Graduate Admissions

Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science has partnered with select colleges and universities to create a direct pathway into our graduate programs. 

Required Application Materials

1. Graduate Application Management (syr.edu)
2. Transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended
3. Letters of recommendation
4. Exam Scores: 
   • GRE Test Scores – Applicants are recommended to submit a GRE score. Use institution code 2823 when requesting ETS to send your scores electronically to Syracuse University. This is optional for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 applications.
   • International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores. We require scores from one of these tests only.   
5. Personal statement
6. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
7. $75 non-refundable application fee 
8. Financial Documents (international applicants only) – Financial documents are not required for the review of your application for admission. Students may wait and submit financial documents after they receive admission. Please note that submitting financial documents with your application will reduce I-20 processing time.  

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Applicants from countries other than those on the list below must submit a score from an approved English language test. Applicants who have studied for at least one year in a higher education institution in the US, UK, Canada or Australia may request an exemption from this requirement. Most students take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). We also accept scores from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Duolingo in place of the TOEFL.

Countries That Do Not Require English Language Proficiency Scores

Australia, Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland, Bahamas, Jamaica, Scotland, Barbados, Jersey, Seychelles, Belize, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Bermuda, Kiribati, Singapore, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Cameroon, Liberia, St. Helena, Canada (except Quebec), Malawi, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands, St. Lucia, Cook Islands, Mauritius, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Micronesia, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Montserrat, The Gambia, Fiji, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Grenada, Norfolk Island, United Kingdom, Guam, Norther Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands (U.S. and British).
 

Request To Waive English Proficiency Test Requirement

If you have completed an advanced degree taught at an accredited U.S. educational institution, your English proficiency test requirement will be waived once your application reaches the review committee.

If you would like to gain additional English language skills before enrolling in a program at ECS, Syracuse University’s English Language Institute (ELI) can help. The institute specializes in helping international students improve their written and spoken English language skills to be successful in U.S. graduate classes. Six-week and full-semester programs are offered. For more information on the ELI, please visit: eli.syr.edu

Sending Supplementary Application Materials

Application Mailing Address

Your application and supporting materials should be submitted online. If you need to send any additional items you can email gradsupport@syr.edu, or physically mail them to:

Enrollment Management Processing Center
P.O. Box 35060
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY 13235-5060

Note: If you are sending materials using a package delivery company (i.e. FedEx, UPS, DHL), please use this address:

Enrollment Processing-Graduate Admissions
Syracuse University
804 University Ave., Suite 201
Syracuse, New York 13244

Applicants must send transcripts from any post-secondary institution from which they have earned or will earn a degree. Contact the Registrar’s Office from each higher educational institution that you have attended and have one copy of your transcript(s) sent to the Syracuse University Enrollment Management Processing Center.

Applicants do not need to send transcripts from secondary schools as part of this application.

Though we’ll consider applications with unofficial transcripts, we recommend that you send official transcripts. If you choose to submit an unofficial transcript, all offers of admission from Syracuse University are conditional pending receipt of official academic credentials showing that a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) has been conferred upon you.

More information on the Official Degree Bearing Transcript Requirement can be found on the University's graduate admissions and transcript requirements page.

Tuition and Financial Aid

There is no separate application required for financial support. All students are considered for support by their academic department at the time of application review.

M.S. Students
We offer scholarship support, in the form of competitive merit-based tuition grants which range from 5-50% to select admitted M.S. students. In order to be considered for these awards, students must submit their application by the required deadlines. Consideration for tuition grants is based on the merit of a student’s overall academic profile, including grades and test scores.

Ph.D. Students
Highly qualified doctoral students are supported through Research Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships, and University Fellowships.

Syracuse University Fellowships are awarded competitively from applications received by the program deadline on an all-University basis. Doctoral fellows receive a stipend for 9 months of full-time study, plus a tuition scholarship for up to 12 credits per semester for a total of up to 24 credits for the academic year. Fellows are expected to devote full time to study and research, and to perform no service while receiving fellowship support.

Graduate Assistantships in the form of research assistantships and teaching assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis from among applications received by the program deadline; assistantships are usually not available at any other time of the year. Recipients of these assistantships receive a stipend in addition to a tuition scholarship for up to 24 credits per year.

Proof of Financial Support (for international applicants only)
Syracuse University requires admitted international students to provide proof of sufficient financial support to cover the costs of their program of study. Sufficient funding for at least the first year of graduate study, less any scholarship support, is required for authorization of a student visa. The total amounts necessary are listed on the Graduate School site. 

Student visas will not be issued until financial documentation has been received and reviewed, so please provide the requested support documentation when you file your application for admission. This will not hurt your chances of receiving merit-based financial aid.

What is the application deadline?

We accept M.S. applications for both fall and spring. The fall application deadline is May 1st. The spring application deadline November 1st.

Please note that these deadlines pertain to M.S. applicants; prospective Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and by December 15th to ensure the best consideration for admission and financial support.

Is the application process the same for online degree programs?

