Graduate Info
Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission are evaluated on the basis of academic record, preparation, and other relevant qualifications. Applicants for admission to graduate studies 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, Icon); (4) data structures; (5) algorithm analysis; (6) theory of computation; and (7) software systems, including compilers and operating systems. Outstanding applicants that lack preparation in a few of these areas may be admitted to the M.S. program with the stipulation that they remedy these deficiencies.
(See prerequisites for a list of course names/numbers.)
Ordinarily, an applicant for the Master's program is expected to have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 out of 4.0 scale. Applicants for the Doctoral program should have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.5, and an applicant with a Master's degree in a related field is expected to have a graduate GPA of 3.7 or above.
The department requires a GRE general test from applicants. While this test is mandatory and is a factor in the admission decision, we do not set specific score cut-offs in each section. In the past few years the typical scores for our admitted applicants were 500 verbal, 760 quantitative, and 4.0 in analytical writing. The admission committee reviews the entire application package taking in to account test scores (both GRE and TOEFL if international), previous educational achievement (undergraduate and if applicable masters courses), letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Also taken into consideration is an applicants previous research, publications, significant projects worked on, and work experience.
International applicants whose native language is not English are expected to have TOEFL scores at or above 100 (internet based) 250 (computer based) or 600 (paper based). The TOEFL must be dated no more than 2 years from the year you are applying for, ie: for Fall 2008 your scores cannot be older than 2006. If an applicant has another degree from a US institution, the Toefl may be waived.
The University of Arizona and the Department of Computer Science are committed to achieving greater racial and ethnic diversity among the student body members and future professionals in the field of computer science. To achieve this goal we strongly encourage women and individuals of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds to submit applications for graduate work to the Department.
Please direct your questions about admissions to the gradadmissions@cs.arizona.edu.
Applications are accepted for fall and spring semesters, though doctoral students are admitted for the spring semester only under extenuating circumstances. All application materials must be received by January 15 for the following fall semester and June 1 for the following spring semester.
Send Completed Application Materials to:
PhD Applications:
The University of Arizona Department of Computer Science
PhD Graduate Admissions Committee
1040 E. Fourth Street
Gould-Simpson Bldg., Room 901
Tucson, AZ 85721
MS Applications:
The University of Arizona Department of Computer Science
MS Graduate Admissions Committee
1040 E. Fourth Street
Gould-Simpson Bldg., Room 901
Tucson, AZ 85721