Frequently Asked Questions

Completion of the program will result in a Master of Science in Software Engineering from California State University, Fullerton, a fully accredited state university.

No, the degree will not indicate that the program was accelerated or completed through University Extension.

The faculty members of the accelerated program are the same faculty who teach in our non-accelerated programs. Faculty members bring state-of-the-art practices, concepts and technologies to the curriculum and classroom through active involvement in research projects. Many faculty members bring first-hand experience to their courses through involvement in consulting and executive training activities.

The program is designed to be completed over 16 months, spanning the Fall, Spring, Summer, and final Fall terms.

The program has a flat rate of $1000 per unit (for both California residents and non-residents), making it one of the best values from an accredited university.

Yes, with the exception of the Cal Vets fee waiver program. To learn more, please visit the University’s Veterans Certification page.

In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year of attendance: https://www.fullerton.edu/financialaid/special-groups/year-round.html. If eligible, financial aid award is on based units taken and cost of attendance. 

There is no difference—the curriculum and instructors are the same; it has simply been condensed into a 16-month format.

You can fill out and submit your application via Cal State Apply. When filling out an application, students should select their intended major as “Software Engineering (Accelerated)" under Fullerton Extension as your intended program.

Note: If you are ready to apply and have questions about the application process, feel free to send us a message or make an appointment to speak—online or by phone—with one of our advisors.

Applications are accepted for Fall terms only. The application period is from October 1 to May 15 for international students, and until June 1 for domestic students.

Note: If you would like to receive email notifications with important application dates and deadlines, join the AMSE email list.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, or a related major along with equivalent professional experience
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 for your last 60 semester units
• Prerequisites course: CPSC 362 Foundations of Software Engineering (or equal professional experience)
• If you did not complete the above Software Engineering course, email your resume to the AMSE Program Coordinator at amse@fullerton.edu to check your qualifications.
• TOEFL (international applicants only): a minimum score of 80 (iBT) or 6.5 Academic IELTS or 58 PTE or 125 Duolingo.
• GRE not required

CSUF does not accept a three-year bachelor's degree from another country. However, you may choose to have your degree evaluated by WES (World Education Services). If WES determines that your three-year degree is equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree, you may be considered eligible.

Regardless of citizenship, all applicants whose education was not at a majority English-language country, must submit proof of English proficiency before admission decisions can be made. If you completed your degree in one of the countries listed here.

For more information on English Language Proficiency and how you can waive this requirement, please visit the English Language Proficiency webpage.

Yes, this program is cohort-based, which means your courses are pre-determined for you. This ensures you will always have a guaranteed seat and will not need to petition or be waitlisted for any classes required to graduate.

Yes, your file cannot be reviewed for admission until all transcripts have been received. Please submit all transcripts, including those that show "in progress" courses. 

No, you may apply to only one graduate program per admissions cycle (Fall & Spring).

Applicants can check the status of their application by logging in to their CSUF student portal. You should also check your CSUF email account for updates and other announcements.  

The Office of Graduate Studies reviews applications and evaluates transcripts. The department then makes the admission decision. Official notifications are sent by Graduate Studies, and status updates are available on your CSUF student portal. Be sure to submit all required documents as soon as possible—your application can’t be reviewed until everything is received.

Confirmation of your acceptance is the first step in obtaining your I-20. If you are offered admissions, you must also accept the offer and pay the enrollment administrative fee. Then CSUF International Students & Scholars (ISS) will send an email to you with instructions on how to obtain the Form I-20. For more information, please refer to the ISS webpage, Form I-20 for New International Students.