Computer Science Master's Degree: Software Systems

Overview

The Software Systems track is for students who want to pursue knowledge of software development and software systems methodologies and technologies. Software plays the key role in practical, real-world computing systems and applications. This track enables students to understand and master classic and current software systems, and it provides the fundamentals for later self-study of future software systems.

  • Degree Level: Master's Degree
  • Delivery: Fully Online
  • Total Credits: 30
  • Minimum GPA: 2.7
  • Qualifying Exam: GRE Not Required
  • Contact Us: +1 212 854 6447

Admissions

Degree required for admission: Most candidates have completed an undergraduate degree in computer science. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines and a record of excellence are encouraged to apply; these applicants are required to have completed at least six prerequisites: four computer science courses covering the foundations of the field and two math courses.

Examples of computer science courses would be courses offered through an undergraduate computer science program: Intro to Computer Science (COMS W1004 or COMS W1007), Advanced Programming (COMS W3157), Data Structures and Algorithms (COMS W3134 or W3137), which is a prerequisite for most of our graduate-level courses, or/and Discrete Math (COMS W3203). For the math prerequisites, students are encouraged to take linear algebra and differential equations.

Please note that these must be taken at a university (can be online) and must be grade- and credit-bearing. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) such as courses on Coursera and edX do NOT meet this requirement. These courses are not offered here at Columbia Video Network, but they may be taken at another online institution or your local university. Work experience does not waive this requirement.

GPA requirements: Most students admitted have earned a grade point average above 3.5 (out of 4.0); a GPA of at least 3.3 is required.

GRE requirements: The GRE is optional, but it is not required.

Competence in English: If you have not earned a degree from an undergraduate or graduate institution in which the instructional language was English, you may be required to take the TOEFL/IELTS.

Other application requirements: Three (3) recommendation letters, transcripts, a resume, and a personal professional statement are required. All application requirements in the Graduate Application must be completed as specified in the application.

Though we accept applications on a rolling basis, February 15, 2025 is the application deadline to be considered for the Fall 2025 term for Computer Science degree programs. There is no summer admittance for Computer Science degree programs.

For answers to your most common admissions questions, please review our Admissions FAQs page. For additional information about applying, visit the Application Process page.

Completion Requirements

Students must complete all core courses and selected electives for a total of 30 graduate points of academic work via CVN while maintaining a 2.7 overall grade point average. No more than one D is permitted. All degree requirements must be completed within five years of the beginning of the first course credited toward the degree. This includes courses taken in the non-degree program.

  • Complete a total of 30 points (Courses must be at the 4000 level or above)
  • Maintain at least a 2.7 overall GPA (No more than one D is permitted)
  • Satisfy breadth requirements
  • Take at least six points of technical courses at the 6000 level
  • At most up to three (3) points of your degree can be Non-CS/Non-track If they are deemed relevant to your track and sufficiently technical in nature. Submit the Non-CS/NonTrack form and the course syllabus to your CS Faculty Advisor for review

Course List

For the most up-to-date course information, please visit the Columbia Engineering Computer Science Software Systems Track page.