Washington State University at Vancouver

What you'll study

Curriculum components differ by track but focus on advanced CS topics and research. Research areas explicitly supported by faculty include:

• Algorithms
• Artificial intelligence
• High-performance computing
• Computer networks
• Systems and software
• Computer security

Thesis degree requirements (facts): minimum 30 total credits; at least 21 graded credits; at least 15 CS credits; maximum 6 non‑graduate (400‑level) credits; maximum 6 transferred or WSU Pullman credits; maximum 3 Directed Study (CS 595) credits; minimum 9 CS 700 credits; maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students must complete a significant research project, submit a formal thesis meeting advisory committee and Graduate School formatting standards, and are expected to submit thesis work for publication before scheduling a defense.

Non-thesis degree requirements (facts): minimum 31 total credits; at least 27 graded credits; at least 18 CS credits; maximum 9 non‑graduate (400‑level) credits; maximum 6 transferred or Pullman credits; maximum 3 Directed Study (CS 595) credits; minimum 4 CS 702 credits; maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Entry requirements

Admission is a joint decision of the WSU Graduate School and the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Vancouver. Applicants must complete both the School of ENCS online application (which includes an optional graduate assistantship application and, for thesis applicants, letters of recommendation with a Likert rating) and the WSU Graduate School formal application. Priority deadlines: Fall — Jan. 10; Spring — July 1. International applicants and those seeking assistantships are strongly recommended to apply by Jan. 10.

The School of ENCS does not require the GRE for admission. International applicants must provide transcripts and degree documents from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada; translations plus original‑language records are required for non-English institutions. Minimum English proficiency scores accepted by the School of ENCS are: IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105, TOEFL PBT 540, TOEFL iBT 75, TOEFL Essentials 8; scores must be less than two years old and sent directly to the Graduate School. Applicants from specified majority-English countries are exempt from the English requirement. The application processing fee cannot be waived or deferred.

Career prospects

The program prepares graduates for advanced technical roles and research positions. Typical job titles listed by the school include software development engineer, computer and information research scientist, database administrator, data scientist and web developer. The thesis option also supports preparation for doctoral study (WSU Pullman PhD available).

Scholarships & funding angle

Graduate assistantships are available and applicants seeking financial support should indicate interest on the School application and apply by the Jan. 10 priority deadline (assistantships are typically offered for fall enrollment). International students should review Graduate School instructions for financial documentation (Certificate of Financial Responsibility/I-20) and contact the Graduate School for related questions.