Computer Science FAQ
Thank you for contacting the Computer Science Department at the University at Albany!
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you have a question or concern, and we are here to help. Please review the following information that includes answers to frequently asked questions.
If you still need assistance, please email [email protected] with your student ID number, and a brief description of your request so that we can best assist you.
Campus Resources
International Student and Scholar Services
ISSS can assist with CPT/OPT, reduced course loads, SEVIS records, transferring to another institution and a variety of other topics.
518-591-8172
Graduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions can assist you with updating your application, I-20 questions, TOEFL requirements, paying your deposit and additional questions.
518-442-3980
Graduate Education
Graduate Education offers a variety of workshops and events, as well as forms related to credit transfer and other academic issues.
518-442-3980
Information Technology Services
ITS can assist with accessing your MyUAlbany account and MyUAlbany email, as well as any other IT questions you may have.
518-442-3700
Admissions
I have applied to the computer science graduate program. When will I hear if I have been admitted to the program?
I have applied to the computer science graduate program. When will I hear if I have been admitted to the program?
The department is unable to provide updates on the timeframe that your application will be reviewed. Please check that your application is complete and that all required materials have been submitted. As soon as a decision has been made, you will be notified electronically.
Can you tell me if I can get credit for a course that I have taken at another institution?
Can you tell me if I can get credit for a course that I have taken at another institution?
We can evaluate transfer credits only after you have been admitted to the program.
I am applying to the computer science graduate program. Can I get a waiver for the application fee?
I am applying to the computer science graduate program. Can I get a waiver for the application fee?
The department is unable to provide application fee waivers.
I am applying to the computer science graduate program. Is the GRE required?
I am applying to the computer science graduate program. Is the GRE required?
For the Spring 2024 semester and onward, the GRE is being waived! You do not need to submit GRE scores.
I wish to apply to the CS graduate program. What is the deadline to apply?
I wish to apply to the CS graduate program. What is the deadline to apply?
- Fall: April 1
- Spring: October 15
- Summer: Not Available
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as space remains available.
Note: Deadlines are earlier for those applying for departmental assistantship consideration
What materials do I need to apply for the computer science graduate program?
What materials do I need to apply for the computer science graduate program?
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- GRE
I have been accepted into the computer science master's program. Do I need to take the placement exam?
I have been accepted into the computer science master's program. Do I need to take the placement exam?
To see if you have been assigned to take the placement exam, please check your admissions letter. If you are unsure after checking, please email [email protected] and the department can clarify your admission conditions.
Undergraduate Admissions
Detailed undergraduate admissions requirements and deadlines.
Graduate Admissions
Advising
I am a computer science undergraduate student. How do I get my AVN?
I am a computer science undergraduate student. How do I get my AVN?
Undergraduate students looking for their AVN should email undergraduate advising at [email protected].
I am a computer science graduate student. How do I get my AVN?
I am a computer science graduate student. How do I get my AVN?
To request an AVN, please email [email protected] to have your request reviewed by an advisor. Be sure to include the courses that you wish to register for, as well as your ID. When making course selections refer to the following resources:
- Degree requirements
- Course descriptions and pre-requisite requirements
- Schedule of classes - Select the semester and then type ICSI into the Course Subject box.
Please note: AVNs will not be issued between June 1st and July 31st.
I am a computer science undergraduate student. How can I get a permission number for a course?
I am a computer science undergraduate student. How can I get a permission number for a course?
Undergraduate students looking for permission numbers should email undergraduate advising at [email protected].
I am a computer science graduate student. How can I get a permission number for a course?
I am a computer science graduate student. How can I get a permission number for a course?
Graduate students looking for permission numbers should email the course instructor.
I am a computer science graduate student. How do I transfer credit into my program?
I am a computer science graduate student. How do I transfer credit into my program?
All transfer credit requests must be reviewed by our Graduate Curriculum Committee. In order to have them reviewed, please submit your request and copies of the syllabi to [email protected]
Undergraduate Advising
Please contact the advising department at [email protected] with questions regarding the University at Albany Computer Science undergraduate curriculum, courses, requirements, and registration. Visit the website for details on undergraduate program requirements or view the computer science four-year plan.
Graduate Advising
Graduate students can contact graduate advising by emailing [email protected]. Our graduate advisors are Dr. Paliath "Dran" Narendran and Dr. Chinwe Ekenna. Please use [email protected] to contact them rather than emailing them directly. Due to the volume of student requests, they may take several days to respond. Details on the Computer Science Graduate Program can be found in the Graduate Handbook.
Placement Exam
What is the Placement Exam?
What is the Placement Exam?
The placement exam is a 2-hour, multiple choice exam assigned to a subset of incoming CS master degree students. There are around 80 questions, and the exam is offered electronically.
The purpose of this exam is to assess your current knowledge and skill level in terms of readiness for advanced graduate-level study. This test allows the Department of Computer Science to place students in classes at the correct academic level to ensure the future success of our students.
Depending on your exam results, you may have to take preparatory undergraduate course(s) as part of you first semester course load. These courses must be taken within the first two semesters of your program.
Any additional questions should be directed to [email protected].
How do I prepare for the Placement Exam?
How do I prepare for the Placement Exam?
The questions fall into 3 major categories:
- Programming
- Mathematics
- Systems
Knowledge and skills acquired during your undergraduate preparation in these three areas is necessary for being successful in the UAlbany CS master’s program. The questions are drawn from the materials covered in our undergraduate courses.
You may expect the placement test to contain 2 – 3 times the number of questions found on the review, and you will be given a time period of two hours to complete that placement exam. No cell phones, computers or other tablet devices, or “cheat sheets” will be permitted in the placement test room.
Students will be given access to a Placement Exam portal via their UAlbany email. This portal will contain practice questions, as well as additional exam information. You may also access review questions, the password is 1332.
Why was I assigned to take the Placement Exam?
Why was I assigned to take the Placement Exam?
There is no singular reason that students are assigned the Placement Exam. Our admissions committee reviews each application holistically and makes recommendations based on GRE score, computer science-related course history, GPA, and how your undergraduate curriculum aligns with our ABET-accredited CS bachelor of science.
Do I have to take the Placement Exam if it is assigned to me?
Do I have to take the Placement Exam if it is assigned to me?
Yes. the only way to receive your AVN and register for classes is to take the exam and receive your results. There are no opportunities to waive or appeal this admissions requirement.
If you are assigned classes as a result of the exam, and do not take them, you will be unable to graduate. You also will not be able to graduate if the exam is assigned to you and you do not take it.
What is the passing score for the exam?
What is the passing score for the exam?
There is no way to pass or fail this exam, and your admission will not be revoked as a result of your score.
Each question is associated with a specific undergraduate course. For example, questions 1-8 may be associated with Operating Systems. You may be assigned to that course depending on the percentage of questions you answer correctly within that range. This example is hypothetical.
Can I reschedule or retake this exam?
Can I reschedule or retake this exam?
No, this exam is only offered once a semester and can't be made up or rescheduled.
When is the Placement Exam offered?
When is the Placement Exam offered?
The exam is generally offered a week before the start of the semester. Specifics on the date and time of the exam will be shared with all students via their MyUAlbany email address. The exam takes place on campus and is proctored by staff and faculty.