{"id":8771,"date":"2017-01-30T11:54:51","date_gmt":"2017-01-30T16:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/?page_id=8771"},"modified":"2026-02-02T14:52:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T19:52:54","slug":"faq","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cs\/masters\/program\/faq\/","title":{"rendered":"MS Admissions FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/center>Expand All<\/a><\/p>\n

FAQs for on-campus programs<\/h2>\n

Eligibility<\/h3>\n

Do I need to have a background in computer science?<\/h4>

\nOur MS program is designed for students with a strong background in computer science. This includes education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas, but who have an otherwise strong background in computer science, may be admitted with prerequisite courses.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Can I apply with a 3-year Bachelor's degree?<\/h4>

\nYes.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Is there a minimum GPA for admission?<\/h4>

\nWhile we do not\u00a0have a minimum GPA requirement, we recommend that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Are there minimum GRE scores?<\/h4>

\nWe do not have minimum required GRE scores. As a rule of thumb, the average percentiles of our admitted students are 60% for Verbal\u00a0and 80% for Quantitative.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Applying<\/h3>\n

What is the deadline for submitting an application?<\/h4>

\nFall semester admission: March 15<\/strong>
\nPlease note that we no longer offer spring admissions<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Can I submit my application after the due date?<\/h4>

\nNo.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

I submitted my application before the due date, but have materials I would like to add. Can I add materials to my application after the due date?<\/h4>

\nWe allow materials to be added to to applications after the due date has passed, but we do not guarantee that they will be considered with the previously-submitted application.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Application Requirements<\/h3>\n

What materials are required for my application to be considered complete?<\/h4>

\nFor a list of required materials, please refer to the application instructions included with the\u00a0Graduate Application for Admission.<\/a>\u00a0Please also note that the\u00a0application fee\u00a0<\/em>must be paid for an application to be processed.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How can I find out if my application is complete?<\/h4>

\nYour application is considered complete when we receive the required materials as listed above, along with the application fee.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

What is the application fee?<\/h4>

\nThe application fee is currently $95.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Can the application fee be waived?<\/h4>

\nUnfortunately, we do not grant application fee waivers for MS applications.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Is the GRE required?<\/h4>

\nNo. Submission of GRE General test scores is optional<\/strong><\/em>. The Computer Science subject test is also not required<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Is the TOEFL required for all international applicants?<\/h4>

\nAll\u00a0applicants whose\u00a0native language is not English\u00a0<\/em>must take the TOEFL or IELTS. Information on the countries which are exempt from this requirement, as well as minimum requires scores can be found on the Prospective International Students page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Is it acceptable to send a photocopy of my test scores with my application?<\/h4>

\nNo.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong>Applicants must arrange to have\u00a0official test scores<\/em>\u00a0sent directly from the testing service to the Graduate School. Photocopies cannot be used as a substitute.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Will my application be considered if any of the required materials are missing?<\/h4>

\nNo.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Who do I contact if I am having issues with the application system?<\/h4>

\nFor issues related to the online application system, please contact Applicant Support at grs-info.bu@liaisoncas.com<\/a> or +1-857-304-2002.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

Cost and Financial Aid<\/h3>\n

How much does your program cost?<\/h4>

\nTuition and fees can be found on the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website<\/a>. Please note that international students on a visa must be full-time unless they are in their last semester.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How do I apply for scholarships?<\/h4>

\nAll admitted MS students will be considered for our merit-based scholarships upon review of their application.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Who is eligible for a scholarship?<\/h4>

\n<\/strong>Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students with a strong\u00a0background in computer science. Strong consideration is given to women and under-represented minorities.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How much are scholarships?<\/h4>

\n<\/strong>Merit-based scholarships are generally between $5,000 and $30,000 per semester of full-time study.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Are there minimum requirements for maintaining a scholarship?<\/h4>

\n<\/strong>Yes. All students receiving a merit-based scholarship must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, must receive grades of B- or higher, and must be full time.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

How do I apply for need-based aid?<\/h4>

\nNeed-based financial aid is not offered by the Department of\u00a0Computer Science. Information on governmental financial aid can be found at:<\/p>\n