Computer Science Graduate Program
Admission/How to Apply
Apply
Online for Spring or Fall! Or, Request
an Application Packet.
The M.S. in Computer Science program starts each fall (late August) and spring
(late January). The priority application dates are:
- March 1 for fall admission
- October 15 for spring admission
Completed applications on file at USF at that time will be given priority
consideration for admission and Graduate Fellowships offered by the Department
of Computer Science. Applications are accepted and reviewed after these dates.
Applicants who hold a Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution
and have fulfilled the foundation requirements (see
Curriculum) are considered for admission as a graduate student with regular
status. Those who have not fulfilled the foundational requirements will be considered
for admission as a graduate student with conditional status. Regular status
is attained after completion of any required foundational coursework at USF.
Required Application Items
- Application form and fee of $55 payable to the University of San Francisco.
- Please submit this form as early as possible in the application process.
- An official transcript from all accredited colleges or universities attended
- Computer Science Background Essay - Please see description
below.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official GRE General scores (verbal section not considered)
- International students need to submit her or his TOEFL scores and a completed
Certification of Finance form with supplemental bank statements (see
International Students). The USF school code for the TOEFL and the GRE
is 4850.
See the inside of the application for more details about each item required
in the application. Submit these items to the Office of Graduate Admission,
University of San Francisco, 2130 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117. Please do not send any application items to the Department of
Computer Science.
Learn more about the Admission and Fellowship Award policies for graduate students
at the Department of Computer Science's website.
You can apply online or download an application (PDF file) at www.usfca.edu/grad/applyonline.
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Computer Science Background Essay
All applicants must submit a "Computer Science Background Essay".
This two- to three-page essay, double-spaced, is to be submitted to USF's Office
of Graduate Admission as are the other application items.
The department is interested in highly-motivated students with strong technical
backgrounds who are eager to develop innovative software and to perform research,
as well as extend their computer science education. This essay provides an opportunity
for applicants to detail their software development, research and extracurricular
experiences. The essay will be used in conjunction with other quantitative measures
to evaluate your eligibility for admission and for a Graduate Fellowship.
In the essay, we are interested in your computer science experience and background,
including the topics listed below. Please describe very clearly your role in
these endeavors and what technology and languages you used:
- Your most significant software development projects. Include the purpose
of the project - commercial, academic, or just for fun.
- Research projects in which you have been involved
- Published articles or other technical documents
- Significant skills and interests you have beyond computer science, especially
those that show creativity
- Experience communicating technical material such as teaching or making
presentations
- Management or team leadership roles
- Experience in public service projects
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Tests and GPA Requirements
The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) score needs to be 1200 or higher through a
combination score of the quantitative and analytical writing sections (Q + 100*AW
+ 200). The GRE General exam scores are required for admission (the verbal section
of the GRE is not considered in the admission decision process). The GRE may
be waived for applicants with exceptional professional or academic experience.
An official TOEFL score is required of international applicants. A minimum
TOEFL score of 79 (iBT), 213 (computer-based) or 550 (print-based) is required
for consideration. After review of an application, coursework in USF's Intensive
English Program may be recommended or required. Students applying to the
MSCS program with an Emphasis in Entrepreneurship require a minimum TOEFL score
of 100 (iBT), 250 (CBT) or 600 (paper test). The USF school code for the GRE
and the TOEFL is 4850.
There is no strict GPA (grade point average) requirement for admission to the
graduate program. In general, however, a GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a scale of
4.0 as the highest score) strengthens an application to any graduate program.
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Notification of Admission Decision
Once an application and all required documents are on file in the Office of
Graduate Admission, an applicant will be notified of admission status by mail
approximately three weeks later.
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Application Status
Once an application form is processed by USF, you will be mailed a web account
so that you can check your application
status online. Or you can contact Graduate Admission Records at 415.422.6613.
Please allow three weeks for the processing of your application once all of
your supporting documents have been received by USF.
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Financial Aid Application
If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you can begin the free application
process for a US federal student loan at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The USF federal school code for the FAFSA is 001325. For any financial assistance
offered by the Department of Computer Science, all applicants (US domestic and
international) will be considered and notified of such an award by letter from
the College of Arts and Sciences. There is no separate application for this
assistance.
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Advising, Registration, Orientation and Start of Classes
Admitted students should contact the Department of Computer Science for details
about the advising and registration schedule in late August for fall students
and in late January for spring applicants. The Computer Science department can
be contacted at 415.422.6530 or gradadvisor@cs.usfca.edu.
International students are highly recommended to arrive at USF at least 10
days before the first day of classes in the fall and spring in order to finalize
housing arrangements and attend the International Student Orientation. Contact
the Office of International
Student Services for details and dates about the International Student Orientation
at iss@usfca.edu.
International students should note that the earliest arrival in the United
States that an F-1 visa allows is 30 days before the start date on the I-20
form issued to you.
Fall 2008 International Student Orientation
Friday, August 22, 2008, 10 am to 5 pm
Fromm Hall
For details contact International Student Services at iss@usfca.edu
or visit www.usfca.edu/iss
and click on "New Students".
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