| Frequently Asked Questions 1) Is the degree the same as the one from the main campus in Blacksburg?
Yes. The same standards and requirements are applied to a degree earned from the Northern Virginia Center as are required in Blacksburg. 2) Where are the classes held?
Most classes are taught at Northern Virginia Center(NVC), located at the intersection of Route 7 and Haycock Road, just off Route 66 at Exit 66. The NVC is located adjacent to the West Falls Church Metro Station. 3) When do classes meet?
Fall and spring semester classes meet once a week for 16 weeks, Monday through Friday evenings. Classes are scheduled at 4 p.m. and at 7 p.m. A summer semester is compressed into 12 weeks and classes also meet once a week. 4) Are classes televised from Virginia Tech's Blacksburg campus?
Most classes are taught on-site by permanent faculty or adjunct professors drawn from the dynamic workforce of Greater Washington D.C. A few classes are taught via interactive television from Blacksburg to NVC or vice-versa. 5) Must I wait until I am formally accepted into the program to start classes?
Applicants may take up to four classes as a commonwealth campus (non-degree) student. Commonwealth admission is administered by the Graduate School directly. 6) Will classes taken as a commonwealth capmus
student count towards my master's degree if I am
accepted?
Yes. 7) How long does it take to be reviewed by the admissions committee?
The department review time depends on the applicant. All application requirements must be completed before the Graduate Admissions Office passes your application on to the department. Once a complete application is received, it takes about 2 weeks to review. 8) What are the prerequisites for admission?
The prerequisites are discrete mathematics, data structure and algorithm, linear algebra, calculus, probability and statistics, a programming language, computer organization, and operating systems. 9) Can I take prerequisites concurrently with courses in my program?
No. Students must complete their prerequisites before starting classes unless explicitly stated in their acceptance letter.
10) How long does it take to complete the master's degree?
Most students are working professionals at
high-technology companies and government
institutions around the Beltway. Working
professionals typically finish the program in about
6 to 8 semesters (at 1 to 2 courses per semester)
Full-time students typically finish in 3 to 4
semesters (at 3 to 4 courses per semesters). 11) Are transfers allowed?
Yes, up to 9 credit hours may be transferred for MS
students and up to 15 credit hours may be
transferred for Ph.D. students.
12) What is the procedure for transferring course?
When you are accepted, complete a transfer credit form indicating which Virginia Tech course you wish to transfer. Include a syllabus of the course taken, name of the book used, an outline of the chapters in the text, and any homework or tests you have saved. Finally, provide an original transcript with the grade you received. Only original materials, including transcripts, will be accepted for evaluating credit transfer applications.
13) If I am admitted to another Virginia Tech program, can I take CS course?
Yes, you may take CS courses if you meet the prerequisites. However, you cannot earn a CS degree without being formally admitted to the program.
14) Must my undergraduate degree be in computer science?
No, your degree can be from any discipline, but you are required to meet the program prerequisites.
15) Are GRE/TOEFL tests an absolute requirement?
Yes. The GRE is required of all applicants unless you already have a Ph.D. from a recognized institution. The TOEFL is required for all applicants who have not graduated from a university in the United States.
16) What part does my G.P.A. play in the admission process?
All applications are considered on an individual basis; however, the admissions committee looks for at least a 3.0 from your undergraduate degree. G.P.A. and GRE scores do play an important part in the admissions process, along with your letters of recommendation.
17) Can I give GRE and TOEFL scores directly to the Virginia Tech Admissions Office?
No. All test scores must come directly from the Educational Testing Service. GRE scores are kept at ETS for five years, and TOEFL scores are kept for two years, before being purged. If your scores are older, you must retake the test.
18)How do I apply for the Ph.D. program at the Northern Virginia Center?
You apply in the same way you would for the master's programs, but check the Ph.D. box on the application. Apply online at http://www.vt.edu/admissions/.
19) Where can I get more information about the program?
All the application forms, degree requirements, course descriptions and student forms are located on the web page at www.nvc.cs.vt.edu.
20) What are the deadlines for submitting an application for acceptance/admission to the Computer Science program?
For Spring Semester, the dealine for international applicants is October 15th and the dealine for domestic applicants is December 1st. For Fall Semester, the dealine for international applicants is April 15th and the dealine for domestic applicants is July 1st.
NVC CS ACADEMICS ADMISSIONS PEOPLE RESEARCH CAREER
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