Master of Science

The Master of Science degree provides a solid foundation in computer science and research to elevate your career.

This degree requires students to complete 30 credits of coursework, 21 of which must derive from graded courses, as well as a thesis. Students in good standing typically complete this option in two years.

An M.S. coursework-only option (a master's along the way) is available to Ph.D. students who seek to earn a Master of Science degree while working on their Ph.D.

Our Master of Engineering degree program offers a coursework-only master's degree and project-based learning option. Compare the two master's degrees here.

To fulfill requirements for the M.S. with thesis option, students must satisfy the breadth requirement, adhere to an appropriate credit distribution, enroll in the graduate seminar, comply with the ethics and diversity requirements, and complete an oral and written final exam (also known as a master's thesis).

Contact

Bio Item

Andrea Sirles , bio
Graduate program coordinator
Redirect Item

Klaudia Escobar Villatoro , redirect
Administrative and office specialist, Master of Science and Ph.D. programs, D.C. area

Two locations

Pursue your studies and research at our flagship Blacksburg campus or in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Application deadlines

Fall-December 1 for full funding consideration.

Eligibility

3.5 GPA
TOEFL IBT: 90
IELTS (TOEFL alternative): 6.5
Three letters of recommendation

Funding

Some M.S. students are eligible to receive funding from the Department of Computer Science through graduate teaching or research assistantships. They may also qualify for scholarships, external fellowships, fellowships tied to a specific institution, or loans. Explore funding offered through the Graduate School.