Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Computer Science?

The Master's in Computer Science program prepares students to develop the digital tools of the future, from AI to advanced computer graphics. UMBC's faculty are at the forefront of efforts to design new AI algorithms, enhance computer graphics, improve computer security and more. Learn from the experts, and even conduct your own research project.

UMBC’s electrical and computer engineering faculty are at the forefront of efforts to design new AI algorithms, enhance computer graphics, improve computer security and more. Learn from the experts, and even conduct your own research project.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Computer Science?

A master’s degree can open doors to careers in government and industry, or be the stepping stone to a Ph.D. program. You will take high-level computer science courses and have the option to pursue projects or research that is meaningful to you. Delve into topics including cybersecurity and information assurance, natural language processing, databases, data mining, mobile and wearable computing, cognitive systems and architectures, semantic web, machine learning, and networking.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Science in Computer Science Requirements

GRE General Test required with the option to waive. Click here to access the GRE waiver form.

Strong background in computer science and mathematics courses; see Graduate Catalog for detailed list of required background courses; Ph.D. applicants strongly recommended to have M.S. degree in computer science

Please note: the GRE is waived for all applications for the Fall 2026 semester.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by January 20
Apply by June 1

International Students:
Apply by January 20

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by June 1
Apply by November 1

International Students:
Apply by June 1

UMBC Graduate School Application UMBC Grad School Admissions Info UMBC Grad School Admissions Policies

Contact Information

Computer Science Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3000

Program Director

Dr. Cynthia Matuszek
cmat@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Keara Fliggins
410-455-3000
fliggins@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Master of Science in Computer Science