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.

Background 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.

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 required. The CS subject test GRE is not required (it is no longer even offered).

GRE Scores Taken on or after August 1, 2011 - Average Scores of Admitted Applicants

Verbal156 on a scale of 130 - 170

Quantitative160 on a scale of 130 - 170

Analytical Writing3.5 on a scale of 0 - 6

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! SEND EMAIL TO THE UVA SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING GRADUATE ADMISSIONS COORDINATOR IVA GILLET 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.

Financial Aid

The financial aid package includes tuition, fees, health insurance and a competitive stipend. PhD students are typically admitted with full support in the form of fellowship or Teaching Assistant (TA) positions in their first year, with the expectation that they will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This model gives incoming students the opportunity to explore the best match in terms of research area and advisor.

Computer science animates our world, driving knowledge creation and innovation that touches every aspect of our lives, from communications devices to the latest medical technology. With significant strengths in the three core areas of computer science—computer systems, theory and artificial intelligence—our department fosters highly productive collaborations that have led to breakthroughs in cyber-physical systems, cybersecurity, machine learning and high-performance computing among other areas. We are applying these discoveries to address some of the most critical societal challenges of the 21st century, in fields such as healthcare, neuroscience and sustainability.