The master of science (MS) degree program prepares students for ever-expanding career opportunities. Possibilities range from the development of time-critical software for aerospace applications to the design of graphics and animation software to implementation and testing of next-generation internet protocols.
Application Deadline
Application deadline for PhD will be December 15, 2023. MS application deadline will be February 1, 2024.
Apply to our Graduate Program
Ready to apply? Start your application on Slate, the centralized application portal for graduate admissions at the University of Oregon.
Admissions 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:
Grades from previous coursework should indicate the ability to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in graduate level courses.
- The equivalent of an undergraduate degree in computer science, including documented knowledge of:
- Principles of computer operations and operating systems
- Programming languages
- Program development and analysis
- Data structure and algorithm analysis
- Suggested minimum GRE scores on the general test:
- Verbal - 153/170 (Note: It is understood that non-native English speakers may have scores below this mark.)
- Quantitative - 154/170
- Analytical - 3.0/6.0
- All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must satisfy one of the following English Language Proficiency criteria in order to be eligible for admission. Minimum TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who have no justification for a waiver:
- TOEFL: 100 (departmental requirement)
- IELTS: 7 (Division of Graduate Studies requirement)
How to Apply
Fill out the Graduate Admission Application Form online by going to the Online Graduate Application page and then logging in. The form may be left unfinished until the deadline. Applicants pay the application fee ($90 for international students, $70 for domestic students) upon completion of the online form. Note: Applications sent via mail but not submitted via Slate (online application) will NOT be considered.
Items Submitted Online:
- Personal Statement
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, including the University of Oregon.
- Contact Information for Recommendations
- Writing Sample (optional)
- Resume or CV (optional)
At the time of application, applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended, including the University of Oregon. Unofficial transcripts are uploaded as part of the online application.
Unofficial transcripts should show all coursework taken to date and, if applicable, the title of the degree earned and the date the degree was conferred. Applicants must provide English translations if the documents are issued in a language other than English. Please see: https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/admissions/how-to-apply/transcripts for further clarification. Mail transcripts to:
Office of the Registrar
5257 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
Send the Following Items to the Office of Admissions:
Office of Admissions
1217 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1217
- Official TOEFL or IELTS score (International students only)
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - test may be waived if you have received a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution or from an institution in the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. The institutional code (for score submission) is 4846. Photocopies of unofficial documents may be emailed to the Graduate Program Coordinator, but are not required. Official copies are required if admitted.
- Electronic Score Submission
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: Electronic Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores should note that the Institutional code is 4846. Photocopies of unofficial documents may be emailed to the Graduate Program Coordinator, but are not required. Official copies are required if admitted. GREs are not required but strongly encouraged. For students who cannot submit GRE scores, we will look for equivalent evidence of quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. We recommend including a description of supporting evidence in the statement of purpose.
- Other Scoring Information
- SPEAK test (International applicants): Any International student granted GE teaching funding, but lacking a TOEFL ibt speaking minimum score of 26, or IELTS speaking minimum score of 7.0 overall band, or who received a B.S. or higher at a U.S. university (where scores can be waived), will be required to take the SPEAK test before or during fall term orientation. For more details on the Division of Graduate Studies' GE-related policies, see the following link: https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/funding/ge/english-language-policy.
Funding
Graduate students may be funded through GE positions: Teaching and research. GE research positions are supported from individual faculty advisor's resources.
Incoming Ph.D. students are typically funded through GE teaching positions. Most Ph.D. students (especially those doing systems research) transition to GE research support within their first few years in the program.
The only financial awards offered by our department for M.S. applicants are GE teaching or research appointments. Students who do not initially receive such an award may be in our GE teaching pool each term and considered for future positions in the Department. Those in the "pool" are considered on a term-by-term basis. Students may also apply for GE positions in other departments. Because computer skills are in demand, our students have a good track record of obtaining funding. Please see https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/funding/ge/ge-openings for positions on campus.
Fee Waiver
University of Oregon Department of Computer Science has a limited number of need-based fee waivers, which cover graduate application fees for a domestic or international student. If you are interested in a fee waiver, please request here. Please include a short paragraph explaining why you need assistance paying for the fee. Deadline for PhD fee waiver request is December 1, 2023. Deadline for MS fee waiver request is January 19, 2024.
Applicants who accept their offer of admission and matriculate must submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities from which they received a bachelor’s degree or higher. Detailed information about submitting official transcripts is available here.
Graduate Admissions FAQs
When is the application deadline?
We begin a formal review of applications on December 15 (for PhD applications - February 1 for MS applications). While it is understood that some test scores and recommendations will come a bit later, we expect the majority of materials to be in by this time. PhD applicants who apply after December 15 are not guaranteed consideration.
