Online Masters of Science

Applications for the Fall 2024 semester will be considered until August, 1st 2024.

Finding VIP Teams

Some VIP team projects are well suited to Online Masters of Science students.  On the team listings page (upper left item in menu bar), OMS is listed as a separate major so students can identify teams that accept or will consider OMS students.  There are four designations: Analytics synchronous; Analytics asynchronous; Computer Science synchronous; Computer Science asynchronous.  Students who participate asynchronously will not attend the full team meeting, but they will meet synchronously with their subteam at another time during the week.  These subteam meetings are scheduled by students on the team.

OMS students are encouraged to email the advisor of the team prior to submitting their applications. Also, in the motivation box on the application page, please indicate your time zone and your employer.

Apply by the Posted Deadline

Because special sections are created for OMS students, it is important to apply by the specified deadline. Changes in the number of credit hours and switching to a new team both require the creation of a new section.  After the OMS deadline, these changes may not be possible.

Credits

OMS students can register for 1,2, or 3 credit hours. However, there is a maximum of 6 credit hours an OMSCS student can register for per semester, and VIP courses count towards the credit maximum. These restrictions are set by the OMSCS program and inquiries pertaining the restriction should be directed to your OMSCS academic advisor.

 

APPLY TO VIP
  1. Choose a team to which you'd like to apply.  The team listings are available here.
  2. Campus VPN is required to access the application form. If you are not on campus, connect to campus via VPN (Virtual Private Network, instructions here).
  3. Complete the online application form.


Please note:

  • OMS students can participate in VIP in their second semester and later. Application deadlines differ slightly. 
  • You can only apply to one team at a time.
  • If you are not approved (team already has too many students from your academic rank/major, etc.), you can apply to another team.
  • If you change your mind about which team you would like, either before or after you are approved, you can apply to join a different team, and the new application will replace the old one
  • VIP operates as a course.  New students join at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters.
  • VIP is not offered in the summer, but continuing students may be able to continue their work in the summer through independent study with their instructor.
     

Time Conflicts

New students cannot have a time conflict with their team meeting.

Registration Permits

  • If you have been accepted, your acceptance will remain valid, even if your registration permit has not been issued yet.
  • You won't be able to register until a permit is issued. Permits are issued during active registration periods, so that you receive the Course Registration Number when you need it. 
  • Permits are only issued to students via the application system above.
  • Students registering for the 2 and 3-credit option must also register for the un-supervised lab in addition to your section. The CRN for the lab is included in the email from VIP indicating your permit was issued.

 

Switching Teams

The VIP Program does not allow students to freely switch from team to team. As a disincentive, students are typically asked to take a one-semester break between participation on one team and another. Students seeking exception to this rule should provide a detailed explanation in the comments section in the online application.