Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science within the College of Computing & Informatics conducts active research across diverse areas, including artificial intelligence, algorithms, computer vision and graphics, programming languages, networks, privacy and security, high-performance computing, software engineering, and computer algebra. Emphasizing both interdisciplinary and applied research, the department receives significant support from major federal research grants and private sources, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Drexel University's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program is a 45-credit comprehensive program that offers students a deep understanding of core and advanced topics in the rapidly evolving field of computer science. The program focuses on both theory and practice, equipping students for prominent professional roles. Graduates of the MSCS program become proficient computational scientists, computer specialists, or software engineers in various sectors, including business, industry, and government.
The PhD in Computer Science program is designed for students aspiring to become experts in a specific research area within computer science or its interdisciplinary domains. The program ensures a solid foundation in fundamental computer science areas and fosters leading-edge research at the forefront of the chosen specialization. Students pursuing a PhD in Computer Science can explore diverse research interests such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer science education, computer vision, human-computer interaction, information assurance and security, networks, scientific computing, and software engineering.
Degree | Availability | Location |
---|---|---|
MS |
Full-Time |
Philadelphia |
PhD |
Full-Time |
Philadelphia |
Graduate Co-op Eligible
The MS program is eligible for Graduate Co-op (fall, full-time, on-campus entry only).
Application Requirements
On-Campus Program
Please view our academic calendar for term start dates.
Fall (Sept) | Winter (Jan) | Spring (March) | Summer (June) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MS (U.S. Applicants) | Aug. 27 | Dec. 1 | N/A | N/A |
MS (International Applicants) | June 1 | Oct. 15 | N/A | N/A |
PhD Applicants |
Priority : Dec. 15 Regular: Mar. 15 |
N/A | N/A | N/A |
For details regarding the items below, please review the Admission Application Instructions.
How to Submit Application Materials
Drexel Admissions is currently processing application documents received through the U.S. Postal Service and courier services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.), although there is a slight delay in processing these documents. We strongly recommend that you submit all official transcripts and supporting documentation electronically to enroll@drexel.edu. If your school is not able to send official transcripts electronically, please request that official documents be sent by mail or courier service. Please allow 3–4 weeks for transcripts and supporting documents sent by mail or courier to be processed. We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time at Drexel and around the world. We will process all documents as soon as we receive them, but please expect some delays.Graduate Admission Application
Applicants may only apply to one program. All documents submitted by you or on your behalf in support of this application for admission to Drexel University become the property of the University, and will under no circumstances be released to you or any other party. Please note, an application fee of $65 U.S. is required.
Transcripts
Official transcripts must be sent directly to Drexel from all of the colleges and universities that you have attended. Please note that transcripts are required regardless of number of credits taken or if the credits were transferred to another school. An admission decision may be delayed if you do not send transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended.
Transcripts must show course-by-course grades and degree conferrals. If your school does not notate degree conferrals on the official transcripts, you must provide copies of any graduate or degree certificates.
If your school issues only one transcript for life, you are required to have a course-by-course evaluation completed by an approved transcript evaluation agency.
Precise, word-for-word English translations of all non-English language documents are required along with official documents in the original language. All translations must be completed by the issuing institution or an ATA-certified translator. Visit the American Translators Association website to search for an ATA-certified translator.
International students: If you have already graduated from your previous institution at the time of your application, please email your graduation certificate(s) attached as PDF or Microsoft Word documents to enroll@drexel.edu. Note: Any international applicant, regardless of program, may be required to provide a transcript evaluation should the Admissions Committee determine it is needed for the application to be reviewed. If your transcripts are selected for a course-by-course evaluation by an external agency, you will be responsible for supplying all necessary documentation and paying all necessary fees to have your transcripts evaluated.
If you have questions regarding what documents you must submit to fulfill the transcript requirements, contact the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Test of English as a Foreign Language
International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL minimum scores: 90/577/233), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5), the Pearson Test of English (PTE minimum score: 61), or the Duolingo Test (Duolingo minimum score: 110) unless they meet the criteria for a waiver.
Standardized Test Scores
For the PhD program, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. Scores must be in the 50th percentile or above in each section.
For the MS program, the GRE is highly recommended for domestic applications with a GPA below 3.0 in their undergraduate degree, and for all international applicants.
For the Certificate program, the GRE is not required.
Essay
Please write approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel; your short-term and long-term career plans; and how your background, experience, interest, and/or values, when combined with a Drexel degree, will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.
Submit your essay with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Résumé
Upload your résumé as part of your admission application or through the Discover Drexel Portal after you submit your application.
Letters of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required. Two letters of recommendation are preferred. To electronically request recommendations, you must list your recommenders and their contact information on your application. We advise that you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they received your recommendation request — they may need to check their junk mail folder. Additionally, it is your responsibility to confirm that your recommenders will submit letters by your application deadline and follow up with recommenders who have not completed their recommendations.
Request recommendations with your application or through the Discover Drexel portal after you submit your application.
Alternatively, you may submit your recommendation letters by mail. Letters must include the address, phone number, and signature of the recommender. The recommendation envelope must be submitted unopened to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Mailing Addresses
By Postal Mail
Drexel University
Application Processing
PO Box 34789
Philadelphia, PA 19101-4789
By Express Courier
(DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc.)
Drexel University
Application Processing
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2876
Online Program
Please refer to Drexel Online Education for application requirements and deadlines: