Admission to Computer Science Graduate Programs

Admission

Admission to the graduate program is competitive. To be considered for admission, you must have a four-year baccalaureate degree (normally in computer science) from an accredited institution. If your bachelor's degree is not in computer science, you must make up the background needed for graduate study before applying for admission. (See the Master's Degree page for more details.)

Our admission decisions are based on all the information you provide to us. You are welcome to contact the CS Department Office (503.725.4036) to make an appointment with an adviser if you'd like to discuss your situation in person.

Students may apply to the master's program, and then later transfer to the doctoral program. This procedure is recommended if you are not sure which degree you will seek. Students who are sure that they wish to enter the doctoral program (those who already have a master's in CS, for example) may apply directly for the higher degree. Doctoral applicants are screened more carefully than master's applicants. A student who is not well prepared or who does not have a clear motivation and a likely choice of research area will probably not be admitted to the doctoral program. These issues should be addressed in the student's statement accompanying the application.

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Application Procedure

Applications to the CS graduate program are handled by both the University's Office of Admissions and Records and the CS Department office; you must send materials to both, as described below, and you must be admitted by both. The admission process is slow, so you should apply early, especially if you are an international student. The deadlines for application are set up to guarantee there will be time to process your application in advance of the term in which you plan to enter.

For the University part of the application, follow the appropriate procedures for either US citizens and permanent residents or international students.

Submit to the CS Department:

1. Departmental application form. (Available in the Forms section below.)
2. Official reports of your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The general examination is required.
3. Two letters of recommendation, preferably from people who know your academic performance and potential. Letters from work supervisors are less useful but also acceptable. Letters should be on the sender's letter head if possible.
4. Transcript(s) from each postsecondary institution you have attended, (including PSU). Unofficial copies are accepted.
5. A short personal statement describing your plans, interests and qualifications. Give your background in CS, including any relevant work experience, your primary interests in CS and your reasons for seeking a graduate degree. Please indicate whether you plan to work toward the degree part-time or full-time; if part-time, describe your other employment or major activities. If you are applying for immediate admission to the doctoral program, include a description of your potential research area, the faculty members with whom you hope to do your research, and your reasons for not entering the master's program.
6. If you will require financial assistance to attend PSU, include a departmental application form for financial assistance with your other application papers. (See Forms section below.)

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Admission Deadlines

Applications to the CS graduate program are handled by both the University's Office of Admissions and Records and the CS Department. Two different application packets must be submitted (see Application Requirements). You must send the indicated materials to each department and you must be admitted by both. The admission process is slow, so you should apply as early as possible, especially if you are an international student. The following deadlines ensure there will be time to process your application in advance of the term for which you are applying. The CS Department-level deadlines are earlier then the University's; students are encouraged to submit their University applications early.

The official deadlines for submission of all materials to the University Office of Admissions are as follows:

(Term) Standard Deadline / International Student Deadline
(Fall) June 1 / March 1
(Winter) October 1 / July 1
(Spring) November 1 / October 1
(Summer) February 1/May 1

The official deadlines for submission of all materials to the CS department are as follows:

(Term) Standard Deadline / International Student Deadline
(Fall) March 1 / February 1
(Winter) No applications accepted
(Spring*) November 1 / September 1
(Summer) No applications accepted

*Spring admissions are usually limited to students already at PSU who are completing their prerequisite classes.

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Application Forms

• Graduate Application Directions (PDF)
• University Graduate Admissions, Forms, etc. (Graduate Studies Website)
• Computer Science Graduate Admissions Form (PDF)
• The University Measles Requirement Form is on the ( Admissions Forms website ) under Miscellaneous Forms.
• Links to forms for international applicants can also be found at the Admissions Forms website .

Other Forms for Graduate Students

• Computer Science Department TA Application (PDF or PDF Fill-In)
• Office of Graduate Studies

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