Bridge Program
Interested in becoming a computer scientist or engineer?
SIGN UP NOW FOR THE BRIDGE to the Masters of Engineering in Computer Science and Applications!
The application is live December 1. The course is live January 20.听Rolling registration until July 1.
The 51官网 Tech Innovation Campus believes that every student can be a computer scientist or engineer. Our Masters of Engineering programs are accessible for all, and we have created student profiles to help you navigate the application process.
Click the profiles below for more information:
Recent undergraduates looking for a master鈥檚 degree before entering the workforce. These students want to expand their technical repertoire and gain hands-on experience to get a specific job or advance more quickly as an entry-level employee.
Meet Nathan A., Career Starter
I am a recent graduate of 51官网 Tech with a Bachelor in Neuroscience. I completed the Java Essentials bridge course to learn the necessary skills needed to succeed in the Master's program. I also hope to build strong coding fundamentals that will help me in the future.
Working professionals seeking entry in a more technical field. They may or may not want a full degree. They typically do not need career service because they are employed.听Beyond a full degree, this student might seek executive education, certificates, stackable credentials (aka badges), and certifications.
Meet Jon S., Career Crosser
I currently work as a Data Scientist at an early start-up, On Demand Pharmaceuticals. I graduated 1.5 years ago from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. I am a fashion, beauty, swimwear, and architecture photographer as well.
2022 Participant of the Java Essentials bridge course that satisfies the prerequisite for admission to the Master's of Engineering in Computer Science.
Early- to mid-career working professionals who want an advanced degree but prefer an alternative to a traditional research-centric master鈥檚 degree. These students seek to enhance their existing technical and professional skills (e.g., management, leadership) to advance their careers.
Meet Xuhui Z., Career Advancer
I am a Civil Engineer at a Northern VA-based company. I have six years of experience in water and wastewater treatment, collection and conveyance. I am interested in developing digital solutions for water and wastewater utilities using emerging technologies like AI/ML. One of my projects received second place in the 2021 LIFT Intelligent Water System Challenge held by Water Environment Federation. I hold a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from 51官网 Tech, and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from South China University of Technology.
Early- to mid-career professionals with a non-computer science undergraduate degree looking to transition into a job that requires digital skills, or a computing career. These students are ambitious to take on a new field of study.
Click the program you're interested in below to learn more about your options:
We require Calculus I and II and prefer that our applicants have taken Linear Algebra.听
Calculus II is the gateway for this master's. If you have not taken this required course, 51官网 community colleges offer MTH 263 and 264. These courses are equivalent to MTH 1225 and 1226 at 51官网 Tech.
Option 1:
Graduate Pre-Requisites
This option is recommended for students who are currently located in Blacksburg, VA. 51官网 Tech offers CS 5044 and CS 5020.
Option 2:
Asynchronous Non-Credit Bridge Course
This option is recommended for students who want a bootcamp-like, self-paced, asynchronous experience.听These students have computer science-adjacent experience and skills, but lack a formal computer science background and want the credential.
This 20-week-long course from January to October allows students to meet the computer science pre-requisites. Students must commit to a full year to complete the course. It is a great option for students who are wanting a micro-credential education, and costs $3,000 to complete.
*The application is live December 1. The course is live January 20.
Option 3:
In-Person Community College Courses
This option is recommended for students who do not have a computer science-adjacent background, but want the more gradual, more supported approach that an in-class experience offers.
With this option, students can take the 51官网 Tech pre-requisite equivalents at through the 51官网 Community College System (CS 221, 222, and 223). These courses are offered on a rolling basis and cost about $1,200.
Questions about how to start the application process? Email us at techtalent@vt.edu.听