Computer Science Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.)

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A demonstrated understanding of computer organization/architecture, data structures and algorithms, program/software design methodology, theoretical foundations, operating systems design concepts, core computer science competencies in object oriented programming and discrete mathematics, and mathematical skills in linear algebra, statistics, and calculus
• GRE test scores are recommended, but not required for admission
• A 3.0 GPA on all undergraduate coursework and a GPA of at least 3.2 in Computer Science and Mathematics coursework (please contact us to learn about exceptions)
• Applicants whose GPA are below 3.00 are encouraged to inquire with CSU Online to discuss application options. Contact your Student Success Coach, Maurice Kigada at maurice.kigada@colostate.edu or call (970) 492-4722

Note that meeting the minimum department standards does not ensure admission to the program. Admission to Colorado State University graduate programs is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience and the statement of purpose.

Gather all of the following materials and complete the Computer Science Department Pre-Application. All electronic uploads must be an Acrobat PDF document (.pdf). Please make sure the file has the appropriate three letter extension in the file name.

• Letters of recommendation
  Three professional recommendations are required. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.
• Resume
  Indicate your education, training, and work experience.
• Statement of purpose
  The statement should include plans and reasons for graduate study, and what you hope to gain from the graduate program.
• Test results
  GRE score are optional for domestic students. If you choose to submit GRE scores, they must be reported as percentages (not raw scores). If you do not submit GRE scores, enter zeros for all GRE components. All international applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must supply English proficiency score reports (TOEFL or IELTS). Screen-shots of test scores from testing company web sites are acceptable.
  International MCS Applicants: If you do not have a transcript from a college or university located in the USA, you must submit GRE scores. A minimum of 75th percentile on the quantitative section is required for your application to be considered.
• TOEFL/IELTS (if applicable)

DO NOT send your pre-application material also by email or regular mail. If you are recommended for admission, official copies of your transcripts and test score reports will be required as part of the formal application process.

After you submit the pre-application materials, the Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee will review your file to determine if you are formally recommended to apply for admission. If you are recommended to apply for admission, move on to Step 3.

Finalize your online application only if the Computer Science Graduate Admissions Committee has recommended that you formally apply (based on your pre-screening in the previous step).

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. You do not need to wait for transcripts to move your application forward.

• Select "Computer Science MCS - Distance" when choosing the program of study.

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from every institution attended, whether or not you received a degree from those institutions. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Official transcripts can either be mailed in or sent as e-transcripts.

Send e-transcripts to: gradadmissions@colostate.edu

Send paper copies to:
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

GRE test scores
GRE test scores are not required, but may be submitted if you feel these will strengthen your application. Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075, leave the department code blank). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date.

• All three sections — verbal, quantitative, and analytical — must be submitted. Photocopies are not accepted.
• CSU graduates do not, generally, need to take the GRE. If you think it will strengthen your application, though, we recommend you do take it.
• A GRE Preparation course is available face-to-face and online through CSU.

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

Official test scores

Colorado State University requires that proficiency in English language be demonstrated either by the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE academic tests prior to admission. Please submit one of the official scores from the list below. Scores must be taken within two years prior to admission and submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075).

• The minimum TOEFL score for admission without condition is 550 (paper-based), or 80 (internet-based).
• The minimum IELTS score for admission without condition is 6.5.
• The minimum PTE Academic score for admission without condition is 62.

In general, all applicants from countries in which English is not the official language, and who do not have an undergraduate degree from a country in which the official language is English (Canada, U.K., Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc.), must submit one of the official test scores from the list above.

GRE scores

If you do not have a transcript from a college or university located in the USA, you must submit GRE scores. A minimum of 75th percentile on the quantitative section is required for your application to be considered.