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    Carnegie Mellon University

    Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD)

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pittsburgh, USMSIn-person2 years
    STEM-OPT
    $86,000.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    147
    Credits
    $75.00
    App fee

    Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University is a 147-credit, 2-year, in-person MS program based in Pittsburgh, US. Tuition is $86,000 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    Two-year program focused on computational design at the intersection of design, architecture, and computation. Covers topics including robotically-supported construction, machine learning and AI-based design, tangible interaction, shape grammars, responsive environments, digital heritage, and computational urban studies. Culminates in a thesis documenting substantial research and novel contribution.

    Focus: research

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    Admissions

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    Deadlines

    Fall 2027
    Jan 10, 2027

    Standardized tests

    GRE
    optional
    Min test-optional; no minimum score requirement
    TOEFL
    required
    Min 100 (minimum subscores of 22)
    IELTS
    required
    Min 7.0 (minimum subscores of 6.5)

    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $21,712.00
    Annual living cost

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    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University is $86,000 across 147 required credits.
    Is Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University online or in-person?
    Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University take to complete?
    Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University is structured around 2 years and 147 credits.
    Is Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    What work-permit options follow Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University?
    Post-completion work rights for Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD) at Carnegie Mellon University: 12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)