mystanfordconnection
Learning for a Lifetime - online. at Stanford. at work.
- Explore
- Topics
- Programs
- Schools & Centers
- Free Stuff
- About Us
- Get More Info
Search
- Home
- Programs
- Computer Science MS Degree
Computer Science MS Degree
Stanford School of Engineering
Degrees Master's Degree
View CoursesView CoursesAcademic CalendarAcademic Calendar
Get Started
Overview
The M.S. degree in Computer Science is intended as a terminal professional degree and does not lead to the Ph.D. degree. Most students planning to obtain the Ph.D. degree should apply directly for admission to the Ph.D. program. Some students, however, may wish to complete the master’s program before deciding whether to pursue the Ph.D. To give such students a greater opportunity to become familiar with research, the department has a program leading to a master’s degree with distinction in research.
How Much It Will Cost
See more about tuition and fees.
How Long It Will Take
To earn the Master of Science in Computer Science Degree, you must complete 45 units.
- As a part-time student, you can expect to finish the degree in 3 to 5 years.
- As a full-time student, you can expect to finish the degree in 1 to 2 years.
What You Need to Get Started
For admissions information, please visit the department's site or contact .
For degree requirements, please review either the department’s Guide to the MSCS Program Sheet or Stanford Bulletin. See the department's FAQs page.
For more about the policies, procedures, and logistics, please review the program handbook.
You May Also Like
-
Foundations in Computer Science Graduate Program
CE0019
Stanford School of Engineering
-
Artificial Intelligence Graduate Program
CE0020
Stanford School of Engineering
-
Advanced Software Systems Graduate Program
CE0023
Stanford School of Engineering
-
Introductory Programming Graduate Program
CE0146
Stanford School of Engineering
- Stanford Home
- Maps & Directions
- Search Stanford
- Emergency Info
- Terms of Use
- Privacy
- Copyright
- Trademarks
- Non-Discrimination
- Accessibility
Copyright Stanford University. Stanford, California 94305.
Master’s in CSE
The master’s degree in CSE is primarily intended for students desiring to substantially advance their knowledge and skill in a field or fields of CSE. The relatively small investment in time to get a master’s degree will lead to greater professional opportunities and significantly higher salaries.
Program overview
The master’s degree requires successful completion of 30 credits of coursework. A thesis is optional. Students normally complete the master’s degree in 1-2 years.
The complete master’s requirements can be found in the CSE Graduate Program Guide (Google Doc).
View a list of courses that satisfy the different MS degree requirements (Google Sheet).
Students admitted to the master’s program may apply to the doctoral program. Admission depends on academic qualifications as well as the availability of openings in the doctoral program.
MS vs. MSE degree
The MS (Master’s of Science) and MSE (Master’s of Science in Engineering) degrees differ mainly in name. The degree requirements are the same. Students with a bachelor’s degree in engineering can elect either degree. Students without an engineering bachelor’s degree are eligible only for the MS.
Transferring credits
A limited number of graduate credits earned elsewhere can be transferred to meet the coursework requirements for the master’s degree. In addition, a course taken elsewhere that is equivalent to a course satisfying a degree requirement here can be used to satisfy the requirement, even if course credits are not transferred. However, such equivalancy will not reduce the total number of credit hours required.
Apply to a Master’s program
This page has information about graduate school admissions.
Financial aid information
The CSE Division has limited financial aid to award to master’s students at the time of application. On the other hand, master’s students occasionally receive a research or teaching assistantship after they begin their studies. Master’s students are encouraged to apply for fellowships from sources outside the University. See an overview of financial aid resources.
Graduate programs staff
Contact us with any questions about Computer Science and Engineering graduate programs.