Graduate Field
Computer Science
Program Description
The Master of Science in the field of Computer Science program elevates your computer science expertise through advanced coursework while offering valuable teaching experience with undergraduates. The fully-funded program combines graduate-level research with hands-on teaching opportunities, designed for self-motivated researchers and communicators who thrive in a research environment and enjoy mentoring others. This is a two-year research degree. The MS Degree is a small program with strong preference for Cornell undergraduates.
Concentrations
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science
- Programming languages and logics
- Scientific computing and applications
- Systems
- Theory of computation
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 4
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: Second Year
- Masters Exam (M Exam): Spring of fourth year
- Thesis: Spring of second year
Field Specific Milestones
- Four semesters of teaching assistantship required
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students.
Graduate School Enrollment Requirements
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students each semester through graduation. These courses include:
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, January 18
Requirements Summary
A bachelor's degree in computer science (CS) is expected but applicants who have majored in another field and minored in CS will be fully considered. Applicants must have a proven record of excellence as an undergraduate grader/TA in a computer science course. Experience as an undergraduate researcher is highly recommended.
The Application
A complete application consists of (a) transcripts of all college-level work, (b) three letters of recommendation including at least one that addresses expository skills and the ability to work in a classroom setting, and (c) an essay that explains how the degree program and the anticipated thesis area resonates with career plans. All applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement. TOEFL scores on the writing, listening, and reading components must be 24 or higher and 28 or higher for the speaking component. IELTS scores must be 7.0 or higher.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: cs-ms@cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-8231
Campus Address: 233 Bowers Computing and Information Science Building
Website: https://www.cs.cornell.edu/master-science-computer-science
