Computer Science Graduate Program

The University of Virginia's Computer Science graduate program aims to produce well-educated researchers, teachers, and future leaders in Computer Science. Graduate degrees are a certification by the faculty that the student has a broad education in Computer Science and has performed original research in the area.

Computer Science offers the degrees of Master of Science (MS), Master of Computer Science (MCS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The MS degree requires course work plus a formal thesis. The MCS degree is based on courses, but students have the option and indeed are encouraged to conduct a substantial project. In either case, course requirements differ slightly for students applying only for the MS/MCS, versus those accepted for PhD study. Please note that a prior masters degree is not a prerequisite for applying to the PhD program. The PhD degree culminates with the student writing and defending a dissertation based on the result of independent, original research that makes a significant scholarly contribution to the student's field of study.

The Department of Computer Science also offers graduate degrees in Computer Engineering (in collaboration with the U.Va. Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering). 

Computer Engineering (CpE) offers the degrees of Master of Science (MS), Master of Engineering (ME), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).  More information can be found ON THE CPE WEBSITE.

The Department of Computer Science is seeking highly-qualified PhD candidates and highly-qualified Master's candidates. Visit the UVA Engineering Admissions page for more information on graduate admissions. 

Apply to UVA CS!

Application Deadlines:

MCS/MS | Applications received by February 1, 2023 will receive full consideration. Applications received by March 31, 2023 will be reviewed on space available in the incoming class. 

Ph.D. | December 15, 2022 for Fall 2023. 

 

Computer Science Background Requirements

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.

Grade Point Average

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- GRE scores are optional. 

Letters of Reference

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.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

• If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., TOEFL is not required

• If you received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.), TOEFL/IELTS is not required.

• If you received a 4-year degree at a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is required. 

• Note that if you have a solid command of written and spoken English, TOEFL/IELTS waivers are possible! Contact via email, GSEASADMISSION@VIRGINIA.EDU, explaining why you believe TOEFL/IELTS can be waived (include evidence such as verification of duties as a Teaching Assistant that required significant interactions in English, copies of expired TOEFL/IELTS scores, presentations at conferences in English, etc.). 

A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT is preferred. It is rare that we offer admission to an applicant who scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Similar statements can be made regarding IELTS. 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 prior to admission.

Application Evaluation

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.

We do not offer full financial aid to Masters students, but will often award small financial fellowships. There is no need to submit a separate application to qualify for these fellowships as they will be awarded based on a review of your submitted application materials. If awarded, you will be given details at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science Masters program.

PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.  

You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school. 

How do I apply?

Please visit this Web page to apply.

When is the application deadline?

See details in the section above (Admissions).

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

Visit this UVA Engineering FAQ page for details on the cost to apply, and learn if your fee can be waived.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

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.) Most students admitted score at least 90 on the TOEFL IBT.

I scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Can I still apply?

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. However, it is rare that we offer admission to an applicant who scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL.

Where do I send my GRE and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores?

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.

I'm taking TOEFL/IELTS or GRE after your deadline (Dec 15). If I apply will these scores make it into my application and be seen by the admissions committee?

We will start evaluating applications soon after the Dec 15 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.

Should I mail or should I upload my materials with my application?

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

I’ve submitted my application and all supporting materials. Why does my application status still show as incomplete?

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.

If I email you my information (e.g., GPA, GRE scores, etc.) before I apply, can you tell me the chance of being accepted?

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.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

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

The graduate certificate in cyber-physical systems (CPS) is designed to recognize the acquisition of CPS knowledge and skills through the completion of targeted courses. The graduate certificate in CPS is available to current graduate students in UVA's School of Engineering and Applied Science and will be awarded at the time of degree conferral. 

Update (Spring 2022): future interested UVA undergrads should apply through the UVAccelerate degree program (https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-programs/uvaccelerate). The following information is obsoleted and retained just for reference.

...

Why is this sometimes called the "5 year bachelor’s-Master's" (or “5th year Master's”)? Am I guaranteed to receive the MS or MCS degree after one additional year beyond the bachelor’s?

Many of the UVA students who pursue this track in UVA CS have “free space” in their schedule (e.g., the Spring semester of their final semester as an undergrad) to take 2 or more graduate CS classes. These graduate CS classes will not count toward their bachelor’s (hence the phrase “free space”), so they effectively get a head start toward their Master’s degree. With this head start, they can complete the masters via a challenging-yet-manageable load of 4 graduate classes in each of the Fall and Spring semesters – thus the “5 year Master's” Without this head start, it is unreasonable to expect to complete the Masters in only one additional year. Note that no student is required to complete a Masters in only 1 year – in fact, most students take 1.5 years or 2 years to complete a Masters.

Once I am in the program, are there special rules or privileges as compared to the “non-5-year Master's”? How do the programs differ?

Every Masters student has the same rules or privileges. The requirements are the same for all Masters students.

How do I apply?

Please visit this Web page to apply. Note that students are required to apply.

When is the application deadline?

For full consideration, please complete your application by February 1 for admission in the upcoming Fall semester.  The official deadline is April 1 each year, but if our incoming class reaches its allocated size we may be unable to admit qualified applicants whose applications come in later.

