Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Additional Information

The baccalaureate degree must include the following subjects: Calculus I and II, Introductory and Object-Oriented Programming, Discrete Mathematics, Computer Architecture including Assembly Language, Data Structures and Algorithms and, Automata Theory and Formal Languages. Alternatively, students may take equivalent courses after their undergraduate program and before applying to the master's program. The School of Computing offers foundation courses which students can use to bridge into the master's program.

Students missing the foundation requirements and/or possess a non STEM academic degree may consider applying to the Graduate Certificate in Computing Foundations. The Certificate program can be used as a pathway into the MS in Computer Science program directly, upon successful completion of the certificate. Learn more here: cs.gmu.edu. Note: Students requiring foundation courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements for degree consideration into Computer Science, Information Systems, or Software Engineering should consider applying to the certificate program.

Preparation Coursework

The program requires applicants to identify coursework regarding academic preparation. Applicants are provided with instructions in the application to describe the most advanced course(s) taken that cover similar material. The required courses are provided on the application but also available here to preview: Admissions & Policies for Computer Science, MS

Online program option: This program is also offered fully online. Request additional information for the online program, learn more, or apply.

Space-available deadlines for fall 2024 applications are available here: https://cec.gmu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions/application-requirements-and-deadlines

Academically strong Mason undergraduates with a commitment to research or graduate or professional studies can apply for an accelerated Master’s program and earn a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in as little as five years.

Accelerated Master’s Application Requirements

Accelerated Master’s Program-Specific Instructions

Additional Information

Students are encouraged to apply to the BAM program after earning 60 undergraduate credits with an overall GPA as described in the Mason catalog.

Students must have successfully completed CS 310 Data Structures and CS 330 Formal Methods and Models.

Recommendation letter must come from the student's undergraduate BAM advisor in the department. Students are strongly encouraged to connect with their undergraduate advisor prior to applying.

Accelerated Master’s Fall Deadlines

Accelerated Master’s Spring Deadlines

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.