Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Computer Science
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students personalize their course of study while building graduate-level knowledge in computer science. The program requires 30 credits, including at least 24 credits from approved courses. The remaining credits may be completed through approved coursework, research, independent study, or a combination of those options.
Students may choose to complete a master’s thesis or a project-based study track. Coursework and research preparation may include topics such as:
- Software systems and large-scale applications
- Algorithms and theoretical computer science
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Data science and visualization
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Human-computer interaction
- Human-robot interaction and robotics
- Programming languages and software development
- Distributed systems, operating systems, and cloud computing
- Computational biology and interdisciplinary computing
About the Department of Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science at Tufts provides an open, collaborative environment for graduate study and research. The department brings together faculty, students, alumni, staff, and guests across areas of computer science and related fields.
Faculty expertise includes machine learning, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy, human-computer interaction, robotics, distributed systems, cloud computing, programming languages, algorithms, data visualization, computational biology, and computing for social good. Students benefit from small classes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to faculty both inside and outside the classroom.
Flexible Academic Pathways
Students can personalize their path through approved coursework, research, independent study, a thesis option, or a project-based study track. This flexibility allows students to align the degree with interests such as software systems, AI, cybersecurity, data science, HCI, robotics, or research preparation.
Faculty Mentorship
Graduate students regularly access professors in small classes and outside of class. Faculty research spans a wide range of computing fields, giving students opportunities to learn from scholars and practitioners working on technical, interdisciplinary, and socially relevant computing challenges.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Computer science at Tufts connects with fields such as engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-robot interaction, computational biology, health, policy, and social impact. Students can build technical expertise while exploring how computing is applied across disciplines.
Research and Project-Based Study
Students may pursue a master’s thesis or a project-based study track, depending on their goals. These options can support students preparing for doctoral study, research-intensive work, or advanced technical roles that require independent problem-solving.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Computer Science?
Graduates may pursue software, systems, research, technical, or product-focused roles in areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data science, human-computer interaction, cloud computing, robotics, and computing-focused consulting. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, thesis or non-thesis pathway, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Software engineer
- Systems developer
- Machine learning engineer
- Artificial intelligence engineer
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Data scientist
- Human-computer interaction specialist
- Cloud computing engineer
- Technical product developer
- PhD student or research scientist in training
What is the Career Outlook?
Computer science skills are relevant across software, artificial intelligence, data systems, cybersecurity, research, and advanced computing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information research scientists had a median annual wage of $140,910 in May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Average Salary: $145K+
Tufts University Alumni: 125,000+ worldwide
*Source: Average salary statistic is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Computer Science Students Complete a Co-op?
Eligible students may have the opportunity to participate in the School of Engineering Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op can allow students to apply graduate coursework to real-world engineering projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build a resume, and develop professional connections.
Is the Program Online or On Campus?
This M.S. in Computer Science program is offered on campus at Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus. Tufts also offers a separate online M.S. in Computer Science program.
Are Scholarships Available?
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Is the GRE Required?
GRE General Test scores are not required for applicants who will have received a degree from an institution located in the U.S. or Canada by the time of enrollment. GRE scores are required for all other applicants.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
