Masters in Computer Science

The online application system for Fall 2025 admission opens on Sep. 1st. Please direct questions to our program e-mail address, ms@cs.dartmouth.edu.

See below to learn more about the two MS programs we offer and information on how to apply.

Masters program variations

We offer two MS programs:

  • a standard 2-year (7-term) MS CS program, giving students an opportunity to take a deeper dive into Computer Science. This program offers both a "coursework track" and a "research thesis track."
  • an MS in CS with concentration in Digital Arts

Each program offers a 4+1 AB/MS version for current Dartmouth students (4+1 AB/MS in CS , 4+1 AB/MS in CS with Digital Arts)

To apply to the Digital Arts MS CS program, select that option on the application's "Area of Interest" box. To apply to the standard MS CS, select "Not Applicable."   In either program, to apply for a 4+1 option, indicate that in your essay. (4+1 MSCS applicants considering transferring undergraduate credits should include the course transfer request as part of the application.)

Students who are interested in the 4+1 MS program in Computer Science with a Concentration in Digital Arts should see this page.

In a nutshell, the coursework MS program requires thirteen "red, green, or blue" courses; the research thesis track requires nine, plus a thesis. (Note that there are some restrictions on using the "Culminating/Misc" courses.) The full formal requirements for all our graduate degrees are listed in Dartmouth's Organization, Regulations, and Courses.

If you're planning ahead, note that COSC 232 ("Advanced Algorithms") and COSC 268 ("Advanced Operating Systems") still exist, but aren't currently in the ORC, due to renumbering (they were formerly 231 and 258, respectively).