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College of Science

Computer Science Online Degree Completion

CS Online FAQs

CS Online classes are designed as fully online, collaborative, highly interactive, faculty and teaching assistant supported classes using the Canvas learning management system.

The 8-week classes start with an online real-time video conference orientation on Saturday morning where faculty, TA, and students introduce each other and overview the course syllabus and contents.

In the weeks that follow, course materials for the week will be released on Wednesday morning. Between Thursday and Monday of the next week, students spend 16 hours average to review prerecorded lectures, video and reading assignments and collaborate with their team of 3-5 students on hands-on assignments. They can get help and clarification from TA or faculty via discussion forums, email, or Google Hangouts. Assignments and quizzes are usually due on Tuesday of the following week.

There is usually a collaborative project and/or a final proctored test during the last week.

Application

  • Applications can be completed by going to Cal State Apply.

  • Starting 2024, the CS Online program will have Fall, Spring, and Summer starts.

    • Fall applications will open on October 1st and will close around the end of January. 
    • Spring applications will open on June 1st and will close around the end of August.
    • Summer applications will open on August 1st and will close around the end of October.
    • Official Electronic transcripts are preferred and result in shorter processing time. Please view the list of third party vendors that CSU Monterey Bay accepts transcripts electronically from.
    • Physical transcripts are acceptable, but please keep in mind that they can take up to 4-6 weeks for the transcript to be sent, mailed, delivered and processed.
    • International transcripts must have a course-by-course evaluation and, if applicable, an English translation. Course-by-course evaluations can be requested by visiting one of the approved NACES members.

    You can have physical transcripts mailed to:

    Office of Admissions – Cal State Monterey Bay
    ATTN: Computer Science Online
    100 Campus Center
    Seaside, CA  93955-8001

    NOTE: Transcripts that are submitted to CSUMB must be official transcripts. Transcripts should be sent directly from the originating institution to CSUMB's Office of Admissions; transcripts submitted by the student are acceptable if the transcripts are in the original, sealed envelope.

  • Yes, you will need to resubmit all official transcripts to our admissions office.

  • A statement of purpose is required for all applications starting with Spring 2024 cycles. At this time, letters of recommendation are not required.

    • Fall Applications: Sent no later than middle of April
    • Spring Applications: Sent no later than the beginning of November
    • Summer applications: Sent no later than the beginning of February

  • Prerequisites can be taken at any community college. You can check to see whether your courses will be accepted by visiting assist.org.

  • Not having all general education courses or graduation requirements upon starting the program can delay graduation. However, these course can be taken at a local community college while simultaneously enrolled at CSUMB.

  • This may be possible, but will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact csonline@csumb.edu to discuss.

  • “Golden Four” courses (A1- Oral Comm , A2-Written Comm, A3-Critical Thinking and B4-College Level Math), as well as the other requirements that will make you transfer ready, must be completed by spring for fall admissions and by summer for spring admissions.

    Please keep in mind, priority is given to applicants who have all of the prerequisites completed.

  • In order to have foreign credits evaluated for transfer to CSUMB you must have a course by course evaluation of foreign transcripts submitted along with copies of official foreign transcripts (transcripts must also have a translation if not in English). If you need an evaluation of foreign coursework, visit the NACES website.

  • Yes, the CS fully online program accepts students who are seeking a second bachelor's degree so long as the first bachelor's degree is not in computer science. Second bachelor's degree students would be excluded from all general education requirements but would still need to complete all prerequisites for the major.

    If you are applying as a second bachelor's degree student, when you are completing your profile in Cal State Apply, choose that you are seeking an undergraduate degree. That will prompt another set of choices to pop up. From that new set, please choose the (Seeking a second Bachelor's Degree) option and continue with completing your profile.

  • Yes, the CS fully online program accepts students who are seeking a second bachelor's degree so long as the first bachelor's degree is not in computer science. Second bachelor's degree students would be excluded from all general education requirements but would still need to complete all prerequisites for the major.

    If you already hold a master's degree, you would apply a second bachelor's degree student. When you are completing your profile in Cal State Apply, choose that you are seeking an undergraduate degree. That will prompt another set of choices to pop up. From that new set, please choose the (Seeking a second Bachelor's Degree) option and continue with completing your profile.

Program structure

  • Most courses are 4 units each and students enroll in one course for an 8 week term, with the exception of two terms where students take two classes totaling 4 or 6 units.

  • Students only enroll for one course at a time in our program. Due to enrolling in less than 12 units per semester, you will be considered a part time student.

  • Leaves of absence can be taken for up to two academic years. This must be requested and discussed with the academic advisor, prior to the term for which leave of absence is planned to start.

  • If you fail a course, you may be able to continue in the program if the course was not a prerequisite for the next course. However, in order to graduate, the course will still need to be re-taken. Because courses are offered in a specific sequence, a student may need to wait 6 months to a year to be able to re-take the failed course.

  • The program is broken up into 8 week terms. There are six eight-week terms each year: Fall A & B, Spring A & B, Summer A & B

  • No, you will receive the same diploma that on-campus Computer Science degree students receive.

  • Students need to come on campus to get their OtterID card. They will need to show their ID or Driver's License.

  • No on-campus meetings are required. However, students are welcome on campus any time and are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony after completing the program.

    There are occasional campus technology workshops, competitions, and guest lecturers, which are all are open to CS Online students.

Academics

  • It may be possible to transfer in upper-division courses, but this will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact csonline@csumb.edu to discuss.

  • If you community college does not have an articulation agreement listed on assist.org, please email csonline@csumb.edu with your questions.

  • Kayla Rolicheck is the Academic Advisor and Coordinator for the Computer Science Online Degree Completion Program and should be contacted with any questions by emailing csonline@csumb.edu.

  • At this time the only concentration available for the fully online program is software engineering.

  • Currently this program does not allow for students to add a minor.

  • Yes, some courses will require this service. However, it will be of no cost to the student.

Program fees & payment

  • The cost for one semester unit in the CS online program is $525 per unit (applies to all students, regardless of California residency). Most of the courses in the program are four units.

    Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

  • Yes, there is a $39.00 student service fee every semester.

    Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

  • You should fill out your Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you apply for the program.

  • For financial aid questions, please contact ee_financialaid@csumb.edu.