Boston University

• Personal statementRequired

  Required. GRS guidance: no fewer than 200 words and no more than 5 pages, with your name, date of birth and the department on every page; upload it to the online application.

• Resume or CV

  The school’s official pages say this differently. Here is what each one says — check with the school before you rely on it.

  Resume or CV (GRS application checklist: highly recommended)

  GRS Master's Application Checklist: 'Resume or CV (highly recommended, not required)'. The CS on-campus admissions page does not list a resume.

  BU GRS Master's Application Checklist ↗

  Resume or CV (GRS department requirements list)

  Listed under 'Application Requirements' for Computer Science - On Campus (MS in AI): 'Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)'.

  BU GRS MA & MS Application Requirements and Deadlines ↗
• Unofficial transcriptsRequired

  On the application, upload an unofficial copy of your transcript for each institution you have attended. Do not email or mail official transcripts; official transcripts are required only if you are admitted and accept the offer of admission. Transcripts must be in English (certified translation otherwise).

• Two recommendation letters2 letters

  The Computer Science pages don't say who should write them. GRS FAQ: letters 'should be in English and written by faculty members in your proposed field of graduate study who are familiar with American higher education'; 'We typically like to see at least one academic recommendation, especially if you've graduated recently'; 'professional recommenders—such as a supervisor or employer—are also acceptable'; 'Because each program has its own guidelines, we encourage you to review the specific requirements for the department you're applying to.'

  Two recommendation letters, submitted by recommenders through the online recommendation system (emailed or faxed letters are not accepted).

• GMAT not accepted as a GRE substituteNot accepted

  GRS FAQ: 'The GMAT is not an acceptable substitute.' (for the GRE). The CS pages don't mention the GMAT.

• GRE (optional)Optional

  Although official GRE scores are not required, the Admissions Committee will consider any official GRE scores submitted. The average percentiles of admitted students who elected to submit GRE scores are 80% Quantitative and 60% Verbal; no minimum. The Computer Science subject test is not required. Send official scores via ETS to institution code 3087; GRE scores older than five years are not accepted.

• Duolingo English Test, IELTS or TOEFL iBTIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishRequired — waiver possible

  Duolingo English Test: Accepted. Recommended: 130 overall score. Select 'Boston University Graduate & Professional Programs' as a score recipient, then email grsmams@bu.edu (subject 'Duolingo') with your name, exam date and program. Valid two years.

  IELTS: Accepted. Recommended: 7.0 overall band score. Request official scores electronically to the e-delivery account 'Boston University – Graduate Programs'. Valid two years.

  TOEFL iBT: Accepted (including TOEFL iBT Home Edition; the TOEFL ITP is not accepted). Recommended: 5.0 or higher for the new TOEFL iBT score reports starting in January 2026; 100 overall on the iBT. MyBest Scores not accepted. Send official scores through ETS to institution code 3087. Valid two years.

  Waiver / exemption: Scores are not needed if you: are a citizen of the United States (including permanent residents) or of a listed English-speaking country (e.g. Australia, Canada except Quebec and Nunavut, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, United Kingdom; full list on the page); are enrolled full-time in a degree program at a university in a listed country for at least two consecutive years by graduation; have received or expect an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in a listed country after at least two consecutive years of study, or a graduate degree there; will have completed at least two consecutive years of study at an accredited English-medium institution elsewhere (English as the language of instruction shown on the transcript or on institution letterhead); or have been a resident or pursued post-graduate work in a listed country for at least two years immediately before starting at BU (upload an employer letter). Remote enrollment, partnership/dual-degree programs without two years in the country, foreign satellite campuses and exchange-only study don't qualify. Applicants who are unsure whether they need to submit scores, or who don't qualify but would like to petition for a waiver, are invited to submit the form on the GRS website (per the GRS FAQ).

• PTE Academic not listedIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  Not listed: the accepted English tests are TOEFL (incl. TOEFL iBT Home Edition), IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications and Duolingo.

Who can apply

• Background in algorithmsOptional

  MS programs are designed for students with a strong background in computer science, including education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas but with an otherwise strong CS background may be admitted with prerequisite courses.

• Background in programming languagesOptional

  MS programs are designed for students with a strong background in computer science, including education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas but with an otherwise strong CS background may be admitted with prerequisite courses.

• Background in computer systemsOptional

  MS programs are designed for students with a strong background in computer science, including education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas but with an otherwise strong CS background may be admitted with prerequisite courses.

• Background in theoryOptional

  MS programs are designed for students with a strong background in computer science, including education in algorithms, computer systems, programming languages, and theory. Students lacking in one or two of these areas but with an otherwise strong CS background may be admitted with prerequisite courses. The program is geared toward students with a CS undergraduate degree but welcomes those with equivalent training and experience.

• Bachelor's degreeRequired

  A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent international education. CS FAQ: 'Can I apply with a 3-year Bachelor's degree? Yes.' No minimum GPA; an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale) is recommended.