You Can Apply Without a Computer Science Degree

Are you interested in pursuing a master's degree in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence but do not have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science? You can still apply.

Our Pathways Program is designed for highly motivated students from non-CS backgrounds who want to transition into graduate-level study in the fields of Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence. 

Who Is the Pathways Program For?

• Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than Computer Science.
• Applicants with limited or incomplete undergraduate coursework in computer science.
• Applicants with programming, mathematics, engineering, science, business, or other technical experience who need additional CS foundations.
• Applicants who are motivated to transition into graduate study in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence.

What Courses Are Included in the Pathways Program?

CS 5301 — Programming Practicum (3 credit hours)

Key topics:

• Procedural and object-oriented programming
• Program design, problem decomposition, testing, and debugging
• C++ programming, with selected Java and Python concepts
• Arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs
• Searching, sorting, recursion, depth-first search, and breadth-first search
• AI-assisted programming and responsible evaluation of AI-generated code

CS 5302 — Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithm Design (3 credit hours)

Key topics:

• Lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, hash tables, and heaps
• Recursion and its applications
• Searching, sorting, and hashing
• Abstract data types and generic programming
• Time and space complexity
• Trade-offs between dynamic and array-based implementations

CS 5303 — Foundations of Computer Architecture (3 credit hours)

Key topics:

• Arithmetic logic units and instruction set architectures
• Datapath and control design
• Pipelining and multiprocessing
• Memory hierarchy and virtual memory
• Input/output systems
• Low-level programming and performance evaluation
• Quantitative analysis of architectural trade-offs

CS 5305 — Foundations of Operating Systems (3 credit hours)

Key topics:

• Processes, threads, and CPU scheduling
• Synchronization, interprocess communication, and deadlocks
• Memory management and virtual memory
• File systems and input/output
• Virtualization and cloud computing
• System calls, kernel structures, and security mechanisms
• Unix/Linux programming and system-level concepts

Your previous education and experience will be reviewed as part of the admissions process. Not every applicant will necessarily need all four Pathways courses.

You do not need to complete these courses at another university before applying. If you are admitted and are required to complete the Pathways Program, you will take the courses at Texas State University.

The following are some frequently asked questions by students. Karen, please feel free to add more if I miss some important questions.

How Does the Pathways Program Work?

1. Apply to the master's program
You can apply directly to our master's program even if your undergraduate degree is not in Computer Science.

2. Your academic background is reviewed
We consider your previous coursework and relevant preparation when determining whether Pathways courses are needed.

3. Receive your admission decision
If Pathways preparation is required, your admission information will identify the courses you need to complete.

4. Complete the required Pathways courses at Texas State
Students complete the required leveling courses after admission at Texas State University.

5. Begin graduate-level coursework
Students must complete their required Pathways courses with a grade of C or better before taking other master's-level courses.

Do I Need to Take Prerequisite Courses Before Applying?

No. One of the key advantages of the Pathways Program is that you do not need to complete additional CS courses at another university before submitting your application.

If you are admitted and need foundational preparation, you can complete the required Pathways courses at Texas State.

Do Pathways Courses Count Toward My Master's Degree?

Pathways courses are leveling courses, not courses that count toward the graduate degree.

• They do not apply toward graduate degree credit.
• They are not included in the calculation of your graduate GPA.
• They must be completed with a C or better before you take other master's-level courses.

The purpose of these courses is to make sure you have the foundational knowledge necessary to succeed in advanced graduate coursework.

What If I Already Have Some CS Experience?

That's okay. You do not necessarily need to start from scratch.

Your academic record and previous transcripts will be considered when determining which Pathways courses, if any, are appropriate for you.

Not sure whether your background is sufficient? You can still apply. You do not need to take additional courses elsewhere simply to determine whether you qualify.

We can add the following call for actions at the bottom of the page.

Interested in a Master's Degree in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence?

Don't let a non-CS bachelor's degree stop you from applying.

Our Pathways Program provides a structured route for motivated students to build the foundational knowledge they need for graduate study.

Apply to the master's program → Complete required Pathways courses at Texas State → Begin advanced graduate coursework

You do not need to complete additional prerequisite courses elsewhere before applying.