Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Overview

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. Visit the department website for more information about the program. Application information can be found below.

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How to Apply

Application Deadlines

PhD: January 15

Master’s: The priority deadline for fall admission is February 1 with applications being considered after this date on a space-available basis, and no later than April 1. Please note that the application could close before April 1 if the cohort is full. The priority deadline for spring admission is October 15 with applications being considered after this date on a space-available basis, and no later than November 1.

Five-Year Bachelor's/Master's Program: Current undergraduates should apply for the B/MS program during their senior year at Brandeis by April 1 for fall admission or by November 1 for spring admission. 

Application 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 send official transcripts to our office. Official transcripts sent prior to an offer of admission will be destroyed. 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 B/MS program requires one letter of recommendation.

• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé, which should include your educational history, employment experience, and other relevant information.

• A statement of purpose in essay form, indicating your reasons for undertaking graduate study. In addition, please describe your qualifications for the program and your objectives in undertaking this program. You should discuss your plans for your academic and professional career and how the degree will help you attain your goals. Applicants to the five-year bachelor's/master's program should also discuss how they plan to complete their bachelor's degree requirements along with beginning master's coursework.

• Applicants to the MS program should also be prepared to answer the following program-specific questions: 1. Please list any previous courses taken, or a major or minor completed, in any of the following subject areas: Computer Science, Linguistics, Mathematics, and/or sciences other than Computer Science. For courses, please indicate the name of the course, your grade, and the course level (e.g., college/university level with the institution name, high school/AP class, online class, etc.). 2. Please list any computer programming languages known and your level of knowledge (i.e., basic, moderate, advanced). Please indicate how you obtained that experience (e.g., college class along with the class name, high school/AP class, self-taught, online class, etc).

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE): The GRE is waived for applicants who have earned or will earn a degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States prior to enrolling at Brandeis; the GRE is required if you have not earned or will not earn a degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States prior to enrolling at Brandeis. Our GRE institution code is 3092 (please note: this institution code only applies to GRE scores). MyBest™ scores from ETS will not be accepted. The GRE is waived for Brandeis undergraduates applying to the dual Bachelor’s/Master’s program. 

• International applicants should visit our International Students page to determine if official results from an English language proficiency exam are also required.

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