MS Computer Networking at North Carolina State University

Programme overview

The MS in Computer Networking is a 31-credit-hour graduate programme in the College of Engineering, built on CSC and ECE networking courses. Students can complete it with a thesis or non-thesis option.

Faculty: College of Engineering | Department: Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering (courses carry CSC and ECE prefixes) | Duration: 31 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Raleigh, NC, United States

What you will study

Core (9 hours, at least three of): Computer Networks, Internet Protocols, Computer and Network Security, Introduction to Wireless Networking, Switched Network Management. Theory (3 hours): e.g. Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Graph Theory, Computer Performance Modeling, Routed Network Design. Required courses (4 hours): graduate orientation plus a 700-level course; 15 hours of additional approved courses; and a non-thesis independent study or thesis research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NC State Graduate School English proficiency minimums for international applicants: TOEFL iBT 80 overall with 18 in each of listening, reading and writing and 18 in speaking (for tests taken before 21 January 2026); IELTS Academic 6.5 overall and in each section; Duolingo English Test 110 overall and in each subscore (speaking/conversation and production 110). Scores must be no more than 24 months old. English requirement may be waived for citizens of countries where English is the official language and language of university instruction, or with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher after one full-time year at a regionally accredited four-year US institution. Eligible NC State undergraduates may use the Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's option (up to 12 credits double counted).

Requirements published at program group level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Fall, Spring, Summer 1 and Summer 2, subject to individual programme availability.

Graduate School priority deadlines: US citizens Fall June 25, Spring November 25, Summer 1 March 25, Summer 2 May 10; international applicants Fall March 1, Spring July 15, Summer 1 and Summer 2 December 15. Programme deadlines may be earlier and apply if so. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://applygrad.ncsu.edu/apply

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