Computer Science M.S. (Ithaca)

Field of Study

Computer Science

Program Description

Students wishing to earn a Ph.D. should apply directly to the Ph.D. program. However, it is possible to apply directly to the M.S. program. This is a very small, highly selective, four-semester program for students who wish to deepen their knowledge of computer science through advanced coursework, research, writing, and teaching. The program is ideal for self-motivated students who have expository skills, enjoy the research environment, and like working with undergraduates in introductory courses. Students in the program serve as teaching assistants and receive full tuition plus a stipend.

Please refer to the field of study directly for details.

Contact Information

110C Gates Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853

Concentrations by Subject

• artificial intelligence
• computer science
• programming languages and logics
• scientific computing and applications
• systems
• theory of computation

Tuition

Visit the Graduate School's Tuition Rates page.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadlines:

Fall: January 15

Requirements Summary:

Requirements for Admission

A Bachelors degree in 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.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge at the undergraduate level of four core areas in computer science

• Systems, AI, PL, and theory
• Students should be able to solve problems in these four core areas at the undergraduate level.

Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, applications, analysis, and evaluation of material at the graduate level in four out of five important core areas of computer science

• The five different core areas are as follows: algorithms and theory of computation, artificial intelligence, systems, programming languages and methodology, scientific computing and applications

Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, applications, analysis, and evaluation of the three different value systems of the three computer science research styles that differ in how they evaluate and validate research results

• The three different styles are: theory, systems, and applied