Frequently asked questions | California State University Monterey Bay

Computer Science Online Degree Completion

CS Online FAQs

CS Online courses are designed as fully online, collaborative, highly interactive, and supported by faculty and teaching assistants through the Canvas learning management system (LMS).

Each 8-week class begins with an online real-time video conference orientation on Saturday morning. During this session, faculty, teaching assistants, and students introduce themselves and review the course syllabus and contents.

Course materials for the week are released on Wednesday mornings. Students are expected to spend an average of 16 hours between Thursday and the following Monday reviewing pre-recorded lectures, video and reading assignments, and collaborating with a team of 3-5 students on hands-on projects. Support from teaching assistants and faculty is available through discussion forums, email, or Google Hangouts. Assignments and quizzes are typically due the following Tuesday.

The final week of the course usually includes a collaborative project and/or a proctored final exam.

Application

Applications can be submitted through Cal State Apply.
Starting in 2024, the CS Online program will offer start dates in Fall, Spring, and Summer.
- Fall applications will close mid-November
- Spring applications will close mid-July
- Summer applications will close mid-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 must be official and sent directly from the originating institution to CSUMB's Office of Admissions. Transcripts in sealed envelopes from the student are acceptable.
Yes, you will likely need to resubmit your transcripts. However, contact the CS Online academic advisor at csonline@csumb.edu to confirm the specifics of your application.
A statement of purpose is required for all applications starting with the Spring 2024 cycle. Letters of recommendation are not required.
- Fall Applications: Admissions decisions will be sent by mid-April.
- Spring Applications: Admissions decisions will be sent by early November.
- Summer Applications: Admissions decisions will be sent by early February.
Prerequisites and general education courses can be completed at any community college. Check course equivalencies and acceptance at assist.org.
Not having all general education courses or graduation requirements upon starting the program may delay graduation. However, these courses can be completed at a local community college while simultaneously enrolled at CSUMB.
This may be possible, but is handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact csonline@csumb.edu to discuss your options.
This is possible, however please keep in mind that priority is given to applicants who have completed all of the admissions requirements prior to submitting their application.
To transfer foreign coursework to CSUMB, you must provide a course-by-course evaluation of your international transcripts, along with official copies of the transcripts. If the transcripts are not in English, they must also include a translation. 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. From the options presented, please choose the “Seeking a second Bachelor's Degree” and continue with completing your profile.
Yes, you can apply for the CS Online program even if you hold a master’s degree, as long as your first bachelor’s degree is not in computer science. When you are completing your profile in Cal State Apply, choose that you are seeking an undergraduate degree. From the options presented, please choose the “Seeking a second Bachelor's Degree” option and continue with completing your profile.

Program structure

Most courses are 4 units each. Students enroll in one course per 8 week term, except for two terms when students take two courses, totaling 4 or 6 units.
You will be considered a part-time student, as you will be enrolling in fewer than 12 units per semester, taking one course at a time.
Yes, a leave of absence can be taken for up to two academic years. This request must be discussed with the academic advisor prior to the term in which you wish to start your leave.
If you fail a course, you may continue in the program if the course is not a prerequisite for the next course. However, you will need to retake the failed course to graduate. Due to the course sequence, you may have to wait 6 months to a year to retake it.
The program is divided into 8 week terms. There are six 8 week terms each year: Fall A & B, Spring A & B, Summer A & B.
No, you will receive the same diploma as students who complete the on-campus Computer Science program.
It is possible to get a student ID card mailed to you without needing to come to campus. This process will be discussed during the program orientation if admitted.
No on-campus meetings are required. However, students are welcome to visit campus and are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony upon completing the program.

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

Academics

It may be possible to transfer in upper-division courses on a case-by-case basis. Please contact csonline@csumb.edu to discuss your specific situation.
If your community college does not have an articulation agreement listed on assist.org, please email csonline@csumb.edu with your questions for guidance.
Kayla Rolicheck is the Academic Advisor and Coordinator for the Computer Science Online Degree Completion Program. She can be contacted with any questions at csonline@csumb.edu.
The only concentration available for the fully online program is Software Engineering.
Currently the program does not allow students to add a minor.
Yes, some courses will require proctored exams. 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 $550 per unit, applicable to all students regardless of California residency. Most 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 complete 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.

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