Master of Computer Science at Western Washington University

The Computer Science at Western Washington University is a Full Time Master program offered on the WWU - Bellingham campus in Bellingham , United States of America. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 2 years. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on September 27, 2026.

About Master of Computer Science

To graduate students with a strong, in-depth background in computer science.
To engage students in high quality research-oriented projects.
To prepare students for PhD programs and/or advanced industry opportunities.

Objectives

To educate students in core concepts in computer science.
To provide students with in-depth knowledge, skills, and experiences in computer science.
To focus on the applied aspects of computer science, especially real-world projects that use core concepts and expert knowledge of computer science.
To provide students and faculty opportunities to engage in research in computer science.

Prerequisites

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree and who meet the requirements of the Graduate School and who show evidence of superior scholarship are invited to apply for admission to the graduate program in computer science. Students may be admitted into the computer science master's degree program in one of three ways: full admit, full admit with prerequisite course work, and provisional admit. Students who have a sufficient background in computer science, i.e. an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, and who meet the general requirements of the Graduate School can be given a "full admit." Due to the nature of this field of study, it is often the case that students with an undergraduate degree in an area other than computer science seek admission to the graduate program in computer science. Such students usually require a number of prerequisite undergraduate courses before they can embark on their graduate studies. If they meet the other requirements of the Graduate School, such students can usually be given a "full admit with prerequisite course work." The student is admitted into the graduate program but is required to complete a number of undergraduate prerequisite courses. Other constraints may be placed on such admissions, such as a minimum acceptable grade(s) for the prerequisites and perhaps a time frame for completion of the prerequisites. The exact nature of the composition of the prerequisite course work will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In rare cases, students who do not meet the general requirements of the graduate school, for example do not have the required minimum GPA, can be given a "provisional admit" provided their background is such that it indicates a high probability of success in the program.
In case of provisional admission, the program advisor may interview the candidate individually and consider the following factors:

Related background knowledge and work experience
Classes taken since graduation
Reference letters
Statement of purpose

Application Information

Admission Deadlines: Fall, priority deadline is March 1 (applicants received by this date will receive a response by April 15, however applications will continue to be accepted until April 15); Winter, October 1; Spring, January 10.

TA Deadlines: Same as admission deadlines. Application requirements and forms are available from the Graduate School website.

Test scores: The GRE is not required.

Statement of Purpose: The statement of purpose should explain the range of experiences and events in your educational career to this point, and detail how they have contributed to your interest in a masters degree in CS at Western. Consider also explaining your qualifications, your academic future and career goals, as well as any other information that the admission committee might find useful in assessing your credentials for admission to the graduate program.

Disciplines

College of Science and Engineering

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Computer Science at Western Washington University

Entry Requirements

Transcripts

You are required to upload a scanned or electronically generated unofficial transcript from each post-secondary institution attended as part of the application. Provide a copy of your diploma if your transcript does not list the degree awarded.

If you are admitted, a final, official transcript from each institution is still required before you can enroll. If your undergraduate degree is still in progress, please upload current transcripts at the time of application. If you are admitted and choose to attend WWU, you will be required to submit a final official transcript showing the award of the bachelor's degree prior to registration.

Documents must be issued within the last two years at the time of application.
To be considered official, transcripts must be in sealed envelopes prepared by the university or college; attested / certified copies prepared by the institution may be accepted if originals cannot be provided by the institution.
All transcripts and diplomas must be translated into English by the institution, Ministry of Education (or equivalent), or an accredited agency.

Credential Evaluation

This is NOT in lieu of official transcripts, but an additional requirement.

If your degree was earned outside the US or Canada, submit an official course-by-course credential evaluation. We accept both WES evaluations (standard course-by-course or ICAP), and Educational Perspectives evaluations through the CertiFile Certified Credential Attachment service.
- Note: If you choose to submit a WES evaluation, we recommend the ICAP product, because it includes verified copies of your official transcripts and eliminates the need to provide a separate official transcript to our office if you are admitted and choose to attend WWU.
- Please see Certifile Order Process for detailed information about ordering a degree evaluation through the CertiFile service.
You must have earned, or must be in the process of earning the equivalent to a four-year U.S. bachelor's degree prior to beginning the graduate program.
The degree-granting institution must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in the country where the degree was earned.

Please contact the Graduate School office if you have questions or need clarification on these requirements. Applications cannot be sent to the department for admission consideration until all required documents are received.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 86

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Computer Science at Western Washington University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Computer Science at Western Washington University

Most materials, including unofficial transcripts, your statement of purpose, and writing samples (if required), are required to be uploaded at the time you submit your application. Preparing them in advance will expedite your process.

If you have questions about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our staff is available Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Pacific Time), at (360) 650-3170 or [email protected].

Master of Computer Science at Western Washington University

Western Washington University

United States of America, Bellingham