Master of Science [M.S] (Computer and Information Sciences - Applied Computer Science)
Field of Study:
$26,942 /Yr
East Tennessee State University Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences, Applied Computer Science is a 33-credit graduate degree in Johnson City, Tennessee. The full-time, on-campus programme normally spans four semesters and starts with Spring 2027. Its current-rate tuition calculation is US$50,133 (INR 47.84 Lakhs) plus US$65 (INR 6,203). International applicants need a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. For Indian applicants, use approximately 75% to 80%, or CGPA 7.5 to 8.0 on 10, as a planning range. They also submit evaluated transcripts and English evidence.
The Applied Computer Science concentration combines distributed systems, artificial intelligence, advanced networking, and analysis of algorithms with electives and a capstone. Students can choose an independent computing project, software development project, thesis, or coursework-only route, supporting either applied delivery or research progression. That GPA is an admissions floor, while the university separately checks computing preparation and transcript equivalency.
- The curriculum requires both Software Project Management and Research Methods in Computer Science, linking delivery practice with research literacy.
- The applied concentration uses four named courses rather than a broad elective label, making the technical direction visible before enrollment.
- Full-time applicants are automatically considered for department graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships under the current departmental process.
Current Admission Status
Applications for the Spring 2027 intake are Open. International student deadline: 1 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), equivalent to 9:29 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) on 2 October 2026.
Indian applicants should start transcript evaluation immediately because ETSU reports an 8+ week processing time; the portal cutoff is controlled by Eastern Time.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science Fees and Living Costs 2027
For Spring 2027, the applicable on-campus international rate is the graduate out-of-state schedule, not the 100% online eRate. The current Fall 2026-Spring 2027 fee book lists US$13,645 (INR 13.02 Lakhs) for 9 credits and US$9,198 (INR 8.78 Lakhs) for 6 credits. Because the degree requires 33 credits, a 9+9+9+6 pattern gives a calculated US$50,133 (INR 47.84 Lakhs) before the application fee.
The fee book is target-cycle evidence, but future terms can change. An international application costs US$65 (INR 6,203) and is non-refundable. The international cost page shows a different graduate tuition field, so use the fee book and final student account for payment planning.
Target-cycle fee context: The table uses the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 main-campus graduate schedule for an international student. The 33-credit figure is calculated from three 9-credit rows and one 6-credit row.
| Fee item | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate out-of-state total for 9 credits | US$13,645 | INR 13.02 Lakhs | One full-time main-campus term |
| Graduate out-of-state total for 6 credits | US$9,198 | INR 8.78 Lakhs | One reduced-credit main-campus term |
| 33-credit tuition and fee calculation | US$50,133 | INR 47.84 Lakhs | 3 × 9-credit terms + 1 × 6-credit term |
| International graduate application fee | US$65 | INR 6,203 | Non-refundable |
All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.4309 as of 14 August 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.
Source: ETSU Fall 2026-Spring 2027 graduate fee book and current international graduate application instructions.
- The 100% online eRate is a separate tier, so an on-campus applicant should not use its lower per-credit figure for this course.
- The calculated academic total excludes later fee changes, books, housing, insurance, travel, and personal expenses, so keep a separate funding buffer.
- Paying the application fee does not lock future tuition because ETSU states that tuition and fees can change without notice.
Cost of Living in Johnson City for Computer Science Students
ETSU’s 2026-27 international estimate separates tuition and fees from housing, food, books, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. The following monthly figures divide the university’s annual non-tuition lines by 12 for an on-campus planning view.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (USD) | Annual (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | US$416.67 | INR 39,763 | US$5,000 | INR 4.77 Lakhs |
| Board and food | US$360.00 | INR 34,355 | US$4,320 | INR 4.12 Lakhs |
| Textbooks and supplies | US$108.33 | INR 10,338 | US$1,300 | INR 1.24 Lakhs |
| Health insurance | US$134.50 | INR 12,835 | US$1,614 | INR 1.54 Lakhs |
| Miscellaneous | US$436.67 | INR 41,671 | US$5,240 | INR 5.00 Lakhs |
| Official non-tuition total | US$1,456.17 | INR 1.39 Lakhs | US$17,474 | INR 16.68 Lakhs |
For one academic year at 18 credits, current fee-book tuition and fees are US$27,290 (INR 26.04 Lakhs). Official non-tuition lines are US$17,474 (INR 16.68 Lakhs). Together, they produce a calculated US$44,764 (INR 42.72 Lakhs). This is a first-year planning illustration, not a university-published programme total, because later terms use future fee schedules.
