Frequently Asked Questions

click here General Information
click here Bachelor's Degree
click here Master's Degree

General Information

How do I apply to the program?

Request an information letter from Continuing Education at CSU, Chico. In the letter is a direct link to the CSU Chico application forms, both undergraduate and graduate, on the Admissions Office web site. All applications are processed by the Admissions Office, with additional evaluation provided by the Graduate School for students applying to the Master's Degree program.

What courses are available?

The CHICO Computer Science programs offers a variety of self-paced courses to allow students to work at their own pace. In addition, each semester there will be live classes offered.

Are CSU, Chico's degree programs accredited?

Courses taken through the CSU, Chico Distance Education Program count towards graduation with a degree from an accredited Computer Science program. Most graduate programs only admit students who have received a B.S. from an accredited institution. The B.S. in Computer Science from CSU, Chico is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission (CSAC) of the Computing Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB), a national accrediting agency held in high regard. This agency has recently been subsumed by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

There is no distinction made between Distance Education courses and on campus courses on CSU, Chico transcripts.

How much does the program cost?

Course fees for all courses (self-paced archived and live online) in the CHICO Computer Science Program are $1,675 per student per 3-unit course.

Why is the cost for the online program higher than on campus tuition?

The costs associated with administering a distance program dictate that program fees be higher. The extra cost for each class reflects the cost of the technology needed to record, transmit, and archive courses; the personnel needed to run and maintain technological aspects of the program; and the program administration. It's also important to keep in mind that on campus students are subsidized by the state, but distance students are not. Therefore, course fees for this program are also used to pay for student advising and faculty costs.

How do I register for classes?

You can enroll for classes with online registration.

Can I see a course demonstration before I sign up?

We encourage students to access a course demonstration before signing up for classes. It will help you determine if your computer meets the system requirements and if you are comfortable in an online learning environment.

What policies and procedures do I need to know before I get started?

Before you start the degree program, you'll need to be aware of some basic policies and procedures. Keeping these in mind will help you get through the program smoothly.

Who teaches classes in this program?

The Computer Science faculty at CSU, Chico is an experienced group of scholars and professionals with a variety of specialties. The CHICO Computer Science Program benefits from the breadth of faculty expertise and their dedication to distance education.

How will I communicate with my professors?

Computer Science students communicate with their professors mainly via e-mail. They are also welcome to telephone professors if they need to get in touch with them immediately. Students will also make use of this other important contact information.

How do I access classes through a firewall?

The CHICO Computer Science Program can offer you directions on how to access classes through a firewall. Before attempting this solution, you should check with network staff at your location to determine if streaming media for educational purposes is an acceptable use of your local network.

Who can I contact for more information?

For questions regarding admissions, registration, course fees, etc., contact Jeff Layne, Program Director, at Continuing Education (530-898-6105).

For questions regarding Computer Science courses and satisfaction of pre-requisites, contact Professor Moaty Fayek, distance learning adviser for the Computer Science Department (530-898-4010).

Bachelor's Degree

What are the requirements for a B.S. degree?

The BS in Computer Science requires the completion of 128 semester units. Of these 128 units, at least 40 units must be upper division and at least 30 units must be taken from CSU, Chico (24 units must be upper division and 12 must be in the major). No more than 70 semester units may be transferred from a community or junior college; the remaining 58 units must be taken at a four-year college or university.

Where can I find out which courses I need to take?

Are there guides to help me determine where I stand with regard to the program's core courses?

Will my courses transfer to CSU, Chico?

First, check our Computer Science Articulation page.

The Office of Admissions determines which General Education courses will transfer and to which categories they apply. Also, please see the CSU, Chico Distance Education Course Equivalents. Please note that the Computer Science Department does not determine which GE courses can be transferred. The Office of Admissions decides which courses can transfer when the student is admitted. To apply for admission to the university and the Computer Science Program, request an information letter that will include a link to the undergraduate and graduate applications.

See The University Catalog (Table of Contents) to get an idea of university GE requirements:

  • GE Requirements
  • GE Requirement Form (Please note that CSU, Chico Online courses are considered the same as on-campus courses and fulfill these residency requirements. Please discuss upper-division theme course selection with Continuing Education staff.
  • GE requirements for a second bachelors degree

Master's Degree

What are the requirements for a M.S. degree?

The M.S. in Computer Science requires the completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 500/600-level courses. At least 24 units must be in the discipline of Computer Science. A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer credit may be applied to the degree.

What's so new about the new master's degree program?

The master's degree has new requirements and a revised list of core courses.

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