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MS In Computer Science/IT Admission Requirements: What Do Top Universities Expect?
- Anand Patinge
- April 29, 2023
- 9:47 pm
Applying for a master’s program in computer science or information technology?
To bring order to the chaos, you need first to understand the admission requirements – academic prerequisites, standardised tests, letters of recommendation, and the list is long.
Stay with us as we uncover all the admission requirements and help you prepare an application.
Understanding the Common Expectations of Universities for Applicants
Prospective students often wonder about the expectations that universities have for their applicants in higher education. It’s a crucial question and surely needs to be answered.
Universities evaluate applicants based on factors such as academic programs, educational qualifications, and background.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to succeed in university admissions. Here are some common expectations to take note of.
Academic Requirements
A strong academic background is one of the most important admission requirements for an MS in Computer Science and IT.
Academic requirements for MS in Computer Science and Information Technology include a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Additionally, some programs may require applicants to have completed specific undergraduate coursework like
- Computer programming (e.g., Java, Python)
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Computer architecture
- Database systems and operating systems
- Statistics
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence.
These courses are often prerequisites for advanced coursework in MS in Computer Science and Information Technology.
Applicants should also have a solid foundation in mathematics, including calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics courses.
Meeting these academic requirements ensures applicants have the necessary background to succeed in an MS in Computer Science and IT program.
Test Scores
Test scores are another critical admission requirement for MS in Computer Science and IT programs.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is the most commonly required standardized test for MS programs. The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
In addition, many programs also require applicants to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if they are non-native English speakers.
Test Name | Required Score |
Graduate Record Examination | Varies by Program |
Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) | 90+ |
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) | 6.5+ |
Work Experience
Work experience is sometimes required for admission to an MS in Computer Science and IT program. It can help strengthen an applicant’s profile. You must demonstrate practical skills and knowledge in the field.
Some programs may also offer credits or waive certain courses based on an applicant’s work experience.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are essential to the MS in Computer Science and Information Technology application process.
Most programs require at least two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. These letters provide insight into an applicant’s academic abilities, research potential, and professional qualifications.
Top 8 MS in CS & IT programs
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Prerequisites:
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications.
GRE Scores:
- Required for all applicants. No minimum score is specified.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
- Required for international applicants. Minimum scores: 90 for TOEFL and 7 for IELTS.
Pearson Test Of English (PTE) Academic
- Minimum: 60 and Recommended: 70
Cambridge English Qualifications (C1 Advanced Or C2 Proficiency)
- Minimum: 185 and recommended: 190
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum: 120 and recommended: 125
Application Documents and Deadlines
- The application deadline for the Fall semester is the end of the previous year.
- You must take the required tests before November 30 for Early Action and before December 31 for Regular Action. Required documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives, a resume, and a writing sample.
- Required documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of objectives, a resume, and a writing sample.
Application Fee
- $75 for domestic and $100 for international applicants.
2. Carnegie Mellon University
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications
GRE Scores
- Required for all applicants. No minimum score is specified.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
- Required for international applicants. Minimum scores: 102 for TOEFL and 7.5 for IELTS.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum: 125 or above
Application Documents and Deadlines
- The application deadline for the Fall semester is the end of the previous year.
- Required documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, and a writing sample.
Application Fee
- $75 for domestic applicants and $85 for international applicants.
3. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related fields with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python
- Demonstrated excellence in research and academic performance
GRE Scores
- Required for all applicants. No minimum score is specified.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
- Required for international applicants. Minimum scores: 100 for TOEFL and 7.5 for IELTS.
Application Documents and Deadlines
- Transcripts from all universities attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose (maximum 1,000 words)
- Resume or CV
- Research statement (maximum 1,000 words)
- Application fee: $100 for all applicants
4. University of California, Berkeley
Prerequisites
- A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications
GRE Scores
- Required for all applicants. No minimum score is specified.
TOEFL and IELTS Scores
- Required for international applicants. Minimum scores: 90 for TOEFL and 7 for IELTS.
Application Documents and Deadlines
- The application deadline for the Fall semester is the end of the previous year.
- Required documents include transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume, and a writing sample.
Application Fee
- $120 for domestic and $140 for international applicants.
5. WPI: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications
GRE scores
- No minimum score specified
TOEFL scores
- A minimum score of 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based)
Application documents and deadlines:
- Online Application form with a personal statement, resume, and transcripts by January 15 for Fall admission and September 15 for Spring admission
Application fee
- $70 (as of 2023)
6. Baruch: Baruch College (City University of New York)
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and coursework in computer science and mathematics
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications
GRE scores
- No minimum score specified
TOEFL scores
- A minimum score of 100 (internet-based) or 600 (paper-based)
Application documents and deadlines:
- Online Application form with a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation by February 1 for Fall admission and September 15 for Spring admission
- Application fee: $125 (as of 2023)
7. CSI: College of Staten Island (City University of New York)
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and coursework in computer science and mathematics
GRE scores
- No minimum score specified
TOEFL scores
- A minimum score of 79 (internet-based) or 550 (paper-based)
Application documents and deadlines:
- Online application form with a personal statement, resume, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation by February 15 for Fall admission and October 1 for Spring admission
Application fee
- $75 (as of 2023)
8. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Prerequisites:
- Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Background in data structures, algorithms, computer organization, and programming languages like Java, C++, or Python.
- A demonstrated interest and aptitude for analytics and its business applications
GRE and GMAT scores:
- GRE is required for all applicants, and the average GRE score for admitted students is around 325. GMAT scores are also accepted.
TOEFL and IELTS score:
- International students whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
- The minimum TOEFL score required is 100, and the minimum IELTS score required is 7.0.
Application Documents
- The deadline for the Fall semester is January 1, and the Spring semester is July 1. In addition, applicants must submit official transcripts, GRE scores, a statement of purpose, a resume, and three letters of recommendation.
Application fee:
- The application fee for domestic students is $75, and for international students, it is $85.
So, what next?
To give yourself the best chance of getting accepted into a Master’s degree in Computer Science or IT, start preparing early on and explore funding opportunities like scholarships or assistantships.
Taking a comprehensive approach to the application process can really pay off and help you achieve your academic and career goals.