Admission Requirements

As of January 2024, the GRE is optional. No GRE subject test is required. 

The minimal requirements for admission of a student with a baccalaureate are identical with the requirements for admission to our MS program. However, for students who indicate their intention of pursuing a doctoral degree program, the Admissions Committee seeks a substantially higher undergraduate GPA, substantially higher GRE scores, and outstanding letters of recommendation.

The department requires that applicants to the Ph.D. program have completed an undergraduate program in Computer Science, or taken the following prerequisite courses for the undergraduate degree:

  • calculus (as in 640:151-152),
  • linear algebra (as in 640:250),
  • finite mathematics (as in 198:205),
  • probability/combinatorics (as in 198:206),
  • numerical analysis (as in 198:323).
  •  
  • high level languages (as in 198:111),
  • data structures (as in 198:112),
  • computer architecture
  • assembly language (as in 198:211),
  • algorithm design and analysis (as in 198:344),
  •  
  • programming languages and compilers (as in 198:314, 415),
  • operating systems (as in 198:416),
  • distributed systems (as in 198:417),
  • information systems (as in 198:336),
  • networks (as in 198:352), etc.

(Short descriptions of undergraduate courses offered by the department can be found in the Undergraduate Section.)

All applicants are required to take the aptitude part of the GRE examination (verbal, analytic and mathematical reasoning sections). 

 

Criteria for admission currently include:

  1. An academic record (undergraduate and previous graduate work) that shows distinction (B+ or higher) in Computer Science, Mathematics and related fields. (The mean GPA for a recent entering class of students was 3.62; this included Master's and PhD students, with and without financial aid. )
  2. A high score on all the GRE examinations recommended (The mean GRE scores for a recent entering class of students were: Verbal 150, Quantitative 160.
  3. In the case of foreign students, the TOEFL exam is required. (The mean TOEFL score was 92, IBT S >21 IBT L >21.)
  4. Strong letters of recommendation.
  5. A clear statement, about one page in length, outlining the reasons why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate study in computer science. (If appropriate, please specify one or more areas of particular interest, to help us assign advisors. See section 5 for a list of areas.)
  6. Submit copies or originals of all materials above with your application directly. After being accepted by the department you must submit originals of transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores, as well financial documents for final acceptance by the School of Graduate Studies.
  7. The deadline for the for the fall semester is January 1st. Students are not typically admitted for the spring semester.