Computer science
(MCS, MS, PhD)  

Begin by visiting the Graduate Admissions website and completing the Graduate Admissions application and paying the application fee. The fee is nonrefundable and the application will not be processed until the fee is received.

In addition to completing the ASU Graduate Admissions application, the following materials must also be submitted to complete your application package:*

U.S. Residents:

• One set of official transcripts from every college and university attended, including ASU, unless the student graduated from ASU
• Official GRE test scores.** Click here for the average GRE scores for applicants. The ASU institution code is: 4007. If a department code is required use: 0000.
• Three letters of recommendation^
• Statement of purpose

International Applicants:

• Academic credentials (all international records must be submitted in the original language accompanied by an official English translation). If you have attended a U.S. institution, one set of official transcripts from every college and university attended, except ASU.
• Official GRE General test scores taken within the last five years.** Click here for the average GRE scores for applicants. The ASU institution code is: 4007. If a department code is required use: 0000.
• Official TOEFL score, taken within the last two years (please see ASU’s English Proficiency requirements). The TOEFL score must be valid on the first day of class for the term the student is applying for. SCAI requires that TOEFL scores must be above 575 (paper), or 90 (iBT). We also accept IELTS with a minimum overall band scores of 7.0 or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) with a minimum score of 65 or higher. Please see the Graduate Admissions website for TOEFL deadline dates. The ASU institution code is: 4007. If a department code is required use: 0000.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

The required materials should be mailed to:

Please include the document reference number on all materials sent. Applications are not evaluated until all required documents have been received.

*If a student wishes to be considered for both the M.S. and M.C.S. programs, or for both the master’s and Ph.D. programs, the student is required to submit two separate applications and to pay two application fees. This fee is nonrefundable and cannot be deferred.

**For students seeking a Masters in Computer Science, the GRE is not required by students who have graduated from ASU’s undergraduate B.S. in Computer Science or the B.S.E. in Computer Systems Engineering degree programs. The GRE is not required for students applying to the MCS Online program. Students applying to the MCS Tempe campus program still need to submit GRE scores because of the option to convert to the MS thesis program.

^Letters of Recommendation are not required for students applying to the Computer Science MCS/MS program.

Knowledge in calculus is required to be successful in a SCAI Gradate Program. Below you will find the calculus courses that must be completed with a grade of  ‘C’ or better prior to applying to the program.

Computer Science         CALC 1 & 2 (CALC 3 is recommended)

Below are the minimum GPA requirements for the SCAI Graduate Programs. This GPA is calculated from the last 60 hours of the undergraduate degree. Students who are applying to a Ph.D. following a master’s degree must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 for the last degree awarded.

Computer Science Ph.D.          3.5 or higher

Computer Science Master          3.25 or higher

Please see below for a list of the current Deficiency Courses required for admission. A flowchart showing the progression of coursework is also available  At the time of application there should be no more than two deficiency courses pending.

Computer Science Deficiency Flowchart