FAQ - Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley - Carnegie Mellon University

Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate Education

To help guide you through the admissions process, we have compiled the following list of frequently asked questions. We hope that this information will help you better understand the application process and ease some of the concerns you may have about the processing and review of your application materials.


General Questions

Question

Answer

What is the best way for me to learn about the graduate programs at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley?

 Info sessions are a great opportunity for you to hear more about the program, course offerings, and admissions process.  A faculty member and an admissions representative present at each session, and current students and alumni are present to answer your questions.  You may also attend one of our virtual information sessions at your convenience.  Information sessions are held frequently. Please visit the info sessions page for more info.

By what organization is Carnegie Mellon accredited?

 Carnegie Mellon's Silicon Valley campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting agency for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. For a statement on our accreditation status, please visit http://www.cmu.edu/middlestates/index.html.

What will my diploma say upon completion of the program?

 Your diploma will read “Carnegie Mellon University.”

When was Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley established?

 In 2002, Carnegie Mellon University established a campus in Mountain View, California to offer its world-renowned professional programs in software engineering and software management, to perform innovative research that connects it to local companies, and to support the careers of all Carnegie Mellon alumni.

What are the backgrounds of the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley faculty members?

 Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley’s world-class faculty members have unique and powerful backgrounds, pairing their significant academic experience with extensive industry experience. Senior faculty members include respected authors, speakers, professors, industry consultants, and IEEE and ACM fellows. Their broad and varied industry experience range from previous roles at HP, Apple, Netscape, Tektronix, Xerox PARC, JPL, Business Objects, as well as many successful startups. Not only are the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley faculty members accomplished academics providing students with the latest theories of software engineering and management, but they also share their own industry experience in architecting, developing, and managing software products and initiatives. Visit the directory to learn more about our faculty.

Do you offer graduate housing on-campus?

Full-time programs:

MS Software Engineering: On-campus housing is not provided for students of this program. We encourage students who are relocating to the Bay Area for the full-time program to utilize local resources to find housing. 

MS Information Technology: Students are offered housing arrangements and shuttle services in both locations (housing location in Pittsburgh: Shadyside Inn; housing location in Silicon Valley: Oakwood Apartments).

MS Engineering and Technology Innovation Management: Please refer to the MS E&TIM website for more info. 

Part-time programs: Housing is not offered to part-time students.

May I visit Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley?

 Visitors are always welcome! As a prospective student, we encourage you to explore our program and campus. Campus visitors are welcome Monday through Friday during regular business hours. We suggest you schedule a visit by contacting admissions@sv.cmu.edu or by calling 650/335-2808.

How do I get to campus?

 View our directions to campus

Where should I stay when I visit?

 There are several accommodations nearby. Visitors frequently use the following two hotels:
County Inn
850 Leong Dr
Mountain View, CA
650-961-1131

Oakwood Mountain View
555 W. Middlefield Rd
Mountain View, CA 94043
650-528-5000

Questions about Degree Programs

Question

Answer

What degree programs do you offer?

 Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley offers an MS in Software Engineering and an MS in Software Management. The MS in Software Engineering is offered on both a part-time and full-time basis.   The MS in Software Management program is offered only on a part-time basis.

Do you offer any part-time programs?

 Yes, Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley offers part-time graduate programs in Software Engineering and Software Management. More information about the programs can be found in the academic section.

Does Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley offer PhD degree programs?

 Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley offers a Ph.D. program in conjunction with the Electrical and Computer Engineering department in Pittsburgh.

Can I enroll in a single course?

 We do not offer stand-alone courses at this time.  You must be an admitted, enrolled student to participate in the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley degree programs.

How long does it take to complete the full-time program?

 The MS programs take twelve months to complete. The entire full-time program is three semesters in length, and you will enroll during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. In general, the Fall semester is from August through December, the spring semester is from January through May, and the summer semester is from May through August.

How are the programs offered at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley different from other master’s programs?

 The programs of study offered at Carnegie Mellon’s Silicon Valley campus are based on a teaching philosophy in which students learn by working on authentic projects. Faculty members use a wide variety of teaching methods to maximize your learning experience including plenary discussions, workshops, small group coaching, problem-driven seminars and reading groups, individual and group tutorials, and “just-in-time” instruction in the form of online materials, learning guides, and short tutorials. The intensity of the program simulates how you would learn and work in an industry environment, featuring a heavy reliance on learn-by-doing projects, case analyses, and industrial practicums so that your coursework is immediately applicable to professional projects.

