Application Procedure

Applicants to the Master's program in Computer Science must become familiar with the requirements of the MSU Graduate School, of the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, and of the Gianforte School of Computing - all outlined below. If you are ready, you may complete an application through the Graduate School website. 

Admission Requirements

These requirements apply to both thesis-based and courses-only M.S. applicants.

As at most U.S. universities, there are various requirements students must fulfill to gain admission to a Master's degree. The requirements established by Montana State University include:

  • The Graduate School minimum requirements for Master's students in any discipline
  • The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering requirements for Master's of Science degrees
  • The Gianforte School of Computing extends these beyond the general requirements set by the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering and the Graduate School

This page will help you determine all of the requirements you must meet on the way to admission to the Master's degree program.

Graduate School Requirements

The Graduate School policy sets out minimum admission requirements and application deadlines. The Graduate School also governs the tuition and fees for graduate education. Please read the Graduate School's policies carefully.

Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering Requirements

At this time, the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering imposes no additional standards and requirements beyond those specified by the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to read the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering Graduate Student Handbook.

Gianforte School of Computing Requirements

1. Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Foreign students from countries where the primary language is not English, and who do not have a previous degree from an English-speaking university, must demonstrate proficiency of the English language.  The GSoC minimum requirements are: at least 4.5 on TOEFL internet-based test (at least 86 in the previous scoring system), at least 6 on IELTS, or Duolingo score of at least 135. We evaluate proficiency based on all categories, not just the combined score.

See the OIP website for english proficiency for graduate students for more details, including a list of countries that are exempt to this requirement (please note the minimum scores there are the minimum graduate school requirements, which are lower than our departmental requirements).

2. Positive Reference Letters

Applicants must submit two reference letters that address the applicant's chances of success in the Master's program from persons who are familiar with the applicant's academic successes and talents. The letter requests are automatically emailed as part of the online application process.

3. Previous Degree Grade Point Average

Applicants must have earned at least a 3.3 GPA (or equivalent in schools that do not base GPA on a 4.0 scale).

4. Previous Degree

Having a Computer Science undergraduate degree is helpful.  However, a student with a closely related degree may also apply.  In this case, the student's transcript will be evaluated to determine which foundational computer science courses are needed.  Background course requirements include the usual programming, data structures, and discrete mathematics courses expected of computer science students, as well as:

  • software engineering
  • computer architecture
  • theory of computation

and a substantial number of other upper division courses, including such subjects as

  • networks
  • compilers
  • graphics
  • artificial intelligence
  • database systems
  • distributed computing

Identified foundational courses must be taken in addition to the courses required for the Master's degree.

6. Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Neither the general Graduate Record Exam (GRE), nor a GRE subject test is required for admissions into the Master's program. Submission of GRE scores enhances the likelihood of admission and funding. The MSU GRE campus code is 4488.