Computer Science

Admission and Application

Before applying to the degree program, it is strongly recommended that you contact the program coordinator well in advance of the application deadline to understand and fulfill all requirements.

• Minimum Admission Requirements
• Step 1 - Apply Online
• Step 2 - Submit Application Materials
• Application Deadlines

Minimum Admission Requirements

The Computer Science (M.C.S.) degree requires applicants to have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• An understanding of computer organization/architecture, data structures and algorithms, program/software design methodology, theoretical foundations, and operating systems design concepts.
• A 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate course work and a GPA of at least 3.2 in Computer Science and Mathematics course work.
• GRE test scores are not required for applicants who are native English speakers. Only those applicants who are not U.S. residents and who are required to take the TOEFL are required to take the GRE.

Please note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the personal statement.

Before your application for graduate study is considered, all application materials must be received by the department.

Step 1 – Apply Online

• Complete the online graduate application form and pay the $50 application fee (payable online with a major credit card).
  • Select “Computer Science MCS – Distance” when choosing the Program of Study.

Step 2 – Submit Application Materials

Submit the following materials to the Computer Science Department:

• Statement of Purpose
  The statement of purpose should describe:
  • Motivation for pursuing graduate work in computer science.
  • Areas of research interest and/or the name(s) of faculty members whose research is of interest to you.
  • The research or teaching experience you have.
  You may submit a paper copy, include it in the online application process, or send it as an email attachment to gradinfo@cs.colostate.edu.
• Three Letters of Recommendation
  Sent by email, mail, or fax directly from author. Download recommendation form (PDF).
• Official Transcripts
  Include one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.
• GRE Test Scores (if necessary)
  Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date. Only those applicants who are not U.S. residents and who are required to take the TOEFL are required to submit GRE scores.

International Applicants Only

Include the following items in addition to those listed above:

• Official Transcripts
  Ensure official copies include a certified translation into English (only one set of transcripts is required).
• Official TOEFL Scores
  Submit official TOEFL scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).IIn general, all applicants from countries in which English is not the official language, and who do not have an undergraduate degree from a country in which the official language is English (Canada, U.K., Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc.) must submit TOEFL scores. The minimum score for applicants is 550 (213 on the computer-based test). The TOEFL may be waived for applicants who have been working in the United States for several years. Contact gradinfo@cs.colostate.edu for details.

Any materials that cannot be submitted online should be sent to the Computer Science Department address as below. Sending documents to any other office can cause significant delays in processing your application. You may find directions on various documents recommending that some materials be sent to either the Admissions Office or the Graduate School – please send all your materials to the Computer Science Department and we will forward materials appropriately.

Graduate Admissions
Computer Science Department
Colorado State University
1873 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1873

Once the Computer Science Department receives a complete application, the admissions committee reviews the application and promptly notifies the applicant of their decision.

Application Deadlines

Students may be admitted for the fall or spring semester. Summer admission is not available.