Master of Science [M.S] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$12,908 /Yr
Louisiana Tech University Master of Science (M.S.) Computer Science (MSCS) is a full-time, on-campus graduate degree in Ruston, Louisiana, with duration dependent on track and course load. Applicants need a four-year bachelor’s degree and a general 2.50 grade point average (GPA) threshold, approximately 60% to 65%. International Computer Science degrees also require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) minimums of 145 Verbal and 150 Quantitative. Winter 2027 tuition is unpublished; 2025-26 tuition was US$7,833 for 12 or more credits per quarter (INR 7.56 Lakhs), as a prior-cycle reference.
Its academic proposition combines five core courses worth 12 semester credit hours with thesis, practicum or coursework-only tracks, linking theory to research or software practice. The best fit is a Computer Science graduate choosing between doctoral preparation and applied roles, although track choice changes project expectations and completion planning.
- The thesis option supports applicants targeting doctoral study or research-led computing roles.
- The practicum route adds applied project experience without requiring a thesis.
- A quarter calendar creates four annual entry points, giving applicants more timing flexibility.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Winter 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 October 2026.
The date is the preferred full-consideration cutoff, and applications submitted later may still be processed. The official page gives no clock time or timezone, so Indian applicants should follow the portal’s displayed cutoff.
Also Check: Louisiana Tech MSCS Admission
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
For Winter 2027, the official university page has not published an MSCS-specific international tuition total; the available 2026-27 cost-of-attendance (COA) is a planning benchmark.
The prior 2025-26 College of Engineering and Science schedule is shown only for context, while the target-cycle benchmark separates tuition and living costs.
| Item | Official amount (US$) | INR equivalent | Cycle and use |
|---|---|---|---|
| International graduate COA tuition and fees, 6 hours per quarter | US$4,482 | INR 4.33 Lakhs | 2026-27 benchmark, not programme total |
| International graduate COA tuition and fees, 3 quarters | US$13,446 | INR 12.98 Lakhs | 2026-27 benchmark, not programme total |
| College of Engineering and Science graduate tuition and fees, 12+ credits per quarter | US$7,833 | INR 7.56 Lakhs | 2025-26 prior-cycle reference |
| Graduate application fee | US$40 | INR 3,861 | 2025-26 published fee, non-refundable |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 96.5372 as of 16 August 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
The 2026-27 benchmark shows why a course total cannot be inferred from one annual figure, because the university prices by credits, college, delivery mode and residency.
Request the 2026-27 MSCS invoice before paying a deposit, because the current fee page states schedules can change and additional fees may apply.
Source: Louisiana Tech University tuition schedule and 2026-27 cost-of-attendance statement.
Cost of Living in Ruston for Louisiana Tech MSCS Students
Louisiana Tech’s 2026-27 graduate COA uses an on-campus international full-time budget based on six graduate hours per quarter and three quarters.
The table divides the official three-quarter amounts by nine months, so monthly figures are calculated planning values rather than separate university quotes.
| Expense | Monthly (US$) | Monthly (INR equivalent) | 3-quarter total (US$) | 3-quarter total (INR equivalent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Room and board | US$1,278.00 | INR 1.23 Lakhs | US$11,502 | INR 11.10 Lakhs |
| Books and supplies | US$112.67 | INR 10,877 | US$1,014 | INR 97,889 |
| Personal expenses | US$270.00 | INR 26,065 | US$2,430 | INR 2.35 Lakhs |
| Transportation | US$153.33 | INR 14,802 | US$1,380 | INR 1.33 Lakhs |
| Non-tuition living and personal total | US$1,814.00 | INR 1.75 Lakhs | US$16,326 | INR 15.76 Lakhs |
The official benchmark is US$13,446 (INR 12.98 Lakhs) for tuition and fees plus US$16,326 (INR 15.76 Lakhs) in non-tuition costs. Together, these verified inputs produce a calculated three-quarter total of US$29,772 (INR 28.74 Lakhs).
This estimate covers nine months and cannot stand in for the MSCS total, because the programme’s target-cycle tuition remains unpublished.
Read More: Louisiana Tech Courses and Fees
Fee verification
Verify the target fee on the official fee page before funding the application, because the published 2025-26 rate is only prior-cycle context.
