Computer Science and Web Science Graduate Programs
How to Apply
Apply Online for Spring or Fall! Or, Request an Application Packet.
The M.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Web Science programs start 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 Courses) 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:
University of San Francisco
Office of Graduate Programs, Arts and Sciences
2130 Fulton Street, HR 240
San Francisco, California 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 submit a "Computer Science Background Essay". This 1- to 3-page double-spaced statement describes any involvement in software development, research and extracurricular experiences. This statement is used in conjunction with other application items to evaluate your eligibility for admission and for a Graduate Fellowship. Topics in your statement may include:
Any significant software development projects. Include the purpose of the project - commercial, academic, or just for fun.
Research projects in which you may have been involved.
Any published articles or other technical documents
Significant skills and interests you may have beyond computer science, especially skills that show creativity.
Any experience in communicating technical material, such as teaching or making presentations.
Management or team leadership roles
Experience in public/community service projects
The department seeks 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.
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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, IELTS or PTE score is required of international applicants. A minimum TOEFL score of 79 (iBT) 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) or 600 (paper test). The USF school code for the GRE and the TOEFL is 4850. The minimum IELTS score is 6.0.
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 Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, an applicant will be notified of admission status by mail approximately four 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. For questions about your online application status account, please email itshelp@usfca.edu. 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 isss@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.
Each Fall (late August) and Spring (mid-January) International Student Orientation
Orientation is held by the Office of Intenrational Student and Scholar Services. All international students are required to attend the International Student Orientation, as well as the Computer Science Graduate Student Orientation. For details, time and location, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at isss@usfca.edu or visit www.usfca.edu/isss and click on "New Students".
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