
Master's Programs Admissions
The admissions processes for our master's options vary. Students applying to the Master’s program in Computer Science must apply online.
MSCS Admissions
The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program uses the School of Computer Science online application for admissions. Students are admitted for the fall semester and cannot begin in the spring.
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The application opens September 6, 2023.
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Early Deadline: November 29, 2023 (3 PM EST)
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Final Deadline: December 13, 2023 (3 PM EST)
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If you submit your application by the early deadline, your recommenders continue to have access to submit recommendations until the December 13th deadline.
MSCS Application Process
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You must submit the following with your application.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE):
Submitting GRE scores is highly recommended. If you cannot provide them, please briefly explain in your application. GRE scores are waived for applicants who have graduated from, or are enrolled at, Carnegie Mellon University.
TOEFL or IELTS Test:
If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you (native language is defined as spoken at home from birth), we are required to formally evaluate your English proficiency via one of these standardized tests:
- TOEFL (preferred)
- IELTS
- Duolingo
We do not accept the "TOEFL ITP Plus for China,” since speaking is not scored. Applicants currently in mainland China are encouraged to take the IELTS test.
The Computer Science Department follows the Language Proficiency Policy set by the School of Computer Science and does not issue waivers for non-native English speakers.
Please refer to details on the SCS Frequently Asked Questions page and in the Graduate Application Instructions.
Transcripts: A PDF of your most recent transcript from each college and/or university you attended, even if no degree was granted.
Resume/CV: Please submit in PDF format.
Statement of Purpose: Provide a concise one- or two-page essay describing your primary research interests, related experiences and objective in pursuing a Masters in computer science.
Three letters of recommendation: At least two letters should be from faculty or recent employers.
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Early application deadline fee $80 per program.
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Application fee after November 29, $100 per program.
We expect all applicants to submit payment with their online application. However, we do waive the required fee under certain circumstances. Fees for application to a limited number of our programs can be waived for participants in certain programs. In addition, if you are unable to pay the application fee, SCS will consider a fee waiver request.
Visit the SCS Fee Waivers page.
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To apply to the Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program please use the School of Computer Science Online Application. Students are admitted for the fall semester and cannot begin in the spring.
For more on the application process, please refer to the SCS Online Graduate Application Instructions.
For general questions about applying to master's degree programs in the School of Computer Science contact: https://www.cs.cmu.edu/about-scs/contact
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Scholarships and financial assistance to the Master of Science Program are not offered by the program at this time.
General financial information is available via the following resources:
Graduate Tuition and Fees:
https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/tuition/graduate/scs.htmlCarnegie Mellon Graduate Student Financial Aid:
https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/financial-aid/graduate/index.html
Fifth Year M.S. Admissions
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The program has the following admissions deadlines for students starting the MS in Spring or Summer 2023, or Fall 2023:
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Application deadline for the Spring entry is Wednesday, October 12, 2022
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Decisions will be announced Friday, November 11, 2022
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Application deadline for Summer or Fall entry is Wednesday, January 25, 2023
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Decisions will be announced Friday, February 17, 2023
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5th Year M.S. Application Process
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he Fifth Year Master’s Program is open only to undergraduate students in the School of Computer science completing a B.S. or major in Computer Science. Students must provide:
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A 1-2 page curriculum vitae.
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A letter of recommendation from your academic sponsor.
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Students from the Qatar campus who have not yet identified an advisor can instead have a letter of recommendation from any faculty member familiar with their research.
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A second letter of recommendation. This letter can come from another faculty member or possibly and outside source (eg., supervisor from a summer internship).
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A two-page statement that covers the following three areas:
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A short description of your career goals.
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An overview of your research experience and how it prepared you for this program.
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A description of the research you plan to undertake if accepted into the Fifth Year Master’s Program
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Students who are working towards a BS in AI from CMU should also include a short paragraph describing how they will satisfy the additional breadth requirements
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A Carnegie Mellon transcript. An unofficial copy of your transcript is acceptable.
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Completed application and advisor form.
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There is no application fee to apply for the Fifth Year Master's Program
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Complete the application and advisor form and provide the items indicated above.
Once completed deliver all required components — including forms, letters of recommendation, CV, etc. — to:
Tracy Farbacher, 7117 Gates Center for Computer Science
Or email competed PDF documents to Tracy at: tt1b@andrew.cmu.edu.
You can also mail them to:
School of Computer Science
Carnegie Mellon University
c/o Tracy Farbacher / 5th Year
7117 Gates Center for Computer Science
5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 -
Complete the application and advisor form and provide the items indicated above.
Once completed deliver all required components — including forms, letters of recommendation, CV, etc. — to:
Tracy Farbacher, 7117 Gates Center for Computer Science
Or email competed PDF documents to Tracy at: tt1b@andrew.cmu.edu.
You can also mail them to:
School of Computer Science
Carnegie Mellon University
c/o Tracy Farbacher / 5th Year
7117 Gates Center for Computer Science
5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213