Key insight: Until 2026-27 MSCS tuition is issued, use the COA only for planning and request the programme invoice before committing funds.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science Admission 2027
Admission requires a four-year bachelor’s degree, while international applicants with a foreign CS degree need GRE minimums of 145 Verbal and 150 Quantitative.
Louisiana Tech separately applies graduate-school GPA rules, so a strong CS foundation does not remove the programme-specific GRE condition.
Academic Eligibility
The university evaluates international credentials individually, and the programme page distinguishes unconditional admission from conditional admission with possible prerequisite coursework.
| Requirement | Published standard | Indian-applicant interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Four-year bachelor’s degree from an acceptable institution | Submit the complete degree and transcript record for university equivalency review |
| General unconditional GPA | 2.50 on a 4.0 scale overall (approximately 60% to 65%, or CGPA 6.0 to 6.5 on 10), or 2.75 on the last 60 hours (approximately 65% to 75%, or CGPA 6.5 to 7.5 on 10) | The university makes the final equivalency decision |
| International applicant with a foreign CS degree | Computer science bachelor’s degree plus GRE 145 Verbal and 150 Quantitative | Prepare both GRE sections because the programme page lists both minimums |
| Conditional admission route | CS degree with GRE scores close to the minimum, or a non-CS major meeting the GRE minimum | Additional undergraduate courses may be required before graduate progression |
A current programme-specific ranking was not established in the checked official materials, so rankings are not used to assess this degree.
English Language Proficiency and Tests
Indian applicants normally need an accepted English test because India is not listed among Louisiana Tech’s proof-of-English exemptions.
The university retains the 0 to 120 Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT) scale. It also lists TOEFL Essentials, so verify the accepted score format before sending results.
| Test route | Minimum published score | Submission and validity |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 | Official score, no more than two years old |
| TOEFL iBT, Home Edition or Paper Edition | 80 on the 0 to 120 scale | Official score, no more than two years old |
| TOEFL Essentials | 8.5 | Current university-listed minimum |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 6.5 over four modules | Official score, no more than two years old |
| Duolingo English Test | 105 | Official score, no more than two years old |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 58 | Official score, no more than two years old |
| ELS Level 112 | Certificate of completion | Accepted as proof of English proficiency |
- Start GRE preparation before English testing because the MSCS page sets separate Verbal and Quantitative thresholds.
- Use IELTS or PTE for a band-based route, while retaining the university’s four-module IELTS wording.
- Send official scores before the final decision because the university requires them in Graduate School records.
- Ask Graduate Admissions whether a new TOEFL score report format is accepted because the live page lists the older 0 to 120 iBT scale.
The application is therefore strongest when the transcript shows computing preparation, the GRE clears both thresholds and English scores remain valid through review.
Check Out: Louisiana Tech University Profile
Tip for Indian students: Treat the GRE Quantitative minimum as a programme gate and prepare a transcript explanation when your degree title is not explicitly Computer Science.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science Application 2027
The Winter 2027 application uses Louisiana Tech’s graduate portal, with 01 October 2026 as the international preferred deadline for full consideration.
The live page publishes recurring day-month deadlines without years, so the mapped dates below are Expected planning dates rather than separately announced programme dates.
| Quarter | International preferred deadline |
|---|---|
| Winter 2027, Expected mapping | 01 October 2026, from the published October 1 pattern |
| Spring 2027, Expected mapping | 01 January 2027, from the published January 1 pattern |
| Summer 2027, Expected mapping | 01 April 2027, from the published April 1 pattern |
| Fall 2027, next-cycle planning | 01 July 2027, from the published July 1 pattern |
No programme-specific decision dates or interview rounds are published on the checked application pages, so applicants should monitor the portal after all documents become complete.
Application Documents
Start with the official graduate application instructions, then select Graduate Application and complete every section before submitting the form.
| Application component | Published instruction | Indian-applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Academic record | Upload unofficial transcripts and submit official transcripts from all institutions attended | Arrange English translations for foreign-language records |
| GRE record | Enter the most recent or highest test date and registration number; scores cannot be older than five years | Send the official report after checking both MSCS minimums |
| English record | Enter the most recent or highest TOEFL or IELTS test date; scores cannot be older than two years | Keep the score valid through review and provide the official report |
| Identity and funding | Provide a passport copy and a bank statement less than six months old showing the current affidavit amount | Use a traceable funding document that matches the planned quarter |
| References | Keep names and contact details ready because some programmes require references | Confirm the MSCS reference requirement in the portal before submission |
Submit the complete file by the preferred date because Louisiana Tech may process later applications but does not guarantee full consideration after that cutoff.
