How It Works

Our Performance-Based Admissions is all about finding the right talent by focusing on practical skills and potential, not just transcripts and test scores. We look for people who are ready to dive into software engineering and tackle real-world problems. Here’s a summary of how skills-based admissions works:

Apply

The first step is to complete an application. This will then be reviewed by our admissions team.

We’re really interested in your work history, a technical portfolio, any links to code you have (i.e. GitHub), etc.

Pass Admissions Process

You will need to pass through and complete the admissions process. This includes interviews, a technical take home, a technical interview, etc. It’s similar to the job interview process for software positions - we want to witness your skills!

Complete 25% of Program

Once you enroll, you start the curriculum as you would in a normal cohort. You MUST complete the first 25% of the MSCS Curriculum with a MINIMUM score of 90. Doing so means you convert to a fully enrolled student and you continue your studies to finish the degree program.

What We Look For

Hands-on Projects Completed

We want to see projects that you’ve built, things you’ve worked on, and code that you have written. You’ll also complete a project that demonstrates your ability to build and debug real software.

Technical and Professional Skills

Show us how you approach coding challenges designed to test practical problem-solving. Highlight how you communicate, work with others, and handle challenges in a collaborative setting.

A Growth Mindset and Willingness to Work

We value curiosity and a willingness to learn—traits that are key for a successful engineering career. In this field, the only way you get good is by writing a lot of code - that takes work, and we want workers!

The Admissions & Conditional Enrollment Process

Admission based on performance and on technical skills and competencies works in a similar manner to our normal admissions process for those who have a Bachelor’s degree.

Admission is considered “conditional” meaning you have to meet the conditions required in order to be considered a fully enrolled student.

‍Application and Coding Challenge
Submit an application sharing your background, goals, and coding experience. In some cases, you will be sent a coding challenge to demonstrate core programming abilities - similar to HackerRank or LeetCode.
MUCH greater depth of fundamentals, data structures, algorithms
Freedom and flexibility in learning – i.e. time to learn what you don’t understand
Hugely diverse and welcoming learning community
Depth and breadth of languages, technical skills, and frameworks covered
Extensive technical interview, resume, and profile training/resources
Industry-leading coding and learning management platform
Access to alumni network for referrals to jobs

Why We Do Performance-based Admissions

Bachelor’s Degree Don’t Indicate Coding Skills

Universities do NOT have a monopoly on teaching people to code via a Bachelor’s degree. You can learn to code elsewhere and be an excellent candidate for a Master’s degree.

Bachelor Degrees are EXPENSIVE

It’s a bit ridiculous that institutions require spending lots more money and time (preferably with them) to earn admission to an MSCS program. And Bachelor’s degrees are expensive.

Great Engineers Often Hated Traditional Education

Engineers are doers, makers, and problem-solvers. The traditional education system is not really designed to such activities. Great engineers might be awful test takers. So requiring a degree doesn’t make sense in this field for admission.

Program Options

Full-time and part-time programs available in a remote-first setting.

Part Time,
Tuesday Evenings, Saturdays

Study on a part-time basis with somewhat flexible options on course meetings.

Project deadlines based on start date.

24 months

START DATES

24 Jun 2025 • 22 Sept 2025

Apply Now

Full Time,
Monday to Friday

Study full-time with meetings and coursework Monday through Friday, similar to a full-time job.

13-month intensive timeline.