Master of Science [M.S] (Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$12,820 /Yr
University of Southern Mississippi Master of Science in Computer Science is a full-time, on-campus graduate degree in Hattiesburg, Mississippi for applicants with relevant bachelor’s preparation. Spring 2027 uses US$6,397 (INR 6.11 Lakhs) for 9 to 13 credits per term; two terms calculate to US$12,794 (INR 12.23 Lakhs). The university bills by credit load and does not publish a fixed completion duration for the current Hattiesburg mode.
The programme develops algorithms, data systems, artificial intelligence and parallel programming through a faculty-directed thesis or project. It suits applicants with programming, data structures and mathematics readiness who want industry preparation or a doctoral pathway.
- The university does not publish a flat programme tuition total because graduate charges vary with enrolled credits.
- Applicants without a computer science bachelor’s degree may receive conditional admission through graduate bridge courses.
- Fall and Spring entry are available, while the department does not accept Summer applications.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 01 October 2026.
The deadline page gives a recurring date without a clock time or timezone. Indian applicants should submit the complete international file before the portal date.
Also Check: Southern Miss MS Computer Science Admission
Southern Miss MS Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
Graduate tuition for the target cycle is published as a credit-load schedule rather than a flat MS Computer Science price. The table uses the 2026-27 non-resident graduate rows that include Spring 2027.
| Graduate non-resident load | USD amount | INR equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 8 credit hours | US$712.12 per credit hour | INR 68,057 per credit hour |
| 9 to 13 credit hours | US$6,397 per term | INR 6.11 Lakhs per term |
| 14 credit hours | US$6,991 per term | INR 6.68 Lakhs per term |
| 15 credit hours | US$7,585 per term | INR 7.25 Lakhs per term |
| Graduate application fee | US$60 | INR 5,734 |
Source: Southern Miss graduate tuition and fee schedule.
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.5699 as of 15 August 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
- The curriculum can span different term loads, so use the schedule for registered terms rather than treating two terms as the complete degree price.
- The schedule waives additional non-resident tuition in summer, but the department does not accept Summer applications for this degree.
- Health insurance, required fees and indirect expenses sit outside the tuition rows and must be included in an international student budget.
Cost of Living in Hattiesburg for MS Computer Science Students
The latest official estimate covers a nine-month academic year for Fall 2026 admits, so it is a planning reference rather than a Spring 2027-specific quote.
The official source gives nine-month amounts, so the monthly figures below are calculated by dividing each amount by nine. They are planning equivalents, not separate university quotes.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing and meals | US$1,317.11 | INR 1.26 Lakhs | US$11,854 | INR 11.33 Lakhs |
| Books, supplies and course fees | US$159.11 | INR 15,206 | US$1,432 | INR 1.37 Lakhs |
| Personal expenses | US$583.78 | INR 55,792 | US$5,254 | INR 5.02 Lakhs |
| Total indirect costs | US$2,060.00 | INR 1.97 Lakhs | US$18,540 | INR 17.72 Lakhs |
The following is a calculated first-year planning illustration, not a university-published degree total. It combines two 9 to 13 credit terms, the latest published 2026-27 estimate for Fall 2026 admits and official indirect costs: US$34,162 (INR 32.65 Lakhs). It is not a Spring 2027-specific quote and excludes visa, travel and break-period costs.
Read More: USA cost of living guidance
Key insight: The published schedule supports term-by-term budgeting, while the latest nine-month estimate shows that living and insurance costs materially affect the first-year funding requirement.
Southern Miss MS Computer Science Admission 2027
The programme is accessible to applicants whose transcripts show graduate-level preparation in computing and mathematics, and the university evaluates international applications holistically.
Regular admission requires a grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. For Indian applicants, this is approximately 60% to 70%, or cumulative grade point average (CGPA) 6.0 to 7.0 on 10 as a planning range. Applicants without a computer science degree may be considered through a conditional bridge route.
| Admission factor | Published requirement | Meaning for Indian applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Academic threshold | GPA 2.75 on a 4.00 scale | Use the approximate 60% to 70% or CGPA 6.0 to 7.0 on 10 planning range |
| Computing preparation | Object-oriented programming, data structures, basic computer science theory, calculus and discrete mathematics | Map transcript subjects and projects to each area before applying |
| Degree background | Bachelor’s degree; a computer science bachelor’s degree is not mandatory | A non-computing degree may lead to conditional bridge requirements |
| Application evidence | Official transcripts and degrees, three letters of recommendation and a personal statement | Use academic and technical evidence rather than generic career claims |
| Three-year degree outside the European Union | One additional undergraduate or postgraduate year, or a current National Association of Credential Evaluation Services evaluation | Resolve the credential route before the application deadline |
| GRE | Not required for the Master of Science in Computer Science | Use preparation time for transcripts, English scores and the statement |
| Conditional bridge | CSC 500 Fundamentals of Programming and CSC 501 Fundamentals of Computing may be required | Both courses must be completed with a B or better under the stated conditions |
The university makes the final equivalency decision, so the Indian percentage and CGPA ranges are planning aids rather than an admissions conversion.