When do classes meet?

 The program consists of a combination of daytime and early evening courses.

Am I required to come to campus to attend classes?

 Yes, you must participate on our campus here in Mountain View, California to be enrolled in the full-time MS Software Engineering program.

How are teams assigned?

 Teams are formed according to the skills and background of each student. Teams are typically reassigned at the start of each new semester.

Given that most projects are a team effort, how are individual students graded?

 Grades are calculated based on a quantitative score assigned to each team deliverable and project presentation, your individual contribution, and your team participation. In addition, most courses require you to submit work that is evaluated exclusively on your own performance.

Is orientation required?

 Yes, all new students are required to attend a four-day New Student Orientation in August. Orientation is generally held during mid-August.

Are there any prerequisites for the programs?

 Applicants to the full-time MS Software Engineering program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, a minor in computer science, or equivalent preparation, including:
  • Knowledge, at least at the level of an undergraduate course, of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages;
  • Basic knowledge of object-oriented design;
  • Skills in programming-in-the-small, as well as competence in using an object-oriented language such as Java; and
  • Practical knowledge of programming methods and computer organization.

How many courses am I taking per semester?

 The program consists of 48 units per semester.  The course load varies from 2-4 courses per semester, depending on the semester.

May I choose my courses in the curriculum?

 The curriculum is comprised of a core set of courses, which make up the bulk of the 12-month program.  There is some flexibility in your last semester to choose electives.

Questions about Admissions and Application Info

Question

Answer

When are the application deadlines?

This year’s application deadlines are: January 15, 2010; March 15, 2010; June 1, 2010

*International students must submit a complete application by April 15, 2010

What is the enrollment date for each deadline?

 All three application rounds are for the same Fall 2010 enrollment date, regardless of the round in which you apply.

In which round should I apply?

 It is important that you apply only when you feel your application is as strong as it can be. Admission to the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley programs is competitive, and you want to spend the appropriate time needed to present yourself accurately and thoroughly. However, submitting your application in the earlier rounds will allow more time to address important issues such as financial aid.

Must I have post-undergraduate work experience?

 No, for the full-time MS in Software Engineering, post-undergraduate work experience is not a prerequisite.  We will evaluate your application based on the strength of your academic background and your software development experience. 

For the full-time MS Software Engineering program, what criteria are used to evaluate my application?

 The application consists of two major components – the quantitative section and the qualitative section.
1. Quantitative
  • Prior academic record (transcripts required)
  • GRE score (The GRE general test is required.  Your scores should be sent to Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley.)

2. Qualitative

  • Letters of recommendation: References enable the admissions committee to learn more about your technical and/or academic performance. The title of the recommender is not nearly as important as the ability of the recommender to comment on the quality of your work. If possible, one recommendation should be from an instructor and another from a supervisor in an internship program or technical job. We encourage you to consider your choices carefully and select those people who you believe are most qualified to comment on your performance and your potential to achieve your goals at Carnegie Mellon University.
  • Work and life experience (resume)
  • Personal essays
  • Interview: The interview gives you an opportunity to learn more about the masters program and also enables the admissions committee to learn more about you beyond the written materials you have provided in your application. Interviews are required for all applicants and can be done in person or by telephone.

I don’t have an undergraduate degree in computer science.  May I still apply?

 Yes, you may still apply. A bachelor's degree in computer science is not required for admission to our program. We do, however, expect you to have a combination of previous coursework and software development experience that has prepared you adequately to succeed in the program. Although most students admitted to the MS Software Engineering program hold undergraduate degrees in computer science, engineering, mathematics, cognitive science or physics, applicants who can clearly demonstrate the ability to perform graduate-level work in software engineering are also considered. Excellence and promise will balance a lack of formal preparation. Please contact us if you have any questions about the adequacy of your preparation.

May I apply to both the full-time and part-time MS in Software Engineering programs, or may I transfer from one program to the other?

 You must make an initial decision regarding which of the master’s programs is of interest to you.  Transferring from the full-time program to the part-time program is discouraged; however, if special circumstances exist, they can be discussed with the Associate Dean of Education on a case-by-case basis.

How do I arrange for an interview?

 An interview is a requirement for every applicant.  Interviews are conducted via telephone or in person.  After you submit your on-line application, including transcripts and recommendation letters, and coding diagnostic for SE applicants, you will be contacted to schedule an interview.

