Eligibility Requirements for Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science

To apply for the M.S. in Computer Science at Duke University, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:



  • You need a 4-year bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related subject.

  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended.

  • GRE General Test is required.

  • International students must submit English test scores:


  • TOEFL iBT: 90 or higher

  • IELTS: 7.0 or higher

  • Duolingo: 125 or higher


  • You should know basic subjects like calculus, data structures, and algorithms.

  • You must submit 3 recommendation letters.

  • A clear Statement of Purpose (SOP) is required.

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    Test Scores Requirement

    ExamRequirementMinimum Section Scores
    verbal: 155 | quantitative: 161
    6-
    89-
    125-

    Program Eligibility URL:https://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/programs-degrees/computer-science-ms/

    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Class Profile

    Based on Duke Graduate School data, here’s a snapshot of the program's recent cohort:



  • Graduate student body: 76 students in the department

  • International representation: Approximately 78% of graduate students are international


    • Application cycle:


    -Applications received: 437
    -Offers made: 56
    -Enrolled students: 19
    -Acceptance rate: ~13%



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    Class Profile URL: https://gradschool.duke.edu/about/statistics/computer-science-master-s-admissions-and-enrollment-statistics" target="_blank">Computer Science: Master's Admissions & Enrollment Statistics</a>

    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Rankings

    About Duke University

    Duke University is a top-ranked private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is known for its strong academic programs, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research. The university offers a rigorous M.S. in Computer Science program that prepares students for careers in tech, research, and academia.

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    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Program Curriculum

    Program Curriculum URL:https://cs.duke.edu/graduate/ms/ms-req

    Duke’s M.S. in Computer Science program offers two pathways—coursework-only or project/thesis—each requiring 30 credit units and a final master's exam after three full-time semesters.



  • Coursework-only pathway:


  • 18+ credits in CS core

  • 6+ credits in related non-CS fields

  • 6+ elective credits

  • At least one project-based course

  • Portfolio-style master’s exam



  • Project/Thesis pathway:


  • 12+ credits in CS core

  • 6+ credits in non-CS fields

  • 6+ elective credits

  • Up to 6 credits ungraded research

  • Includes CS 704 (career prep)

  • Public defense of project or thesis




    • Students can also choose concentrations in AI/Machine Learning or Cybersecurity, added to the transcript if completed.

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    Core Courses

    Duke’s M.S. in Computer Science program offers two pathways—coursework-only or project/thesis—each requiring 30 credit units and a final master's exam after three full-time semesters.

    • Coursework-only pathway:
      • 18+ credits in CS core
      • 6+ credits in related non-CS fields
      • 6+ elective credits
      • At least one project-based course
      • Portfolio-style master’s exam
    • Project/Thesis pathway:
      • 12+ credits in CS core
      • 6+ credits in non-CS fields
      • 6+ elective credits
      • Up to 6 credits ungraded research
      • Includes CS 704 (career prep)
      • Public defense of project or thesis

    Students can also choose concentrations in AI/Machine Learning or Cybersecurity, added to the transcript if completed.

    Duke University offers optional concentrations for M.S. in Computer Science students. These specializations allow students to focus on a specific field and get it officially recognized on their transcript.

    • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
    • Cybersecurity

    To earn a concentration, students must complete specific courses within the chosen area as part of their 30-credit program.

    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Acceptance Rate

    The M.S. in Computer Science at Duke University is a research-focused program that helps students build strong technical and analytical skills. The program offers both thesis and coursework-only options, allowing flexibility based on career goals. Students learn core areas like algorithms, systems, AI, machine learning, and data science, with access to hands-on research and advanced labs.

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    Fee Structure of Duke University M.S. in Computer Science

    Duke’s M.S. in Computer Science program follows a flat-rate tuition model for full-time students. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the tuition is $33,862 per semester for Fall and Spring. Summer sessions are billed separately at $16,930 per term. In addition to tuition, students are required to pay standard fees such as health insurance, student services, and transcript fees.


