissions.
In each program, admission is determined based on student performance in a set of three specialized "pathway" courses in the degree curriculum. For each program, there are two pathway specializations, and students must complete ONE pathway specialization with a B or better in each course for admission, and they must complete BOTH pathway specializations for the degree. These courses are part of the required Breadth curriculum for each degree. As students complete the courses, they are also making progress on their degree requirements.
Pathway Specializations for Admission
MS-CS Pathway/Breadth Specializations:
Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms
- CSCA 5414: Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms
- CSCA 5424: Approximation Algorithms & Linear Programming
- CSCA 5454: Advanced Data Structures, RSA & Quantum Algorithms
Network Systems: Principles & Practice
- CSCA 5063: Network Systems Foundation
- CSCA 5073: Network Principles in Practice: Linux Networking
- CSCA 5083: Network Principles in Practice: Cloud Networking
MS-AI Pathway/Breadth Specializations:
Machine Learning: Theory & Hands-On Practice with Python
- CSCA 5622: Intro to Machine Learning: Supervised Learning
- CSCA 5632: Unsupervised Algorithms in Machine Learning
- CSCA 5642: Introduction to Deep Learning
Foundations of Probability and Statistics
- APPA 5001 Probability Foundations for Data Science and AI
- APPA 5002 Discrete-Time Markov Chains & Monte Carlo Methods
- APPA 5003 Statistical Estimation for Data Science & AI
Degree Status and Transcripts:
All students begin their program as a non-degree student. After a student enrolls in and successfully completes their chosen three-course pathway with a grade of B or better in each course and hold at least a 3.0 GPA they will be automatically admitted to the program as a degree-seeking student. Admitted students become degree-seeking students and their transcript will reflect their degree-seeking status for their next semester of enrollment as a degree seeking student (after the semester in which they completed admissions). Please review each program in the University Catalog for further degree requirements and course information.
Tuition + Fees
The fee structure for both online programs is set up for students to “pay as you go”, meaning that students pay for the courses they register for at the time of enrollment. Tuition is $525 per credit. Because these programs are 100% online, tuition is the same for all students regardless of residency status. These programs are not currently eligible for financial aid provided through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please see more information on the 鶹Ƶ Bursar’s website.