Incoming Graduate Student Placement Exams
To ensure all incoming graduate students have the robust baseline knowledge required to succeed in our rigorous graduate curriculum, you may be required to take three foundational courses during your first year.
- CSCI 6201: Software Fundamentals
- CSCI 6202: Computer Systems Fundamentals
- CSCI 6203: Mathematical Fundamentals of Computer Science
We are offering incoming students the opportunity of testing out of any or all of these required courses.
All tests for the Fall 2026 semester will be conducted on the evening of August 19.
If you are interested in taking one or more of the placement tests, please complete the following form:
About the Placement Exams: We strongly encourage students to remain enrolled in these foundational courses, as they are specifically designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate studies and the advanced pace of our MS program. However, if you have extensive prior academic or professional experience in specific areas, you have the option to take a placement exam(s) during the week prior to the start of the semester.
Please note: These exams are entirely optional. If you pass the exam, you will place out of the corresponding foundational course. If you do not pass, or choose not to take the exam, you will simply remain enrolled in the foundational course.