Admissions

Thank you for your interest in Graduate Programs in Software (GPS) at the University of St. Thomas. Our program is one of the largest of its kind in the United States with over 400 active graduate students.

St. Paul, Minnesota campus
Classes offered on the St. Paul campus are available Monday through Thursday evenings ( 5:45 – 9:00 p.m.) and alternating Saturdays ( 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.).

MS in Software Engineering (MS in SE) Cohort Program in Rochester, Minnesota
In addition, we offer an MS in SE cohort program in Rochester, Minnesota which meets in the spring and fall terms on alternating Saturdays (9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) with the option of class offered one night a week (5:45 - 9:00 p.m.) Students of the cohort program take two courses per semester each spring and fall for a total of seven terms. For more information on the Rochester cohort, please contact GPS Director, Dr. Bhabani Misra, by e-mail bsmisra@stthomas.edu or call 651-962-5508.

Please call our main office at 651-962-5500 or toll-free 1- 800-328-6819, Ext. 2-5500, or e-mail gradsoftware@stthomas.edu if you have any questions.

Decisions on admission to a GPS master, certificate, or non-degree program are made on an ongoing basis as each applicant’s file is completed and reviewed. Applicants who are U.S. citizens or residents are encouraged to complete their files at least one month before the semester in which they desire entry.

International students living within the U.S should apply at least two months before the start of the term they desire entry. International students living outside of the U.S. should apply at least four months prior to the start of the term they desire entry.

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We will consider applications up to and including the first day of class for all prospective students (this offer excludes students holding J-1 Visas).

Applications for Admission received after the deadlines listed below will be considered on a space available basis.

Admission priority deadlines for U.S. citizens and residents:

Fall semester	Spring semester	Summer semester
August 1st	January 1st	May 1st

Admission priority deadlines for International students:

	If currently living OUTSIDE the United States	If currently living INSIDE the United States
Fall Semester	May 1st	July 1st
Spring Semester	October 1st	December 1st
Summer Semester	February 1st	April 1st

First day of class begins (approximately):

Fall semester	Spring semester	Summer semester
First week in September	Last week in January	Third week in May

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When you apply to St. Thomas, your educational background is carefully evaluated. The Graduate Programs in Software department requires the following materials in order to complete the application:

• Application form (PDF file)
• $30 Application fee
• Resume
• Official transcripts from every college/university attended. Master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent degree if earned outside the U.S.) for admission. An overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 meets minimum requirements, but applicants with lower GPAs will be considered based on their professional experience.
• Admission essay giving your reasons for wanting to enter this program. Essays can be one to two pages
• The GRE or GMAT is not required for the GPS programs
• Fee per credit beginning in the summer for the 2008 -2009 academic year is $720.00

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Transfer Credits

Transferring Course Credit (only MS in SE or MS in SM programs are eligible):
Transfer of non-University of St. Thomas (UST) graduate courses you would like to count toward your GPS Master of Science in software engineering (MS in SE) or GPS Master of Science in software management (MS in SM) degree.

• A maximum of two graduate courses (six semester credits) will be accepted as transfer credits from non-UST graduate programs for either GPS MS program (MS in SE or MS in SM).
• Non-UST graduate courses are not transferable into the MSS degree.
• Undergraduate courses may not be transferred as credit toward a GPS graduate degree.

Approval process: To have a non UST course(s) count toward the MS degree, a student must have an official transcript sent from the previous institution(s) directly to the GPS office and also submit a request in writing to the Director of GPS, Dr. Bhabani Misra, bsmisra@stthomas.edu or Assistant Director, Doug Stubeda, djstubeda@stthomas.edu requesting the transfer of the course(s) including a course description and if possible the syllabus from the course. Students will be notified in writing of the decision regarding transfer credits. Accepted transfer credits will reduce the number of electives required for the degree.

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