No, the application process is not the same for online degree programs. Please visit the online Admissions Overview page for specific information about the online M.S. in Cybersecurity, online M.S. in Computer Science and online M.S. in Computer Engineering.

What is the duration of the degree programs?

M.S. – usually completed in 24 months of study (though some students may complete their requirements in 1.5 years).

Students in the Syracuse University College of Engineering & Computer Science BS/MS program and the Syracuse University/Le Moyne College program are typically on an accelerated track with most completing their M.S. degree in one year.

Ph.D. – usually completed in 4-5 years.

Can I study part-time? (U.S./domestic students only)

Students may pursue any one of our M.S. programs on a part-time basis. Arrangements for part-time Ph.D. study can be made on a case-by-case basis within a student’s academic department.

What do you look for in an applicant?

Graduate admissions decisions are made by faculty committees within each of our departments. These committees consider the entire profile of a candidate when reviewing a file for admission, with particular emphasis on academic performance as demonstrated on a student’s transcript, along with GRE test scores if submitted. Related, relevant experience (such as undergraduate research, projects, work/internship experience), along with letters of recommendation and personal statement are also carefully reviewed and considered critical to a candidate’s successful application.

What are the minimum or average GPA or GRE scores for successful applicants?

In general, there are no specific minimum GPA or GRE requirements for admission. The GRE is currently optional.

The graduate admissions committee in each program reviews the entire profile of an applicant through a holistic approach. We provide the information below as a guideline for potential applicants.

M.S.: Average GPA of admitted students: 3.3

M.S.: Median GRE scores of admitted students: Q: 163, V: 148

Average TOEFL Score: 95 (5 on new scale)

How do I turn in my official degree bearing transcript?

To submit your transcript by mail/express delivery or by electronic delivery directly from the institution:

MAIL OR DHL:

Syracuse University

Enrollment Processing-Graduate Admissions

804 University Ave, Suite 201

Syracuse, NY 13244

The institution will send directly using SecureLink.

Many U.S. colleges and universities allow you to order a transcript for electronic delivery.
Use this email address when you order a transcript from the institution for electronic delivery to SU: grad@syr.edu

More information on the Official Degree Bearing Transcript Requirement can be found University's graduate admissions and transcript requirements page.

Can I arrange a personal interview to discuss my application?

Interviews are not required for admission to our graduate programs, although we would be happy to speak with you about your interest in the program and answer any questions.

Please contact us at topgrads@syr.edu with any questions.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

All international applications are required to submit either a TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS score. You may submit one score or the other, but you don’t need to submit both.

Use the institution code 2823 when requesting ETS (Educational Testing Services) to send your scores electronically to Syracuse University. It is not necessary to request that scores be sent to more than one department.

If you have completed an advanced degree taught at an accredited U.S. educational institution, your TOEFL/IELTS score requirement will be waived.

Do I need to submit funding documentation?

If you are an international applicant, and you are admitted, you will need to show evidence of having secured sufficient funding for at least the first year of graduate study in order for Syracuse University to issue a visa eligibility document. This is required to have your student visa authorized. Visit the Funding Requirement site for updated cost of attendance information for graduate students.

Can I defer my admissions offer?

Admitted applicants may defer enrollment for up to one year. To request a deferment, please contact the Graduate Admissions Coordinator in your department.

If I have a question about filling out the online application, who do I contact?

For questions about filling out online applications, you can contact us at topgrads@syr.edu.

If you are having technical issues with the application, you can contact grad@syr.edu. 

How do I find out if all my application materials have been received?

Applicants can check the status of their application in their Application Portal.

When do you send out decisions?

We send out admissions notifications on a rolling basis as applications are reviewed and decisions are made.

Can I visit campus?

We welcome prospective students to visit campus! We are happy to meet with you and to arrange for you to meet with current students and tour our facilities while you are here.

Please contact us at topgrads@syr.edu to schedule an appointment.

Do you provide tuition assistance for graduate study?

M.S. – We offer outstanding scholarship support, in the form of merit-based tuition grants, to highly qualified applicants. Your application for admission is your application for financial support.

Ph.D. – Highly qualified doctoral students are supported through research assistantships, departmental teaching assistantships, or University Fellowships.

Welcome and congratulations!

Congratulations on your admission to the Syracuse University College of Engineering & Computer Science! We are excited to help you through the process of matriculation and answer any questions you have along the way.

Virtual Graduate Welcome Series

Admission Notification

You will receive your official admission notification from Syracuse University via email. To track your application status and to view your admission letter you will need to access the Application Portal.

Admission Acceptance Form and Graduate Tuition Deposit

There are two steps to accepting your admission and becoming matriculated:

1. After you have reviewed the acceptance letter you will submit your Admission Acceptance Form (AAF) to either accept or decline the admission offer. The AAF will appear in your Application Portal after you have open and viewed your acceptance letter. 
2. MS students must submit a non-refundable tuition deposit of $200. You will find instructions on how to submit this deposit in the Application Portal. This deposit will be credited to your first tuition bill upon matriculation. Only one deposit is required, even if you have been admitted to a dual degree program.