When will I be notified of the admissions decision?

 Once your application is complete and you participate in the required admissions interview, a decision will be posted online as early as three weeks from the deadline date for the Round of admissions in which you applied. Decisions are available for you to view through the online application system, ApplyYourself.

Where do I send my supplemental materials?

Please send all materials to:

Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley
Attn: Admissions
NASA Research Park
Building 23 (MS 23-11)
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000

Do you accept transfer credits from other universities?

 Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley does not accept transfer credits from other graduate programs because our curriculum is designed so that each course builds upon previous ones.

May I defer admission to another year?

 We are unable to offer deferrals of admission.  Each applicant is evaluated based on his or her individual qualifications as well as on his or her qualifications relative to the rest of the applicant pool.  Because each year’s applicant pool changes, we cannot guarantee admission from one year to the next.  Admitted applicants who do not enroll for the term in which they were accepted must re-submit an application should they decide to re-apply.  However, the re-application process is relatively easy – you must update any new information, including your resume, work experience, etc.  Keep in mind that, in general, the quality of the applicant pools increases each year, so it will be to your advantage to update your application with your most recent accomplishments.  If you choose to re-apply within two years of your initial application, we will still have your original transcripts, test scores, and other documents.

If I am not accepted, can I get feedback on my application?

 Yes, we offer feedback sessions in September, after the admissions cycle is complete.  If you are interested in receiving feedback, please email admissions@sv.cmu.edu to schedule an appointment.  We will be glad to work with you to strengthen your application should you be interested in re-applying to our programs.

What is the process if I am a re-applicant?

 We welcome re-applicants and appreciate your continued interest in Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley.  If you applied within the past two years, we will have your original application on file, and any components you submitted previously, including your transcripts, GRE and/or TOEFL test scores, and recommendation letters.  As a re-applicant, you will need to submit the following:
  • An updated application
  • One additional letter of recommendation
  • Any new GRE or TOEFL test score reports
  • Any new transcripts for classes or degrees you may have received
  • An updated resume

The application fee is waived for re-applicants.  Please keep in mind that, in general, the quality of applicant pools increases each year, so it will be to your advantage to update your application with your most recent accomplishments.  If you previously applied and were denied admission to the program, we encourage you to schedule a feedback session, so we can work with you to strengthen your re-application.

May I call about the status of my application?

 Yes, you are welcome to call the admissions office at 650/335-2810 or email admissions@sv.cmu.edu. You may also check the status of your application by logging into your ApplyYourself account, which is the same account you used when you created your application. Once you log in with your PIN and password, continue to the main page where you will see your application status.

Is the GRE required?

 Yes, the GRE general test is required. There is no minimum score requirement.  We review the GRE in conjunction with your transcripts to assess your overall academic qualification.  You may petition to waive the GRE if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree.  Waivers are granted by the Admissions Committee.  The GRE institution code is 4024. To schedule a GRE examination, please go to http://gre.org.

Do I need to take the GRE before I apply?

 You may submit your application prior to completing the GRE, but the final review of your application will be conditional upon receipt of your official score report.

Do you require the GRE General Test or a GRE Subject Test?

 We require for the GRE General Test. 

Can I petition to waive the GRE?

 You may petition to waive the GRE requirement if you have already earned a qualifying graduate degree. Waiver decisions are made by the admissions committee.

Is the TOEFL required?

 All international applicants MUST provide TOEFL scores from tests taken within the last 1-2 years. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was completed in the United States, or who attend an institution whose primary language of instruction was English, or whose mother language is English, are exempt from this requirement.

What is the minimum TOEFL score considered for application?

 We do not have a minimum requirement; however, most graduate departments at Carnegie Mellon prefer to see TOEFL scores of 600 for the paper/pencil exam, 250 for the computer-based exam, and 100 for the iBT.

How do I send my TOEFL scores to Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley?

 TOEFL scores must be sent by ETS electronically to Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley. Applicants must also report their TOEFL scores on their application. The institution code for Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley is 5759.

What are the pre-requisites for applying to the program?
Applicants to the full-time MS Software Engineering program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in computer science, a minor in computer science, or equivalent preparation, including:
  •  Knowledge, at least at the level of an undergraduate course, of algorithms, data structures, and programming languages;
  •  Basic knowledge of object-oriented design;
  •  Skills in programming-in-the-small, as well as competence in using an object-oriented language such as Java; and
  •  Practical knowledge of programming methods and computer organization.