Housing, food, and health insurance are separate from the Student visa maintenance calculation. Indian applicants should fund these living lines independently because assistantships may cover tuition but do not guarantee accommodation or personal-cost support.
Read More: USA living costs for international students
Fee verification
The official cost-of-attendance page shows US$26,942 (INR 25.71 Lakhs) for 2026-27 graduate tuition and fees. The target fee book shows US$27,290 (INR 26.04 Lakhs) for 18 credits. Use the target Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 graduate fee book and confirm the final GoldLink balance before accepting an offer.
Key insight: The current-rate 33-credit academic calculation is INR 47.84 Lakhs before later fee changes and living costs. Confirm each term’s billing rate before signing an education-loan sanction.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science Admission 2027
The programme’s academic floor is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale plus preparation in computing and college mathematics. International applicants also submit three recommendations, a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, a course-by-course evaluation, and English evidence.
ETSU assesses readiness through academic performance and professional experience rather than a single test score. Applicants may receive provisional admission when foundation preparation is incomplete, but required catch-up courses must be completed with at least a B-.
International eligibility: The table separates the published academic threshold from the preparation that the Applied Computer Science concentration expects. NAAC means National Assessment and Accreditation Council, whose accreditation status matters for ETSU’s three-year Indian degree exception.
| Requirement | ETSU standard | Indian applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Four-year bachelor’s degree equivalent with at least a B average on the home-country grading scale | A three-year Indian degree from a NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) A-rated institution, with a 3.01 to 4.0 accreditation grade, may be considered equivalent to a four-year degree. |
| Academic threshold | International applicants need 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale | Use approximately 75% to 80%, or CGPA (cumulative grade point average) 7.5 to 8.0 on 10, only as a planning range because ETSU makes the final equivalency decision. |
| Computing preparation | Programming and data structures, databases, computer organization, and college mathematics including probability, statistics, or calculus | Map bachelor’s transcripts to these subjects and explain relevant projects or employment in the application. |
| Applied concentration preparation | Upper-division work in systems, databases, and programming languages | Show course titles, syllabi, projects, or professional evidence that demonstrates this preparation. |
| Recommendations | Three letters evaluating academic ability, professional maturity, and communication skills | Choose referees who can discuss technical work and graduate-level readiness. |
| Personal statement | A statement explaining why the applicant wants the M.S. in Computer Science | Connect the Applied Computer Science concentration and selected capstone route to a specific academic or career direction. |
| Curriculum vitae | A curriculum vitae detailing IT-related work experience | List programming, systems analysis, systems design, research, and relevant project outcomes. |
| International transcript evaluation | Course-by-course evaluation from a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services)-approved organisation, plus the original official transcript received by that evaluator | Start the evaluation before the application deadline because ETSU reports processing can take 8+ weeks. |
| Provisional pathway | Applicants lacking academic preparation may complete required foundation courses with a B- or higher | Ask the department which missing courses would be assigned before relying on the provisional route. |
- The 3.0 GPA is the published international floor, not a selection guarantee, so use the statement and technical evidence to show readiness.
- The Applied Computer Science concentration expects systems, database, and programming-language preparation, making a non-computing bachelor’s degree a higher-risk route.
- ETSU does not list a graduate admissions test requirement in the current Computer Science criteria, so focus preparation on transcripts, recommendations, and the technical portfolio.
No programme-specific Computer Science ranking was verified in the current permitted ranking sources, so an overall university position is not used as an admission or outcome signal.