What term can I apply for?
Our typical cycle is for Fall admission. Off-cycle admission is only considered if a faculty member is willing to advocate for the applicant. This happens very rarely, and a separate application login is required (must be approved by Graduate Education Committee and login is created by the Graduate Program Coordinator).
What do I submit?
Our department does not need to receive any paper. As explained in the online application, official transcripts and certification of degree(s) are sent to the Office of the Registrar. TOEFL scores from ETS generally reach the UO in an electronic format. GRE reports come directly to our department. You may send TOEFL and GRE scores to the Graduate Program Coordinator as PDFs via email, and self-report them int he online application.
What is the status of my application?
Your application goes through many checks, including a thorough review by multiple faculty members. This process takes time (applications may show as pending for some time), and little feedback is given. That said, if there is a problem with your application, you will be contacted by UO.
My undergraduate degree is not in CS. Is this OK?
We expect our incoming graduate students will have undergraduate-level expertise in the following:
- Principles of computer organization and operating systems
- Programming languages
- Program development and analysis
- Data structures and algorithm analysis
Students that have this expertise (and can document it via coursework or some other method) will be treated as if they have a CS degree already. Students that do not have this expertise will still be considered, but, if accepted, they will need to take some undergraduate course to "fill the gaps."
If students are missing many of these classes, then a post baccalaureate is typical. If you wish to be advised about your readiness for graduate studies, first consult our Undergraduate Foundations Track, and compare it to your previous course work. You can find it on the major requirements page.
What are the minimum test scores needed for admission?
GRE scores lower than these suggested minimums will not generate an automatic denial. Students below the suggested GRE minimum scores are sometimes accepted, as other factors are considered. In particular, it is understood that non-native English speakers may have lower GRE-Verbal scores. Due to the 2020 pandemic ETS does offer "at home" testing. Please see the ETS website for updates. GREs are not required but strongly encouraged. For students who cannot submit GRE scores, we will look for equivalent evidence of quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. We recommend including a description of supporting evidence in the statement of purpose.
GRE:
- Verbal - 153/170
- Quantitative - 154/170
- Analytical - 3.0/6.0
TOEFL/IELTS
- iBt (internet based TOEFL) = 100
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) = 7
- TOEFL Codes: CIS Dept 78, UO Institution 4846
Note that TOEFL/IELTS demonstrate proficiency in speaking English. Any person holding a degree from an English-speaking institution does not need to take these tests. Please see English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants for additional information.
What are the minimum grades needed for admission?
The minimum required GPA for MS applicants is 3.0, and a 3.5 or higher is preferred for PhD applicants. Again, GPA is only one factor in admission, and lower GPAs will not generate an automatic denial. If you have grades based on a different point scale, your transcripts will be reviewed after all admission materials have been received.
What are the chances for financial aid/assistantship for an MS?
The only financial awards offered by our department are GE teaching or research appointments. Students who do not initially receive such an award may be in our GE teaching pool and considered for future positions in the department. Students may also apply for GE positions in other departments. Because computer skills are in demand, our students have a good track record of obtaining funding. Please see the Graduate Studies GE openings for other positions on campus.
The Graduate Program Coordinator cannot predict how many funded positions there will be. International applicants who do not secure a GE position are asked by the Division of Graduate Studies to submit a Bank Statement (in order to obtain an I-20). Note: Students are only eligible for GE teaching positions if they meet the spoken English requirements. See the following question for additional information .
How can I demonstrate that I meet the spoken English requirements?
A satisfactory proficiency in the English language is required for admission to the University of Oregon. All applicants for whom English is not a native/primary language must show proof of language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition) Score: Minimum Score: 88 (CS requires 100)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Test Score: Minimum Score: 7.0 overall band score
- Degree from certain English-speaking countries: A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from an institution in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. We are unable to accept certificates of English as a mode of instruction to satisfy this requirement.
If not, a SPEAK test is required after arrival at UO in the fall. NOTE: Test scores must be less than 2 years old at the time of application. The Division of Graduate Studies no long accepts Duolingo English Test. Native/primary language is defined as: A language you used as a primary language in your childhood, rather than learning it as a foreign language. Please see English Language Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants for additional information.
How can I learn more about the research happening at UO in CS?
We recommend you look at our research page.
Where do I learn more about tuition and fees?
We recommend you look at the Office of the Registrar's tuition and fees information.
Where can I learn about graduate studies in general at UO?
We recommend you look at the Division of Graduate Studies website.
I am an international applicant. Where can I find more information?
We recommend you look at the International Student and Scholar Services website.