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CS MS Applicants


Program Highlights

 
Prestigious Faculty

Partial Tuition Scholarship 

STEM Designated Degree
Flexible Curriculum

Fall & Spring start

1.5 to 2 years for degree completion 

Small Class Sizes 

Average class size of 35 students

Reseach Opportunities

60% of students participate in research or special projects 


Curriculum Overview

Our Masters in Computer Science (CS MS) program is technical and practical in nature, where programming-based homework and projects are expected in almost every course. Additionally, a real-world practicum (typically, as a software engineer intern) is required, to be completed during or after the Summer after the first year in the MS program. Please see our program requirements to learn more about the curriculum. 

Program Finances

Students who are admitted to the CS MS program, whether from the US or international, will be automatically considered for tuition scholarships. No additional application is necessary.

The level of scholarship varies, but is expected to be approximately 40% for the 2025-26 academic year; i.e. students will be responsible for 60% of tuition costs. 

For a detailed break down of the expected cost of attendance please see the Laney Graduate School Cost of Attendance summary. 

Minimum Admissions Requirements

In exceptional cases, a student not satisfying one of the minimal requirements below may still be admitted, with the expectation of doing "bridge" work before or during their first semester, to catch up on the requirements before enrolling in standard CS graduate courses.

Java, C, or C++ is recommended. While Python is acceptable, we prefer that you also have knowledge of a general-purpose programming language.

While we do not have a specific set of courses that applicants must complete, our curriculum requires that you have experience with foundational quantitative and computer science concepts. Most students demonstrate this experience through their transcript, but this can also be demonstrated through projects, internships, and work experience.

The courses provided here serve as a guide for you to evaluate your preparation. 

Foundational Quantitative Courses
  • Linear Algebra (Highly suggested)
  • Discrete structures (Highly suggested)

Foundational Computer Science Courses 

  • Algorithms (Highly suggested)
  • Data structures (Highly suggested)
  • Intro to programming (Highly suggested)
  • Databases
  • Systems
  • Computer Architecture

International students must demonstrate English Proficiency. Details on this can be found in the application section below.

APPLYING TO THE EMORY CS MS PROGRAM

Admission to the CS MS program is coordinated by the Emory Laney Graduate School and requires the following:

A one-page statement explaining the reasons you are interested in attending the CS MS program at Emory.

  • The statement should be well-organized, concise, and completely free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
  • Additionally, consider addressing the following points if they pertain to you:

    • Grades below a C, particularly those in CS-related coursework
    • Gaps in your education or other anomalies on your transcript
    • If you lack a strong accademic preparation for CS coursework, provide evidence in your statement of purpose and resume/CV

A document listing relevant experiences and accomplishments, such as internships, awards, and research experiences, that you believe will strengthen your application.
  • If you lack a strong accademic preparation for CS coursework, provide evidence in your statement of purpose and resume/CV

Unofficial copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, including your current one.

  • Must be in English. 
  • While we do not require official transcripts as part of the application process. Official transcripts need to be submitted only if and when you are offered and accept admission.

 

One letter of recommendation from an instructor or professional with a computer science orientation who can speak to your potential for success in advanced studies of computer science.
  • Your application cannot be processed before we have received one letter.
  • While you may submit additional letters, you will not be penalized for only submitting one letter

International students must demonstrate English Proficiency. The Internet-based TOEFL test serves as the default test with a required minimum combined score of 85. A score of 90 is recommended to be competitive.
  • This requirement can be waived for international applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree, or a 2+ year MS degree, in a country where English is the primary language or where English is the medium of instruction. You can indicate this on your application. 
  • Accepted alternatives to the TOEFL are listed below
    • IELTS - Minimum score of 600
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) - Minimum score of 60
    • Duolingo English Test -  120

$75 application fee

The institutional code for Emory University, which includes Laney Graduate School, for the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL is 5187.

While the GRE is not required, you are encouraged to self-report your GRE score in your application. This data can help demonstrate your quantitative aptitude and analytical writing skills. Applicants who do not submit a GRE score will not be penalized.