Master's Program Admissions FAQ
Program Overview
Q: What are the educational goals of the program?
Our three Master's programs are designed to develop students into stronger analytical thinkers, more skilled programmers, and more sophisticated systems designers, while providing a thorough grounding in current technologies. Our MSCS program emphasizes rigorous technical preparation, our MSIS program provides a significant business education, and our MS-CEI program focuses on entrepreneurial skills.
Q: How do I decide which program suits me best?
Prospective students should consider the following guidance when evaluating which program aligns with their goals:
- Technical education balancing practical and theoretical training: The Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) is recommended for students seeking rigorous technical preparation and planning to pursue careers outside academia.
- Research and teaching: Students with a strong interest in both research and teaching should consider applying to the MSCS program or, if they already have sufficient research experience, directly to our PhD program.
- Business and technical education with a path toward technical management: The Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) is recommended for students seeking a balanced program that develops both technical and managerial competencies.
- Computing, entrepreneurship, and innovation at the intersection of technology and business: The Master of Science in Computing, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MS-CEI), offered jointly by the Courant Institute and the Stern School of Business, is recommended for students seeking to develop technical and entrepreneurial competencies with the goal of leading technology ventures or driving innovation within organizations.
Q: Can I apply to multiple programs?
Yes, applicants may elect to be considered for alternate programs in addition to their first-choice program under a single application fee. These programs include the three Computer Science programs (MSCS, MSIS, and MS-CEI) as well as:
Q: Can I take courses as a non-degree student? Do I still have to apply?
Yes, all individuals wishing to take courses in the department — whether pursuing a degree or not — must submit a formal application. See here for more information on non-degree applications.
Admissions
Q: What are the general admission requirements?
Successful applicants generally demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
- Positive and specific letters of recommendation
- Strong academic performance in relevant coursework
- TOEFL (if required): above 620 (paper-based), 260 (computer-based), or 100 (iBT)
- IELTS (if required): minimum band score of 7.0
- GRE: recommended but not required.
Q: What are the qualifications needed to be admitted to the MSCS program?
The minimum prerequisite background for admission to the MSCS program is as follows:
- Programming languages: Deep working knowledge of C and familiarity with object-oriented concepts, including substantive experience with an object-oriented language such as Java or C++
- Data structures and mathematics: Understanding and working knowledge of pointers, lists, stacks, queues, trees, arrays, and recursion; as well as induction, order of magnitude growth, probability, elementary combinatorics, and set notation
- Systems familiarity: Working familiarity with both Windows and Unix operating environments
Applicants without a formal academic background in computer science are encouraged to review these prerequisites carefully before applying.
Q: What are the qualifications needed to be admitted to the MSIS program?
MSIS applicants are evaluated across the following dimensions:
- Recommendations: Strong letters of recommendation from professors and employers
- Work experience: A minimum of one year of full-time experience in a demanding professional role, with demonstrated evidence of leadership and management potential, and the ability to excel in a corporate environment
- Computer science preparation: Demonstrated ability to succeed in graduate-level computer science coursework
- English communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English in graduate academic and professional corporate settings
Q: What do I have to submit to apply?
A full list of required application materials is available on the GSAS Application Resource Center. Submitting all application components simultaneously is recommended to expedite review; however, GSAS will accept materials that arrive separately.
Q: Is financial support available for master's students?
Financial support for master's students is available in limited circumstances, such as for current students in NYU's College of Arts and Science or for military veterans and active service members. Applicants are encouraged to review the Graduate School's fellowships and assistantships page for detailed information. Some students in the program also benefit from teaching and research assistantships.
Test Scores
Q: Is the GRE required?
GRE scores are recommended but not required for all three MS programs. Please note that the GMAT and LSAT are not accepted as substitutes for the GRE.
Q: How do I submit my GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS scores?
Applicants must arrange with Educational Testing Services (ETS) to submit GRE and TOEFL scores electronically to NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS). The institution code for both the GRE and TOEFL is 2596. No special department code is required for the GRE.
For IELTS score submission, applicants should contact their test center directly and request that scores be sent electronically to New York University, Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York, NY. No institutional code is required for IELTS.
Q: Is there anything I should know about the TOEFL department code?
When submitting TOEFL scores, applicants must enter a department code corresponding to their field of study. Code 99 is also acceptable. Applicants must not use code 00 or leave this field blank, as doing so will prevent the department from receiving their scores.
Q: Can I submit unofficial test scores with my application?
Yes. To help facilitate timely processing, applicants are encouraged to include unofficial copies of test results with their application materials. However, official score reports from ETS must be received before the applicable admissions deadline in order for an application to be considered complete.
For more information or additional questions, please contact ms.admissions@cs.nyu.edu.