Skip Navigation Text:

Graduate Admission

Overview
The steps for applying for either the M.S. or Ph.D program in Computer Science are described on this page. If you plan to submit an application, we recommend you bookmark this page and refer to it often as you complete your application.

The deadline for applications is January 15th. Applications received by this date will be considered for admission to graduate school the following September.
How to Apply
Each element of the application process is listed along with a short description. Each title is a link to the form you need provided as a document. If the title is not a link, then no form is required for that element. Elements sent to the wrong location, or not received by January 15th, may be disqualified.

The Graduate Admission Application Form may be filled out online by going to the Online Graduate Application Guidelines page and then logging in. This form may only be used by those applicants who will be paying the application fee ($50.00) by credit card. By filling out an online form, you no longer need to send a copy of the Application Form to either the Admissions Office or to the Department.

If you prefer to have an application packet sent by postal mail, send an e-mail to info@cs.uoregon.edu. Include your name and address in the body of the message. Be sure to allow extra time for receipt of the packet.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Some of the required items should be mailed to the University of Oregon Office of Admissions. Others should be mailed directly to the Department of Computer and Information Science. These two offices are in separate buildings. Materials sent to the wrong location may not be processed in a timely fashion. All forms, with supporting documents, must arrive by the Jan. 15th deadline to be considered for admission.
Send Only the Following Items to the Office of Admissions:
Office of Admissions
1217 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1217

Graduate Admission Application Form
Fill out the application form. Mail the top copy, along with a check for $50.00, to the Office of Admissions. (Paper copy not necessary if you have filled out an online form.)
Official transcripts
Send official transcripts from all institutions you attended as an undergraduate, and, if applicable, from previous graduate schools.
Official TOEFL score (International students only)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language may be waived only if you have attended an English speaking University for three or more years.
Financial information sheet (International students only)
This is a required document for all International students.
Note: A bank statement is required. If you are granted full admission and have financial support an I-20 form will be issued. Contact the Office of Admission (+1-541-346-3201) with questions.
Send Only the Following Items to the Department of Computer and Information Science:
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Computer and Information Science
1202 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1202

Note that some documents are copies of items sent to the Admissions office. In some cases photocopies may be sent to the CIS department - read the details of each listing carefully.
Graduate Admission Application Form
One copy. This is a copy of the same form you sent to the Admissions Office. (Paper copy not necessary if you have filled out an online form.)
GRE scores
Have your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores sent to the Department of Computer and Information Science. The computer science subject area exam is recommended and beneficial, but not required. For submission of the GRE scores, note that the institutional code is 4846, and the major code is 0402.
Recommendations form
Arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the Department of Computer and Information Science. These letters should all be from current or former professors, but if you have work experience one can be from a current or former supervisor. Your letter writers are encouraged to use the official form and may send the letters directly to the department.
Transcripts
Send transcripts from all institutions you attended as an undergraduate, and, if applicable, from previous graduate schools. (Unofficial transcripts or photocopies are fine.)
Statement of goals
Prepare a statement of goals that includes a discussion of your computer science background (including any work experience), general areas of interest, areas you would like to study in graduate school, and your career plans after you receive your degree. If you are applying to the Ph.D. program, include a description of your anticipated research area(s) and ways the proposed research fits into the departmental research profile.
Application for GTF
Required only if you are interested in a Graduate Teaching or Research Fellowship award. This is the only type of funding our department offers to new students.
TOEFL score (International students only)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language may be waived only if you have attended an English speaking University for three or more years. A photocopy of your score may be sent to the department.
TSE score (International students only)
An international student who is applying for financial aid (a teaching or research assistantship) must also submit their score from the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

Related Links:

UO Admissions
For all your general admissions answers.
Graduate School
The graduate school web site contains information for current and future graduate students at the UO.
Online Graduate Application Guidelines
The graduate school web site for applying online.
Financial Aid
Information about available aid as well as guidelines for expected expenses.
Housing
Information about housing options both on and off campus at the University of Oregon.
Office of International Programs
Information and resources for International students.
Evaluation Criteria
Admission to the graduate program is based on computer science background, prior academic performance, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. Minimum requirements for full admission are:
  1. The equivalent of an undergraduate degree in computer science, including documented knowledge of
    1. principles of computer organization,
    2. programming languages,
    3. program development and analysis, and
    4. data structures and algorithm analysis.
    Grades from previous coursework should indicate the ability to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in graduate level courses.
  2. Acceptable GRE score on the general test. Minimum scores which are considered to be favorable are a verbal score of 500 or better, and quantitative score of 650 or better and an analytical score of at least 4.5.
  3. A score of at least 600 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants who have not spent at least three years in an English-speaking institution of higher learning.
Teaching and research assistantships are competitive, and these positions are generally awarded during February and March for the following Fall term. Admission results for non-funded students may occur during the same months, but generally end up taking place after the funded slots are filled.