MARIST
FAQ for International
Graduate Program Applicant
Which program should I choose?
Two different on-campus Master’s degrees are available in the Computer Science department - Master of Science in Computer Science Software
Development (MSCS,) and Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS.) Information about each degree program can be found at the links below. To
get more details and to choose the right program, please contact Graduate@Marist.edu.
http://www.marist.edu/admission/graduate/information-systems/
http://www.marist.edu/admission/graduate/software-development/
Are MS in Information Systems and MS in Computer Science Software Development both STEM programs? Are these programs
eligible for OPT?
Yes, both of these degree programs are STEM programs. They are both eligible for OPT. OPT is Optional Practical Training. If you are an F1 student in
any Computer Science Master’s Degree program, you have the option of applying to work in the United States by engaging in practical training after you
complete your degree. Practical training can provide valuable work experience by sharpening and adding to the skills you learned in school. Currently you
may apply for 12 months of OPT after your degree completion. The job must be in your field of study. Students who complete the MSIS or MSCS programs
may also be able to apply for an additional 17 months of OPT. Details can be found https://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training
Can I apply if I am from another background like electronics, biotechnology, or industrial design?
Yes, you can apply for the MS in Information Systems with any undergraduate degree. You can also apply for the MS in Computer Systems Software
Development, but you will probably need four prerequisite courses in addition to the standard curriculum.
Can I apply with a three-year college degree?
Yes, you can apply with a three-year degree. You may need to have your undergraduate transcripts translated to make sure that your education was
equivalent to a four-year degree in the United States. Accepted translation companies can be found at https://www.marist.edu/admission/international/
transcript.html
Are there any prerequisite courses for MSCS and MSIS?
MS in Information Systems Management (MSIS-Systems Management) has 1 prerequisite course. You need to take this course before you apply for the program.
• MATH 130 Introduction to Statistics I
MS in Software Development (MSCS) has 4 prerequisites courses. These courses can be taken when you arrive at Marist College.
• MSCS 501 Object-Oriented Programming
• MSCS 502 Advanced Data Structures
• ITS 321 Computer Organization and Architecture
• MATH 250 Discrete Mathematics
Most students who choose the MSCS Master of Science in Computer Science Software Development are required to take both MSCS 501 and MSCS 502
at Marist College. There will be an opportunity for you to test out of these two classes during the first week of the semester. If you are required to take these
two courses at Marist College, you should plan to pay for eight additional credit hours when making a budget.
Most undergraduate statistics courses will prepare you well for the statistics exam.
Are there placement exams?
Yes. During the first week of class you will be given placement exams. Most MSCS students are required to take two prerequisite courses, and most MSCS
students test out of the other two prerequisite courses. If you are required to take the prerequisite courses, plan for the cost of four additional credit hours
for each required course. Most MSIS students pass the placement test for Statistics.
Can I prepare for the placement exam ahead of time?
Yes. The MSCS placement exam focuses on Java and Advanced Data Structures. The MSIS exam focuses on Introduction to Statistics.
I have a BS in Engineering – Will I still have to take a placement exam, and will any prerequisites be waived?
Yes, all students applying to MSCS have to take a placement exam. Out of the four prerequisites for MSCS, two will be waived if you are an Engineering
student. Based on the outcome of the placement exam, the other two may be waived.
How do I apply for MSCS or MSIS?
You can apply for either program at www.think.marist.edu/applynow
What are the documents that I need to send when I apply to Marist?
The following documents may be sent to Graduate@Marist.edu for your application:
Application - Fill out this form on-line at www.think.marist.edu/applynow
Bachelor’s Degree transcript with First Class graduation (minimum 60%, or 7/10 CGPA)
Include your semester markssheets, consolidated markssheet, and provisional certificate
If you have not graduated yet, send all of your markssheets that are available.
TOEFL score of 80 or higher, IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, or PTE score of 58 or higher
GRE score of 280 or higher
2 Letters of recommendation
Resume
Statement of Purpose
If you are accepted, you must also provide the following documents for an I20 to be requested:
• Passport
• Bank Statement (showing sufficient US dollars to support your needs for one school year)
• Affidavit
*Your Bank Statement and Affidavit must be no more than six months old.
Can I transfer Master’s degree credits from my graduate studies in India?
You may be able to transfer credits. You would need to have transcript evaluation completed by one of these companies https://www.marist.edu/admission/
international/transcript.html . We need to verify that the courses are equivalent to our graduate courses. You would also need to submit a Course
Description of each course that is to be transferred. We will transfer a maximum of six credit hours.
Can I have courses waived if I already completed a Master’s Degree in India?
Waiving courses is different from transferring courses. MSIS students may be able to have courses waived if relevant, but the student must take a minimum
of 30 credit hours of graduate work to earn the Master’s degree. Students in MSCS would not be able to waive classes, since any waived class will reduce
the total number of credit hours earned to under 30 credits, so the degree could not be conferred. We should aim to determine if the courses could be
transferred - so the student will be able to apply credits toward the degree.
If I have a Master’s Degree in India, will you waive the GRE?
No. The GRE is required of all international students.
Is there a timeline to send the documents?
Admission documents for Fall are due by June 15*
Admission documents for Spring are due by November 1*
*Applications will be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the application deadlines.
How long does it take to know my admission status?
Once all of your admission documents are received, you will usually have an admission decision within two weeks. You can check the status of your
application online at any time. You will receive log in information when you apply online.
Is the college well established and reputed?
Yes, Marist College is accredited by Middle States Accreditation. Information about accreditation can be found at http://www.marist.edu/ir/factbook/
accreditation.html
When are I-20’s issued?
I-20’s can be issued as soon as you are accepted, your official GRE and language Test Scores, Passport, Affidavit and Bank Statements are received. Your
financial documents need to be less than six months old.
For a 2 years Master’s program, how much money would I need?
Please see current financial information at https://www.marist.edu/admission/international/pdfs/declarationoffinances_grad.pdf
The amounts shown are for a nine-month school year. If you plan to live in the United States during the summer, you would need additional money.
Can I work on campus?
Students with F-1 VISAs can apply to work on campus. Jobs are limited and competitive. Opportunities exist in the information technology department, food
service, and other areas. Most students do not get employment in their first semester. Do not plan on campus employment when you create your budget.
The United States government does not allow students with an F-1 VISA to work off campus, unless it is an internship approved by the college. For this
reason you are not allowed to work off campus.
Can I finish my Master’s degree in 1.5 years?
Finishing your degree in 1.5 years is possible for MSCS students, but it is very rare. You would need to test out of all prerequisite courses, and take a heavy
course load. Almost all students in MSCS are unable to test out of two prerequisite courses, MSCS 501 Object-Oriented Programming and MSCS 502
Advanced Data Structures.
Will I be able to keep my VISA if I change from an undergraduate program to a graduate program in a different major?
Changing to a new school does not cancel your VISA. You can apply to have your SEVIS changed to Marist College if you are accepted.
What is Marist’s policy on academic dishonesty?
You can find Marist College Academic Honesty Policy here
http://www.marist.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/handbook/academichonestypolicy.html
Revised April 2016