MS Admissions FAQ

Our MS program is designed for students with a strong background in computer science. This includes education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas, but who have an otherwise strong background in computer science, may be admitted with prerequisite courses.

Yes.

While we do not have a minimum GPA requirement, we recommend that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).

We do not have minimum required GRE scores. As a rule of thumb, the average percentiles of our admitted students are 60% for Verbal and 80% for Quantitative.

Fall semester admission: March 15
Please note that we no longer offer spring admissions

No.

We allow materials to be added to to applications after the due date has passed, but we do not guarantee that they will be considered with the previously-submitted application.

For a list of required materials, please refer to the application instructions included with the Graduate Application for Admission. Please also note that the application fee must be paid for an application to be processed.

Your application is considered complete when we receive the required materials as listed above, along with the application fee.

The application fee is currently $95.

Unfortunately, we do not grant application fee waivers for MS applications.

No. Submission of GRE General test scores is optional. The Computer Science subject test is also not required.

All applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Information on the countries which are exempt from this requirement, as well as minimum requires scores can be found on the Prospective International Students page.

No. Applicants must arrange to have official test scores sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate School. Photocopies cannot be used as a substitute.

No.

For issues related to the online application system, please contact Applicant Support at grs-info.bu@liaisoncas.com or +1-857-304-2002.

Tuition and fees can be found on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website. Please note that international students on a visa must be full-time unless they are in their last semester.

All admitted MS students will be considered for our merit-based scholarships upon review of their application.

Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students with a strong background in computer science. Strong consideration is given to women and under-represented minorities.

Merit-based scholarships are generally between $5,000 and $30,000 per semester of full-time study.

Yes. All students receiving a merit-based scholarship must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, must receive grades of B- or higher, and must be full time.

Need-based financial aid is not offered by the Department of Computer Science. Information on governmental financial aid can be found at:

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis starting in December.

Scholarships are awarded either at the time of admission or shortly after.

Due the rolling basis of our admissions cycle, we request your patience in waiting for your admission decision. If you submitted your complete application and have not heard from us for more than two months, please email cs@bu.edu.

If your application is reviewed at the beginning of our rolling admissions review, but are unable to make a decision on your application at that time, we may add you to our wait list.

Wait-listed applicants are reviewed again at the end of our admissions cycle and are generally notified 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

All students receive a Master of Science degree.

Yes. As long as you complete the necessary requirements, you can easily switch between our four MS degrees.

The average student takes three semesters to complete their degree.

Yes. Students are required to take 8 courses to complete their degree and may take 4 courses per semester without overloading.

No.