Graduate Degrees and Admissions

Graduate Programs

The Computer Science Department is a vibrant environment of learning and research. The department offers several graduate degrees in Computer Science ranging from PhD to Certificates. We offer rigorous science in a friendly environment with a range of degree programs to suit a variety of student interests. The following sections give information on our Degrees and Admissions and Financial Aid.

Degrees

• PhD Program

  The department offers a PhD degree with possibilities for specialization in a variety of areas in Computer Science. Tufts Computer Science offers the advantage of first class research couched in a supportive atmosphere of a small liberal-arts college. Applicants are urged to check our research pages for descriptions of current and future projects and interests. For more details on the requirements of the degree please see PhD Program

  To be considered for the PhD program applicants must hold a Masters degree in Computer Science or in some cases closely related field. Applicants who do not hold a Masters degree but are interested in the PhD program should apply to the MS or MS/PhD programs as described below. In fact, most of our PhD students start in the MS or MS/PhD programs. Applicants with industrial experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Masters Program

  The Masters program is suitable for applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or closely related field. It gives an excellent choice of advanced courses giving students a chance to see the breadth of the field while also maintaining a mandatory core set of advanced courses. Some of the courses are offered regularly and others are offered as "special topic" courses. Course work is complemented by a special project or thesis. This degree can be used to broaden the scope for computer science professionals. It is also an excellent tool for students interested in a PhD degree but still unsure of their focus area and/or requiring further expertise. For more information about the degrees and courses, please see:

  • Master's Programs
  • Courses

• MS/PhD Track

  Applicants who are interested in a PhD Degree, have a good idea of their intended research area, but do not yet have a Masters degree may apply for the MS/PhD Track. This is formally the same as described above but the applicant will be automatically reconsidered for the Ph.D. program toward the end of their Master degree.

• Certificate in Computer Science

  This program is suitable for applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree in Computer Science or closely related field. For additional information, see the Certificate Track.

• Graduate Career Advancement Program

  The graduate school also allows students to explore their interests by taking courses while not committed to any degree program. More information.

Admissions

Women and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

All applications for graduate degrees must be made through the Tufts Graduate Office. Please see the Tufts Graduate Office web site for general information and application materials.

Application Deadlines. Fall admissions deadline is January 15 (December 30 for international applicants); Spring admissions deadline is September 15. Fellowship and assistantship support is typically awarded only to Fall applicants.

Our admissions decisions are based on record of previous studies (GPA, rank in class), letters of recommendation, TOEFL scores (where applicable), and GRE scores. We generally do not apply hard cutoff scores but consider the total profile that a student presents. Median scores for group of recent accepted applicants were: GRE verbal: 630, GRE quantitative: 790, TOEFL Written Test: 550 Computer Test 213.

Financial Aid

Merit based financial aid is available on a competitive basis and requires continued good academic standing.

Aid includes full and partial tuition scholarships that are available to many MS and most PhD students. Additional stipends are available as assistantships through external research grants as well as departmental funds. Some of these include teaching and/or systems responsibilities. The Provost and Dean's Fellowships and the Kirk & Janelle Loevner Endowed Fellowship augment the funds available for assistantships. Applicants need not apply for specific forms of aid. The department will consider applicants for different forms of aid based on qualifications and availability.

The Office of Graduate and Professional Studies encourages graduate students to seek external funding throughout their graduate career, and has compiled a database to help students in their search. Please see Tufts' research funding page.

More Information

For more information about programs in Computer Science, degree requirements, and research opportunities, please contact

You may also contact any of the Professors in the department with specific questions concerning their research groups. When contacting us please provide pertinent information whenever possible (for example GRE scores, TOEFL scores, ranking within your department, programming skills, and your research interests).