Read More: ETSU graduate admissions and programmes
English Language Proficiency for Indian Applicants
English Language Proficiency (ELP) is the evidence ETSU uses to assess academic English readiness. The current graduate table lists IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE thresholds, plus limited education-based exemptions.
| Test or route | Current graduate requirement | Indian applicant reading |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (International English Language Testing System) | 6.5 | Meet the overall 6.5 threshold through an official score report. |
| TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test) | 4.0 on the scale for tests after 21 January 2026; 79 for tests before that date | Use ETSU’s stated scale and date split exactly, without self-converting scores. |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) | 53 | Send the official score through the testing provider. |
| English-medium education exemption | Four years of upper-high-school or higher education in a listed country, or a degree from an accredited U.S. institution | India is not named in the current country list, so an Indian English-medium degree does not automatically establish a waiver. |
- IELTS 6.5 and PTE 53 are directly usable published routes when the current TOEFL scale would create uncertainty.
- TOEFL applicants should retain the test date because ETSU distinguishes 4.0 after 21 January 2026 from 79 before that date.
- Duolingo is not listed in the current graduate table, so obtain written confirmation before relying on that test.
Tip for Indian students: A strong computing transcript can support the application, but the 8+ week evaluation and exact English policy create document gates. Start both before the Spring 2027 cutoff.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science Application 2027
Spring 2027 is the earliest applicant-accessible intake for international students, with a complete application deadline of 1 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
For Indian applicants, that cutoff is 2 October 2026 at 9:29 a.m. IST, although Eastern Time controls the portal. ETSU reviews complete applications as received, but it publishes no separate decision date.
The current Computer Science page lists Fall and Spring intakes only. The table therefore separates the confirmed Spring target from the next recurring Fall deadline.
| Intake and status | International deadline | Decision timing | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 target | 1 October 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET 2 October 2026, 9:29 a.m. IST | Not separately published; decisions appear in the application portal. | Submit the application and every supporting document by the cutoff. |
| Fall 2027 next recurring intake | 1 May 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET 2 May 2027, 9:29 a.m. IST | Not separately published; decisions appear in the application portal. | Use this intake if transcript evaluation or preparation cannot be completed for Spring. |
- Start the NACES-approved course-by-course evaluation before submitting because ETSU says the internal evaluation can take approximately eight or more weeks.
- Complete recommendations, the personal statement, and the curriculum vitae before the Spring deadline because review begins when the application is complete.
- Choose Applied Computer Science and map the capstone route before applying because the concentration and project choice shape the technical preparation you need.
The application instructions direct international applicants to select Graduate, International, Masters, Computer Science, the concentration, and the intended term. Decisions are posted in the application portal, so applicants should monitor that account after submission.
Also Check: ETSU courses and fee information
Application tip: Spring 2027 offers the earlier start, but the evaluation lead time makes Fall 2027 the safer route if transcripts are not already with an approved evaluator.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science Scholarships 2027
Funding can reduce the published cost, but no award should be treated as guaranteed for Spring 2027. The current published routes below are cycleless unless an award notice gives a specific intake.
International Merit is the broadest listed route for a new international graduate student. Computing graduate assistantships can be more valuable because a full appointment includes a tuition benefit, although work, GPA, availability, and uncovered fees affect the net cost.
Scholarship context: The award values and assistantship mechanics below come from current ETSU funding pages, not a confirmed Spring 2027 award letter.
| Funding route | Published value | Eligibility or route | Timing and cost effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Merit Scholarship | Up to US$5,000 per academic year INR 4.77 Lakhs | New international graduate students with a graduate GPA of 3.0 may be considered. | All applicants are considered without a separate application; do not subtract it until the award is confirmed. |
| Creative Arts Scholarship | Approximately US$19,000 per year equivalent INR 18.13 Lakhs | First-time graduate or undergraduate students in any major who meet a qualifying participation requirement. | Recipients pay the in-state rate; Applied Computer Science applicants must verify that their activity qualifies. |
| Computing Graduate Assistantship | US$5,800 per semester plus tuition benefit INR 5.53 Lakhs plus tuition benefit | Full-time students work half time and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. | A full appointment relieves tuition for the terms held, but fees are not automatically covered. |
| Computing Teaching Scholarship | Tuition benefit; no fixed cash amount stated | Full-time students work half time and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. | A full appointment relieves tuition for the terms held, with positions dependent on department availability. |
- Submit the complete Spring application by 1 October 2026 because assistantship consideration depends on an eligible, timely application.
