How to Apply

To make applying to the Computer Science Master’s program as simple and straightforward as possible, here is everything you need to complete your application to the Master of Science in Computer Science. 

Who is Eligible 

To apply to the Master of Science in Computer Science, we recommend that you have either a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or a closely related field, significant coursework or professional experience in computer science. 

You should also have some background in these topics: 

  • Data structures and algorithms
  • Hardware and architecture
  • Computer programming
  • Mathematics, including discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, linear algebra and calculus 

If you do not have a sufficient computer science background and have completed your undergraduate degree in an unrelated discipline, we encourage you to consider the post-baccalaureate program. 

We usually require a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your undergraduate studies. 

Application Deadlines 

Spring Start
October 1 | Final deadline

Fall Start
January 15 | Priority deadline 
April 1 | Final deadline

Application Requirements 

To be considered for admission to our master’s degree program, you must submit all required materials. 

Required materials: 


Application Form

Applications are submitted through our online application portal.


Resume or CV 

You must upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume should describe your work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, list of published work and any academic honors or awards. There is no page limit, though we recommend a one to two-page resume.


Academic Statement of Purpose 

Your statement of purpose should be approximately 500 words and state your goals and objectives for graduate study, specifically at Georgetown University. The statement is an opportunity to highlight aspects of your background and interests that may not be clear in other parts of your application. It should clearly and concisely: 

  • Express your interest in our program and what you hope to gain from or bring to it.
  • Address any special features of the program that make it a good fit or any specific topics you want to study. 
  • Describe aspects of your personal, academic and work-related experiences that would make effective contributions or showcase your knowledge and interest.

Optional Statement (Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions)

As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first generation student, travels outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.


Letters of Recommendation  

You must submit two official recommendations from people who can assess your potential for graduate study, including professors or professional supervisors. 


The The Joint Office of Graduate Studies utilizes a secure online recommendation system that will:

  • Email your recommendation providers with instructions for online submission of the recommendation.
  • Allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals.
  • Expedite the processing of the recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted.
  • Automatically notify you when recommendations have been received.

Academic Transcripts 

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. Review The Joint Office of Graduate Studies Transcript FAQs for more information.

Academic Transcript Submissions

  • Step 1: Request a copy of your official transcript from your institution(s).
  • Step 2: Upload the transcript to your application.

An acceptable transcript is a copy of an official transcript produced by the institution, including:

  • Scanned copies of paper transcripts issued by the institution.
  • Electronic transcripts issued by the institution (not a download from your institution’s web portal).

We do not accept screenshots, photos or downloads of the “student’s view” from your institution’s website.

Non-U.S. College or University Academic Transcripts 

Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts in the form of World Education Services Credential Evaluations or to utilize other credential evaluation services that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. If the evaluation does not include a copy of the evaluated transcripts, you must upload both the transcripts from the institution and the credential evaluation as one document to the application.

  • Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by an English language version provided by the academic institution. If your institution does not provide English language copies, you must provide a certified or notarized translation with a copy of the original transcripts. You may upload an evaluation from a credential evaluation service that must include course and grade information. Both the evaluation and the original transcript should be submitted in the application as one document.
  • If you have study abroad and/or transfer coursework listed on your undergraduate transcripts with the grades earned, you do NOT need to list these institutions separately or upload transcripts. If courses are not listed on your primary institution’s transcript or the transfer courses do not show course grades, please list the institution(s) separately and upload the transcript(s).

Admitted Students 

If you receive an offer of admission, you are required to submit official transcripts, which are transcripts submitted directly to Georgetown by the institution you attended, for verification before enrolling. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Georgetown reserves the right to request any missing transcripts or an official copy of a transcript at any point during the application and/or admission process. Georgetown also reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between a transcript uploaded in the application and the final official transcript received.


Demonstration of English Language Proficiency

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language in order to be eligible for admission. Proficiency can be demonstrated by the receipt of a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. All other applicants must demonstrate proficiency by submitting an official TOEFL or IELTS score. The Department of  Computer Science requires a TOEFL score of at least 90 or an IELTS score of at least 7.0 to apply.


Non-Refundable Application Fee

Applicants must submit a $90 non-refundable application fee, payable online via credit card or e-check. Please do not send a personal check or money order.


Request More Information

Becoming a graduate student at Georgetown University provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to accelerate your career.

Complete this form for more information about the Master of Science in Computer Science.

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