Master of Engineering
Reach higher in the computing industry by earning a coursework-only Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in computer science.
Advantages
- Full time students can complete the degree in as little as three semesters.
- No thesis required.
- Part-time option.
- Competitively priced with scholarships available for Virginia residents.
- Offered mainly in the D.C. area.
- Provides training in software development, communications skills, and ethical issues related to computing technology.
- Access to a broad range of specialty areas, including software and applications, data analytics, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and security.
- Students at Tech Talent Pipeline partner instutions may qualify for our fast track degree program.
What we offer
Supplying strong technical training, the M.Eng is best suited for students entering the computing profession.
Students may attend on a part-time, full-time, or full-time accelerated basis. Full-time students could reasonably earn M.Eng in computer science and applications degree in about three semesters.
Tracks:
- Software development and applications
- Data analytics and artificial intelligence
- Computer security
- Human-computer interaction (Blacksburg campus only)
Project-based learning track
Students who wish to learn software engineering and design by doing an industry-led, hands-on, multi-semester project can explore the M.Eng project-based learning track.
These students are trained by our world-class faculty, technical subject matter experts, and industry leaders. This track offers students advanced skills and experiences to build their careers.
Course Distribution
Required Courses:
- CS5024: Ethics & Professionalism in CS (3 credits)
- CS5040: Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithm Design* (3 credits)
- CS5934: Capstone Design (3 credits)
* May be waived at admission and replaced by another graduate level course. This is typical for students with a CS undergraduate degree or minor. Note that students may not receive credit for both CS3114 and CS5040.
Concentration Requirement
- Three courses in one of concentration areas (9 credits)
Elective Courses
- Four (if taking CS5040) or five elective courses (12 or 15 credits) at 4000 level or above (list of graduate courses)
- Maximum of six credits at the 4000 level (list of 4000 level courses).
- All courses must be in CS, except one course from an outside department from the approved cognate course list
- Credits from 4000-level courses on the cognate list and most CS4xxx courses can be used for graduate credit, except CS4944, CS4964, CS4974 and CS 4994.
- CS5894 Final Examination, CS5904 Project and Report, CS5944 Graduate Seminar, CS5974 Independent Study, CS5994 Research and Thesis, and CS7994 Research and Dissertation cannot be used to satisfy any MEng credit requirements.
Total number of required courses is 10 (30 credits)
Concentration Requirements
The below information is based on our anticipated offering for 2023-2024 academic year. Course offerings and modality may change in the future terms. This is a tentative schedule of course offering and subject to change. For the most accurate list of course offerings, consult the Virginia Tech Timetable of Classes.
Students must complete three courses in one of the below concentrations.
Software Development & Applications
| Course # | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS 5244* | Web Application Development |
| CS 5254* | Mobile Application Development |
| CS 5704* | Software Engineering |
| CS 5714 | Usability Engineering |
| CS 5744 | Software Design and Quality |
| CS 5774 | User Interface Software |
| CS 5784 | Software Project Management |
*MEng students meet this prerequisite unless their admission criteria require the completion of CS2114. All students admitted to the MEng program under Clear (waived CS5040) or CS5040 admission criteria (as indicated on their departmental letter of admission) meet the prerequisite for any course that lists CS5044 as a prerequisite. Students admitted under CS5020 admission criteria, meet CS5044 requirement once they complete CS5020 or CS2114.
Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
| Course # | Course Title | |
|---|---|---|
| CS 5764 | Information Visualization | |
| CS 5804 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | |
| CS 5805 | Machine Learning I | |
| CS 5806 | Machine Learning II | |
| CS 5814 | Introduction to Deep Learning | |
| CS 5834 | Introduction to Urban Computing |
Computer Security
| Course # | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS 5560 | Fundamentals Info Security |
| CS 5565 | Network Architecture and Protocols I |
| CS 5584 | Network Security |
| CS 5590 | System and Software Security |
Human-Computer Interaction
(ONLY available at the BLACKSBURG campus)
| Course # | Course Title |
|---|---|
| CS 5714 | Usability Engineering |
| CS 5724 | Models and Theories of HCI |
| CS 5734 | Social Computing and CSCW |
| CS 5754 | Virtual Environments |
| CS 5764 | Information Visualization |
| CS 5774 | User Interface Software |
Background Requirements
Students are required to have as a minimum a course on their transcript that is equivalent to CS5020 or CS2114. Similar courses are taught at nearly all universities and colleges. Consult VT Undergraduate Transfer Equivalency Database to find CS2114 equivalent courses at other institutions.
Students are strongly advised to have proficiency in the Java programming language prior to attempting CS5040. Students need to be ready for CS5040 – Intermediate Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, which relies heavily on object oriented design design, data structures concepts and Java Programming. They also need serious practice with writing programs of the appropriate scale, which means significant programming practice.
While not required for entry into the program, other useful background would be a Discrete Math course, and a course in basic Computer Architecture or Computer Organization, similar to CS2505.
Two locations
Most Master of Engineering students attend classes in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Only current or former Virginia Tech students and employees or students at partner institutions may complete an M.Eng. at our flagship Blacksburg campus.
Eligibility
- 3.0 GPA
- TOEFL IBT: 90
- IELTS (TOEFL alternative): 6.5
- One letter of recommendation
Tuition and fees
The Office of the Bursar, located in the Student Services Building manages all billing, payments, refunds, and financial aid. Explore the cost of attendance.
Application deadline
September 1, 2025, priority deadline for international and domestic students.
Contact
techtalent@vt.edu or (571) 289-5987.