The MLT program lasts two years (24 months), and students must complete two summers of research. Students should usually expect to graduate in August of their second year.

MLT students take 120 or more course units (about 10 courses), at least 72 of which are LTI courses, and 24 of which are School of Computer Science (SCS) courses. Most of these are 12-unit courses, although lab courses are typically 6 units. Our courses generally assume knowledge of programming and data structures. The remaining units may also be taken from the LTI, or with approval from the faculty advisor, any other senior- or graduate-level course offered at CMU or Pitt.

Directed research is another integral part of the MLT program; MLT students carry out directed research during their studies, with guidance from their faculty advisors.

Students may also choose to complete an optional MLT thesis. Guidelines can be found in the MLT Handbook.

Here's an example of how your two years in the MLT program may break down.

Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science has a centralized online application process. Applications and all supporting documentation for fall admission to any of the LTI's graduate programs must be received by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application period for Fall 2024 is now closed. Information about the Fall 2025 admissions cycle will be available in summer 2024.

*Please note, we no longer require mailed, hard versions of transcripts or test scores at the time of application. Do not mail anything to the admissions office. If you are accepted to a program, you will be given instruction to then mail your materials.

Application Deadlines

Early Deadline: November 20, 2024, 3:00pm EST
Final Deadline: December 11, 2024, 3:00pm EST

Cost

TBA

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers may be available in cases of financial hardship, or for participants in select "pipeline" programs. For more information, please refer to the School of Computer Science Fee Waiver page.

Requirements

The School of Computer Science requires the following for all graduate program applications:

• GRE scores: GREs are now optional, but if you want to submit GRE scores:
  These must be less than five years old. A GRE subject test in science, engineering, computer science, math, etc. is not required, but you may complete one and submit the scores if you wish. Our Institution Code is 2074; Department Code is 0402.
• TOEFL scores: Required if English is not your native language. No exceptions. These scores may be more than two years old if you have pursued or are pursuing a bachelor's or graduate degree in the United States. (While the TOEFL is preferred, the IELTS test may also be submitted.) Successful applicants will have a minimum TOEFL score of 100. Our Institution Code is 4256; the Department Code is 78.
• Official transcripts from each university you have attended, regardless of whether you received your degree there.
• Current resume.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.

For more details on these requirements, please see the SCS Master's Admissions page.

In addition to the SCS guidelines, the LTI requires:

• Any outside funding you are receiving must be accompanied by an official award letter.
• Video Essay (optional, but strongly recommended). You will have 1-3 minutes to record a video of yourself answering a question that we will provide. You will first be able to complete a test video, which will give you instructions and allow you to practice how the recording will work. You can complete more than one test video. Once you are satisfied and have confirmed that you're ready to record your real submission, you will receive a random question and will have 10 (ten) seconds before the video begins recording. You then have up to 3 minutes to speak and can stop recording once you are done speaking. You will be given 3 attempts, and a new question will be provided with each attempt.
  
  Note that the video (and audio) must be of the applicant (not a proxy). If there is more than one person in the video, please clarify which person is the applicant. What you do or say is totally up to you as long as you provide the information requested.
  
  If all else is equal, an applicant with a video essay will have an advantage over an otherwise identical applicant without a video essay.
  
  Again, this is not a required part of the application process, but it's strongly suggested.

No incomplete applications will be eligible for consideration.

For specific application/admissions questions, please contact lti-academics@andrew.cmu.edu.

Tuition Rates

Tuition is set by the School of Computer Science and can vary by year. Current tuition rates can be found on the Graduate Tuition section of the Student Financial Services website.

Financial Aid Resources

Research Assistant-ships are occasionally offered by research advisors to current MLT students. These are not guaranteed and vary from semester-to-semester. They fluctuate and are dependent on the funding source, research advisor and MLT student.

Student Financial Services has additional information on financial aid and billing / payments. They have a detailed outline of how to apply for financial aid on the Graduate Financial Aid Process page.

Enrollment & Finances has additional resource links to assist with financial aid and tuition payments.

Graduate Education – Financial Assistance provides resources for current students regarding emergency loans and conference travel grants.

For more information about the MLT program, contact Kate Schaich.