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M.S. Applicants

Overview

Admission to the M.S. program is coordinated by the Emory Laney Graduate School.

Students who are admitted to the Masters in Computer Science (MS) program, whether from the US or international, are eligible to receive a 50% tuition scholarship for two years, assuming satisfactory progress through the program. There are no teaching assistantships available for MS programs.

Our MS program is technical 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. Placement and career support is offered to assist with internship placements.

Minimal requirements for admission to the MS program:

  1. * Java (or C++), C recommended * While Python is popular, we prefer that you also have knowledge of a general purpose programming language above.
  2. Knowledge in Data Structure and Algorithms comparable to Emory's CS 253 course. The syllabus of CS 253 can be found here, with extensive lecture notes. You can test your knowledge with the homework on this web page.
  3. Combined TOEFL score of at least 85 (90 recommended). TOEFL iBT "Special Home Edition", TOEFL ITP Plus, IETLS, Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are acceptable.

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

Click here for detailed application requirements Click here for more detailed instructions 

Applying to the Emory CSI graduate programs (M.S.)

The application process for our Ph.D. and M.S. programs involves the following steps.

  • Transcripts: We will need copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, including your current one. They must be in English. and issued by the registrar's at your university. We do not require official transcripts (issued by the registrar's at your university) as part of the application process, only if and when you are offered and accept admission.
  • GRE scores: required for MS admissions. We will need your official GRE general exam score to be sent to us (institution code 5187). We will consider an unofficial score for initial admission consideration, but an official score score is required before enrollment. Note: GRE scores are not required for PhD admissions but will be considered if submitted.
  • TOEFL scores: required for both MS and Ph.D. admissions: For Internet-based TOEFL test, a minimum total score of 85 is required (90 recommended), and for the paper-based TOEFL test, a total score of 600 is required. For IELTS, 7 is the minimum score for admission. IETLS, Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are acceptable. This requirement can be waived for applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree, or a 2+ year MS degree, in a country where English is the primary language.
  • Statement of purpose: Write candidly about why you want to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and informatics, what kind of questions you have worked on in the past, what you intend to focus on in your studies and how you plan to use the research experience in your longer-term plan.
  • Curriculum Vitae: Provide a document listing relevant experiences and accomplishments, such as internships, awards and research experiences, that you believe will strengthen your application.
  • Recommendation letters: We require three professionals with knowledge about your academic performance to write letters that evaluate your research potential and your teaching experience. Your application cannot be processed before we have received these letters.
  • Application fee: The application fee is $75. The fee can be paid by credit card as part of the online application. The fee can also be paid by electronic check. Please be aware that this payment option adds several days of processing time before we receive the application. Applicants experiencing financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver.

Application deadlines

Note: TOEFL scores are required for international students. The expected score total should be 90 or above.
  • M.S. program. The deadline for applying to our M.S. program for possible Fall admission is March 1 of that year (e.g. for Fall 2024 admissions, the deadline is March 1, 2024).
  • Please note we DO NOT offer Spring semester admissions for either the Ph.D. or M.S. programs

Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Program Coordinator with questions about the application process.

We look forward to receiving your application!