All:
Look at the following two websites for information regarding the MS-Computer science program.
My suggestion would be to write to the appropriate department and request information on the MS-Computer Science program as well as a course catelog for the department/program.
These will tell you the admissions proceedures, costs involved, and expected coursework.
I know that colleges get requests everyday for such information. You may want to send an e-mail (use proper English) to the contact person asking the proper procedures for requesting such information - especially when it comes to postage to India. I know that US Colleges send this information for free to US postal addresses. Again, not sure if they will do the same for Indian addresses. The packet will usually contain an admissions form.
This process should be considered as time consuming as a job search. My advice would be to talk to your local colleges (or the equivalent of such) in India. Perhaps they or your libary (if they have these in India) will have course catelogs from US Colleges. Even if the information is out of date - at least you can get a better feel for the requirements.
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Some things to expect with MS-Computer Science program.
1. You may need to show that you can meet financial obligations up front. Perhaps a letter from your bank or govt (if sponsored by them).
2. You may need to take Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This is a standardized
test that you take to get into MS program. I had to do this when I sought admission to Lehigh University. I considered it to me more of a pain and inconvenience than anything.
3. Realize that the competition for grad school admissions in USA is not that great. Nothing at all like undergraduate (the BS degree) admissions which are super competitive for the good colleges. So you have a real chance to get in. Your biggest hurdle will be financial costs.
4. They may require that you take an English proficiency exam. This is standard for students from overseas.
5. You may have to take additional coursework as a condition of admittance to MS program. The coursework could be completed at the same university as you are getting MS degree from. Again, this is normal.
6. Not sure if you can get any financial-aid or work-study type financial assistance. Again, you will need to talk to the college.
7. Grad school in USA is expensive. Lehigh runs about US $2700 per class. Classes run 15 weeks. You have two - 15 week semesters per year - plus a summer session with very limited selections. Also, only grades of B (85%) or higher count towards the degree. Also, the course work is very very theoretical. You won't be taking any Java/EJB type classes. Instead, you will be taking classes like "Advanced Compiler Design" or "Expert Systems". You support your classes with projects - and this is where you get some experience.
You will need 10-12 classes for MS-Computer Science program.
8. Again, don't let all of this get you down. It's like a job search. You just keep knocking at doors - getting information a little bit at a time until you can piece it all together.
Hope this helps
John Coxey
(jpcoxey@aol.com)
P.S. The two websites:
www.lehigh.edu www.pitt.edu You will have to hunt/peck around to find information. Look under grad school admissions and then look for Electrical Engineering / Computer Science departments. Gotta keep plowing through site(s) to find appropriate information.
[This message has been edited by John Coxey (edited June 13, 2001).]