- ETSU’s recurring department guidance lists 1 November for following-spring assistantship requests, so monitor the department process separately after applying.
- Keep the full current-rate budget until a written award states the tuition benefit, stipend, covered terms, and fees that remain payable.
Assistantships are especially relevant to this 33-credit degree because tuition remission changes the academic cost rather than merely providing a small cash award. However, the half-time work requirement can reduce time available for the capstone, so applicants should match the appointment with their project route and course load.
Read More: USA scholarships for international students
Scholarship reality: A full Computing Graduate Assistantship can change the tuition equation, but availability and uncovered fees remain material. Keep a full-cost Spring 2027 budget until an award is confirmed.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science Salary 2027
ETSU does not publish a course-specific salary, offer rate, employer list, sector mix, or placement rate for this M.S. Computer Science programme. The available evidence therefore supports career direction and market context, not a graduate-outcome claim.
The current-rate academic calculation is US$50,133 (INR 47.84 Lakhs) for 33 credits, plus the US$65 (INR 6,203) application fee, before living costs and later term changes.
The return on investment (ROI) question is whether verified course cost, funding, work eligibility, and role-level evidence justify the applicant’s financing decision. Because ETSU does not publish course outcomes, no payback period is calculated.
- The 33-credit cost is a current-rate calculation rather than a two-year price lock, so verify every future term before signing a loan.
- The first-year planning illustration reaches US$44,764 (INR 42.72 Lakhs) with current 18-credit charges and official non-tuition lines, so keep living funds separate from tuition financing.
- ETSU provides no course salary or placement measure, so request role-level outcomes before treating a market median as repayment evidence.
- The degree’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics designation may support a longer work window, but it does not guarantee sponsorship or employment.
- A Computing Graduate Assistantship can relieve tuition for held terms, so apply for funding while keeping the full-cost budget as the fallback case.
Salary Evidence and Career Scope
ETSU identifies roles such as data scientist, machine-learning engineer, research scientist, network engineer, software developer, software architect, DevOps engineer, and product owner.
Those directions match the concentration’s systems, algorithms, networking, and artificial-intelligence content, but they are not reported employment outcomes. The following figures are external United States market benchmarks for occupations, not ETSU graduate salaries.
| Evidence scope | Occupation | Published measure | Annual amount (USD) | Annual amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External market benchmark | Software developers | Median wage, May 2024 | US$133,080 | INR 1.27 Crore |
| External market benchmark | Computer systems analysts | Median wage, May 2024 | US$103,790 | INR 99.05 Lakhs |
| External market benchmark | Computer network architects | Median wage, May 2024 | US$130,390 | INR 1.24 Crore |
| External market benchmark | Computer and information research scientists | Median wage, May 2024 | US$140,910 | INR 1.34 Crore |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupation data, May 2024 medians; the linked page covers software developers and related occupation pages provide the other benchmarks.
These medians combine workers at different experience levels and locations, so they cannot predict a new graduate’s starting pay. Take-home pay also varies with tax, benefits, and location; use a current tax calculator after identifying the job location and gross offer.
Read More: USA post-study work options
ROI reality: The programme has a clear technical career proposition, but the missing course-outcome report makes funding discipline essential. Treat market medians as context and secure role-specific evidence before borrowing the full cost.
United States Visa for ETSU M.S. Computer Science Students 2027
Admitted international students normally use the F-1 (academic student) visa. It is tied to full-time study and the university’s Form I-20, so verify filing requirements on the official student visa requirements before paying. The F-2 dependent category can cover an eligible spouse or child, but it does not authorize dependent employment. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is post-completion work authorization. Eligible graduates may use up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) extension because ETSU lists M.S. Computer Science among its STEM programmes. The I-901 fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Current listed charges are US$185 (INR 17,655) for the visa application and US$350 (INR 33,401) for I-901 SEVIS, totalling US$535 (INR 51,056).
