Please review the Graduate College Admission Requirements, which are in addition to the departmental admission requirements below.
Admission to the program is determined by high scores on standardized tests, an adequate background in computer science, strong letters of recommendation, high-level grades from a strong undergraduate program, and research interests shared with the faculty. Each applicant is evaluated carefully based on the entire application package, taking into account test scores, previous educational achievement, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. The admissions committee also considers an applicant's previous research, publications, and work experience. The stated minimums are guidelines. An applicant whose record is weak in one aspect (e.g., GRE scores) may be considered for admission if a strength exists in another area (e.g., excellent GPA, letters). In evaluating students applications, the committee looks for the following: (1) adequate math and computer science background, (2) excellent academic performance, (3) good communication skills, and (4) intellectual potential. The admissions committee will also consider whether applicants have researched the University of Arizona Computer Science program and are applying to work in research areas and with the expertise of the faculty currently in the Department of Computer Science.
Academic Requirements
Applicants for admission are evaluated on the basis of academic record, preparation, and other relevant qualifications. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in computer science or a closely related field. A well-prepared applicant should be proficient in a high-level programming language such as C, C++, or Java, and have a solid background in the following areas: (1) mathematics, including calculus and discrete mathematics; (2) machine architecture; (3) programming languages, including exposure to a variety of high-level languages (e.g., Java, LISP); (4) data structures; (5) algorithm analysis; (6) theory of computation; and (7) software systems, including compilers and operating systems. In particular, all students must have at a minimum demonstrated advanced undergraduate studies in Systems (i.e. through an operating systems or compilers course) and Theory (i.e. through an algorithms or theory of computation course).
If an applicant lacks the academic background to apply to the graduate program, prerequisites can be completed at another institution or at UA as a non-degree-seeking graduate student prior to application. Non-degree-seeking graduate students can take undergraduate and graduate level courses at the University of Arizona's campus, if space is available.
Note: 1) International applicants are usually not eligible for non-degree seeking status because of visa requirements. 2) There is no guarantee of admission to the graduate program based on completion of the prerequisites at the University of Arizona.
GPA
The typical minimum undergraduate GPA for PhD applicants is 3.5 and for applicants with a Master's degree in a related field, the minimum graduate GPA is typically 3.7.
GRE
The department requires the GRE general test. Admission requirements do not set specific score cut-offs in each section. Typical minimum scores for admitted applicants are 156 verbal (domestic applicants) and 158 quantitative.
English Proficiency
International applicants should review the Graduate College's minimum English proficiency requirements.
The departmental typical minimum TOEFL listening score is 25. All teaching assistants must have a minimum TOEFL speak score of 24 or a minimum IELTS speak score of 7.5.
Note: We do not consider students for conditional admission.
Checklist for Applying
Please review the Graduate College Admissions website in addition to the departmental application checklist below.
✓ Online Application: Apply Now
The admissions committee will only review complete online applications, which will include letters of recommendation and test scores, that are submitted by the admission deadline. Materials that are not submitted online will be disregarded.
✓ Transcripts
Upload unofficial pdf versions of all transcripts to the online application. If a grading scheme other than the conventional 0-4 is used by an institution, submit a scanned copy of the key to the transcript to include the grading scheme used by each such institution. If transcripts are in a language other than English, upload both the original and its English translation.
✓ GRE score
Each applicant will need to submit GRE test scores (general test only). These scores must be sent directly to the University by ETS (code for UA is 4832).
Note: Students who earn a UA BA/BS/MS CS degree aren't required to submit GRE scores.
✓ English Proficiency score
International applicants must submit valid English proficiency scores. The University of Arizona's institution code for sending official electronic score reports from ETS is 4832.
Note: Exemptions to this requirement.
✓ Letters of Recommendation
A minimum of two confidential letters of recommendation must be submitted online (by the recommender). The letters should be written by a faculty member or employer who can testify to an applicant's research abilities and potential for success in graduate studies. The online application also requires recommenders' names, institutions, and email addresses. The recommenders will be sent an email with information on how to submit the letter. Recommenders must submit the letters online by the application deadline.
We recommend students seek out letter writers for whom they have developed a relationship, ideally beyond just having taken a course. Additionally, to give letter writers appropriate time and materials, one should start building these connections long before the application deadline and be prepared to discuss their application with their letter writers. The following websites offer additional advice on how to identify and communicate with potential letter writers:
- https://career.arizona.edu/cs-blog-post/dos-donts-asking-recommendation
- http://www.pgbovine.net/PhD-application-tips.htm
- http://matt.might.net/articles/how-to-apply-and-get-in-to-graduate-school-in-science-mathematics-engineering-or-computer-science/
✓ Statement of Purpose
This is an opportunity for each applicant to tell us about themselves and why they would make an excellent addition to the graduate program. The statement of purpose is a one-page personal essay that addresses the following prompts:
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Why you want to pursue a MS/PhD in computer science.
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What specific areas of computer science within the department most interest you (shown on the left of that webpage).
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Areas in which you have completed research.
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Areas in which you want to pursue research.
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Why you are specifically interested in the University of Arizona.
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What you plan to do once you have completed your degree.
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Indicate which faculty you are interested in working with, and why.
✓ Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Include the following information:
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Describe any major research activities or programming projects, outlining the project and the role you played in the project.
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List of peer-reviewed journal publications or any published papers.
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List of conference presentations or posters (include the conference date, location, and the name of the presentation).
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Include any work experience in Computer Science (such as relevant internships, volunteer positions, part-time jobs, full-time jobs, etc.)
Important: It is not possible for the admissions committee to pre-evaluate an applicant. Applicants must submit the entire online application with all supporting documents via the official applications process. The decision to recommend or deny admission is made by the Department of Computer Science. When the recommendation for admission is made, the Graduate College will perform a quality control check on each application after the department has made its recommendation to admit. The formal notification of admission or denial will come from the Graduate College.