English Language Proficiency
English proficiency is required for applicants outside the university’s listed waiver countries, and India is not included in that list. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) appears on both the new and old scales.
Applicants should submit the exact score scale accepted by the current policy because the university does not provide a self-conversion between TOEFL versions.
| Accepted test | Minimum score | Indian applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL Internet-based Test, ETS code 1479 | 4 on the new scale or 71 on the old scale | Confirm the scale shown on the official score report |
| International English Language Testing System Academic | Overall 6.0 | Check every score component before sending the report |
| Pearson Test of English Academic or Express | Overall 54 | Use this route only when the score report is available by the deadline |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 110 for graduate applicants | Verify the current reporting route before submission |
| Cambridge English | B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency | Submit the accepted qualification through the stated process |
| iTEP | Overall 4.0 | Check the score report validity before applying |
- Indian applicants should schedule an accepted English test because medium-of-instruction letters from foreign universities are not accepted for the waiver.
- Applicants with a three-year degree should obtain the required additional academic year or credential evaluation before the file is reviewed.
- Students using the conditional route should budget for bridge coursework because conditional students cannot hold graduate assistantships until regular admission.
No current programme-specific Computer Science ranking was verified in the checked official materials, so university-wide rankings are not used as a course ranking.
Tip for Indian students: A strong file must show both academic equivalency and technical readiness, so connect each prerequisite subject to a transcript, project or work example.
Southern Miss MS Computer Science Application 2027
Spring 2027 is the nearest applicant-accessible intake, and Fall 2027 is the next listed intake. The programme does not accept Summer applications.
The current official page lists recurring international cutoffs of October 1 for Spring and May 1 for Fall. It does not publish decision dates, interview stages, clock times or timezones.
| Intake | International application deadline | Timing note |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | 01 October 2026 | Current recurring Spring cutoff; no clock time or timezone published |
| Fall 2027 | 01 May 2027 | Current recurring Fall cutoff; no clock time or timezone published |
Source: Southern Miss graduate application deadlines.
Application Documents
The file should establish academic preparation, technical readiness and English proficiency before the international deadline.
The department reviews transcripts, recommendations, the personal statement and English evidence as part of a holistic decision.
| Application component | Requirement | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | Completed graduate application with required fee | Submit early enough to resolve portal or document issues |
| Academic records | Official transcripts and degree documents | Arrange official delivery and credential documentation before review |
| Recommendations | Three letters of recommendation | Choose referees who can discuss technical or academic preparation |
| Personal statement | Statement of purpose or personal statement | Explain preparation, programme fit and intended thesis or project direction |
| Resume | Current resume recommended for international applicants | Show programming, data, research or relevant professional evidence |
| English evidence | Accepted score sent through the stated reporting process | Allow time for agency reporting and university validation |
| Health documentation | Immunisation records after admission | Complete the post-admission requirement before registration |
- Submit the complete Spring file before 01 October 2026 because the international office must receive all required materials by the published cutoff.
- Use the statement to connect prior coursework to algorithms, data systems, artificial intelligence or another documented area of interest.
- Do not spend application time preparing the GRE because the department states that it is not required for this master’s degree.
- For Spring 2027 assistantship consideration, aim to be admitted and enrolled by 01 December 2026 under the published eligibility timing.
Application tip: The October cutoff is a document-receipt deadline, so send official records and English scores early enough for validation rather than relying on a last-day upload.
Southern Miss MS Computer Science Scholarships 2027
The strongest programme-linked funding route is a graduate assistantship, although awards are competitive and are not guaranteed with admission.
The university also directs graduate students to its Golden Opportunities System for scholarship matching. No target-cycle named award value or deadline for a new international, on-campus MS Computer Science applicant was published in the checked official materials.
| Funding route | Published value or coverage | Eligibility and application route |
|---|---|---|
| Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering graduate assistantship | Tuition and non-resident fee waiver; stipend varies by programme | Competitive; regular admission required; apply for teaching roles after acceptance or contact faculty for research roles |
| University graduate assistantship | Full-time appointments can waive assessed in-state and out-of-state tuition; fees are excluded | Maintain a 3.0 GPA, register for 9 Fall or Spring hours and work no more than 20 hours weekly |
| Golden Opportunities System | Scholarship values vary by award | After admission, complete one application and review matched opportunities; submit a new application each academic year |
Assistantships can reduce tuition exposure, but they do not remove every fee or living expense. The department also states that conditional students cannot hold assistantships until they reach regular admission.
- Include a letter of interest and resume with the application, then use the teaching-assistant form or faculty contact route after acceptance.
- Protect assistantship eligibility by meeting the published 3.0 GPA and registration requirements during Fall and Spring.
- Keep bridge-course and living-cost funds available because conditional admission delays assistantship eligibility and assistantship stipends vary.
Check Out: USA scholarships and funding resources
Scholarship reality: Assistantship funding is the clearest cost lever, but its competitive selection and regular-admission condition mean applicants need a backup plan for fees and living costs.
