Graduate Programs in Computer Science

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The Computer Science program at Brandeis provides students with strong foundations in three fundamental areas: designing and building software, developing effective ways to solve computing problems, and devising new and better ways of using computers to address challenges. Graduates are employed in a wide variety of settings: 

Core Areas of Study

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Degree Programs

The Department of Computer Science offers the following degrees:

  • The MS program for students who have completed a Bachelor's in computer science or a closely related field consists of 9 courses/3 semesters of graduate level coursework. 

  • The MS program for non-majors consists of four semesters (12 courses) of introductory computer science courses plus graduate level coursework. This program is ideal for students who seek a master's degree, but have little or no background in computer science. 

Student backgrounds will be evaluated by faculty committee for the appropriate track.

Students in the PhD program are eligible to participate in the interdepartmental graduate program in Quantitative Biology, which provides training in new research fields that cross traditional boundaries between the life sciences and physical sciences.

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Faculty

We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages.

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Courses and Degree Requirements

For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please visit the Registrar's website.

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How to Apply

Application Deadlines

PhD: January 15

Master’s: The deadline is rolling through April 1. Please note that the application could close before April 1 if the cohort is full.

BA/MA: Current undergraduates should apply for the BA/MS program during their sixth semester at Brandeis using our online application. 

Admission Requirements

PhD: All students who have completed a Bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field are eligible to apply to the PhD in computer science.

Master's: The MS in Computer Science is a two-track program designed for students with undergraduate degrees in any field. The 9 course, three-semester MS track is for students with undergraduate majors in computer science; the 12 course, four-semester MS track is for students who have a bachelor's degree in another field who wish to prepare for a PhD or a career in computer science. Student backgrounds will be evaluated by faculty committee for the appropriate track.

To apply, you need to submit:

  • An online application;

  • An application fee;

  • Transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be uploaded to your application; do not mail official transcripts to our office. For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions;

  • Letters of recommendation, submitted electronically. The PhD program requires three letters of recommendation; the MS requires two letters of recommendation; the BA/MS program requires one letter of recommendation.

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé;

  • A statement of purpose indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the academic program and your objectives in undertaking this program.

  • Standardized tests: PhD: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required (On average, PhD students are in the 85% in verbal and 95% in quantitative.) Master’s: GRE required (the GRE is waived for Brandeis undergraduates applying to the Bachelor's/Master's). Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores).

  • International applicants: Additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores, and important information regarding visas. If you are submitting TOEFL scores, please note that our TOEFL institution code is 3261.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Generous scholarships and financial aid are available; for more information please visit our Financial Aid pages.

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Careers and Alumni

Alumni of our Computer Science department have secured positions at well-known companies such as Google, Microsoft, EMC, and BBN Technologies. Software developer, professor, design engineer, and robotics programmer are among the many professions that Computer Science students may pursue with a graduate degree. Brandeis’ close proximity to Cambridge and Route 128 allows students to pursue internships that are distinct to their interests, and a strong alumni network enables students to connect with professionals at leading technology corporations. Students can work closely with our Career Services office for an array of resources, including CV/resume help, job search, and networking.