Computer Science Accelerated Graduate Pathway
- Leads to Master of Science (MS)
- Accelerated Graduate Pathway
Modes of study:
Are you driven by an intense curiosity and passion for solving challenging problems? The Computer Science program at USM will equip you with the skills needed for high-demand tech careers, with curriculum that blends theory with hands-on, real-world application.
With this Accelerated Graduate Pathway, you can complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as few as five years, fast-tracking your education, saving you time, and cutting costs.
How our 5-year Computer Science BS/MS program works
Get a head start on your graduate education with USM’s 5-year Accelerated Graduate Pathway. In your final two undergraduate years, you can take up to 12 graduate-level credits that count toward both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees—saving time and money. After earning your BS, transition directly into the MS program with a reduced course load and a strong foundation for your remaining graduate studies.
Academic catalog
Our engaging curriculum offers an integrative and rigorous liberal education.
Program duration
Typical completion time: 5 years
Department
Admissions
SAT & ACT scores optional. Apply by February 1 for fall term only.

Career-building experiences
In addition to your studies, you will have the opportunity to use our Career Hub resources and faculty connections to find a paid internship, research assistantship, or teacher assistantships to prepare you for your career.
Whether your aspirations lead you to software development, scientific computing, data analysis, natural language processing, image processing, artificial intelligence, or any other specialized area, our faculty and career advisors can help you find the right fit.
Get practical experience in our AI lab
USM is home to the Artificial Intelligence and Information Retrieval (AIIR) Lab, Maine’s first information retrieval lab.
In the past, our students have worked on projects including Conversational Math Search, Cloud Detection in Satellite Images, Application of AI in understanding ART Evolution, and Tree Classification.


A Center for collaboration
At our recently renovated Dubyak Center, home to our our innovation technology café, computer classroom, research labs, and staff offices, you’ll have easy access to faculty and spaces that foster creativity for collaboration with your peers.
Many of our students participate in events like CyberAuto Challenges, and the Center also provides spaces for team meetings and events, conferences, and a monthly seminar series.
Combining theory with practical, real-world application
Where you can go with a Computer Science dual BS/MS degree

Our alumni have been hired at organizations including WEX, Tyler Technologies, Cash Star, IDEXX Laboratories, Unum, TD Bank, Quantrix, and Kepware.
We’re here to help answer questions about costs
If you live in New England, you may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate, as part of the NEBHE Tuition Break Program.
Benefits of USM’s 5-year Computer Science MS/BS Accelerated Graduate Pathway

Find the right path for you
Not sure if an Accelerated Graduate Pathway is the best choice for you? Contact our Office of Admissions or explore our FAQ to learn more.

Join the pack
In addition to our Computer Science club, USM currently has the largest collegiate Esports team in the State of Maine with 75 students actively competing in over 15 different titles.

Meet your professors
Our faculty’s interests are focused in a wide array of research areas, including software technology for health research, artificial intelligence, bidirectional debugging, computer simulation techniques, programming languages, and computer security.
Next steps
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.