- Upload the transcript set first because missing translations can delay credential review.
- Schedule GRE and English tests early enough to meet the five-year and two-year validity windows.
- Use the portal’s displayed cutoff because the published deadline table gives dates without a clock time or timezone.
Also Check: USA Graduate Study Admissions
Application tip: For Winter 2027, complete the GRE, English score reporting and translated transcript set before 01 October 2026 to protect full-consideration review.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science Scholarships 2027
The main funding route for an international MSCS applicant is a competitive graduate assistantship, not a guaranteed scholarship.
Louisiana Tech’s current aid page says research and teaching assistantships depend on available funds, while policy links the nonresident tuition waiver to active assistant employment.
| Funding route | Published benefit | Eligibility and action |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Research or Teaching Assistantship | Nonresident tuition waiver for the duration of employment; stipend amount is not published | Competitive, funds-dependent and tied to good academic standing; ask the MSCS department about openings |
| Departmental out-of-state fee waiver | Possible waiver of nonresident charges; target-cycle amount is not published | Eligibility is department-specific, so request written confirmation before using it in the budget |
Assistantships can require up to 20 hours of work weekly, and only full-time graduate students enrolled in at least six graduate credits are normally eligible.
Students who lose an assistantship can forfeit its benefits and may have to repay associated funds, so the waiver should never be treated as unconditional aid.
The international admissions page also excludes graduate students from the undergraduate Bulldog Scholarship, which means Indian MSCS applicants should not include that award in their plan.
- Ask about assistantship availability before submitting the Winter 2027 application because no university-wide funding deadline is published.
- Budget the full unwaived cost because the target-cycle MSCS tuition and assistantship stipend remain unpublished.
- Confirm the six-credit minimum and weekly work expectation before accepting an assistantship offer.
Funding reality
Apply for assistantships as a separate funding decision, then request the waiver terms, stipend, appointment period and continuation conditions in writing before calculating a net fee.
Scholarship reality: An assistantship can reduce nonresident tuition, but the absence of a published stipend or target-cycle award deadline makes self-funding evidence essential.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science Salary 2027
The checked official sources do not publish an MSCS-specific salary, offer rate or employment report, so no course outcome is presented as typical.
The closest official proxy is a College of Engineering and Science (COES) page reporting nearly 90% placement in relevant industrial positions or graduate schools within nine months. It does not identify a cohort or isolate MSCS, so treat the figure as college-level context.
| Evidence type | Published figure | Scope and limitation |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering and Science placement proxy | Nearly 90% | Relevant industrial positions or graduate school within nine months; college-level, cohort not identified |
External U.S. Market Benchmarks
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) benchmarks occupations rather than Louisiana Tech graduates; inspect the BLS wage data for occupational definitions.
These figures can frame role-level planning, but they do not measure starting pay, placement probability or the return from this MSCS.
| Occupation | Median annual wage (US$) | INR equivalent | Published period and scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software developers | US$133,080 | INR 1.28 Crore | May 2024, U.S. occupational benchmark |
| Computer systems analysts | US$103,790 | INR 1.00 Crore | May 2024, U.S. occupational benchmark |
Source: Louisiana Tech University student-achievement page and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
The software developer benchmark is US$133,080 (INR 1.28 Crore) and systems analyst is US$103,790 (INR 1.00 Crore), but neither is a starting salary or placement guarantee.
For an India-return plan, use the benchmarks to identify roles; for a U.S. plan, compare role, location, work authorization and taxes before borrowing.
MSCS ROI for Indian Applicants
Because target-cycle tuition is unpublished, use the official 2026-27 three-quarter COA benchmark as the planning input. That benchmark is US$29,772 (INR 28.74 Lakhs), not a final programme bill.
- The official COA provides a verified planning input, so request the MSCS invoice before fixing the loan amount.
- The assistantship can waive nonresident tuition but publishes no stipend, so obtain a written offer before reducing your funding requirement.
- The nearly 90% COES proxy is not an MSCS outcome, so ask the department for recent course-level placement evidence before assuming employment in the United States.
