Master of Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

All you wanted to know about the Computer Science Master of Engineering Program but someone else may have already asked.

The following FAQ listings address questions that prospective applicants have asked over the years in regard to the Master of Engineering Program in Computer Science. If the topic is not covered here, we are happy to respond to e-mail inquiries sent to meng@cs.cornell.edu and to engage in an e-mail dialogue where clarification is needed. This FAQ is an informal listing. In the event of conflicting information with official publications, those documents govern.

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.,)

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

A: We no longer allow deferrals except under extreme circumstances. If you need a deferral, you should contact the CS M.Eng Office.

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. There is some financial aid offered through the College of Engineering visit their website for additional information.

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. You will be required to complete an entirely new application and supply all new materials at the time of your new application.

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:

CS 3110 - Data Structures and Functional Programming
CS 2110 - Object-Oriented Programming and Data Structures (also ENGRD 2110)
CS 2800 - Discrete Structures
CS 4410 - Operating Systems
CS 3420 - Computer Organization (also ECE 3140)

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.