{"id":22629,"date":"2026-01-13T10:45:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T15:45:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/?page_id=22629"},"modified":"2026-03-31T22:09:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T02:09:11","slug":"faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/masters\/program\/online-csai\/faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Master\u2019s in Computer Science and AI FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs for the Online <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MS in<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Computer Science<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> AI <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">P<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rogram<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt;\">Application<\/h3>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Who is the ideal candidate for the MS in Computer Science and AI<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThis program is ideal for early- to mid-career professionals seeking career advancement or skill expansion in computer science and artificial intelligence.<br \/>\n<strong>Applicants typically have:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A bachelor\u2019s degree in computer science or a related field (e.g., engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics)<\/li>\n<li>Prior exposure to programming<\/li>\n<li>Professional experience (2\u20135 years preferred, though not required)<\/li>\n<li>No formal background in machine learning or AI is required, though practical experience is beneficial<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I begin the application process?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To begin your application, review our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/masters\/program\/online-csai\/application-requirements\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">admission requirements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/bu-grs.cas.myliaison.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">start your online application<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">! <\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is the application deadline for the Online MS in CS and AI program ?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Round 1 application Deadline: May 1, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Round 2 application Deadline: July 1, 2026<\/li>\n<li>Final Application Deadline: August 9, 2026<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can I apply to the online MS in Computer Science &amp; Artificial Intelligence and another GRS program?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYou can only apply to one GRS program per entry term. For example, you may not apply to both the residential MS in Computer Science and the online Master&#8217;s in Computer Science &amp; Artificial Intelligence for the same entry term.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What kind of transcript should I submit?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nAll applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts directly to the <a href=\"https:\/\/bu-grs.cas.myliaison.com\/applicant-ux\/#\/login\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online application<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Upload your unofficial transcripts for initial application review. Provide transcripts for each college or university attended. Transcripts must include all courses taken and final grades.<\/li>\n<li>Official transcripts are not required as part of the initial application. If you are admitted and accept the offer of admission, you will be required to send official transcripts to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from all colleges attended prior to matriculation.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Do I need to take the GRE?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No. Submitting a GRE score is optional. You\u2019re welcome to include it with your application, but choosing not to submit a score will not negatively affect your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Do I need a four-year degree?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nWe require that applicants hold a four-year bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or its international equivalent. If you have earned a three-year degree that is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the U.S., it will be accepted in the admissions process. For example, if you earned a three-year degree in India, your degree will qualify you to be considered for admission.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is work experience required?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nWe do not have a minimum work experience requirement for applicants to the online master&#8217;s in computer science and AI. With few exceptions, accepted students typically have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience. The Admissions Committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3 style=\"color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt;\">Program Structure<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">When does the online Master\u2019s in Computer Science and AI start?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The online computer science and AI program has start dates in the fall and spring semesters each year. <span>For students starting in the fall semester, MOD 0 will begin in early August. For students starting in the spring semester, MOD 0 will begin in early January.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What degree will I earn after the completion of the program?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nStudents earn a Master of Science in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence from the Boston University Graduate School of Arts &amp; Sciences.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How long does the online CS &amp; AI program take to complete?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nStudents can typically complete the 30 credit curriculum in four semesters. The duration can vary depending on if you are taking courses over the summer.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Am I able to take a semester off?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYes. Students in the online MS in Computer Science &amp; Artificial Intelligence may take up to five years to complete the program. Students will work with their academic advisor each semester to plan their enrollment, as well as any planned semesters off, to ensure timely completion of the program.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is a live session?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nLive sessions are synchronous Zoom-facilitated learning environments with faculty, Learning Facilitators, and students all engaging in \u201creal time\u201d using relevant course content. These sessions are highly interactive and last approximately one to two hours.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What does the capstone entail?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The capstone project in the online MS in Computer Science and AI spans two semesters and contains project-driven modules focused on designing and deploying a production-ready AI system, integrating technical, ethical, and operational considerations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Are there any in-person requirements for the online MS in Computer Science AI program?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThe online <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master\u2019s Degree in Computer Science and AI<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is 100% online<\/span>, and there are no in-person requirements. Students are also welcome to plan their own meetups in their respective locations. Online students may attend any on-campus events that are not restricted to a certain population.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3 style=\"color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt;\">Student Services<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is the role of the Learning Facilitator?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nFor each module (MOD), you and your cohort will have an assigned Learning Facilitator (LF). The LF will serve as your subject matter expert for each module, and they are available to help you with all course-related material. They will communicate with you on a regular basis about your coursework, hold office hours, and be available for one-on-one meetings. When it comes to questions about your course, they are your first stop.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is the role of the Student Success Specialist?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYour Student Success Specialist will support you from the start of your program to graduation. When it comes to your student experience, advising, and university resources, they are your first stop.<\/p>\n<p>Your Success Specialist will help you navigate the program and life as an online student. They will help plan your schedule, share best practices for learning online, suggest ways to engage in the program community, and guide you to the various university resources you may need to enable your success in the online MS in Computer Science &amp; Artificial Intelligence program. Your personal Student Success Specialist will communicate with you regularly as you continue your learning journey.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">If I live in the Boston area, can I meet with faculty members, TAs, or career services in person?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nThe Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence program is 100% online, and any appointments or advising sessions will be conducted online. Students will have access to BU and GRS online platforms and a recruitment site (Handshake) as well as online career resources available to BU online students.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3 style=\"color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt;\">Tuition &amp; Financial Aid<\/h3>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How much does the online Master's Degree in Computer Science &amp; AI cost?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nTuition for the online Master&#8217;s in Computer Science &amp; AI is $2,500 per module x ten 3-credit modules + one 0-credit module at $0.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Are books included in the tuition? What other expenses should I budget for?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nBooks are not included in the tuition costs, the cost for books or other course materials will be minimal to $0 in most modules. You are only billed for direct expenses (tuition and fees) charged by the university.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h4 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is financial aid available?<\/h4><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nFederal un-subsidized loans are available to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/ma-ms\/financial-aid\/federal-unsubsidized-loans\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">financial aid<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cas\/admissions\/ma-ms\/financial-aid\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">financing your graduate education<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><strong><a class=\"button-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/masters\/program\/online-csai\/request-information\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Request Information<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FAQs for the Online MS in Computer Science\u00a0and AI Program Application Program Structure Student Services Tuition &amp; Financial Aid Request Information<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22910,"featured_media":0,"parent":22623,"menu_order":7,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22629"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22910"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22629"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23066,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22629\/revisions\/23066"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22623"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}