Graduate Programs in ICS

Our graduate programs include:

• Masters Degree in Information and Computer Sciences
• Ph.D. in Information and Computer Sciences
• Professional Masters Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)
• Interdisciplinary Ph.D in Communication and Information Sciences (CIS)

Graduate Programs FAQ

We receive a large number of similar questions about our ICS M.S. and Ph.D programs every year. Here are the most "frequently asked questions" about our programs, along with pointers to further information when available.

1. To which program should I apply?
   Formerly, the M.S. and Ph.D. programs were administratively distinct. Now they are the same program, but you still have the choice of whether you want to specify the M.S. degree or the Ph.D. degree as your objective. If there is a reasonable chance you might go on to the Ph.D., then apply to that program. You will be able to meet some of the Ph.D. exam requirements while you work on your M.S. However, you should be aware that Ph.D. admissions requirements are more stringent: you must show potential for independent scholarly research as reflected in your vita, your statement of purpose, and your letters of reference. If you apply to the Ph.D. program but we think that the M.S. program will be more suitable, we will offer admission on that basis.
   
   
2. Can you please send me an application?
   The best way to get the necessary applications is to simply download and print them:
   • the Graduate Division application forms, and
   • the ICS Graduate Program application forms.
   
   If you absolutely must have hardcopy sent to you, please mail your request with your return address to:
   
   ICS Department Secretary
   POST Room 318
   University of Hawaii
   1680 East-West Rd.
   Honolulu, HI 96822
   
   Please allow at least 6 weeks for processing.
   
   
3. Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) before applying to your program?
   Yes. There are no exceptions to this rule: every applicant to our graduate program must take the GRE general test. You still need to take the GRE even if you are a current UH student, or have professional experience. Your application cannot be processed by our department until we have at least an unofficial copy of your GRE (general test) scores. We may admit you based upon unofficial scores, but such an admission will be conditional pending receipt of the official scores. We will accept old GRE scores as long as they remain on file with the GRE testing organization.
   • What score do I need to get admitted?
     There is no set minimum score. We look at a variety of factors when deciding whether to accept or deny an application. However, to give you a general idea, most of our applicants score near or above the 90th percentile on at least one of the three areas covered by the GRE test.
   • Do I need to take the GRE advanced test in computer science?
     You don't need to, but you may want to take it! It is not needed for admittance into our M.S. or Ph.D. graduate programs. However, if you do not have an undergraduate degree in computer science, you will be required to take from one to as many as 10 undergraduate ICS courses in order to overcome deficiencies in your preparation for our program. (See M.S. courses.) Those with extensive industry or other experience in computer science can elect instead to take the GRE advanced subject test in computer science. If you score above the 70th percentile on this exam, you will eliminate all your 300-level ICS undergraduate deficiencies. If you score above the 85th percentile, you will completely eliminate all undergraduate deficiencies.
     
     
4. I am already a UH graduate student. Do I need to go through the regular admission process like everyone else?
   Great, we're glad that you like our program! However, our admission process and requirements for current UH graduate students is identical to that for other students. You still need to submit GRE scores, fill out the application, and so forth.
   
   
5. I would like to apply to the ICS graduate M.S. program, but I have no computer programming background. Is that OK?
   Unfortunately, no. Our graduate program requires at a minimum that you have completed the equivalent of ICS 111, 211, and 311 before you application can be processed. Upon admittance, you will have extensive undergraduate deficiencies to make up. (See the M.S. program courses page for details on undergrad deficiencies.) For someone without a programming background, it typically takes about 2 years of coursework to make up undergraduate deficiencies, then 2 more years to finish the graduate requirements. Our program is really oriented toward those with undergraduate degrees in computer science or extensive work experience who desire advanced training.

   Note that there are other educational avenues in high technology that you could investigate. If you are interested in more of a business/management orientation to software development, you may want to investigate the programs at the College of Business Administration. If you are interested in an interdisciplinary degree, see the Communication and Information Science Ph.D. Program. If you are interested in more short-term training, you could investigate some of the certificate programs offered by local private organizations. Neither of these avenues, however, will provide the comprehensive, in-depth exposure to computer science and software development that is provided by our program.

   Finally, if you do not have prior experience in computer programming, we suggest that you start by taking an introductory programming course, such as ICS 111, which is offered by the University's Community Colleges as well as our department. Not everyone enjoys or has the patience for computer programming, and you should definitely get your feet wet before making any long term plans.
   
