Frequently Asked Questions
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Academic Information

1) Are the books costly in US?

2) What are the books I have to bring?

3) What is GPA? How do I calculate my undergrad GPA?

4) How many semesters it takes to complete MS at UHCL?

5) How many courses do I have to take for Masters?

6) How can I know about the faculty at UHCL and the courses they are offering?

7) What are prerequisites?

8) How can I get my prerequisites waived?

9) What are credit hours and how many credit hours do I have to complete for Masters?

10) How different are CS (computer science) and CIS (computer information systems)?

11) How different are CS (computer science) and CENG (computer engineering)?


Answers

Q1: Are the books costly in US?
A: It is definitely more advisable to buy at least a few books from India itself, as they cost anything from $50-$120 here. You can also find used books on various websites which are in affordable prices to students.
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Q2: What are the books I have to bring?
A: Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering
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Q3: What is GPA? How do I calculate my undergrad GPA?
A: GPA is grade point average. All universities in United States follow the GPA system unlike the percentage system followed in India. It might not be appropriate to convert the percentage to GPA and you are not required to put in your undergrad GPA in your application. You can put in your undergrad percentage when asked for GPA.
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Q4: How many semesters it takes to complete MS at UHCL?
A: It depends on the number of courses you take per semester. Usually all the students take 3 courses per semester in that case you can complete MS is 4 regular semesters.
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Q5: How many courses do I have to take for Masters?
A: It depends on the program. For Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Computer Engineering and Software Engineering programs you have to complete 12 courses. For courses like Management Information systems, you might have to take few more courses.
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Q6: How can I know about the faculty at UHCL and the courses they are offering?
A: Refer to the departmental websites. If you want to learn more on courses, you can request the professor to mail you a copy of the syllabus.
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Q7: What are prerequisites?
A: These are the minimum requirements for enrolling in a course. Each course has its own prerequisites. You might be asked to do some prerequisite courses in UHCL when your undergrad syllabus doesn't cover those courses.
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Q8: How can I get my prerequisites waived?
A: If you think that the prerequisite courses imposed by the admissions department were covered in undergrad you can get your prerequisites waived. You need to talk to your faculty advisor upon arriving in UHCL to waive the prerequisites.
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Q9: What are credit hours and how many credit hours do I have to complete for Masters?
A: Courses taken towards your degree are measured in terms of credit hours. You have to complete 36 credit hours if your major is CS,CIS,CENG or SWEN. Each course is equivalent to 3 credit hours.
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Q10: How different are CS (computer science) and CIS (computer information systems)?
A: CS and CIS are very similar. The difference comes in the core courses. Core courses are the courses you have to take to complete Masters.
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Q11: How different are CS (computer science) and CENG (computer engineering)?
A: CS and CENG are very different. CS is for the students from computer science background and CENG is for students who have electrical background.
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Note : If you are not satisfied with any of the answers provided here, you can post in your question on the Discussion Board of ISAUHCL for further clarification. All the ISA members are willing to help you on the discussion board.Also check the previous questions asked, so that you wont repeat the same question. For suggestions mail webmaster (AT) isauhcl.org