This page details all the application materials and admissions requirements for DigiPen’s Master of Science in Computer Science, a degree program focused on prominent topics of modern computing. Read all sections carefully and please contact admissions@digipen.edu if you need clarification on any of these requirements.
All applicants to the MS in Computer Science program must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for admission:
Completed a bachelor’s degree with a recommended 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
Coursework or work experience in all of the following:
- Computer Science: data structures, algorithm design and analysis, computer architecture, principles of operating systems, and software engineering
- Programming: experience programming in a high-level language
- Mathematics: calculus, linear algebra, and discrete mathematics
In addition, the ideal candidate will have experience with some of the following:
Computer Science: computer networking, artificial intelligence, compiler theory, theory of computation, parallel/multi-threaded programming, computer graphics (e.g., a basic undergraduate course)
Programming: programming in C++, programming in a teamwork environment, video game programming
Mathematics: numerical analysis, graph theory, number theory, combinatorics, probability theory
Additional Requirements at a Glance
Application for Admission
You must submit an online application to be considered for admission. You can start your application, save, and return to it as many times as needed until you’re ready to review and submit it. Your optional statement of purpose and letters of recommendation can be uploaded after submission. We recommend submitting your application and application materials two to four weeks after starting. Please review the application instructions on this page and prepare the necessary materials prior to beginning the online application.
Application Fee
You must include a $60 application fee along with your application. This can be done via the application portal. Application fees can also be paid by credit card, cash, check, or money order (made out to DigiPen Institute of Technology).
DigiPen provides application fee waivers to applicants who visit us for an on-campus Admissions event or who attend an online information session or virtual admissions meeting.
DigiPen Computer Science Test
If you have an undergraduate degree in any major other than computer science or computer engineering, you may need to take DigiPen’s Computer Science Exam. A score of 70% is the minimum acceptable score for the DigiPen Computer Science Exam. Please note that achieving an acceptable score on the DigiPen Computer Science Exam does not guarantee admission. For more information on DigiPen’s Computer Science Exam, please email admissions@digipen.edu.
Optional General GRE
MS in Computer Science graduate applicants have the option to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test and arrange for those scores to be sent directly to DigiPen Institute of Technology by the testing agency. Applications will be sent to evaluation once all required materials have been submitted, regardless if GRE scores are included.
To have your test results sent directly to DigiPen, include the GRE code 4193 on your exam form.
Transcripts
Applicants must provide evidence of completion of a bachelor’s degree with a recommended 2.5 cumulative GPA for the MS in Computer Science. In-progress transcripts are acceptable if you are currently completing your bachelor’s degree.
All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges attended before they can be enrolled at DigiPen. During the application process, we will accept unofficial transcripts. These unofficial transcripts can often be downloaded from your college’s website.
For Admitted Applicants
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended showing completion of a bachelor’s degree should be sent directly to DigiPen by the issuing institutions. You may, however, send the transcripts yourself if they are first sealed in an envelope and stamped across the seal by the issuing institution’s registrar. Transcripts should be mailed to:
DigiPen Institute of Technology
Attn: Office of Admissions
9931 Willows Rd. NE
Redmond, WA 98052
DigiPen can also accept transcripts submitted electronically by the issuing institution using the following services:
Optional Statement of Purpose Essay
Please describe your academic and, if applicable, professional background in computer science. Highlight any key projects you have worked on, including your role — especially in team-based settings. Additionally, feel free to share any experiences, achievements, or personal insights that you believe are important for us to consider and are not covered in other parts of your application. If there are any irregularities or unusual patterns in your academic transcript, you may use this space to provide context or an explanation.
Essay Submission Guidelines
Follow these guidelines for submitting your statement of purpose:
Statements of purpose can be submitted by uploading directly via the online application. You can also submit your statement of purpose by emailing a copy to admissions@digipen.edu.
Letters of Recommendation
Graduate applicants are required to submit two letters of recommendation with their application. Letters of recommendation must be from individuals familiar with your academic background or work ethic (e.g. an instructor, school counselor, or employer). Recommendation letters from family members will not be considered. In their recommendation letter, references should explain how long they have known you and in what capacity.
You should ask your references for recommendations before including their names on your application. Ask them to add @digipen.edu to their safe senders list or address book, then tell them to expect a reference request via email. Enter the contact information for your references in the online application, and each reference will receive a link to an electronic recommendation form.
If your references do not receive an electronic recommendation form, they may send their letter of recommendation to admissions@digipen.edu.
Other Materials for International Applicants
In addition to the typical requirements for undergraduate applicants, international applicants must also provide additional information to be considered for admission to DigiPen. Visit our International Applicants page for details about the Financial Responsibility Form and about providing Proof of Proficiency in the English Language (for non-native English speakers).