You may have some questions about RIT policies, the Computer Science curriculum, and other academic topics. We have put together information to help clarify these questions. If you can’t find the information you are looking for, feel free to contact us at
gradadvising@cs.rit.edu and we’ll be happy to help.
How many credits do I need to take to be considered a full-time student?
A student taking 12 or more credit hours or a student who is registered for co-op is considered full-time. In addition, a graduate student who has been granted a Full-Time Equivalency by their home department is considered full-time.
How do I apply for Full Time Equivalency?
Full Time Equivalency allows students who need full time status to apply for it while taking less than 12 credits. There is a form the student must fill out in order to gain full time status that can be found here. The student must be registered for something even if it is a zero credit academic class.
Can I withdraw from a course?
Every situation is different. If you are considering withdrawing from a course please talk to the graduate advisor.
I am an International Student; can I take a quarter off?
Generally speaking, students must have been a full-time student for nine (9) months prior to being considered for a vacation quarter. Once this criteria has been met, a student may petition his/her home department to take a vacation quarter, however it is important to remember that as a general rule – international students must be full-time three (3) out of four (4) of the academic quarters in a year to be eligible for a vacation quarter.
When will my scholarship post?
If a student is registered full-time (12 credits or more) scholarships will be pre-posted to bills. If a student is registered for less than 12 credits scholarships will not show on bills. No scholarships will post until two to three weeks after the Add/Drop period.
What criteria do I have to meet in order to go on co-op?
As a graduate student in the Department of Computer Science, you must meet the following criteria in order to be permitted to register for co-op:
-All bridge courses must be complete with a grade of “B” or better.
-In addition to bridge courses, you must have completed 16 credits toward your MS degree.
-You must be in good standing – GPA of 3.0 or higher.
-You must have completed a co-op orientation with the Co-op Office.
-NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE
If I get a co-op offer in week 5, can I accept that co-op (mid-quarter)?
No. Simply stated, as a rule in the Department of Computer Science, students are not allowed to go on co-op mid-quarter. Co-op experiences must be registered by the end of Add/Drop of the quarter they wish to co-op. NO EXCEPTIONS.
What if I have accepted a co-op and get a better offer?
Once you have accepted a co-op you MUST continue with that co-op. If you renege you will fail co-op for that quarter.
Depending on the progress that I am making on my degree, is it possible that my I-20 be extended?
The International Student Services Office works closely with all International Students to monitor academic status and regulation compliance. If a situation arises in which it is not possible to complete your degree requirements in the time allotted on your I-20, the CS department will work with you and the International Student Services Office to devise a plan for your successful completion of your degree. This is an individualized process and I-20s are extended based on each student's circumstances.
May I take a graduate course in the School of Informatics and count it as an elective in the CS program?
No. Courses from the School of Informatics may not be used to fill the degree requirements for a MS in Computer Science.
I repeated a course, but both grades are used to calculate my GPA. Why?
Graduate students may not replace grades on their transcript by retaking a course. The average of the two grades will be counted in your GPA. The option to replace grades is only available to undergraduate students.
I don’t think that Computer Science is for me, what should I do if I am considering changing my major?
The first thing you should do is meet with the graduate advisor. Your advisor will discuss options with you, refer you to different departments to learn more about them and initiate the change of program paperwork that needs to be completed. In the Computer Science department, YOU MUST meet with the graduate advisor before we will send change of program paperwork to another department.
How do I arrange to see the graduate advisor?
There are weekly graduate office hours and graduate advisor is also available by appointment. To schedule an appointment to see an advisor, call 585.475.2995, stop by the CS Student Services Office (GOL-3005), or email
gradadvising@rit.edu.
How can I meet with the Graduate Coordinator?
Please inquire about the Graduate Coordinator’s schedule in the main CS office (GOL-3005) or email
gradadvising@rit.edu.
How can I schedule an appointment with my faculty advisor?
Faculty advisors post their advising hours outside their office doors. You can also call or email the faculty member for an appointment. Contact information and office hours for faculty members are posted on each Professor's website. An online directory of the CS Faculty can be found here.