- Optional Practical Training can provide 12 months, while a STEM extension adds 24 months; verify the Form I-20’s Classification of Instructional Programs code and employer before assuming payback.
Graduates returning to India avoid U.S. work-authorisation risk but cannot rely on U.S. occupational medians, whereas U.S. plans add location, sponsorship and tax exposure.
BLS medians are gross annual wages, and take-home pay varies by tax status, location, insurance and benefits, so use a current U.S. tax calculator before setting repayment.
ROI reality: The course has a credible computing curriculum, but the financial case depends on securing the exact tuition, funding terms and role outcome evidence before borrowing.
USA Visa for Louisiana Tech MS CS Students 2027
The United States (U.S.) route for this full-time degree is the F-1 student visa, and the university requires an I-20 and financial evidence before issuance.
The I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is US$350 (INR 33,788). The visa application fee is US$185 (INR 17,859), and both costs are separate from tuition.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) can provide up to 12 months after graduation. A 24-month Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) extension requires a qualifying Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code and employer conditions.
- Prepare bank evidence and any assistantship letter against the I-20 amount because Louisiana Tech requires proof of financial support.
- Use OPT only for employment directly related to the degree and confirm the post-completion filing window with the designated school official.
- H-1B sponsorship has no single course-specific salary threshold because the employer must pay the higher of actual or prevailing wage.
- F-2 status may cover a spouse and unmarried minor children, but F-2 dependants are not employment-authorized.
Permanent residence has no fixed MSCS-linked timeline, because employer sponsorship, immigrant category availability and government processing control the route.
Read the official student visa instructions before paying fees, then match the consular checklist to your Winter 2027 I-20.
Read More: USA Student Visa Process
Visa reality: The STEM extension can lengthen the work window, but its eligibility must be confirmed from the I-20 CIP code and employer before it enters your ROI plan.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science fits a Computer Science graduate who wants thesis, practicum or coursework-only flexibility and can meet the GRE thresholds for international applicants. Its core curriculum links theory and practice, while the quarter calendar can support a Winter 2027 start with a 01 October 2026 preferred deadline. The material tradeoff is financial uncertainty because target-cycle tuition and course-specific employment outcomes are not published. Before applying, secure the 2026-27 fee quote, request assistantship terms and complete the GRE, English and translated transcript file.
Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Is Louisiana Tech MS Computer Science suitable for research or industry?
Ans. Yes, the programme supports both directions through thesis, practicum and coursework-only tracks. Choose thesis for doctoral preparation, or an applied track when project-based industry preparation is the priority.
Ques. What GRE profile should an Indian applicant submit?
Ans. The published MSCS minimum is GRE 145 Verbal and 150 Quantitative. Louisiana Tech reviews applications independently, so clearing the minimum does not establish an admission target.
Ques. What should I budget for Winter 2027 before tuition is published?
Ans. Use US$29,772 (INR 28.74 Lakhs) as the official 2026-27 three-quarter international on-campus graduate COA benchmark. It is a planning figure rather than the MSCS total, so request the programme invoice.
Ques. Can an assistantship make Louisiana Tech MSCS affordable?
Ans. A competitive graduate assistantship may waive nonresident tuition during employment, but the stipend and target-cycle deadline are unpublished. Apply separately and obtain the appointment terms before reducing your funding requirement.
Ques. How long can I work in the United States after this degree?
Ans. F-1 graduates can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT. A further 24-month STEM extension is conditional on the degree’s CIP code, employer and government requirements.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Winter Intake - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $12908 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Residence Hall - Private | $4800 |
| All Access Meal Plan | $7625 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $29662 |
| 2023 | $3591 |
Important Dates
Spring and Summer Deadline Dates Are Based On Previous Year Intake,Upcoming Deadline are Currently not Available
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Spring Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Summer Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Fall Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Winter Intake | Oct 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
Students need to submit a minimum GRE score for a better chance of admission.
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| out-of-state tuition fee waiver | 50% of Tuition Fess | Admission Test |
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Programs Comparison
| application dates | Jan 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake) Apr 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake) Jul 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) Oct 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Winter Intake) | Jul 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) Dec 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) |
| cost to study | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -USD 6940 |
| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
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| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 4,000/Yr$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 20,000/Yr$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| The Google Lime Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per student$ 10,000/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Spring Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 11,499 /Yr |
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-- | USD 39,402 /Yr |
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| USD 12,640 /Yr |
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