What is the application deadline?
We accept M.S. applications for both fall and spring. The fall application deadline for international students is April 1; the fall application deadline for U.S. or domestic students is May 1. The spring application deadline for international students is October 15; the spring application deadline for U.S. or domestic students is November 15.
Please note that these deadlines pertain to M.S. applicants; prospective Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, and by January 1 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.
How many applications do you receive each year? How many are accepted?
Graduate admission to the College of Engineering and Computer Science is highly competitive. We typically receive about 2,000 applications each year for our M.S. programs. The average M.S. acceptance rate is about 45%. We generally receive 350 applications for our Ph.D. programs and admit approximately 50 students annually.
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
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
Graduate Admissions Processing
THE INSTITUTION SENDS 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
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.
- Applicants who are citizens of the following English-speaking countries are not required to submit TOEFL scores: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom.
- For more information on TOEFL scores, whether you need to submit your scores, and other common questions for international applicants to Syracuse University, please visit the International Student FAQ.
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’ll 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 in order to have your student visa authorized. Visit the SU Financial Aid 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, contact us at topgrads@syr.edu.
How do I find out if all my application materials have been received?
Applicants can check the status of their application via MySlice.
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 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.
How many students are in your graduate programs?
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to approximately 1000 graduate students: roughly 75% M.S. students and 25% Ph.D. students.