Computer Science and Mathematics for Scientists

The Computer Science and Mathematics for Scientists (CSMS) project administers National Science Foundation (NSF) funded scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students, who are majoring in science (a mathematical, computer, biological, physical, or geo science), who take Computer Science or Mathematics as a second major. An NSF-CSMS scholarship pays for 8 credits tuition per year, to a maximum of $10000 per year (approximately $9000 in 2007/2008), for up to four years. Seven NSF-CSMS scholarships will be awarded in 2007. Three scholarships are for four years, for new students who will graduate in 2010, and four scholarships are for two years, for existing and transfer students.

Benefits of a NSF-CSMS scholarship include:

• Advising by faculty in both the first major, and in Computer Science or Mathematics.
• Mentoring by senior Computer Science or Mathematics students.
• Tutoring in Computer Science or Mathematics, to aid in attaining scholarship level grades.
• Seminars about the use of Computer Science and Mathematics in science.
• Industry contact with industrial liaison partners who employ scientists with Computer Science or Mathematics skills.
• Placement services with companies who employ scientists with Computer Science or Mathematics skills.

• Be citizens of the United States, nationals of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act), aliens admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
• Be enrolled full time at the University of Miami for a Bachelor of Science degree with a first major in one of the following disciplines ...
  • Biological sciences (except medicine and other clinical fields)
  • Physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, and materials science.
  • Mathematical sciences.
  • Computer and information sciences.
  • Geosciences.
  ... and a second major in either Computer Science or Mathematics ...
  • The 33 credit major in Computer Science.
  • The 35 credit major in Mathematics.
• Demonstrate academic potential or ability.
• Demonstrate financial need, as defined by the US Department of Education rules for need-based Federal financial aid, by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Meet with their Computer Science or Mathematics advisor as required, at least once a semester.
• Read and reply to email sent by the CSMS project coordinator or CSMS advisor.
• Take at least two courses per year contributing to their second major, unless explicitly exempted by their secondary advisor (e.g., as may be necessary due to course offering patterns, etc). Progress may be reduced for maximally one year.
• Achieve at least a C- in the courses contributing to their second major. Maximally one grade may be less than a C-, and that course must be repeated.
• Maintain a GPA of 2.5 in the courses contributing to their second major. The GPA may drop below 2.5 for maximally one semester.
• Attend supplementary (free) tutoring sessions if the GPA in the courses contributing to their second major drops below 3.0, either overall or in any semester.
• Attend CSMS industry liaison seminars, approximately two per semester.
• Complete an exit evaluation at the end of the scholarship period.

• All freshmen applicants admitted to the University of Miami, who meet the requirements listed above, will be considered for a CSMS scholarship.
• The CSMS management team will solicit personal statements of interest from eligible students, by email in February.

• The CSMS management team invites eligible students to submit applications in February.

• This application form must be completed.
• A one page personal statement must be provided, explaining ...
  • The applicant's motivation for pursuing a major in Computer Science or Mathematics, in conjunction with scientific studies.
  • How second major in Computer Science or Mathematics will contribute to the applicant's career.
• A copy of school transcripts (for incoming freshmen) or university transcripts (existing and transfer students) must be provided.
• The application package must be sent to ...
  Geoff Sutcliffe
  Department of Computer Science
  University of Miami
  P.O. Box 248154
  Coral Gables
  FL 33124
• The application and personal statement will be considered in conjunction with educational and other records.
• A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must have been filed, to establish financial need.
• Scholarships will be awarded as part of the University's financial aid packages.
• Recipients must declare a second major in either Computer Science or Mathematics.

• Queries can be sent to Geoff Sutcliffe - geoff@cs.miami.edu.