PhD Computer Science - Admission Requirements

MS to PhD

  • Students are expected to have a Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline awarded by a recognized institution. Applicants with a different background are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to have taken calculus 2 and a statistics course, to be proficient in programming, and to be knowledgeable in the topics of data structures, algorithm design and analysis, operating systems, and computer architecture.The admission committee will evaluate the application holistically to determine applicant suitability using several factors such as academic performance, GPA, GRE scores, background and experience. The admission committee may assign remedial courses on a case-by-case basis.
  • Submit official transcripts from previous institutions attended. The desirable minimum GPA in previous graduate work is 3.3 (of a 4.0 maximum).
  • Submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE requirement is waived for students with a Master’s degree from EECS.
  • The applicant must produce two reference letters that address the student's research potential, motivation, relative academic achievement and personality.
  • International students from non-English-speaking countries must be proficient in written and spoken English as evidenced by a score of at least 500 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL or a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS.
  • Statement of Research Interests

 

BS to PhD Direct Path program

  • Students are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students are expected to have taken calculus 2 and a statistics course, to be proficient in programming, and to be knowledgeable in the topics of data structures, algorithm design and analysis, operating systems, and computer architecture. The admission committee will evaluate the application holistically to determine applicant suitability using several factors such as academic performance, GPA, GRE scores, background and experience. The admission committee may assign remedial courses on a case-by-case basis.
  • Submit official transcripts from previous institutions attended. The desirable minimum bachelor GPA is 3.3 (of a 4.0 maximum) in the last 60 credits attempted prior to graduation.
  • Submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The desirable combined score (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE is 310 or better.
  • The applicant must produce two reference letters. Where possible these letters should address the student's qualifications for research.
  • International students from non-English-speaking countries must be proficient in written and spoken English as evidenced by a score of at least 500 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL or a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS.
  • Statement of Research Interests

As part of the application to EECS PhD programs, applicants are required to submit a research statement. This crucial document should clearly communicate the applicant’s research background, interests, and potential fit with current research foci of faculty in the department. Applicants are strongly encouraged to go over the department's faculty research and publications before writing their research statement. The research statement must address three main areas:

  1. The Applicant’s Research Experience and Preparation
    Describe the academic and professional experiences that have prepared the applicant for doctoral studies:
    • Relevant coursework, research training, and applicable professional experience
    • Research projects and technical skills
    • Publications, presentations, or significant findings
  2. The Applicant’s Proposed Research Direction
    Outline the research areas to be pursued during PhD studies:
    • Clearly state research interests
    • Explain the importance of this research
    • Describe how previous experiences have prepared the applicant for this research
  3. Faculty Alignment
    Identify potential faculty advisors in the EECS department:
    • Name two or three faculty members whose research aligns with the applicant’s proposed research direction
    • For each faculty member, (i) explain how their work connects to the applicant’s research interests and (ii) discuss how their expertise would benefit the proposed research program

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