Ph.D. in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science.
A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:

• Data Structures
• Discrete Mathematics
• Assembly Language and Computer Organization
• Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.

Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:

• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages
• Algorithms
• Compilers
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Networks
• Automata and Formal Languages
• Software Engineering

A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.

There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.

GRE scores are optional. 

If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving.

• If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., the TOEFL/IELTS is not required 
• If you received a four-year degree at an institution where English is the language of instruction (includes non-U.S. institutions), TOEFL/IELTS is not required. You must upload supporting documentation in the application portal. 
• If you received a four-year degree at a non-English-speaking institution and a master’s degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is required. 

There is an option to request a TOEFL/IELTS waiver exception. Requests for TOEFL/IELTS waivers are considered for applicants that submit alternate proof of English language proficiency. 

Examples of supporting documentation include, but are not limited to, expired test scores (TOEFL/IELTS), master’s transcript from a university where English is the primary language of instruction, evidence of teaching assistantship in a course where English is the primary language of instruction, thesis document, video of thesis defense, letters from faculty that attest to your English language proficiency, etc. Duolingo test scores will be considered in combination with other supporting documentation. 

Please note, the applying program is responsible for reviewing and approving requests based on the supporting documentation provided. 

Applicants with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5 are rarely offered admission. Scores can be sent electronically to UVa at institution code B875. Some students with lower scores may be required to complete the UVA Summer English for Academic Purposes Program as a condition of their admission.

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• Background in Computer Science (including project work)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Letters of reference
• Personal statement
• TOEFL/IELTS scores

Applications are evaluated in their entirety. A weakness in one factor might be mitigated by strength in another.

Please visit this Web page to apply.

Ph.D. Deadline for Fall 2025*: December 13, 2024

M.S. Deadline for Fall 2025: January 31, 2025

M.C.S. Deadline for Fall 2025: January 31, 2025

*program will accept applications to this degree after the posted deadline, but full consideration for placement into the program is not guaranteed for late applicants and may lower the probability you will receive funding. Please refer to the program’s MCS deadline for the final date an application will be considered. For additional information, please contact the Graduate Admissions Director or Graduate Coordinator.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science is excited to announce that there is no application fee required for 2025 admission to all our graduate programs.

International students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University of Virginia. The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all applicants if the language first learned and spoken in the home is not English, and they are not permanent residents. However, TOEFL/IELTS is not required if the applicant has received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.). (If the applicant has a 4-year degree from a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is still required.) It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90/ IELTS score of 6.5.

The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820. The code for TOEFL is  B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.

We will start evaluating applications soon after the application deadline. Applicants should submit the most complete application they can, based on the information they have at the time (e.g., current test scores, even if new test scores are anticipated).Those applications that are complete will be considered first. We will continue to evaluate applications into early next year, until we have completed our offers. As we are reviewing applications, we will certainly consider updated scores as the arrive at the University of Virginia. There is no need to email us to tell us that new scores are being sent.

We strongly discourage applicants from mailing in any items that can be uploaded to avoid delays in your application review, and we ask that you not send duplicate copies of previously uploaded documents.
If you still need to mail documents to our office, please send them to:
For US Postal:
Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions
P.O. Box 401103
Charlottesville, VA 22904
For UPS/FEDEX:
     Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions
     1001 Emmet Street North
     Room 209B Carruthers Hall
     Charlottesville, VA 22903

We will fully review your application with unofficial test scores and unofficial transcripts. Your application will only show as "complete" when your application has been submitted, your official scores and transcripts have been received and all three letters of recommendations have been received. An application is complete for review with unofficial transcripts and self-reported scores, though the checklist will still show incomplete.
Please note that all official transcripts are received in our main admissions office and scanned or entered into our system manually. If you feel that your materials should have been received by now, but are NOT showing up when you login to your account, please note that the Graduate Admissions Office processes a very large number of applications and it may take longer than expected for your documents/information to appear online (in your account). It is very likely that your materials have been received, but have not been loaded into our application system yet.

The graduate admissions committee considers many factors in an application, including more than just GPA and test scores. In particular, letters of reference and your personal statement are extremely important. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide any information before the committee considers your full application.

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to cs-office@virginia.edu. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions gseasadmission@virginia.edu 434-243-0209