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

The application fee for the UVA Fifth Year Master's is waived for the application cycle that ends April 1, 2021.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

Because you received your BACS or BSCS from UVA, TOEFL/IELTS is not required.

Is the GRE required?

The GRE is optional.

What is the GPA requirement to apply to the program? Do I have to have above a minimum UVA GPA?

There is no minimum GPA required. As with all applications received by the department, the application will be evaluated in its entirely, and frequently one aspect of the application can be stronger than another aspect. A lower GPA can often be balanced by strong letters of recommendation, community involvement/leadership, experience/internships, etc.

Do I need to specify in my application that I am applying for this special program? If so, where do I specify this?

You do not need to specify in your application that you are interested in this program.

How many UVA students are you going to offer admission to in this program? How does that compare to the number of students you plan to offer admission to in the “non-5-year” program?

There is not a specific number given/slotted for each category – the admissions committee treats each application similarly, irrespective of “5 year” or “non-5-year”.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send email to the chair of the Computer Science graduate admissions committee, Prof. Matt Dwyer. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions gseasadmission@virginia.edu 434-243-0209

 

The computer science department at the University of Virginia attracts federal research support in excess of $6 million annually, with total external research funding of more than $7 million each year. In addition to excelling in traditional research areas within computer science, we believe that many important research challenges lie at the boundary of computer science and other disciplines. With exceptional strength in experimental systems and applied research, our researchers are blazing new trails.

Visit the UVA Registrar page to see courses offered. 

Welcome to the Computer Science Department at the University of Virginia. In this section you will find information to help with your transition to graduate school and to Charlottesville. 

Orientation

When students arrive they will attend an informative orientation led by the department that will help them become familiar with all of the resources we have to offer here in the Department of Computer Science. This is also a time for new students to meet other students as well as faculty. Typically this orientation is held within a week prior to the first day of the fall semester. The 2022 schedule will be available soon! 

Mandatory International Student ISO Orientation

All new international students holding all non-immigrant statuses are required to bring their legal documents and proof of the orientation quiz completion to the ISO upon your arrival in Charlottesville.This is required so that the ISO can determine your legal status and make copies for our records as required by U.S. law. You can find all of the information on this on the International Students & Scholars website.

 

Housing

• UVA Graduate Housing
• Housing Guide (pdf)
• UVA Off-Grounds Housing Service
• Blue Ridge Apartment Council
• University Classified Ads
• Craig's List

 

ID Numbers

Each student will receive (3) different ID's at the University. The first is your Computer ID which will also be your email address (followed by @virginia.edu). The second ID will be your University ID. This ID number will appear on your ID card and be the one you will use the most on grounds. The third ID number is your SIS ID which the administration will use for your class registration, grading, transcript, and other official functions. You can find all three IDs in your Student Center in SIS. You can obtain your University ID Card after you register at the ID Card Office, Observatory Hill Dining Hall, during normal business hours.

Activate UVA Email Account & Systems Access

You will need to follow the procedures listed here to gain access to your email account and other university systems such as UVA Collab and the Student Information System (SIS).

 

Health

All UVA students must have health insurance and must complete the Health Insurance Hard Waiver. Students receiving funding will be provided with health insurance through the University. You will need to sign up for this once you arrive and need to sign up each year in August. If you are not receiving funding you may also sign up, but will have to pay for your premium. All students may add dental insurance that can be purchased separately. This premium is not paid by UVA. Visit the following links for more information and to sign up:

• Student Health: Information for New Students
• AETNA: UVA Student Health Insurance Website
• UVA's Health Insurance Hard Waiver Requirement

 

MTAs, GTAs, and GRAs.

In our department, we have three types of positions that are filled by graduate students: MTAs, GTAs, and GRAs.

MTAs are Masters students who are paid by the hour for tasks such as grading assignments, holding office hours to help students, etc. The current MTA hourly rate is $15. MTAs are scheduled approximately 10-20 hours per week. MTA positions offer no other benefits and do not waive or reduce the tuition costs – so tuition would still need to be paid in full by the MTA student.

GTAs are typically PhD students who are serving as Teaching Assistants, and GRAs are typically PhD students who are serving as Research Assistants. 

In each academic year, the department expects to fulfill a significant number of MTA positions. Being an MTA can help a student reduce their overall cost of attendance. Being a MTA is a great way to learn a topic more deeply, and our current MTAs say that helping other students learn is a very fulfilling experience. While Masters students are certainly not required to be an MTA, our UVA CS community relies on this expertise, so Masters students are encouraged to apply. 

All new PhD students are usually considered GRA's (even if your admission letter says that you are receiving a "CS Fellowship"). So, if you are an international student and expect to receive funding, then one of the first things you need to do when you arrive is to get your social security card. You must be in the country for 10 days and then go to the social security office: 1470 Pantops Mountain Pl, Charlottesville, VA 22911. 

