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Admissions

Most aspects of the application process, aside from the admissions decision, are handled by the Graduate School. Please refer to their Application Process page for additional information. International applicants may want to explore the international admissions page provided by the International Center.

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in discrete math, programming, data structures, circuits, digital logic, and computer architecture.

Application Requirements

  • Personal Statement: which should address the applicant’s topical interests and any of the admissions criteria, listed below, that are not clearly satisfied based on the provided transcript(s)

  • Transcript showing a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in an ABET or CSAB accredited undergraduate program in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • GRE scores : GRE is not required (starting Fall 2024), but it is recommended. Submitted scores must be no more than 5 years old. Applications for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 will require the GRE results to be submitted.

  • TOEFL/IELTS scores (always accepted) or Duolingo scores (check the graduate school website to make sure Duolingo is accepted): submitted scores must be no more than 2 years old. We follow the guidelines defined by the University of Kentucky Graduate School. If you have questions about exceptions to the language testing requirements, please contact the appropriate admissions officer. For Fall 2020 they were defined as follows: All applicants whose native language is not English will be asked to self-report one of these scores on their application. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.

  • CV/Resume

Application Fee Waiver

  • MS students and students who do not have a CPE degree are not eligible for an application fee waiver.
  • Financial hardship is not a factor considered when providing an application fee waiver.
  • Students who have completed BS or MS degrees at a US college or university with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible for an application fee waiver.
  • International students: to be eligible for a waiver students should either have already secured an RA position with a faculty member or be top candidates for a TA position. Top TA candidates must be seeking a Ph.D. degree, have a strong academic record, high GPA, strong computer science background, and excellent language scores. 

Contact the Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Silvestri if you meet these requirements and attach your transcripts and language scores to your email.

Admission Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • International: March 15
  • Domestic: July 15

Spring Semester

  • International: August 15
  • Domestic: November 30

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I include with my CV/Resume? It should include standard CV/resume elements, but it could be beneficial to include one or more of the following elements:

    • links to code samples (e.g., a GitHub profile or repository)
    • a list of prior research and programming projects, highlighting your role and main accomplishments
    • a list of prior publications (e.g, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and research posters)

    These are not required, but could help counterbalance any weaknesses in your application.

  • Which transcripts must I submit? You must provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions at which you have taken courses, whether you received a degree or not.

  • Can I submit unofficial test scores? Unofficial (scanned) test results are allowed for the application. However, if accepted, you must have your test provider submit the official scores to the Graduate School for verification using the following codes:

    GRE institution code 1837
    GRE department code 0402
    TOEFL institution code 1837
    TOEFL department code 78

  • Is any additional documentation required for international students? If you are an international student, the Graduate School requires a signed and documented financial certificate (I-20) before you begin the program. The certificate will be requested by the Graduate School after the admissions decision is made. Please contact your admissions officer or the International Center for questions related to international admissions.

Additional Information