I just completed my undergraduate program and do not have full-time work experience. May I still apply?

 Yes, we encourage you to apply.   Work experience is not required for the full-time MS in Software Engineering program.

Is there an age limit for applying to the program?

 No, there is never an age limit to learning!

What international student resources do you provide? 

 If you are an International Student and have questions about your visa status and eligibility, we are happy to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to contact Student Services at studentservices@sv.cmu.edu.

The Office of International Education at the main campus in Pittsburgh, PA is also a resource. The main office number is (412) 268-5231. More information is available on their website http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/. The liaison for the Silicon Valley campus is Neslihan Ozdoganlar. You may contact her by e-mail neslio@andrew.cmu.edu.

Visa Status
If you have questions about changing your H4 visa to F or J status, you should know that the process is similar to that for changing H1Bs to F or J. The process is documented at http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/forstu/legal2.pdf. We advise you that it takes 2-3 months to change status – please start the process early.

OPT
Optional Practical Training is available to students on F1 visas. (For a detailed description of OPT, please see http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/oie/forstu/optpt.pdf.) Please contact Student Services for help filling out the initial paperwork. We will then work with the Office of International for approval and further documentation. 

I reside outside of the U.S. May I participate in the full-time MS Software Engineering program remotely?

 No, to enroll in the full-time MS Software Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley, you must be able to participate on our campus at Moffett Field, California.

I have a three-year undergraduate degree from India.  May I still apply?

 Yes, you are still eligible to apply.

Questions about Cost and Funding

Question

Answer

What is the Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley tuition?

Fall 2009-2010*
MS Software Engineering Program: $53,550

Payment Schedule
Full-time program: $17,850.00 per semester
Part-time program: $8925.00 per semester

Additional Expenses
Technology Fee: $150 per year, $300 total
Students should expect to spend approximately $200 each semester on books and materials.

*Tuition rates for 2010-2011 may increase.

Can I defer payment?

 Carnegie Mellon’s policy is that tuition for each semester is to be paid, in full, at the beginning of each term. However, there are several options for payment, including a monthly payment plan offered through a vendor named TMS. This service is available during the Fall and Spring semesters, not Summer. A student pays TMS an enrollment fee for an interest free loan. TMS pays Carnegie Mellon University the tuition and bills the student each month.  For more information, check out the the payment plan website.

Do you offer fellowships?

 In addition to tuition and living expenses, the total cost of attending a graduate-level program can be intimidating to many students.  Carnegie Mellon Silicon Valley wants to ensure that financial need is not a barrier for students who are truly passionate about becoming a leader in the software industry.  For this reason, we offer a variety of merit-based fellowships based on the strength of your application and background.  This financial assistance ranges from partial to full tuition fellowships.  To apply for a fellowship, go to the online application, and submit the required form and  essay.

Is financial aid available?

 To be eligible for financial aid, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis. You must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/, the Carnegie Mellon Financial Aid Application (tax returns must be submitted with this form), the Federal Entrance Loan Counseling, and the Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note. We recommend that you complete and return the financial aid applications no later than June 1. Applications may still be completed after this date, but it may delay the receipt of your funds. Please see http://www.cmu.edu/hub/fa/fa_grad.html for more information.

Are student loans available?

 There are several types of Stafford Loans available. For more information, please see
http://www.cmu.edu/hub/fa/fa_grad_loans.html.

What other forms of financial assistance are available?

Research Assistantships (RAships) are available to select full-time students through the bicoastal CyLab Mobility Research Center. RAships generally offer a monthly stipend to supplement student living costs. To apply for an RAship, visit the online application and submit a completed form and required essay. 

For additional external financial aid resources, please visit:

How does employee reimbursement work?

 Each company's reimbursement process is unique. Contact your manager or company's human resource department for details and we will work with you to facilitate the process.

Can I make monthly payments?

 Yes, Carnegie Mellon offers a monthly payment option through a vendor named TMS. This service is available during only the Fall and Spring semesters, not during the Summer semester. A student pays TMS an enrollment fee for a interest free loan. TMS pays Carnegie Mellon University the tuition and bills the student each month.

Can the University provide healthcare for me and my family?

 Yes, health care is required for all Carnegie Mellon students and their families and can be acquired through Carnegie Mellon University if you are not already covered through other means. Costs vary depending on the plan you choose. See http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices for more information.