UMaMaster of Science in Computer ScienceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst · Amherst, Massachusetts, United States

Program Overview

Dates and tuition are specific to the 2027 intake

Please check the official program website (link below) for specific writing guidelines

Personal statement

CICS-suggested topics listed in document guidance.

CV or resume

Current CV or resume.

Recommendation letters x 2

Two letters. Choose writers who can discuss a research project, community service, or work experience.

Official transcript(s)

From all colleges or universities attended; English translation if needed. Unofficial copies for review; official copies typically after admission.

Academic: Bachelor's degree; No hard GPA cutoff published for CICS MS; committee reviews preparation holistically. Competitive files typically show strong CS coursework performance.
Prerequisites: Coursework prerequisites; Incoming students should have courses equivalent to CICS 110, 160, 210, 220, 230, 250 and MATH 131, 132, 235, plus MATH 233 or STAT 515. Applicants without CS preparation are usually advised to complete undergraduate core CS before applying.
IELTS: 6.5 overall; Graduate School / CICS published IELTS Academic minimum.
TOEFL: New scale: 4.0 overall | Old scale: 80 overall; Graduate School minimum combined score of 4 for tests January 2026 or later (new TOEFL scale).; UMass Amherst Graduate School minimum for tests prior to January 2026. CICS cites IELTS 6.5 as the published combined minimum; TOEFL numeric minimum is from Graduate School international-applicant guidance.
GRE: Optional; GRE optional for MS; choosing not to submit will not harm admission chances. UMass graduates exempt. ETS 3917.