Master'sUnited States · Computer Science / AI / Data Science

MS Computer Science (terminal Master of Science)

Yale University

✓ Last verified Oct 4, 2026

Entry requirements

English: TOEFL — Typical 100Preferred
Tests: GRERequired
Prior degree: Bachelor's degree or international equivalentRequired
CS degree not required, but graded coursework beyond basic programming and data structures, specifically advanced algorithms and systems programming and architecture, from accredited programmesRequired

Accepted English tests: Department: no absolute cut-offs; if TOEFL is required it generally looks for total scores well above 100. TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic required of most applicants whose native language is not English; the Graduate School has no test minimum (departments may set one). IELTS General Training, IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake not accepted; IELTS scores only via E-Delivery. Exempt if the undergraduate degree is from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction with at least three years in residence (no exemption based on advanced degrees). Speaking scores needed to teach (otherwise a Summer English program; stated for incoming doctoral students): TOEFL speaking 26 (tests before 21 Jan 2026) or 5.5 (on/after 21 Jan 2026), IELTS speaking 8.0. Sources: https://gsas.yale.edu/admissions/phdmasters-application-process/guidance-international-students and https://gsas.yale.edu/admissions/phdmasters-application-process/standardized-testing-requirements The two-year (thesis/Teaching Fellow) option requires documented English proficiency in the application.
Other requirements: Department: accepted students generally score in the 90th percentile on the GRE; scores, GPA, recommendation letters and personal statement all considered; research experience not required. About 500 applications per year, acceptance rate about 15%. One-year option: eight approved courses (most common); two-year thesis option: six courses + 20 h/week Teaching Fellow for four terms + thesis (very small number admitted). No financial aid for the one-year MS. GSAS application: statement of academic purpose, unofficial transcripts from all institutions, three letters of recommendation, resume/CV, USD 105 application fee (fee waivers available, including to international applicants). Bachelor's degree or international equivalent required before enrolment (three-year degrees accepted). Self-report GPA without converting. Master's programmes are generally not funded.