We're looking for talented, hardworking, intelligent graduate students to join our master's and PhD programs. We have strong, active, growing research programs in a variety of different experimental computer systems areas.
2023-2024 CS Graduate Student Handbook
2024-2025 SoC Graduate Student Handbook
Master’s programs
The School of Computing offers two different master’s programs. For students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field with a strong background in computer science and a desire to prepare for research studies or professional practice, a Master of Science in Computer Science is available. For students who do not have a traditional computer science background, a Master of Science in Information Systems is available.
MS in Computer Science Program
MS in Information Systems Program
Advanced Certificate in Cybersecurity
Doctoral program
Watson’s doctoral program leads to a PhD in Computer Science. Students admitted into the program typically have a master’s degree in computer science or a closely related discipline. Students with a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic record may also be directly admitted.
Application requirements
To apply for matriculated status into a graduate program, prospective students must provide through our online application portal:
• Completed application form
• Official transcripts of past college work
• Two letters of recommendation
• A statement of personal academic goals
• GRE scores: submission is optional for master's students through Fall 2025; it is
highly recommended for PhD applicants and master's applicatns who want to be considered
for graduate asistatntship (TA, RA).
• For international students, English proficiency scores must meet minimum requirements, as listed by the Graduate School.
GRE scores
Due to the challenges faced by many students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the submission of GRE scores will be optional for master's applicants through spring 2024. For future semesters, please confirm if GRE scores are required by sending an email to applycs@binghamton.edu or applymsis@binghamton.edu (depending on which program you are applying for).
GRE scores are strongly recommended for PhD applicants and master's applicants who want to be considered for graduate assistantships (TA, RA) for the 2022-23 academic year.
Non-matriculated status
Application for admission as a non-matriculated student may also be made to the Graduate Admissions Office. Non-matriculated students may enroll in courses without completing the formal application process described above, but they are encouraged to apply for matriculation after one semester of study.
Funding
We fund 35 to 40 teaching assistants (TAs) and about 30 research assistants (RAs) each semester, a number that is growing as we secure more external funding for our research.
Teaching Assistantships: The department awards teaching assistantships each year. All students are automatically considered. These assistantships are allocated based on academic performance and needs for course coverage. Students do not have to apply.
Research Assistantships: A number of research assistantships are available each year. Individual faculty members with research support select recipients of these research assistantships.
Application procedures for assistantships
All eligible applicants for admission are considered for assistantship positions within the academic area that they are applying to during the admissions process. The department evaluates all of their existing and incoming graduate students and then decides who to award an assistantship to. Essentially, all applicants that are eligible for admission, including current students, are considered for assistantships.
CyberCorps Scholarship for Service
The Computer Science Department and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Binghamton University has received a five-year, $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program to recruit and train talented students for entry into the government workforce and for long-term success in cybersecurity careers.
Learn more about the CyberCorps scholarship
Our students
An international community
Alumni testimonial
Saket Chinchalikar, MS '20 in computer science, talks about his education experience at the Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science.
Please note: Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of programs in Watson College, participate in certain activities or projects, and/or obtain professional engineering licenses. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact Watson College's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the Dean's Office.
