University of New Mexico

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Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field required. Minimum GPA of 3.0. Prerequisites include calculus, discrete math, data structures, and programming. GRE: verify current requirement with UNM CS department. International applicants: TOEFL 79 iBT or IELTS 6.5 minimum. Fall priority deadline: February 1. Apply at grad.unm.edu.

About This Program

The University of New Mexico's MS in Computer Science is the flagship CS graduate degree at New Mexico's land-grant research university. UNM's location in Albuquerque provides unique proximity to Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory — two of the world's top scientific computing institutions — creating exceptional co-op, internship, and research partnership opportunities for MSCS students interested in AI, HPC, and national security computing.

Career Outcomes

30-credit thesis or non-thesis MSCS at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, with research strengths in AI, machine learning, bioinformatics, and intelligent systems within the state's flagship research university.

• 1. Software Engineer
• 2. Machine Learning Engineer
• 3. Data Scientist
• 4. Research Scientist (National Labs)
• 5. Systems Engineer

What You'll Learn

• Complete 30 credits with required algorithms coursework and elective concentration areas.
• Specialize in AI/ML, computer vision, bioinformatics, or systems and networks.
• Access national laboratory research partnerships at Sandia and Los Alamos.
• Complete thesis research or an applied project as the capstone requirement.

Curriculum Highlights

The MS in Computer Science at the University of New Mexico is offered by the Department of Computer Science in the School of Engineering. The thesis track requires 24 course credits plus 6 thesis credits; the non-thesis track requires 30 course credits including a 3-credit project. Required courses cover algorithms and advanced data structures. Elective areas include artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, bioinformatics, networks, operating systems, programming languages, and parallel and distributed computing. UNM's proximity to Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory creates exceptional research partnership opportunities. Catalog: catalog.unm.edu.

Top Employers

Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Intel, Raytheon, New Mexico state government, Albuquerque and Santa Fe technology companies; verify current recruiting through UNM Career Services.

Admissions

Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field required. Minimum GPA of 3.0. Prerequisites include calculus, discrete math, data structures, and programming. GRE: verify current requirement with UNM CS department. International applicants: TOEFL 79 iBT or IELTS 6.5 minimum. Fall priority deadline: February 1. Apply at grad.unm.edu.

Application Materials

• Official Transcripts: Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: Three required
• CV/Resume: Required
• GRE General: Verify current policy with UNM CS department
• English Proficiency: TOEFL 79+ iBT or IELTS 6.5+ for international applicants
• Application: Via UNM Graduate Studies portal

Academic Requirements

• Degree Required: Bachelor's in CS or closely related; minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisites: Calculus, discrete math, data structures, programming
• GRE/GMAT: Verify current policy
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for international applicants (TOEFL 79+ iBT or IELTS 6.5+)