The University of Arizona

Graduate Info

Admission Requirements

Fall Admission Applications:

Spring Admission Applications:

Application Checklist

Academic background

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, 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 MS program with the stipulation that they remedy these deficiencies.

(See prerequisites for a list of course names/numbers.)

GPA

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.

GRE

The department requires the GRE general test. We do not set specific score cut-offs in each section. ETS introduced the new GRE revised General Test on August 1, 2011, and we cannot yet provide guidelines for this version of the test. Scores on the old GRE General Test are good for five years. The Department will accept scores from either test. In the past few years, typical scores for our admitted applicants on the old GRE General Test were 500 verbal, 760 quantitative, and 4.0 in analytical writing. The admission committee reviews the entire application package taking into account test scores, previous educational achievement, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose.  We also consider an applicants previous research, publications, and work experience.

TOEFL (international students only)

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; please note that the University of Arizona can only accepte the paper-based test if it was taken at the University of Arizona itself). The TOEFL must be taken within two years of the date the student intends to enroll. If an applicant has another degree from a US institution granted within the past two years, the TOEFL may be waived.

 

Please direct your questions about admissions to the gradadmissions@cs.arizona.edu.

All application materials should be submitted online. Please apply online at The University of Arizona Graduate College.