Frequently Asked Questions
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General Program Questions
How can I contact you for more information about the PMP?
Email PMP staff at masters [at] cs [dot] washington [dot] edu. We welcome questions from prospective students who would like to further explore how their backgrounds might fit with the goals of the program. In addition, hour-long Program Information Sessions provide informal opportunities to learn more and ask questions.
Who does the PMP program target?
The PMP is a part-time evening program designed to meet the aspirations of software development professionals who wish to continue on their technical paths while progressing to bigger and more impactful projects; it is not a vocational program. Almost all PMP students are employed full-time as software design engineers, software developers, or similar roles.
How does the PMP differ from the full-time Ph.D. program?
The PMP is a coursework-based degree that does not offer opportunities nor academic credit for research, guided projects, or independent study. PMP classes are offered in the evening for the convenience of working professionals. Work assignments also keep in mind the restricted time available to PMP students. The full-time Ph.D. program benefits students who want to follow our faculty into academic or industrial research, while the PMP takes our faculty’s cutting-edge research into the classroom for students to apply to their products and projects in the workplace. Please note that the UW Computer Science and Engineering department does not offer a terminal full-time master’s degree program; the PMP is the only standalone MS in Computer Science program available at UW Seattle.
Eligibility and Application Questions
Do I have to live in the Seattle area to complete the degree?
Yes, you must reside in the Seattle area and be available to attend courses and exams in-person on the UW Seattle campus. Because of the importance the department places on traditional as well as unique educational strategies, we do not at this time envision moving toward a pure distance program that would let those living outside the greater Seattle area complete the degree.
What is the Allen School’s ETS code?
The University of Washington’s ETS code is 4854. A school-specific code is not required. All scores are received electronically and entered into the UW database, where they are then distributed and matched to applications. When sending scores, please ensure that your name matches exactly on your scores and your application.
Is the GRE required? Should I send scores?
The GRE is not required during the PMP application process and applicants do not need to self-report their scores nor send official score reports. There is no benefit to providing scores, as they will not be referenced during the admission committee’s review of applications.
I am not a native speaker of English. How can I meet the English language proficiency requirement?
Applicants who are not native speakers of English must demonstrate proof of their English proficiency through official, valid test scores, having earned a degree in the United States or another country in which English is the language of instruction, or providing documentation from their undergraduate degree-granting instution that English was the language of instruction for their course of study. Please review Graduate Policy 3.2, concerning English language proficiency for non-native speakers of English, for official policy information and the PMP’s How to Apply page to understand the methods for demonstrating proficency accepted by the PMP.
What is the application deadline?
The PMP takes applications three times annually:
- Autumn quarter (late September start): application deadline July 1
- Winter quarter (early January start): application deadline November 1
- Spring quarter (late March start): application deadline February 1
Note that we do not take applications for summer quarter/mid-June start.
How do I apply to the PMP?
The PMP application process is fully-electronic and takes place in the UW Graduate School application. Our How to Apply page offers a step-by-step guide and additional information concerning each application component.
What are my chances of being admitted into the PMP?
Admission to the PMP is competitive. The PMP accepts around 25-30% of qualfied applications each quarter. While we receive more applications in autumn than in winter or spring, the percentage of accepted applications for all quarters is roughly the same; thus, there is no advantage or disadvantage to applying in any given quarter.
International Students
Are there special considerations/instructions for international students?
The PMP does not support F-1 or J-1 student visas. International students must hold another visa or residency status that allows them to reside and study part-time in the United States.
Other Questions
How much does the program cost?
Please review our costs and fees page for more information about quarterly and total program costs. All students in the PMP pay the same rates for their course credits and other fees, regardless of citizenship status or Washington state residency.
How much time will I need to allocate to my studies?
PMP courses meet once per week for three hours. In addition to commuting time, students should expect to allot an average of 20 hours per week outside of the classroom.
How long will it take me to complete the degree?
Students typically take one course per quarter, plus a one-credit colloquium, to complete the program in two and one-half years. Most students take advantage of the PMP’s generous leave policy to extend their program length and a few double up on courses each quarter to finish quicker.
If I have taken graduate coursework in computer science elsewhere, can I transfer credit to the PMP?
Admitted PMP students may request approval to transfer to the UW the equivalent of a maximum of six quarter credits (fulfilling a maximum of two PMP courses) of graduate-level coursework taken at another institution. Once accepted into the PMP, the PMP Program Manager will be happy to work with you to receive initial program approval and prepare your transfer petition for the graduate school. In order to recommend transfer of credit, the content and level of the transferred courses must be consistent with PMP course descriptions.