Brown University's two-year, on-campus master’s degree in computer science offers the opportunity to study areas that matter most to you, from AI and robotics to security and software systems, all built on a foundation that prepares you for career advancement. With world-class faculty, strong industry partnerships and the flexibility to shape your own path, there's a place for you here regardless of your interests.
Combining rigorous coursework, hands-on research and real-world experience, Brown's master of science in computer science prepares students for leadership in technology, research and innovation. Students can choose from research or coursework-only options that can be easily customized to align with your career goals, and both options offer the professional track which extends the opportunity for industry experience.
This program starts in the spring or fall term and offers the following degree with two options:
- Master of science (Sc.M.)
- Coursework-only
- Research project
- Either option may be completed as part of the professional track, in which you have the opportunity to gain extra-curricular professional experience by completing one or more internships in industry or academia.
The curriculum spans a broad range of computer science disciplines, preparing you to advance in areas including AI, machine learning and robotics; human-computer interaction and socio-technical computing; security and privacy; software and formal methods; systems and data; theory, cryptography and algorithms; visual computing and computer vision. Taught by faculty leading research across these fields, the master’s program combines advanced study with opportunities for discovery and innovation.
The program is highly customizable. Students can build broad expertise across multiple areas of computer science or specialize in a field that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Students may also choose to begin in the spring or fall semester.
Additional Information
Students have access to shared office space as well as the department's research labs and computing resources.
Brown undergraduates can apply to this program as a fifth-year master's degree.
Application Information
| Final Deadline | International Students | Fifth-Year Students | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Start | November 1, 2026 | October 1, 2026 | November 1, 2026 |
| Fall Start | January 15, 2027 | January 15, 2027 | May 1, 2027 |
There are exceptions, but typically we look for outstanding students who already have an undergraduate CS degree or the equivalent and are ready to take our Master's-level courses. While we sometimes discount weaknesses in some areas if there are strengths in others, we'd like to see most of the following courses:
- Introductory Programming
- Introductory Algorithms and Data Structures
- Computer Systems or Software Engineering (preferably both)
- Discrete Mathematics and basic Probability
- Linear Algebra
Application Requirements
GRE Subject:
Not required
GRE General:
Not required, but score submission is encouraged.
TOEFL/IELTS:
Required for any non-native English speaker who does not have a degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction or from a University in the following countries: Australia, Bahamas, Botswana, Cameroon, Canada (except Quebec), Ethiopia, Ghana, Ireland, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales), West Indies, Zambia).
The TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator exam are accepted.
Students from mainland China may submit the TOEFL ITP Plus exam
The minimum TOEFL score is 105 and the minimum IELTS score is 8.0.
Official Transcripts:
Required. All applicants may upload unofficial transcripts for application submission. Official transcripts are ONLY required for enrolling students before class start. An international transcript evaluation (WES, ECE, or The Evaluation Company) is required for degrees from non-U.S. institutions before enrollment.
Applicants who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate program should plan to submit their fall semester grades as a part of their application for fullest consideration. If the application deadline passes before fall grades are available, please provide a copy of your in progress coursework if it is not included on your transcript and plan to follow up with grades when they are made available. We also encourage you to provide your in progress coursework for the spring semester, if available.
Letters of Recommendations:
Three (3) letters of recommendation required for external applications. Brown undergraduates considering the fifth-year master's degree option should submit two (2) letters of recommendation.
Recent graduates (within 3 years) and current students should provide at least 2 letters of recommendation from professors who can speak to your coursework in Computer Science.
Resume/CV:
Required
Additional Requirements:
If you have any questions regarding the application process for this program, please email masters_admissions@brown.edu.
Dates/Deadlines
Application Deadline
5th Year Deadline
Tuition and Funding
Graduate Tuition & Fees: Please visit the Office of Student and Financial Services for up-to-date tuition rates.
Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available to those who answer the optional question in the CS application. Graduate and Teaching Assistantships are not available. Learn more about master’s funding from the Office of Financial Aid.
Completion Requirements
Alumni Outcomes
Our recent master's graduates hold positions such as senior software developers, ML/AI engineers, data scientists and product managers at established companies and startups across a variety of industries.
Learn More
Leadership
Contact and Location
Department of Computer Science
Mailing Address
Box 1910