Southern Miss MS Computer Science Salary 2027
No course-specific employment report, placement rate or graduate salary was published for the MS Computer Science programme. Official programme material instead describes preparation for computing careers or additional graduate study through faculty-directed thesis and project work.
That distinction matters for ROI because external wage data can describe an occupation, but it cannot prove a Southern Miss graduate outcome or guarantee employment after graduation.
External US Computer Science Salary Benchmarks
The figures below are external US market benchmarks from May 2024, not Southern Miss graduate outcomes. They show the occupations that may align with the programme’s technical areas.
| Evidence scope | Occupation | Published measure | USD | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External US market benchmark, May 2024 | Software developers | Median annual wage | US$133,080 | INR 1.27 Crore |
| External US market benchmark, May 2024 | Data scientists | Median annual wage | US$112,590 | INR 1.08 Crore |
| External US market benchmark, May 2024 | Information security analysts | Median annual wage | US$124,910 | INR 1.19 Crore |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics computer and information technology wages.
For ROI, the calculated first-year planning illustration is US$34,162 (INR 32.65 Lakhs), while no course-specific salary or placement outcome is published.
- The calculated first-year budget of US$34,162 (INR 32.65 Lakhs) excludes visa, travel and break-period costs, so reserve separate funds before comparing payback.
- No Southern Miss course cohort salary or placement rate is published, so use thesis or project evidence to demonstrate skills instead of treating market medians as expected pay.
- A competitive assistantship can waive tuition and non-resident fees, but it may not cover all fees or living costs, so apply while retaining backup funds.
- Optional Practical Training lasts 12 months, while a 24-month extension depends on current science, technology, engineering and mathematics eligibility, so verify the programme code before assuming 36 months.
Gross market wages are not take-home pay because federal, state and local taxes, benefits and location vary. Use a tax withholding calculator before building a repayment or savings plan.
Read More: Southern Miss graduate programmes
ROI reality: The course offers technical and research preparation, but no course employment report supports a graduate salary assumption. Funding certainty, portfolio evidence and verified work eligibility therefore remain central to the career decision.
United States Visa for Southern Miss MS Computer Science Students 2027
International students need an F-1 student visa for this on-campus degree. Budget a visa application fee of US$185 (INR 17,680) and an I-901 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee of US$350 (INR 33,449). Optional Practical Training (OPT) can provide up to 12 months of work authorization directly related to the degree, while further work time depends on separate eligibility rules. Check the official F-1 student visa rules before applying.
- A further 24 months is conditional on current eligibility for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics extension, an eligible employer and the required school recommendation.
- An employer-sponsored specialty-occupation petition must meet the applicable actual or prevailing wage and selection rules, with no fixed course salary threshold published here.
- Permanent residence has no course-linked timeline because employment category, sponsorship, visa availability and government processing control the route.
- Spouses and unmarried minor children may seek dependent status, but dependent status does not provide employment authorization.
Read More: USA student visa guidance
Visa reality: The 12-month post-study work window is available only for qualifying employment. Verify the programme classification and employer conditions before treating a longer work period as part of ROI.
This MS Computer Science fits an Indian applicant who can show programming, data structures and mathematics readiness and wants a faculty-guided thesis or project in Hattiesburg. The course connects technical foundations with industry or doctoral preparation, but no course-specific employment report supports a graduate salary assumption. The material tradeoff is that first-year planning costs combine term tuition, insurance, fees and living expenses while assistantship funding remains competitive. For Spring 2027, submit the complete international file by 01 October 2026 and resolve English scores, credential equivalency and funding before the portal cutoff.
Southern Miss MS Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Is the on-campus MS Computer Science suitable without a computer science bachelor’s degree?
Ans. Yes, but the department may impose conditional bridge courses in programming and computing. Complete CSC 500 and CSC 501 with a B or better under the stated conditions before relying on regular progression.
Ques. Which English score should an Indian applicant submit for Spring 2027?
Ans. India is not on the waiver list, so submit an accepted English score. Listed options include IELTS Academic 6.0, PTE 54, Duolingo 110 and TOEFL 4 on the new scale or 71 on the old scale. Use the current policy when sending the score report.
Ques. What should an Indian applicant budget for the first year?
Ans. A calculated first-year planning illustration is US$34,162 (INR 32.65 Lakhs) for two 9 to 13 credit terms, health insurance, required fees and nine-month indirect costs. It is not a published degree total and excludes visa, travel and break-period costs.
Ques. Should an applicant target Spring 2027 or Fall 2027?
Ans. Spring 2027 is the nearest intake with a current recurring international cutoff of 01 October 2026, while Fall 2027 uses 01 May 2027. The department does not accept Summer applications, so choose between these two listed starts.
Ques. Can an assistantship make the programme financially safer?
Ans. It can reduce tuition through a waiver, but selection is competitive, stipends vary and conditional students cannot hold assistantships until regular admission. Keep backup funds for excluded fees, living costs and bridge coursework.
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $12820 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Housing and Meals | $11854 |
| Personal expenses | $5254 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $10351 |
| 2024 | $10021 |
Important Dates
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake | |
Scores Required
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