FAQ about Applications and Financial Aid

Why Should I Choose UMass Lowell for a Master's in Computer Science?

UMass Lowell’s 30-credit, STEM-OPT-eligible Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science combines rigorous theoretical foundations with practical, career-relevant learning. Students may study full-time or part-time, choose the General or Cybersecurity option and pursue an optional master’s thesis; the GRE is not required. 

Faculty conduct research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity and privacy, data science, systems and networks, human-computer interaction, robotics, bioinformatics and many other areas, with opportunities for students to engage in research groups, laboratories, and centers.

Students also benefit from UMass Lowell’s connections with technology companies and research organizations across New England, including career-connected opportunities associated with the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC). 

Should I Apply?

What are my chances of getting into your program?

We need to see your complete application in order to decide whether you are qualified for admission. Please review the Computer Science (CS) admissions requirements and the answers to other questions in this FAQ. They will give you a good idea about whether your background matches our requirements. If you have specific, individual questions that are not answered in either place, please email the appropriate CS Graduate Coordinator.

My bachelor’s degree isn’t in computer science. Can I apply?

Yes. If your bachelor’s degree is in a related engineering, scientific or mathematical discipline, that’s fine. If it’s not, we will need to look closely to see whether you have sufficient technical background to succeed in CS graduate work.

I’m missing one or two of the required knowledge areas. What can I do?

If you meet all of the other admissions requirements for the Master of Science (MS) in CS, then you should apply. We will incorporate your missing courses into the study plan.

Who can I meet with to discuss applying?

Your best - and quickest - sources of information are this FAQ and the CS admissions web pages.

The CS Graduate Coordinator (a professor) holds office hours during the academic year, but not during the summer.

If you are interested in the Bioinformatics Option within the MS in CS, you may wish to contact a representative of the Bioinformatics program, email andy@cs.uml.edu.

Will I get credit for my work experience?

If your work requires you to use both broad and deep knowledge within one of the required knowledge areas for admission to the MS in CS, then it may possibly satisfy that knowledge area (at the discretion of the admissions committee). We do not give graduate credit toward the degree for work experience.

I have a three year bachelor’s degree from my country. Can I apply?

Yes, you can apply. We will consider a three year bachelor's degree based on the quality of the academic offering at your previous institution. Visit the International Applicants page for more information.

Can I transfer from another department?

There is no automatic transfer to the CS graduate program from another department. You need to apply to transfer and to meet all of the CS admissions requirements. See Transferring to CS from another department.

If you meet all of the other admissions requirements for the MS in CS, then you should apply. We often accept applicants into the MS in CS with conditions, if they are missing only one or two of the required knowledge areas and meet all other admissions requirements.

What is the deadline for applying for spring? For fall? 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Getting Application Materials

Will you please send me application materials?

You can apply online at the Graduate Admissions website.

Application Status

What is the status of my application?

Please log in to your GradCAS account to check the status of your application.

If you are unable to access the status information, or if you believe it is incorrect, please contact Graduate Admissions (Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu).

If the status information says that your application is under review by the School, then we are currently reviewing it. Graduate Admissions will notify you once a decision has been made.

Doctor of Science

I don’t have a master’s degree. Can I get into your Doctor of Science program?

It is possible to enter the Doctor of Science program without having a master’s degree. You would begin your doctoral program by meeting the requirements for the MS in CS. For details, see the CS admissions requirements.

Who will be my research advisor?

The School does not assign research advisors to students. The research advisor/advisee relationship is based on mutual trust and respect. You will need to get to know the faculty members who do research in your area of interest. You will also need to show the faculty your abilities, interests, integrity and diligence. The best way to get to know a faculty member is to take a course with them and then to volunteer on their research projects. 

Financial Aid

I can't afford the application fee. Can it be waived? 

Contact Graduate Admissions for information about waiving the application fee.

Can master’s students receive financial support or find employment on campus?

Yes, but such opportunities are limited, competitive and not guaranteed with admission. Most master’s students who obtain campus jobs do so after enrolling. Depending on eligibility and availability, students may apply through JobHawk for department-funded and other on-campus positions; grader positions may also be announced near the beginning of a semester. 

Teaching and research assistantships are limited, with preference in Computer Science generally given to doctoral students. Research appointments depend on faculty funding and fit and are often considered after a faculty member has become familiar with a student’s work. Scholarships and other financial aid may also be available. 

International students must follow International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) employment rules and should consult ISSO before accepting a position. Students should plan their finances without assuming that they will receive an assistantship or campus job.

Can you help me find a job at a local company?

There are two sources of help for finding a job at a local company while you are a student here. The Miner School may be able to help with off-campus job placement. Also, the university has a Career Services and Cooperative Education Center that helps students learn about job openings.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Are GRE scores required?

We do not require GRE scores, although having GRE scores could strengthen your overall application.

What is the minimum TOEFL score you accept?

For international students, except as exempted by Graduate Admissions rules, the Computer Science graduate program generally expects a TOEFL score of at least 70 or an equivalent test, such as the Duolingo English Test (DET), with a score of at least 90.

My TOEFL score is more than two years old.  Will you accept it?

Graduate Admissions will accept only TOEFL scores that are less than two years old.

May I send in a photocopy of my test scores instead of an official report?

No, Graduate Admissions will accept only official score reports for the TOEFL and GRE.

Admissions Decisions

Why wasn't I admitted to the Miner School?

Admission to the Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences is competitive and based on how well applicants meet the graduate admission requirements. If you were not admitted, your application did not meet one or more of the program's admission requirements.

Common reasons include:

  • TOEFL or English proficiency scores below the required minimum
  • Missing prerequisite knowledge areas
  • Academic performance in bachelor's-level coursework
  • Low GPA in prerequisite courses completed at UMass Lowell 

Can I reapply?

Yes. If you have strengthened your application—for example, by completing prerequisite coursework or improving your academic qualifications—we encourage you to reapply.

Why wasn't my request to transfer from another department approved?

Each graduate program has its own admission requirements. If your transfer request was not approved, you did not meet one or more of the Miner School's admission requirements.

Common reasons include:

  • TOEFL or English proficiency scores below the required minimum
  • Missing prerequisite knowledge areas
  • Academic performance in bachelor's-level coursework
  • Low GPA in prerequisite courses completed at UMass Lowell