 

Payroll

New students who expect to be an MTA, GTA or GRA  must obtain a Social Security Card as soon as possible. If you are a PhD student, then some time after you arrive, you will receive information on your stipend and when you should expect to receive your payments. You will also receive a notification from Workday (the HR system) about completing your I-9 form. Here is more information about the I-9 process and the required documents you will need: https://hr.virginia.edu/compliance/i-9-and-e-verify If you are a Masters student, then you will apply to work and this is an hourly position. Details will be given once you are hired. 

It may be as late as Oct. 1 before you receive a paycheck so try to bring enough money to last for 6 weeks. If you have questions about your funding you can email cs-office@virginia.edu. 

Employment of Non-Citizens

As soon as possible, you will need to get a social security card by taking their passport to the address below. This will need to be done before you will be allowed to receiving any type of payment. All PhD students will need a social security card.

Social Security Office
1470 Pantops Mountain Place
Charlottesville, VA 22911
(800) 772-1213
(434) 295-1144

U.S. Bank Checking Account

You need a checking account at a U.S. bank in order to receive your stipend payments. Once you have a bank account, then you will need to set up direct deposit through your SIS account. 

Direct Deposit directions.

 

English Language Exams

All International Students whose first language is not English are required to take the UVELPE test. Note that you cannot fail the UVELPE; based on the results, some students are recommended for writing or spoken English classes, designed to ensure a successful research and teaching career at the University of Virginia.

If you are going to be a MTA or a GTA in the Fall, you MUST take the SPEAK test. (UVELPE and SPEAK are two separate tests). All of the information on these tests can be found on the Center for American English Language & Culture website.

 

Graduate students can view the handbook as a document file.

*All Master’s degrees require a minimum of 31 graded, graduate-level credits (a graduate-level class is any class numbered 5000 or above). A graded credit means that the course resulted in a letter grade (A, B, C…) as opposed to an audited course (AU) or a pass/fail or credit/no credit course (CR/NC). 

No grade lower than a “B” will be accepted towards satisfying the master’s degree requirements. The average of all grades for courses taken while pursuing a CS graduate degree must have at least a B average (i.e., a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0). While a course with a passing grade lower than B will count in the GPA, it will not count toward degree requirements.

A UVA BS/BA student who has completed acceptable CS graduate courses that were not used to satisfy the BS/BA requirement can request to use UVA CS graduate courses to fulfill the requirements of our master’s curriculum.

A non-UVA BS/BA student who has completed acceptable CS graduate courses that were not used to satisfy the non-UVA BS/BA requirement can request a transfer of a maximum of 6 graduate credits. 

Whether any individual transfer course counts toward our master’s degree requirements is determined by the MGPD.

All Master’s degrees require:

• 1 credit of CS 6190 (Computer Science Perspectives).
• 12 credits of graded, graduate-level CS breadth electives, comprised of a minimum of 3 credits in any four of the six focal areas (tracks) listed in this linked document. 
• The breadth requirement is the same for all three master’s degrees and for the PhD.
• 18 credits of graded, graduate-level CS electives (or other graduate courses approved by the advisor and the Master’s Graduate Program Director) are required for each Master’s degree.
• No 5000-level CS courses are acceptable.
• At most 3 credits of CS 6993/7993 (Independent Study) may count toward the degree.
• CS 8897/9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction) can be used to satisfy the full-time requirement.

 

*This information is for reference only. For more information on the Master of Science Degree visit the Graduate Record page.

The PhD degree requires 72 graduate-level credits, including:

• at least 24 credits of graded graduate-level coursework (of which up to 18 can be transfer credit— see below), containing
  • one graded graduate-level mathematics course (may be satisfied by transfer credit)
    • MATH and APMA courses are acceptable
    • “Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining” (CS 6501) is acceptable
    • other non-CS graduate courses with a significant mathematical component can also satisfy this requirement with the prior written approval of the graduate program director
  • no 5000-level CS courses
  • at least 6 credits of graded graduate-level coursework in excess of that required for the Master’s degree (if possessing or obtaining a Master’s degree)
    • these credits traditionally cannot be transferred in, you must actually take at least 6 credits of coursework at UVA to get a UVA PhD
• CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction) cannot be used to satisfy this 24-credit requirement (but see below)
• 48 graduate-level credits, typically satisfied via research hours such as CS 9999, containing
  • at least 12 credits in any combination of CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction), corresponding to two semesters as a full-time, 20 hour per week TA (see Chapter 3.2)
• Completion of the Qualifying Examination (see Chapter 5)
• Completion of the PhD Proposal (see Chapter 6.3)
• Completion of the Oral Defense of the written Dissertation (see Chapter 6.4)
• Finally, complete the “Graduate Student Leave Request” form (see Section 2.5) to leave the program.

These requirements have significant overlap with the MCS and MS degree requirements; many students choose to earn one of those Master’s degrees as part of their PhD studies.

Aetna Student Health Insurance website

Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC)

Computer Science Student Group

CS IT Support

Graduate Student Forms

Graduate Student Handbook

Graduate Writing Lab

Lou's List

Student Information System (SIS) FAQs

Student Opportunities

UVA Engineering information for Graduate Students

UVA Collab