Graduate

Prospective Students

GRADUATE APPLICATION PROCEDURES

In order to apply to our graduate program, you must apply to the University of South Florida Graduate Program and choose one of the three degree programs/majors: PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, MS in Computer Science, or MS in Computer Engineering. Just follow the instructions included in this link.

The GRE is required for both MS majors unless the applicant has an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited US institution.

The GRE is required for all PhD applicants.

For more information on the requirements of each program, please read the catalogs linked below:

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS)
Master of Science in Computer Engineering (MSCP)

A complete application includes:

  • Unofficial Transcripts (including the grade sheet and diploma, if applicable)
  • PDF of GRE Scores
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation (Must be on official letterhead with recommender’s title and contact)
  • PDF of English Proficiency Scores, if applicable

If admitted, official transcripts and test scores will need to be submitted to Graduate Admissions but unofficial transcripts/scores can be used in reviewing the application.

Graduate Application Deadline

Please see the Office of Graduate Studies website for Priority deadlines.

MS and PhD Priority deadlines – Fall: January 15     Spring: September 1

Please see the Office of Admission website for the final University deadlines.

MS final university deadlines –  Fall: June 1           Spring: October 15        

PhD final university deadlines – Fall: February 15    Spring: October 15

Applications received by the priority deadline will receive maximum consideration. Applications received after the priority deadline, but by the final university deadline, are considered on a space-available basis. All supporting materials must be received by the stated deadlines.

For questions regarding applying to our graduate programs, please email to one of the addresses below according to the program you intend to apply to:

APPLICATION PROCESS FAQ

All applications are directed to Graduate Admissions first, which verifies that the application fee has been paid, the English proficiency has been met, and the unofficial transcripts are uploaded. The department does not review any application until it has been referred to us by Graduate Admissions.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application in your OASIS account by going to My.USF.edu. > My Resources > OASIS > Student > Admissions > View my Graduate Application Status. You will need to activate your account to check your status. More information can be found here.


Who do I contact if I have difficulties accessing my account?

If you have technical difficulties, you will need to contact USF IT.


My application status is “Admissions Initial Review.” What does this mean?

If your application is under “Admissions Initial Review” then it is still being processed by Graduate Admissions. You will need to contact them for any questions. The department does not review any applications until they have been referred to us by Admissions. We cannot answer questions such as whether the application materials are complete. Admission gets very busy and it may take some time for them to refer your application to the department.


My application status is “Department Review.” What does this mean?

If your application shows it has been referred to the department for review, then we are diligently working on it and you will receive a decision once it has been reviewed by the faculty committee. If your application is under department review, emails to the department asking for the status will not be answered. Your status will update in OASIS once a decision has been made. You will also receive an email from Graduate Admissions with the decision once the application has been fully processed. The volume of applications we receive may slow down the process but all applications referred to the department will be processed.


Will I be notified if anything is missing from my application?

Be sure that you have uploaded all required documents to your application (see the list at the top of the page). If anything is missing, the department will email you. However, we will not review an application until all documents have been uploaded. Please do not email your documents to the department. We have no way to upload them to your application and cannot keep track of them through email. We also cannot make any changes to your application. You will need to upload any new documents or make any changes to your application through the application portal. If you have any issues, you will need to contact Graduate Admissions.


I was admitted to the program, but I cannot attend this semester. What can I do?

Your admission is good for one year. If you cannot attend the semester you are admitted, you can defer your admission for up to one year. You will need to email the department and include your USF ID and the semester to which you would like to defer your admission.


I have been admitted to the program. Can you give me information on assistantships?

The department offers assistantships to all incoming PhD students. Exceptional MS students do receive assistantships, but it typically happens after you arrive on campus and have engaged with faculty for research. See the links on the sidebar for more information. If you are chosen for an assistantship, you will be contacted by a faculty member.


My application was denied. What happens now?

Due to the large number of applications we receive, the department cannot respond to requests for information as to why an application was denied. If you wish to be considered for another program, you do need to submit a separate application for that program. You only need to pay the application fee once as it is good for one year. We cannot transfer your application to another program; you must apply to the program yourself.


I have been admitted to the program and I am an international student. How do I get my I-20?

Only students admitted to a degree program are eligible to receive an I-20. International Services handles everything about I-20 and U.S. immigration related issues. They will reach out to all admitted students with instructions on how to apply for an I-20. Any questions regarding I-20, visa, and other immigration related issues shall be directed to International Services. The department cannot answer these questions.


I am a graduate student at another university. Can I transfer to USF?

You cannot transfer from a graduate program at another university to a graduate program at USF. Even if you are a current graduate student at another institution, you must still apply and be admitted to CSE at USF. If admitted, we may be able to transfer some courses you have taken at other institutions.


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