I. Admissions Related Information

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a graduate degree in Computer Science at Montana State University.  If you are seeking a dynamic department that offers exciting research opportunities in a beautiful setting, you have come to the right place! 

We examine all aspects of your application to determine admission. For example, your transcript is used to ensure that you have the appropriate background and the ability to succeed in graduate work.

Your undergraduate degree does not have to be in Computer Science to be admitted into the Master's program, although in most cases students from other disciplines will be required to take a number of additional courses. In order to be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program you must have a degree in Computer Science or a closely related discipline.  Furthermore, to be admitted into the Ph.D. program, you must typically either find a faculty member who agrees to be your initial advisor or have a successful track record of Computer Science research.

Some Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) and Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions are available. Accepted Ph.D. students typically receive financial support via a GTA or GRA offer.  Accepted M.S. students are provided with instructions regarding how to apply to be a GTA.  The GTA application process is a competitive one and consequently, M.S. students need to be prepared to self-fund.  A student must work directly with individual professors who oversee active research groups to investigate GRA opportunities.

II. Financial Support Information

There are several possibilities for graduate students to obtain financial help.  Outstanding Ph.D. students can receive financial support (as GTAs or GRAs) for five years subject to satisfactory progress in the program.  Ph.D. Students in good standing and making appropriate progress towards the degree typically receive GRA support from ongoing grants.  All admitted graduate students are welcome to apply to be a GTA at any point during their graduate careers.

Teaching Assistantships

The Gianforte School of Computing hires several Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) each semester. GTAs are used to teach the many different laboratories in the Computer Science undergraduate curriculum and to help grade assignments in some of the larger classes. A laboratory teaching position requires strong spoken English skills, whereas a grading position requires strong written English skills.

M.S. students wil be given instructions regarding how to apply to be a GTA with their admission letter.

Research Assistantships

Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) work with faculty on research projects and are paid from research funds that the faculty have obtained. GRA positions are determined by individual faculty members.

New applicants and current students are encouraged to contact individual faculty members who oversee active research groups directly about becoming part of a research project.

Jobs

There are often part-time job opportunities for Computer Science students in Bozeman. Some local high-tech industries hire software engineers on a part time basis. The university has a few positions for assistants to work in campus computer laboratories. Ongoing research and development projects on campus often advertise for programmers. University Information Technology (UIT) has occasional needs for part time helpers who have technical computer skills. In short, a student who is looking for such opportunities is likely to find one.

Financial Aid

To explore the prospect of obtaining loans, visit the Office of Financial Aid at Montana State University.