Graduate Admissions

graduate students in computer lab
Photo by Patrick O’Leary

The Graduate Program in Computer Science only admits students for the Fall term of each year. Approximately 70 new students enroll annually from a pool of 800 - 1,000 applicants. The department accepts applications from November 7th - April 1st. The department’s goal is to provide funding for all enrolled Ph.D. students. M.S. and M.C.S. students are expected to come with their own funding.

Which degree should I apply for?

We encourage students to think about the highest degree they wish to receive from the Computer Science program at the University of Minnesota and then to apply for that degree. We offer the following degrees:

The admissions committee will consider each applicant for the degree requested, but may decide to admit an applicant to a different degree program, or suggest a higher degree. Once a student enrolls, options to change or add degrees can be discussed.

Application Deadlines for Fall 2009 Term

December 1: PhD in Computer Science (to be considered for Fellowships)
January 1: PhD in Computer Science (to be considered for additional Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships)
February 1: All MS applicants (MS students are expected to come with sufficient funding for the degree.)
April 1: Admission without financial assistantships (All MCS students are ineligible for departmental support.)
June 15: Application deadline for MS in Software Engineering

Our application process is all online and all links, directions and information for PhD, MS, and MCS applications are available on this web site. Links, directions, and information for the MS in Software Engineering program can be found at the MSSE web site. Please be sure to read all of the information and follow directions carefully. We have a page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) which should answer most questions applicants have. The page is periodically updated, so it is a good idea to check back for new information.

Application Information

Application Forms

Letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. Although the Graduate School Apply Yourself application has an option to add names and e-mail addresses of your recommenders, we request that you do NOT use that option. Letters of recommendation should only be submitted via the CSE on-line application. Since our entire application and review process is done online, we will NOT accept hard copies.