Master of Engineering in Computer Science Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the criteria for acceptance into the program?

A: Basically, we evaluate your application on all of the material you submit,(i.e., test scores, letters, transcripts, etc.,) For a complete list of requirements, please look here.

Q: I have been admitted to the program, but I would like to defer my admission. Is this possible?

A: Usually, this is not a problem. If you want to defer your start in the M.Eng. program, please indicate this on your student decision form which will arrive with your admission offer.Please keep in mind, however that there is a limit on the length of your deferral.

Q: Does the Department of Computer Science provide any financial aid to the M.Eng. students?

A: The Department of Computer Science does not provide Financial Aid to students in the Masters of Engineering Program. Students are responsible for securing their own funding for the program.

Q: Can I work as a Teaching Assistant or grader for a course?

A: Every semester there are limited number of half time TA/grader positions offered to M.Eng. students. If you are interested in a TA position please indicate this on your student decision form which will arrive with your admission offer. You will be notified by our office if you are awarded a TA position. Please be advised that it is rare for an M.Eng. student to be awarded a TA position in their first semester at Cornell.

Q: My application to your program was rejected. I suspect this was due to my low GRE (or TOEFL) score. Can I retake the test and apply again next time?

A: You may reapply after re-taking the GRE or TOEFL test. The procedure for re-applying is send us a letter stating your wish to re-apply accompanied by a new statement of purpose, updated transcripts (if necessary,) and a non-refundable $65.00 application fee.

Q: I am currently enrolled in a Master's Program in CS at another University. Will I be able to transfer credit towards my M.Eng. degree at Cornell?

A: The Masters of Engineering Program does not accept transfer credit from other Graduate Programs. Only courses which are taken after matriculation at Cornell will be counted towards the CS M.Eng. Degree.

Q:My undergraduate degree was in physics (or math or mechanical engineering etc.,), but I've taken some CS courses and I'm think I'm ready for your program. Can I apply?

A: Yes, we are happy to consider your application. Please note that we require M.Eng. applicants to take the GRE general exam (except those students who were Cornell undergraduates). It is highly recommended that you also take the GRE subject test in Computer Science. Additionally, we expect to see from your transcripts that you have taken at least three courses equivalent to these Cornell CS courses:

CS314 - Computer Architecture (introductory hardware)
CS211 - Computers and Programming
CS280 - Discrete Structures
CS414 - Operating Systems

Q: Can I take the GRE subject test in my "native" area of physics (or math, engineering etc.,) instead of the Computer Science test?

A: No. We want to make sure you have sufficient background in computer science, not physics or math.

Q: How will I be notified of the admissions committees' decision? Should I phone the M.Eng. Office and inquire?

A: Please do not call us. It is the policy of the CS M.Eng. Office not to give decision information out over the telephone. You will be notified as soon as a decision is made via e-mail or postal mail.

Q: How will I find a job when I'm done?

A: Our M.Eng. graduates are in very high demand! Many well known companies recruit throughout the term right on campus. We have found it common for M.Eng. grads to have several excellent offers from which to choose. University Career Services offers many services which assist our graduates in finding employment.

Q: May I apply to the PhD program after I'm done?

A: Of course you may always apply. The M.Eng. program is a professional degree program, aimed at enhancing your practical skills in computer science. The PhD program (at Cornell and elsewhere) is an academic degree program in which highly qualified students pursue research goals. While the goals of these programs are certainly not disjoint, the M.Eng. program is not usually considered a path to entry into the PhD program.

Q: Is there a salary difference for the M. Eng. holder?

A: Yes! According to our 2001 exit surveys, the average starting salary for Cornell graduates with a bachelor's degree in CS was $62,682. The average starting salary for a graduate of the Master of Engineering Program in CS was $74,460.