Computer Science Master's Degree

Overview

The function and influence of the computer are pervasive in contemporary society. Today's computers process the daily transactions of international banks, the data from communications satellites, the images in video games, and even the fuel and ignition systems of automobiles.

Computer software is as commonplace in education and recreation as it is in science and business. There is virtually no field or profession that does not rely upon computer science for the problem-solving skills and the production expertise required in the efficient processing of information. Computer scientists, therefore, function in a wide variety of roles, ranging from pure theory and design to programming and marketing.

The computer science curriculum at Columbia places equal emphasis on theoretical computer science and mathematics and on experimental computer technology. A broad range of upper-level courses is available in such areas as artificial intelligence, computational complexity and the analysis of algorithms, combinatorial methods, computer architecture, computer-aided digital design, computer communications, databases, mathematical models for computation, optimization, and software systems.

The Master of Science (M.S.) program is intended for professionals who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding of computer science. The program provides a unique opportunity to develop leading-edge in-depth knowledge of specific computer science disciplines. The department currently offers concentration tracks covering eight such disciplines.

  • Degree Level: Master's Degree
  • Delivery: Fully Online
  • Total Credits: 30
  • Minimum GPA: 3.3
  • 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 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, 2026 is the application deadline to be considered for the Fall 2026 term for Computer Science degree programs. There is no summer admittance for Computer Science degree programs. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, so depending on when you apply, you may wait longer than the typical 10 week review period.

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.

Course List

For the most up-to-date course information, please see the Columbia Engineering Computer Science concentration track pages below.