    Fee Structure: Duke University M.S. in Computer Science



  • Tuition (Fall/Spring 2025–26): $33,862 per semester

  • Tuition (Summer 2026): $16,930 per term

  • Per-Credit Tuition (if part-time): $3,930

  • Health Fee: $503.50 (Fall/Spring), $350 (Summer)

  • Recreation + Activity + Services Fee: $206 per semester

  • Transcript Fee (one-time only): $120

  • Health Insurance: $3,751.56 per year

  • Dental Insurance: $353 per year

  • Estimated Total (Tuition + Fees):
    – Fall: $38,617
    – Spring: $34,593
    – Summer: $5,030

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    Application Documents for Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science

    To apply for the M.S. in Computer Science at Duke University, you need to submit the following documents:



  • Online Application Form

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Three Letters of Recommendation

  • Official Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions

  • GRE General Test Scores (required)

  • English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo – for international applicants)

  • Application Fee: $95 (non-refundable)


    • All documents must be submitted through the Duke Graduate School's online application portal before the deadline.

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    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Deadlines

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    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Employment

    Duke’s M.S. in Computer Science graduates enjoy strong career outcomes, with most securing full-time roles or advancing to further studies within six months of graduation:



  • Full-time employment: Over 80% of ECE & CS master’s graduates secure jobs within six months 

  • Average base salary: Around $111,589 for ECE/CS graduates 

  • Popular job titles: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Software Developer/Engineer 

  • Industry sectors: Technology leads (~21%), followed by finance (~15%), consulting (~15%), healthcare (~9%), and research (~6%) 

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    111,589

    Average Starting Salary

    Companies Recruiting Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Graduates


  • Amazon

  • Apple

  • Google

  • Microsoft

  • Meta

  • NVIDIA

  • Oracle

  • AWS

    • Letter of Recommendation for Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science

    To apply for the M.S. in Computer Science at Duke University, you must submit three letters of recommendation. These should be written by professors, research supervisors, or professionals who can evaluate your academic abilities, technical skills, and potential for success in a graduate program.



  • Number required: 3

  • Who can write them: Professors, research guides, or professional managers

  • Submission: Recommenders must upload letters directly through the online application portal

  • Content: Should highlight your analytical thinking, coding skills, teamwork, and readiness for graduate-level work


    • Make sure to choose recommenders who know your academic or research work well and can provide detailed, personalized insights.

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    Statement of Purpose for Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science

    Based on Duke’s SoP guidelines, your statement (1–2 pages, single-spaced) should cover:



  • Goals & motivation for graduate study

  • Research interests & plans

  • Strengths & weaknesses in your field

  • Relevant projects/research experience

  • Why Duke—mention faculty, resources, or specific lab interests

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    Scholarships available for International Students

    The average annual cost of study, including tuition fees and living expenses is around USD$35,000 per year. However, this can rise dramatically as your day-to-day living expenses will vary depending on what state or city you live in.Below are some scholarships you can avail to reduce your study abroad expenses drastically.

    1. The Global Study Awards

      The Global Study Awards is a competition for successful IELTS test takers who have shown exceptional promise. You can enter the competition if you plan to use your IELTS results to apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an English-speaking country.

    2. Gary Saitowitz Scholarship

      Gary Saitowitz founded the Gary Saitowitz Scholarship with the objective of assisting one deserving student in reducing the stress and also the overall financial burden of costly higher education.

    3. Form Swift Scholarships Program

      The scholarship program is for driven, up-and-coming, entrepreneurs who are ready to commit to building a better world through their business ideas.

    What makes Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science unique?

    Duke University stands out for its strong focus on interdisciplinary research, small class sizes, and close faculty-student interaction. The Computer Science department offers access to world-class labs, cutting-edge research in AI and data science, and strong industry connections. Students also benefit from Duke’s vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and a global alumni network.

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    Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science Contact Information

    Whom should I contact in case of any doubts?

    If you have any questions about the M.S. in Computer Science program at Duke University, you can reach out to the Director of Graduate Studies.



    • Email: dgs@cs.duke.edu

    • Phone: +1 (919) 660‑6500

    • Website: www.cs.duke.edu

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      Conclusion: Should you apply to Advance Your Expertise with Duke's MS in Computer Science?

      Conclusion: Should You Apply to This School?


      If you're looking for a top-ranked, research-driven Computer Science program with strong career outcomes, Duke University is a solid choice. While it doesn’t offer direct scholarships for M.S. CS students, its academic reputation, skilled faculty, and strong industry connections make it a worthwhile investment. With flexible curriculum options and access to top employers, it's ideal for students aiming for roles in tech, AI, and research.

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