Key takeaways
Dartmouth College offers a competitive and flexible MS in Computer Science program that emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical skills. With a focus on mentorship and collaboration, students can tailor their studies to align with their career goals or research interests, making it an attractive option for aspiring tech professionals.
- Dartmouth's MS in Computer Science program typically requires a bachelor's degree, strong math foundation, and a TOEFL score of at least 100 for non-native speakers.
- The application process is straightforward, involving online submission of transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- Graduates can pursue diverse career paths, with roles such as Software Engineer and Data Scientist at top companies like Google and IBM.
- The curriculum includes core courses in algorithms and programming, along with electives in AI and machine learning, allowing for a customized educational experience.
Contents
- 1 What Are the Admission Requirements for the MS in Computer Science at Dartmouth College?
- 2 What Is the Application Process for the MS in Computer Science at Dartmouth?
- 3 What Programs Are Offered by the Dartmouth College CS Department?
- 4 What Can I Expect from the Curriculum?
- 5 What Career Opportunities Are Available After Earning a Master’s in Computer Science from Dartmouth?
Dartmouth isn’t just an Ivy League school with a strong liberal arts legacy—it’s also home to one of the most innovative Computer Science master’s programs in the U.S. We will help students navigate programs like Dartmouth’s by focusing on fit and the real story behind each degree.
What Are the Admission Requirements for the MS in Computer Science at Dartmouth College?
“Especially applied math but generic math knowledge is a good springboard to cs since it’s usually the biggest hurtle to getting into the major”
Getting into Dartmouth’s MS in Computer Science is competitive—but also flexible. The program looks for students with strong academic backgrounds and clear motivation for graduate-level work in CS. Here’s what the application typically requires:
| Requirement | Details |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Required. CS or related majors preferred, but others accepted with a strong math/CS foundation |
| Transcripts | From all postsecondary institutions. Unofficial for application, official if admitted |
| GRE | Not required for most applicants. Optional for 2024 cycle |
| English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) | Required for non-native speakers. Minimum TOEFL iBT: 100. IELTS: 7.5+ recommended |
| Statement of Purpose | Should explain academic interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing Dartmouth |
| Letters of Recommendation | Three required. Ideally from professors or supervisors who know your technical and academic work |
| Resume or CV | Include academic background, projects, work experience, publications (if any) |
| Application Fee | $50. Fee waivers available in some cases |
What Is the Application Process for the MS in Computer Science at Dartmouth?
The application process for Dartmouth’s MS in Computer Science is entirely online and pretty straightforward—though attention to detail definitely matters. You’ll apply through their graduate admissions portal and wait for a decision that typically comes in early spring. Here’s how the process breaks down:
| Step | What You Do? |
| Create an Application | Visit the Dartmouth CS Graduate Admissions page and set up your profile |
| Upload Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts are accepted for review. Official ones required after admission |
| Submit Statement of Purpose | Write about your background, interests in CS, and goals for grad study. Keep it specific and personal |
| Provide Three Recommendations | Recommenders upload their letters directly. Choose people who know your academic or technical work well |
| Upload CV or Resume | Include research, internships, programming languages, published work, and relevant coursework |
| Submit TOEFL/IELTS (if needed) | Required for non-native English speakers. Use Dartmouth’s institution code for score reports |
| Pay the Fee or Request Waiver | Application fee is $50. Fee waivers available based on financial need or approved programs |
| Deadline | Usually December 15 for fall entry. Check for annual updates |
After submission, your portal will show when materials are received. You won’t get constant updates—but no news usually means you’re still under review. Most decisions are released between February and March.
What Programs Are Offered by the Dartmouth College CS Department?
Here’s an overview of the main degree programs:
| Program | Description |
| Bachelor’s in Computer Science (AB, BE) | Undergraduate CS major with options for dual degrees in Engineering |
| MS in Computer Science | Coursework-based or thesis-based. Designed for students pursuing technical careers or PhDs |
| PhD in Computer Science | Full-time, research-focused doctorate with faculty mentorship and funding |
| MS/PhD Track | Students can enter the PhD program with a master’s en route |
| Digital Arts Concentration (MS track) | Focused on graphics, HCI, and creative computing. Offered through MS with coordination from the Digital Arts faculty |
Is There a Concentration in Digital Arts within the Program?
