Admissions
Am I qualified for the MCIT Online program?
MCIT Online welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Admittance to MCIT Online is competitive. However, no background in computer science is required, the only qualification to apply is a bachelor’s degree in any field. While cohort sizes are limited, if you have a strong interest in computing and have an aptitude for quantitative subjects (particularly in math!), then you are qualified to apply to MCIT Online!
How do I show quantitative ability?
MCIT Online is designed for people without a background in computer science. That being said, we need to see evidence of your quantitative abilities in your application. For example, we will take note of grades that you received in math, science, and engineering courses. If you have not taken courses in these areas, or if you received low grades in the past, there are other ways that you can demonstrate your quantitative abilities. The GRE or GMAT is one option. We don’t require GRE or GMAT scores for admission to MCIT Online, but a good score will help to strengthen your application. Taking one or a few college-level math courses from an accredited institution is another way you can confirm your quantitative ability. For those that already have proof of quantitative ability but want to showcase their desire for computer science, taking a computer science class from an accredited institute can help confirm that you’re up to the challenge of the MCIT Online program. It’s also a good way to make sure CS is the right direction for you.
I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science. Is MCIT Online right for me?
MCIT Online is intended for students with little or no recent CS experience. If you would be able to test out of more than three of our core courses, you are probably overqualified. In this case, we recommend exploring our online Master of Science in Engineering in Data Science which requires a Bachelors degree in computer science or a minor (4 courses) in computer science as a prerequisite – OR – our online Master of Science in Engineering in Artificial Intelligence degree program which requires a bachelor’s in computer science as a prerequisite.
Can I use my military education benefits for MCIT Online?
Yes. MCIT Online students are eligible for VA education benefits.
What do you look for when evaluating applications for MCIT Online?
Admission to MCIT Online is very competitive. We look for applicants who are likely to succeed in, benefit from, and contribute to the program. For tips on how to strengthen your application, read “5 Tips to Strengthen Your MCIT Online Application from the Program Director.”
How do I apply to MCIT Online?
In addition to the online application, you’ll need to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a resume, along with offical English Language Proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo) if you’re an international applicant or a non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident for whom English is not their first language. For details, see the MCIT Online Admissions page.
Do I need to meet any prerequisites for the MCIT Online program?
No, there are not any prerequisite courses. At a minimum, you need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school or university. In addition, ideal candidates will have a strong mathematical or otherwise quantitative aptitude.
If your undergraduate degree is not in a quantitative subject, or if you did not take or do well in many quantitative courses, we recommend taking a for-credit math course (e.g., algebra or calculus) or the GRE. If you don’t have experience with online learning, we recommend taking one of our introductory CS courses, such as Computational Thinking for Problem Solving or Introduction to Python & Java.