The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required by many graduate schools for admission. It's not an easy test and can be pretty intimidating to study for — it's understandable if you want to skip it altogether.
The good news is that it's become increasingly common for schools to skip the GRE requirement — including graduate programs in computer science.
If you're interested in online master's in computer science programs that have no GRE requirement, we've rounded up a list of seventeen programs. Since these programs are online, they aren't traditional like in-person programs. So their admissions requirements can differ from on-campus programs.
Keep reading to learn more about online no-GRE master's programs in computer science to find which one might be right for you.
Popular Online Computer Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
17 Online Master's in Computer Science Programs That Don't Require a GRE
If you're eager to enroll in an online master's in computer science program that doesn't require a GRE, you have plenty of options.
Below, you'll find 17 online master's in computer science programs that do not require a GRE to enroll. These include prominent schools such as Johns Hopkins University and the University of Texas at Austin.
| School | Acceptance Rate | Suggested Minimum GPA |
|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | 5.83% | 3.25 |
| Boston University | 11% | 3.0 |
| Vanderbilt University | 6% | 3.0 |
| University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | 77% | 3.25 |
| University of West Georgia | 77% | 2.5 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 8% | 3.0 |
| Syracuse University | 42% | 3.0 |
| Tufts University | 10% | None |
| George Mason University | 89% | 3.0 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | 43% | 3.0 |
| University of Tennessee Knoxville | 46% | 2.7 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 44% | 3.0 |
| University of Louisville | 81% | 3.0 |
| Pace University | 77% | 3.0 |
| Oregon State University | 79% | 3.0 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 78% | 3.0 |
| Franklin University | 100% | 2.75 |
Why Are Colleges Skipping GRE Requirements?
Many graduate programs no longer require the GRE for various reasons. One argument against the exam is that it is biased against people from certain socioeconomic backgrounds, in part because the test is costly. The $220 price tag doesn't include the pricey prep courses and books.
Another argument against the GRE is that it only measures a person's ability to study and pass a standardized test. So, the GRE fails to determine whether a student will succeed in graduate school because it doesn't take into account the research, communication, and technical skills that can help them succeed in graduate school.
Since online programs tend to favor practical skills, such as work experience, over standardized test scores, some schools require the GRE for on-campus programs but not for online programs.
Should You Take the GRE for a Master's Computer Science Degree?
You should take the GRE if your desired program requires GRE scores, although many good online master's in computer science programs don't require them. You should also take the GRE if you're likely to score well because it can enhance your application.
However, you can also enhance your application in other ways, such as by focusing on practical skills such as coding and research.
Read each school's admissions requirements to help you decide. If the program requires GRE scores, take the test. If GRE scores are optional, take the test if you think you can score well. If you have a low GPA or you have limited or no work history, consider taking the GRE to boost your application.
Otherwise, you can focus on creating the strongest possible application without the GRE.
Frequently Asked Questions About GRE Requirements and a Master's in Computer Science
No, MIT does not require GRE scores for a master's in computer science. Their master's in computer science program does, however, require test scores for the English evaluation test. Prospective students can submit scores from either the TOEFL or the IELTS.
