The MS in Computer Science offers students the education needed to place at the forefront of computing research, education, or industry. Through the MS in CS students have the options of a general degree, or a specialization in either Data-Centric Computing or Cybersecurity.
The MS in AI trains students to apply creative thinking, algorithmic design, and coding skills to build modern AI systems. Students will gain deep technical training and expertise in our focus areas of machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
Application Deadline: March 15
Applying to MS in Computer Science
Admissions to all MS programs at the BU Department of Computer Science are managed by the BU Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
Eligibility
- Our MS programs are 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.
- Our program is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree, but we also welcome those with equivalent computer training and experience, as well as students with gaps in their CS background but strong academic records overall. Those interested in our program, but don’t have a CS undergraduate degree are welcome to reach out to us at cs@bu.edu.
- Although we do not require applicants to submit GRE scores, the average percentiles of our admitted students who elected to submit GRE scores are 80% for Quantitative and 60% for Verbal.
- Though it is not required, we recommend that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).
Applications Materials & How to Apply
All applications and materials should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School of Arts Sciences.
To apply students must submit:
- Personal Statement
- Two recommendation letters
- Transcripts: On the application, upload an unofficial copy of your transcript for each institution you have attended. Do not email or mail official transcripts directly to our office. You will be required to submit official transcripts only if you are admitted and accept our offer of admission.
- Official GRE Scores (optional): Although official GRE scores are not required, the Admissions Committee will consider any official GRE scores submitted by applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the application deadline. We do not accept applications passed the deadline. All applications and materials should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Please note that the $95 application fee must be paid for an application to be processed.
Applying to MS in AI
Admissions to all MS programs at the BU Department of Computer Science are managed by the BU Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
Eligibility
- Our MS programs are 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.
- Our program is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree, but we also welcome those with equivalent computer training and experience, as well as students with gaps in their CS background but strong academic records overall. Those interested in our program, but don’t have a CS undergraduate degree are welcome to reach out to us at cs@bu.edu.
- Although we do not require applicants to submit GRE scores, the average percentiles of our admitted students who elected to submit GRE scores are 80% for Quantitative and 60% for Verbal.
- Though it is not required, we recommend that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).
Applications Materials & How to Apply
All applications and materials should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
To apply students must submit:
- Personal Statement
- Two recommendation letters
- Transcripts: On the application, upload an unofficial copy of your transcript for each institution you have attended. Do not email or mail official transcripts directly to our office. You will be required to submit official transcripts only if you are admitted and accept our offer of admission.
- Official GRE Scores (optional): Although official GRE scores are not required, the Admissions Committee will consider any official GRE scores submitted by applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the application deadline. We do not accept applications passed the deadline. All applications and materials should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Please note that the $95 application fee must be paid for an application to be processed.
Application Resources
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
U.S. Federal Financial aid is available to all U.S. permanent residents and citizens. Those who wish to be considered for federal financial aid must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Though it is not exhaustive, BU has some tips on completing the FAFSA on the BU Financial Aid website.
Scholarships
The Department of Computer Science is committed to making our professional MS degree accessible to a wide variety of students. To help with tuition costs, we offer scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for full-time study. All admitted students will be considered for these awards – no separate application is required. If you are selected for an award, you will be notified at the time of your admission.
In the interest of growing a more diverse student body, the we focus on three main categories when awarding MS scholarships:
- Under-represented minorities
- Women and female-identifying students
- High-achieving students
These awards require that the recipient maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout their studies.
Commitment to Diversity
Beyond our scholarships, the BU Department of Computer Science is continually evolving to make our programs more accessible to diverse communities. To aid in this commitment, we are honored to have been selected as a 2019 BRAID Affiliate School.
The CS masters programs at Boston University is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree, but we also welcome those with equivalent computer training and experience, as well as students with gaps in their CS background, but strong academic records overall. Whatever your background, in the Department of Computer Science, you’ll find a dynamic, diverse, and supportive community comprising a first-rate faculty and inspired student body—all located in the culturally and educationally rich city of Boston, Massachusetts, the center of a region with a storied history of technology innovation.
