Stanford University MS in Computer Science
The Master of Science in Computer Science at Stanford provides students with rigorous training in computer science fundamentals and offers flexibility when it comes to specialization. It has world class faculty and Silicon Valley location, and it's one of the most prestigious launchpads into the global tech industry.
Quick Facts
Key admission and program data points for the Stanford MS Computer Science program.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Type | Master of Science (M.S.) |
| Study Mode | Full-Time / Part-Time |
| IELTS Requirement | 7.0 Overall (min. 6.5 per band) |
| TOEFL Requirement | 100 iBT (min. 22 per section) |
| GRE Requirement | Optional — recommended for competitive profiles |
| Credits | 45 Quarter Units |
| Duration | 1–2 Years |
A Flexible, Research-Driven Path Into Computer Science
The Stanford MS in Computer Science is designed for students interested in both depth and the freedom to explore their own path. This is not a pre-defined curriculum, rather candidates develop expertise in a specialization track, such as artificial intelligence, systems, theory, and human-computer interaction, according to their career objectives.
The faculty actively research and, in many cases, are the founders of the technologies that define today's industry, and are the ones who teach the course work. Classes are small, in a seminar format, and students have access to Stanford's research centers, allowing them to work on problems which go beyond the classroom.
Students are not graduating with just a transcript they are graduating with a portfolio of projects, a network within one of the world's most influential tech ecosystems, and a Stanford credential. It is a program designed for students who seek to become engineering leaders, researchers or entrepreneurs.
Built for Students Who Want More Than a Degree
Education is about more than a degree. This program is regularly among the most popular computer science programs for a variety of reasons:
World-Class Faculty
Get firsthand insights from researchers and practitioners at the forefront of the development of the future of AI, systems, and computing theory.
Flexible Specializations
Take an AI, systems, theory, HCI or security elective rather than a prescribed course.
Silicon Valley Access
Easily accessible to the HQ of the world's biggest tech firms, with robust pipelines to recruit from campus.
Global Alumni Network
Become part of a network of founders, engineers and researchers across almost all the technology hubs in the world.
Cutting-Edge Labs
Access to research labs and computing facilities that most graduate programs cannot provide.
High Employability
Job placement rates of graduates are consistently good within months of graduation.
Admission Requirements
A clear guide as to what is required to make a successful application.
Academic Requirements
- Completed 3 to 5 years of college with a computer science or related bachelor's degree
- A grade point average of 3.5 / 4.0 or equivalent is required.
- Good knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and discrete mathematics
- Previously developed programming experience in one of the major programming languages
Application Documents
- Official transcripts of all previous schools attended.
- Essay on your objectives and field of interest.
- Three letters of recommendation are required.
- Updated resume / CV + English skills grade
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
A realistic look at what to budget for, and the funding routes available to offset it.
Billed per quarter unit; final cost depends on the number of units taken per term.
Covers housing, meals, transport, and personal expenses in the Bay Area.
Teaching/research assistantships, merit scholarships, and external fellowships such as Fulbright.
Key Subjects You'll Study
A sample of the core and elective subjects offered across specialization tracks.
Design and analysis of efficient algorithms.
Search, planning, and intelligent agents.
Statistical models, deep learning, and applications.
Cryptography, systems security, and threat modeling.
Storage, indexing, and large-scale data management.
Interface design and usability research.
Protocols, distributed systems, and network design.
Architecture, testing, and team-based development.
Language models, parsing, and text understanding.
Career Opportunities
Common roles pursued by graduates, along with illustrative U.S. salary ranges.
Software Engineer
High DemandDesigns and builds software systems across web, mobile, and infrastructure roles.
Machine Learning Engineer
Fast-GrowingBuilds and deploys ML models in production environments.
Data Scientist
High DemandTurns large datasets into actionable business and product insights.
Research Scientist
Research TrackPursues novel problems in AI, systems, or theoretical computer science.
Technical Product Manager
LeadershipBridges engineering and business to guide product strategy and roadmaps.
Cybersecurity Analyst
High DemandProtects systems and data through monitoring, audits, and incident response.
Salary figures are illustrative estimates based on general U.S. market data and will vary by employer, location, and experience.
Related Programs
Comparable programs worth exploring before you finalize your decision.
Related University Resources
Continue your research with these companion guides.
Step-by-step breakdown of the application process.
Read GuideFunding options for international students.
Read GuideA full breakdown of costs and payment options.
Read GuideLearn more about Stanford University as a whole.
View ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
The answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about this program.
What do you need to do to get into this program?
Typically, applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, an excellent academic record, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose and to demonstrate their proficiency in English for international students.
Do they require the GRE for admission?
No. GRE is not required, but a high score can help improve the application for those from less well-known academic systems.
How much does it cost to attend university as an international student?
Domestic and international students pay the same tuition, which is approximately $62,484/yr charged per quarter unit. Living expenses vary and are generally $24,000 to $30,000 per year.
Is there a part-time option for this program?
Yes. Students can complete the program part-time, a pace that stretches the traditional length of the program to closer to 24 months.
How much are the payoffs of graduating?
The salary range of software engineers, machine learning scientists or data scientists depends on the role and the employing firm, but the average U.S. salary is approximately $110,000 to $200,000 annually for a graduate.
Is it possible to get scholarships for international students?
Most master's students should assume that they will cover part of their financial needs, but you may also be able to receive teaching and research assistantships and merit-based scholarships, as well as external fellowships like Fulbright.