Step-by-Step Guide

Joining the cohort (all steps must be complete!):

Note: these steps are accurate as of summer 2025 but are subject to change; if you have any questions you can reach out to Akkady Tchaba at atchaba@neiu.edu.

1. Apply to NEIU as a Certificate/Endorsement Graduate student. (Note that on the application page you should select “Graduate Student-at-large” rather than “Graduate Student!”)

2. When asked for an application waiver, enter: MSCSINFO

3. On the program dropdown menu, select "Computer Science Endorsement."

4. After submitting your application, request an official transcript of your bachelors degree is sent to Graduate Admissions, and attach a photocopy of your active PEL using the dropdown menu on your application homepage.

5. Once admitted, activate your student account, and contact  Akkady Tchaba (atchaba@neiu.edu) and copy me (arasmussen@cps.edu) and cs4all@cps.edu.

6. You will receive information before the end of the school year regarding signing CPS' tuition support agreement, which is required in order to receive the discounted tuition rate for teachers. (This is done only once at the beginning of the program.)

Being a part of the cohort

1. You will be responsible for paying for the course on the deadlines determined by the university.

2. Finish the course successfully (with a 'C' grade or above)

3. Once the course is completed, share the requested documents that we ask for. (Transcript, evidence of tuition payment, etc. —The Office of Computer Science will send out an email at the end of every semester.)

4. Once we have all the documents, we will reimburse you 80% of the tuition fee. (This happens at the end of every semester.)

Useful Contacts