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Computer Science Master's Program

The computer science program provides opportunities for students to join vibrant collaborative and interdisciplinary efforts in artificial intelligence, computer animation and virtual environments, cyber-physical systems, distributed real-time and embedded middleware, human-systems integration, image processing, intelligent learning environments, model-integrated computing, robotics, software engineering and trustworthy computing.

Important Admissions Deadlines

Applications for both spring and fall admission open on August 1. 

Updates: The application deadline for M.S. Fall 2026 admission has been extended to June 1. 

M.S. Deadlines
Application deadline for Fall 2026 admission May 15
Target date by which Fall admission decisions are releasedMarch 31
Deadline to respond to Fall admission offer (National Response Day) April 15*
Application deadline for Spring 2027 admission October 15

*April 15th applies to decisions received on or before April 1st. Decisions received after April 1st carry a two-week response window.

Graduate Degree Programs

The department of Computer Science at Vanderbilt University offers Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and thesis and non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Computer Science. The CS graduate program encourages both fundamental and interdisciplinary research. State-of-the-art facilities that include computational resources, networks, and laboratories in several areas are available to support research activities.

The graduate program in CS is structured around four primary areas:

  • Computing Foundations
  • Computer and Network Systems
  • Information and Intelligent Systems
  • Medical Image Computing

Please click here to view details of the application process through the Graduate School.

For more information about our programs check out our Computer Science Graduate Catalog

If you have any additional questions about the admission and application process, please contact Sara Raiszadeh (MS).

Application and Admissions Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the criteria for admission to the Graduate Program in Computer Science?

    All required application materials are taken into consideration when reviewing applications. 

    Special Note: The Graduate Program for Computer Science has indefinitely waived GRE scores for consideration for admission.

  • What degrees are offered by the Graduate Program?

    The Graduate Program in Computer Science at Vanderbilt University offers students the opportunity to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). 

  • Can I apply to the Ph.D. program with only a Bachelor’s degree or must I apply for admission the Master’s program first?

    Applicants who are interested in earning a Ph.D., whether or not they have a master’s degree, are encouraged to apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Students who are accepted to the Ph.D. program with a bachelor’s degree can earn the master’s degree on the way to their Ph.D.

  • Will there be any opportunity to transfer to the Ph.D. Program if I am admitted to the Master’s program?

    Transfer to the Ph.D. program from the Master’s will depend on the research progress and will typically need to be exceptional and beyond Master’s level. Requests to transfer programs are subject to approval from the academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

  • What funding opportunities are available?

    Master’s Students:  Currently, funding is not available to students admitted to the Master’s program.

    The continuation of funding is dependent on academic and research progress toward your degree.

  • Does the degree program offer Day 1 CPT?

    At this time, our program does not offer Day 1 CPT.

    • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option available to F-1 students when the training experience is considered to be an integral part of the established curriculum and directly related to the student's major area of study. ("Training" is used here to refer to paid or unpaid internships or employment. According to Immigration regulations, CPT may be an internship, practicum, or other work experience that is required for the degree program (as defined in the course catalog) or for which academic course credit is awarded)
    • For more information regarding CPT please visit:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/isss/immigration/f-1-students/employment/cpt/

Application Process

  • What are the applications requirements?

    To apply for admission to the Graduate Program in Computer Science, you will need to submit an application for admission electronically through  The Graduate School.  Application requirements include:

    Resume/CV
    The Graduate Program for Computer Science has indefinitely waived GRE scores for consideration for admission.
    Language Proficiency Exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
    Transcripts
    Statement of Purpose
    Letters of Recommendation
  • What are the language proficiency exam score requirements?

    The College of Connected Computing follows official graduate school language requirements. 

  • Can the language proficiency requirement be waived?

    For specific details about the policy and requirements, please refer to the following link: https://gradschool.vanderbilt.edu/application-requirements/#h2-language-proficiency

    Please note that English language proficiency waivers will be reviewed only after the application has been submitted and, if required, the application fee has been paid.

  • How do I verify that my language proficiency requirement waiver was applied?

    The Application Checklist on the application status page will display a status of “waived.”

  • Do I need to mail in original transcripts?

    You do not need to mail in original transcripts when applying. You should upload an unofficial transcript from prior undergraduate or graduate work as a part of your online application. Official transcripts are required only after an offer of admission is made and accepted.

  • Is there an application fee?

    If you are submitting an application to the Master's program, there is no fee. 

  • How can I check the status of my application?

    You may check the status of your application through your applicant portal here:  apply.vanderbilt.edu

  • Can I upload additional documents after my application has been submitted?

    You may upload additional documents after the application has been submitted through the application portal. Please note that we cannot accept any additional documents via email. 

  • Can recommendation letters be submitted after the application close?

    Yes. You may submit your application even if all recommendation letters have not been submitted. However, an admission decision cannot be released until all materials, including recommendation letters, are received.

  • When can I expect to hear from the program about the admission decision?

    All official decisions will be communicated by the Graduate School.

  • If I receive an offer of admission, what are the next steps?

    If you have received an offer of admission, make sure to submit the Admission Response Form in your application portal, pay your matriculation fee, and follow any other steps provided by Graduate Admissions.

    Your official transcripts must be sent to Vanderbilt University before you can enroll in classes.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the following email addresses:

    MS students: CS.MS.Admin@Vanderbilt.edu

  • How long after an admission offer is made do I have to respond?

    The National Response Day is April 15th. However you will have a minimum of two weeks to respond with either your acceptance or rejection of the admission offer. You should complete the Admission Response Form through the application portal to indicate your response.

Contact

Prof. Kevin Leach
Dir. of Graduate Recruitment
Kevin.Leach@Vanderbilt.edu

Prof. Ipek Oguz
Dir. of Graduate Studies (MS)
Ipek.Oguz@Vanderbilt.edu

Sara Raiszadeh
Graduate Program Coordinator (MS)
CS.MS.Admin@Vanderbilt.edu

Graduate Student Information

Visit the Graduate Student Information page for more information.