M.S. in Computer Science

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

Application Fees : US$ 80

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A completed bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
   • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent. This is typically around 65% or higher, depending on the grading system of the institution.
      

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.
   • TOEFL iBT: A minimum overall score of 80.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 120.
   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 65.            

Scholarships for International Students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)

1. Global Excellence Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to outstanding incoming international undergraduate students. It provides full tuition coverage for up to four years of study at VCU. Recipients are selected based on academic merit and their potential to contribute to the VCU community.

2. International Student Scholarships: VCU offers a range of merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate students. These scholarships vary in award amounts and eligibility criteria. They are typically based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments.

3. VCU Presidential International Graduate Scholarships: These scholarships are available for international students pursuing graduate studies at VCU. The awards cover partial tuition costs and are granted based on academic excellence. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and meet specific GPA requirements.

4. VCU School of Business Scholarships: The School of Business at VCU offers scholarships for international graduate students pursuing business-related programs. These scholarships aim to support students who have demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership qualities.

5. VCU Honors College Scholarships: The Honors College at VCU provides scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate international students. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.

6. VCUarts Scholarships: For international students interested in pursuing degrees in the arts, VCUarts offers scholarships that are specific to their programs. These scholarships may include awards for outstanding portfolios or auditions.

7. VCU School of Engineering Scholarships: International students studying engineering at VCU may be eligible for scholarships offered by the School of Engineering. These scholarships are based on academic achievements and career aspirations in engineering fields.

8. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at VCU may offer scholarships to international students within their specific fields of study. Eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by department.

9. External Scholarships: VCU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by government agencies, foundations, and international organizations. The university's scholarship office provides guidance on finding and applying for external scholarships.

10. Graduate Assistantships: While not traditional scholarships, graduate assistantships at VCU provide international graduate students with opportunities for financial support. These positions may include teaching, research, or administrative roles and often come with stipends and tuition waivers.

It's important for international students to check the specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures for each scholarship they are interested in. Additionally, maintaining good academic standing is typically a requirement to retain scholarship awards.

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a prestigious and specialized program designed to prepare graduates for dynamic and rewarding careers in the ever-evolving field of computer science. Graduates of this program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel in various roles within the tech industry.

1. Software Developer/Engineer: A common career path for M.S. in Computer Science graduates is to become software developers or engineers. They design, develop, and test software applications across a variety of domains.

2. Data Scientist/Analyst: Data scientists and analysts are in high demand. Graduates can work with big data, analyzing and deriving insights to help organizations make data-driven decisions.

3. Machine Learning Engineer: With the rise of artificial intelligence, machine learning engineers are crucial in developing algorithms and models that allow systems to learn and improve without explicit programming.

4. Cybersecurity Specialist: Cybersecurity specialists work to protect organizations from cyber threats. Graduates can specialize in areas like network security, ethical hacking, or information assurance.

5. AI and Robotics Developer: The advancement of AI and robotics presents opportunities for graduates to work on innovative projects, including the development of intelligent systems and robots for various applications.

6. Cloud Computing Engineer: As organizations move towards cloud-based solutions, graduates can specialize in cloud computing, managing and optimizing cloud infrastructure and services.

7. Full Stack Developer: Full stack developers work on both the front-end and back-end of applications, creating a seamless user experience while ensuring the application's functionality and performance.

8. Mobile App Developer: Graduates can specialize in developing applications for mobile devices, working on platforms like iOS and Android.

9. Software Quality Assurance Engineer: Quality assurance engineers ensure that software meets specified requirements and is free of bugs or defects before it is released to users.

10. Technology Consultant: M.S. in Computer Science graduates can work as consultants, advising businesses on technology solutions and strategies to improve operations and productivity.

11. Ph.D. and Research Opportunities: The M.S. program provides a strong foundation for those interested in research and academia. Graduates can pursue doctoral studies in computer science, conducting research to advance the field and contribute to academia.