Yes, Dartmouth’s Computer Science Department offers a concentration in Digital Arts as part of its graduate programs. This track blends computing with creative disciplines, focusing on areas like computer graphics, human-computer interaction (HCI), animation, and interactive media. Students pursuing the Digital Arts concentration take specialized courses that combine technical skills with artistic expression. The program encourages collaboration with faculty and students from Dartmouth’s Studio Art department and the Neukom Institute for Computational Science.
Key components include:
- Advanced computer graphics
- Interactive systems design
- Animation and visual effects
- Computational media theory
This concentration is available primarily through the MS in Computer Science program with coordination from the Digital Arts faculty. It’s a great choice for students who want to push the boundaries of technology and art.
What Is the Difference Between the M.S. and M.Eng. Degrees in Computer Science?
Here’s how the typical graduate degrees break down:
| Degree | Focus | Duration | Thesis Requirement | Career Path |
| M.S. in Computer Science | Emphasizes research and advanced coursework | 1.5 to 2 years | Optional thesis or project | Preparation for PhD or technical roles |
| M.Eng. (General Info) | Professional master’s, more coursework-based (offered at other schools) | Typically 1 year | Usually no thesis | Industry-focused, practical skills |
Since Dartmouth only offers the M.S., students who want a professional degree geared toward industry tend to choose the coursework track of the M.S. program rather than the thesis option.
If you’re looking for a more practice-oriented master’s with no research component, some schools—like MIT or Cornell—offer an M.Eng. for that purpose. Dartmouth’s approach is to provide flexibility within the M.S. itself.
What Can I Expect from the Curriculum?
“As for CS the intro track is CS1, CS10 (if you’re good at coding you can skip CS1), then you have to take 2 classes each in theory, systems and applied CS, plus a few electives and a final project/thesis. There’s a LOT of choice there, but you’ll still end up taking some core classes like 30‑31 (algorithms) and 50 (basically C coding). You don’t need to start on the major in your freshman year, but if you want to you totally can”
Dartmouth’s MS in Computer Science curriculum balances foundational theory with practical skills, letting you tailor your studies to career goals or research interests. Here’s what the curriculum typically includes:
| Curriculum Component | Details |
| Core Courses | Algorithms, systems, programming languages, and theory. |
| Electives | Areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, graphics, and databases. |
| Thesis or Project (optional) | For students pursuing research or deep specialization. |
| Seminars & Workshops | Opportunities to engage with faculty and industry experts. |
| Interdisciplinary Options | Collaboration with fields like digital arts, biology, or engineering. |
The program requires about 12 courses (36 credits), usually completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
What Career Opportunities Are Available After Earning a Master’s in Computer Science from Dartmouth?
Graduating with a Master’s in Computer Science from Dartmouth opens doors to a wide range of career paths in technology and beyond. The program’s strong reputation and close faculty connections give students an edge in competitive job markets. Here are some common career options Dartmouth CS grads pursue:
| Career Path | Description | Example Employers |
| Software Engineer | Design, develop, and maintain software systems | Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook |
| Data Scientist | Analyze complex data sets to inform business decisions | IBM, LinkedIn, Netflix |
| Machine Learning Engineer | Build AI models and systems for automation and insights | OpenAI, NVIDIA, Tesla |
| Research Scientist | Conduct advanced research, often in academia or industry labs | Dartmouth Labs, Google Research, IBM Research |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | Protect organizations from cyber threats | Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike |
| Product Manager (Tech) | Lead software product development from concept to launch | Apple, Salesforce, Dropbox |
| Consultant (Tech Focus) | Advise companies on tech strategy and solutions | McKinsey, Accenture, Deloitte |
|
Top Tips from Our Expert
|
Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: Dartmouth College, Reddit