- The H-1B (specialty occupation work visa) route is lottery based, and wage compliance uses the higher of actual or prevailing wage rather than a single course-specific threshold.
- A spouse or minor child can seek F-2 dependent status, but F-2 dependants cannot work.
- Permanent residence has no fixed course-linked timeline because employment category, employer sponsorship, and visa availability control the route.
- The 12-month OPT window and possible 24-month extension create work-planning time, but confirm eligibility with the designated school official before relying on it.
Check Out: USA student visa application guidance
Visa reality: The STEM designation can extend the post-study work window, but it does not convert the degree into sponsorship. Confirm the I-20 details, OPT eligibility, and employer route before treating United States work as the repayment plan.
Applied Computer Science fits applicants who already have computing or demonstrable systems, database, and programming-language preparation. Its named concentration and capstone choices connect theory to an applied project or research route, helping applicants choose evidence before enrolment. The material tradeoff is a current-rate academic calculation of US$50,133 (INR 47.84 Lakhs) plus living costs, while ETSU publishes no course salary outcomes. Start the Spring 2027 transcript evaluation now, then use the 1 October 2026 deadline or move to Fall 2027 if evaluation cannot finish.
ETSU M.S. Computer Science FAQs
Ques. Can I apply to Applied Computer Science without a computer science bachelor’s degree?
Ans. Possibly, but ETSU expects preparation in systems, databases, programming languages, and mathematics. Related professional experience may substitute for some foundation courses, while missing preparation can lead to provisional coursework with B- requirements.
Ques. What should Indian applicants budget for tuition and first-year costs?
Ans. Use the current-rate 33-credit calculation of US$50,133 (INR 47.84 Lakhs) plus the application fee as the academic baseline. A separate first-year planning illustration with official non-tuition costs is US$44,764 (INR 42.72 Lakhs), and later fee schedules can change.
Ques. Should I choose Spring 2027 or Fall 2027 for this programme?
Ans. Spring 2027 is earlier, but its international cutoff is 1 October 2026 and transcript evaluation can take eight or more weeks. Choose Fall 2027 if the evaluation, recommendations, or technical preparation cannot be completed for Spring.
Ques. Can scholarships materially reduce the cost of the M.S. Computer Science?
Ans. They can, but keep a full-cost fallback budget until confirmed. International Merit offers up to US$5,000 (INR 4.77 Lakhs) per academic year. A full Computing Graduate Assistantship can relieve tuition for held terms and may include a stipend.
Ques. Does the degree support F-1, OPT, and a United States technology career?
Ans. The on-campus degree supports the F-1 study route, and ETSU lists M.S. Computer Science among its STEM programmes for possible 12-month OPT plus a 24-month extension. ETSU publishes no course salary outcome, so occupation medians cannot be treated as expected graduate pay.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline For Spring Intake - Oct 1, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | $26942 |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Cost | $9320 |
| Health Insurance | $1614 |
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $26942 |
| 2023 | $25904 |
Important Dates
Accepts applications for fall, spring and summer intakes.
Application deadline for 2027 is tentative.
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline For Summer Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Fall Intake | |
| Application Deadline For Spring Intake | Oct 1, 2026 |
Scores Required
TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Assistantship (GA) | Full tuition coverage + monthly stipend | Highly competitive. Requires a separate application to the Department of Computing. Based on strong academic background and relevant skills. |
| Tuition Scholarship | Partial tuition coverage (e.g., covering the out-of-state portion) | Limited availability. Students are typically considered based on their admission application and academic merit. |
| International Students Academic Merit Scholarship | Varies ($5,000 - $10,000 per year) | For undergraduate and graduate students. Requires a separate application. Based on academic excellence (GPA). |
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College Student Profiles
Options Available
| Program | Delivery Type | Duration | Program Type | Tuition Fees |
| M.S Computer and Information Sciences | full time | 2 years | on-campus | $25904 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 1,000/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$ 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 |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | USD 25,904 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 30,900 /Yr |
| ||
Application Deadline for Summer 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) Application Deadline for Fall 2027 Intake (15th Apr 2027) | USD 32,288 /Yr |
| ||
-- | USD 22,072 /Yr |
|
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