Frequently Asked Questions

When I try to register for classes, the system says there is an "advisement hold", and that prevents me from registering. What needs to be done so I can register?

The way in which the UTPA registration system operates varies somewhat from 1) semester to semester and 2) person to person. If your registration is prevented by an "advisement hold", please just drop a note to the Department's Graduate Program Director (fowler@utpa.edu) and it will be taken care of. Students registering for the first time should have already been in touch with the Graduate Program Director for general information about the program and course selection. For students further on in the program, if you would like to talk to the Graduate Director about course selection, please feel free to email or call (956/381-3453).

While registering for classes, when I try to register for some classes, the system says "registration denied", and that prevents me from registering for the class. I have checked and I have the prerequisites. What needs to be done so I can register?

The way in which the UTPA registration system operates varies somewhat from 1) semester to semester and 2) person to person. If your registration is prevented by this registration system problem, please just drop a note to the Department's Graduate Program Director (fowler@utpa.edu) and it will be taken care of.

I am having trouble with the online graduate admission system, who do I contact for assistance?

The Embark system for graduate admissions is administered by the UTPA Graduate Office, which can be contacted at 956/381-3661 or gradschool@utpa.edu. The system is relatively new and revisions and corrections are anticipated. The Department of Computer Science receives information after it has been collected through the Embark system and Graduate Office.

Do I need to supply letters of reference? Both the Graduate Office and CS Department web sites say none is needed, but when I register online, the Embark registration system says they are needed.

No, you do not need letters of reference.

I can only attend your university if I receive financial support. Will I be able to get financial support for my studies in the US?

It would be great if it were possible to provide financial support for every student who applies. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Nonetheless, there is a wide range of opportunities that can be pursued, including Teaching Assistantships (see the "Student Support ..." web pages) and employment. In fact essentially all computer science and information technology students who have needed to have been able to find part time employment, mainly on campus, due to high demand for their skills.