Master's · Cornell University
Cornell's Master of Engineering in Computer Science is a two-semester, 30-credit degree in Ithaca that ends in a capstone project. The application page says a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field typically suffices, as long as you can show knowledge of five prerequisite subject areas. It no longer asks for the GRE, requires two letters of recommendation and lists a fall deadline of 1 February for the fall 2027 start the overview page describes.
2027-28 entry · Official information
Taken from the Cornell Bowers Master of Engineering in Computer Science overview and application pages and read on 3 November 2026. The page describes 2027-28 entry; confirm every date and rule on the page before you rely on it.
A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field typically suffices. Applicants from other fields must show knowledge of object-oriented programming and data structures, functional programming, computer systems, discrete mathematics, and calculus and linear algebra.
The page says it cannot consider courses taken through MOOCs as meeting the prerequisites, because there is no official documentation of success.
GRE scores are no longer required and submitting them has no impact on the committee's decision. International applicants submit TOEFL or IELTS, and no other English test is accepted.
Two letters of recommendation are required, plus a résumé or CV, a statement of purpose of up to 1,000 words and a personal statement of up to 1,000 words.
The overview page describes applications for a fall 2027 start, and the application page lists a fall deadline of 1 February. Applications received after the deadline are not processed.
The degree is two semesters and 30 credit hours, with three to six credits earned as project credit through a capstone.
Official sources
Read on 3 November 2026 on the Cornell Bowers Master of Engineering in Computer Science overview and application pages, which describes 2027-28 entry. The academic-planning page, the Cornell Tech MEng, the scholarship rules and the tuition pages were not read and are not stated.
Fit
The page describes a degree background as a typical route and then lists subject areas you must be able to show. The readings below mix Cornell's wording with Avandy's judgment, and the labels say which is which.
Object-oriented programming and data structures, data structures and functional programming, computer system organisation, discrete mathematics, and calculus and linear algebra. The page names Cornell course numbers as examples.
The page suggests the courses you take cover the same material at a comparable school, and says it cannot count MOOCs because there is no official documentation. The FAQ also mentions documented real-life experience as a route to the background.
If your degree is in a related field, map each of your courses to the five areas before you apply. Gaps are easier to close before the deadline than to explain after it.
Decision
This is the Ithaca programme. Cornell Tech runs its own MEng, which this guide does not cover.
Two semesters and 30 credits, with three to six project credits and a capstone defined as developing a computer science application that explores or solves an engineering problem.
The page describes the programme as intensive, hands-on and career-focused.
A two-semester degree leaves little time to repair weak foundations. Compare it with longer masters on whether you already meet the prerequisites, not on the name.
Application
With the GRE removed, the written application and the prerequisites carry the decision.
Up to 1,000 words on the areas of computer science that interest you, why this programme, what qualifies you and how it supports your goals.
Up to 1,000 words giving a sense of you as a whole person and how your background led you to graduate study.
Two are required. Recent graduates should give at least two from an instructor, professor or other academic contact, and employer letters are also acceptable.
Use the statement of purpose for the technical case and the personal statement for the rest, and do not repeat one in the other.
Planning
The overview page describes a fall 2027 start. Spring entry has a separate 1 October deadline.
Map your courses to the five prerequisite areas, brief two recommenders and draft both statements. If you need an English test, book it early so scores reach Cornell by the deadline. Re-read the pages before submitting, because the school can change them.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Cornell University or any of its departments. Support sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the published requirements of each course. No outcome is promised.
Questions
No. The page says GRE scores are no longer required and that submitting them has no impact on the admission committee's decision.
The application page lists 1 February for fall admission, and the overview page describes applications for a fall 2027 start. Late applications are not processed.
A degree in computer science or a related technical field typically suffices. Applicants from other fields must show knowledge of the prerequisite subject areas.
The page says courses taken through MOOCs cannot be counted as meeting the prerequisites, because there is no official documentation of success.
Two letters of recommendation are required.
Students and families
Tell us about your degree, your grades, your relevant experience and the master's courses you are weighing. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare the application.