PhD Students and MS students entering in the Spring Semester do not need to submit a tuition deposit.

The deadline to submit your AAF and Deposit for Fall is May 15th.

An I-20 or other visa eligibility documents cannot be issued to international students until the AAF, tuition deposit and funding documentation have all been submitted.

International Student Proof of Funding Documentation

An I-20 (or any other visa eligibility document) will not be issued until the AAF, Graduate Deposit and proof of funding have all been submitted.

International students must submit the required financial documentation to demonstrate their ability to cover the costs of their education and living expenses while in the United States. The required funding is based on the first-year tuition charges plus estimated living expenses. Any scholarships or awards received by the University or College of Engineering and Computer Science will be applied to these costs.

Requirements for financial documentation include:
Privately sponsored applicants: A certified current bank statement on official letterhead, signed by an authorized bank official, showing sufficient funds in U.S. dollars.
Government-sponsored applicants: An original or certified copy of an award letter stating the annual amount in U.S. dollars. All documents must be in English and valid within one year of the semester start.

Submitting Financial Documents
By email: Scan and send to gradsupport@syr.edu
By fax: Send to 315-443-3423 (include full name, date of birth, program name, and SU ID number)

Mailing Supplementary Materials
Standard mail address: Graduate Admissions Processing, P.O. Box 35060, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13235-5060.
Package delivery (FedEx, UPS, DHL): Enrollment Processing, Syracuse University, Graduate Admissions, 804 University Ave., Suite 201, Syracuse, NY 13244.

Important Notes
Applicants should ensure consistent name spelling matching their passport. Submitting financial statements after an offer of admission may cause processing and I-20 delivery delays.

More information, including the estimated cost of attendance, can be found on the international graduate student funding requirements webpage.

Official Degree Bearing Transcript 

By the end of their first semester of study, all graduate students must submit an official transcript which must bear the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution that issued it and must be received by Syracuse University in a sealed envelope or electronically directly from that institution. Unsealed documents which may have been in the hands of students are not considered official.

For students who have received a degree(s) from a U.S. institution(s):

• Transcript(s) from all prior institutions indicating that a degree(s) has been awarded.

For students who have received a degree(s) outside the U. S.:

• A diploma, certificate, or certificate of graduation bearing the appropriate signatures and seal of the institution that specifies your degree(s) and date(s) of degree awarded.
• A transcript (mark sheet, statement of marks, grade report) that contains all courses taken and grades for each course completed as related to each degree awarded.

Find further information on transcript requirements for domestic and international students University's graduate admissions and transcript requirements page.

NetID and ID Card Services

• NetID: If you have not activated your NetID already, you will need to do so. You can activate your NetID using your SUID number. Graduate admission applicants can find their SUID number at the top of their Admissions Applicant Portal.

Please Note: It can take up to 24 business hours after activating your NetID before you will be able to log into MySlice.

Activate your NetID

• SUID Card: Electronically submit your own picture for your SU I.D. Card on the ID Card Services webpage.

Your SU I.D. Card will serve as your official Syracuse University identification and will provide you access to residence halls, dining centers, computer labs, library privileges, print and copy centers and the Syracuse University Bookstore.

Once your SU I.D. is created, you can pick it up on campus at Syracuse University Card Services in 111 Waverly Avenue, Suite 111.

Health Services Documentation 

• Demonstrate Proof of qualifying health insurance coverage.
• Obtain all required immunizations and file the health record form through the secure Patient Portal. Records are due prior to your arrival on campus.

Housing

Syracuse University does not offer guaranteed housing for graduate students. However, the institution provides ample resources via the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services to aid in your search.

A list of housing options can be viewed through our Off Campus Housing Marketplace webpage. From this page you can view community resources or find a roommate. To view potential roommates you will need to create a profile. You will need to log in with your SU ID credentials and complete a new registrant profile page.

International Student Pre-Arrival

The Center for International Services has their own Pre-Arrival Checklist for international students.

When international students arrive in the U.S. they are required to Check-In with the Center for International Services.

The Center for International Services offers a series of Zoom meetings to help you make an easier transition to Syracuse University by introducing you to the campus and its resources. They also offer an In-Person Orientation at the beginning of each semester. Register for a Zoom Meeting and get information on their Orientation events.

Academic Registration

New graduate students will receive their enrollment appointment at the beginning of August for the Fall semester, and January for the Spring semester. You will want to connect with your academic department about course selection and advising requirements before registering for any courses.

Course registration is completed online in your MySlice account. You can also find your registration date and time in MySlice under “Enrollment – Enrollment Dates.”

The Registrar has set up a How to Register page which offer guidance on how to register through MySlice as well as a Registration FAQ page. You will need to sign in using your activated NetID and password to view the Answers page.

The Late Registration/Schedule Adjustment period can be found on the current academic calendar. You will need Bursar Clearance before registering during this period if you did not previously register for a course prior to the start of the semester. There is a $35 late fee. Schedule adjustments may also be made during the Late Registration period.