   

6. I have already taken some computer science courses from another university. Can I transfer them?
   It depends upon a number of factors, including what you mean by "transfer". If you've taken undergraduate level computer science courses elsewhere, then those courses can potentially be used to waive undergraduate deficiencies, but do not count toward the 30 credits needed for your M.S. degree. If you've taken some graduate level computer science courses from another University and applied those credits to a degree from that University, then they cannot be counted toward your degree at UH. If you've taken some graduate level computer science courses from another University, and they did not count toward a degree, and they are equivalent in content to our courses, then you can potentially apply up to 12 credits toward your UH M.S. degree. However, this is subject to the approval of the Graduate Chair. Please attach to your application all the documentation about any courses in question. (Syllabi of the courses you took - and links to them if they are online - may be very usefull to help us compare your courses to ours.) Please look at our list of required courses and follow the link to brief descriptions of ICS courses to compare its contents with the courses you took.
   
   
   
7. I'm not sure whether I fulfill your admission requirements. Can you review my background and tell me whether I qualify?
   Unfortunately, no. We cannot review your background before you apply. We do not have the staff resources, and the decision depends on the entire portfolio you present to us at admissions time, not a few scores and grades.
   
   
8. I missed the deadline for Fall (or Spring, or Summer) admission. Can I still apply?
   Beginning with Fall 2005 admissions, we are following the deadlines of the UH Graduate Admissions office:

   Fall Admissions:

   International Applicant: January 15th
   Domestic (U.S.) Applicant: March 15th

   Spring Admissions:

   International Applicant: August 1st.
   Domestic (U.S.) Applicant: September 1st.

   Only exceptional circumstances we may accept applications for an upcoming semester after the deadline. (We have to give the graduate division a very good reason, or we will lose their good will.) The financial aid deadlines are, however, firm, and late applicants will not be able to receive financial aid for that first semester.
   
   
9. I'm interested in your online/distance ed degree. How does that work?
   We have an "Asynchronous Learning Network" (ALN) degree program leading to an M.S. degree, and also offer online courses at the bachelor's level. See our ALN home page. For questions about ALN, please read this web site first (the admission and graduation requirements are identical to those for our regular degree program).
   
   
10. Are letters of recommendation required?
    Letters are required for the Ph.D. program admissions. For the M.S., they are highly recommended, and if you are aplying for an assistantship we require three recommendation letters. In all cases, letters are an excellent addition to your application materials. Ask your work supervisors or former professors to write letters of recommendation on your behalf and send them directly to the department. Have them indicate that the letter is in support of your application for admission. There is no specific form that they must complete for the recommendation, but you may use the ICS Graduate Assistantship Evaluation Form.
    
    
11. Can you tell me my chances for getting financial aid? I can enclose some background about myself.
    

    No, we cannot in general tell you your chances for financial aid on the basis of an initial email. You must first officially apply to the university and pay the application fee, then we can evaluate your application in relation to the others we have received. At that point, we can give you a better sense for your chances.

    If you have already been accepted to the ICS department and would like more information on financial aid, you can see our Financial Aid Overview.
    

    
    
12. How do I apply for a Teaching Assistantship?
    Please follow the procedure specified in the Teaching Assistant Application Process.
    
    
13. How do I apply for a Research Assistantship?
    Please follow the procedure specified in the Research Assistant Application Process.
    
    
14. How do I apply for a Tuition Waiver?
    Please follow the procedure specified in the Tuition Waiver Application Process.
    
    
15. Where is the UH website for financial aid?
    It's at http://www.hawaii.edu/fas
    
    
16. I need a form from Graduate Division. Where do I get it?
    See the Graduate Division forms. This page includes links to the Thesis (Plan A) forms, the application form, the Leave of Absence Request form, and so forth.
    
    
17. How can I learn more about your programs and graduate studies at University of Hawaii in general?
    Here are some pointers to further information:
    • on our ICS M.S. program
    • on our ICS Ph.D. program
    • on our Library and Information Science (LIS) program
    • on our Communication and Information Sciences (CIS) Ph.D. program
    • University's Graduate Division
    • University's Graduate Student Organization
      
      
18. How can I be informed of important news for students?
    Subscribe to the ICS graduate student mailing list by sending email to the Grad Chair (ics-gradchair@hawaii.edu) and specifying the hawaii.edu email you would like added to the list. Only enrolled ICS graduate students with hawaii.edu accounts can be placed on this list.
    
    
19. I read this FAQ, your M.S. Graduate Program pages, and the University's Graduate Division pages, but I still have a question that isn't answered anywhere: Can you tell me ...?
    Please write to ics-gradchair@hawaii.edu with the subject line:
    Question(s) not answered on ICS grad web site.
    We will try to answer the question and append the answer to this FAQ. (Unless, of course, the answer is "We read your question, but your subject line is wrong..." :)