Frequently asked questions about the PostBac program

• How can I apply?
  Go to the Graduate School web site for application instructions.
• What is the application deadline?
  Students are accepted on a rolling basis. To start in fall, your application should be complete by early August. For spring, it should be complete by mid-November, and for summer it should be complete by early April. If you need a student visa, the standard Graduate School deadlines are in effect.
• What are the admission requirements?
  The main requirement is a bachelors degree in some area other than computer science. You need to have taken an introductory programming course using C++, Java, or a closely related language.
• I haven't taken an introductory programming course. What can I do?
  Before applying, you can take COMP 11 at Tufts as a GCAP student. If you prefer to take an equivalent course elsewhere, you will need to submit a transcript listing that course. It's best to check with the PostBac advisor to check equivalency.
• Do I need to take the GRE?
  No, but if you'd like to continue to the Masters program you'll need to take the GRE general test at that time. The subject test in Computer Science is not required in any case.
• I have already taken one of the required courses at another school. Can I transfer it to count toward the PostBac?
  Non-Tufts courses cannot be transferred into the PostBac program, but you don't need to retake the course. You may substitute a more advanced course, and if it is numbered above 100 it can be transferred to count towards a Tufts Masters degree.
• Is the PostBac available as an evening or weekend program?
  No, one of the biggest advantages of Tufts' PostBac program over other similar programs is that you will be in the same high-quality courses as other Tufts undergraduate and graduate students. As a result, we offer only a few courses in the evenings and none on the weekends. You can view our course schedules for past years on our web site to determine whether our courses will fit your schedule.
• How much does the program cost?
  Look under "Engineering Certificate Programs" at the Graduate School web site. Most courses are three or four credits. If you are on a student visa you will need to register for at least nine credits per semester.
• Isn't that a lot of money?
  Yes, but we believe you get what you pay for. At Tufts you will be in the same courses as other students in our very selective undergraduate and graduate programs, taught by the same world-class faculty.
• Is there financial aid available?
  Only some private loans. Contact the Tufts Graduate School for more information.
• Can I continue to the Tufts' Masters degree program in Computer Science from the PostBac program?
  Yes, in fact most students who successfully complete the PostBac continue to our Masters program, and a small but significant percentage continue for a PhD. Any courses taken as part of the PostBac numbered above 100 will count toward the Masters degree.
• Can I get involved in research as a PostBac student?
  Many research groups in the department welcome PostBac students. The Tufts CS Department web site has a list of research areas. Contact one of the faculty members involved in the research to ask about sitting in on group meetings. Many of the research areas are interdisciplinary, so you may be able to contribute background knowledge from an area outside of computer science.
• I have a question not listed above - how can I get an answer?
  Contact the PostBac advisor listed on the main page describing the PostBac program.