FAQ for Prospective Graduate Students
Department of Computer Science Graduate Program
Is Computer Science the same as Computer Engineering/Information Systems?
At Iowa State University, different departments manage the Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information Systems graduate degree programs. The Department of Computer Science manages the Ph.D. Computer Science, M.S. Computer Science, and M.S. Artificial Intelligence graduate degree programs. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department manages the Computer Engineering degree programs (Ph.D. and M.S.), while the ISU Ivy College of Business manages the Information Systems degree programs. Please contact the respective managing department regarding degree requirements.
May I transfer credit from another institution?
Yes, admitted students can request an evaluation for potential credit transfer. In brief, students requesting credit transfer provide syllabi, assignments (not homework answers), course descriptions, and other course information to our Director of Graduate Education (DOGE). This process can be completed as soon as possible after admission.
How do I choose whether to apply to the M.S. or the Ph.D. program?
Our M.S. programs are focused on developing career-oriented knowledge and skills, while the Ph.D. program is focused on developing critical research, analytical, and writing skills to fill industry knowledge gaps. The M.S. thesis option can also help prepare students for future Ph.D. studies. The right program depends on your interests, career goals, research potential, and level of academic and professional preparation. Successful M.S. and Ph.D. applicants have similar foundational computer science knowledge, while Ph.D. students tend to have more extensive prior academic and professional experience and higher research potential. In many cases, Ph.D. applicants also have papers published in high qualify journals. If you are uncertain after considering your career goals and preparation, we recommend applying for the Ph.D. program and listing your interest in both Ph.D. and M.S. when writing your Statement of Purpose. You will be automatically reconsidered for M.S. if not admitted for the Ph.D. program.
Can you look at my materials and tell me whether I should apply?
We consider a wide range of factors when making our admission decisions, so it is not possible to advise the likelihood of admission via email. We invite you to submit an application using our online application system. Profiles for admitted M.S. and Ph.D. applicants can be found on our website:
Can I transfer into a Ph.D./Master’s program from a different college/university?
You may not simply transfer into a program. You must submit an application and be accepted into the program.
Can I take classes online? Can I complete my graduate degree online?
Our graduate programs are designed to be completed in-person. A few courses are offered online, but it is not possible to complete the degree online.
What is your acceptance rate?
Our Ph.D. program acceptance rate changes based on available funding for that entry semester. Our typical acceptance rate is 5% - 10%, while our M.S. program has a current acceptance rate of 60%.
What is your graduation rate?
We have a 94% graduation rate for Ph.D. and 99% for M.S.
Where do students work after graduation?
Facebook, Square, eBay, google, Corteva (formally Dupont Pioneer), Walt Disney Pictures, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Apple, LinkedIn, Synopsys, Kingland, John Deere, Sparta Systems, Sam’s Club, Insight, Discover, Intel, ClearCapital, Ant Financial, nDash.co, Omni Analytics Group, Blocher Consulting, Twitch, ThermoFisher Scientific, Plant & Food Research, Caterpillar, and many more.
I don’t see an answer for my question. Can I contact you?
For questions about your visas and international student requirements, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
For questions about using the online application system, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@iastate.edu.
For questions about the Department of Computer Science graduate programs, we invite you to attend a weekly virtual visit. These small group sessions include information about Iowa State University and the Department of Computer Science, academic requirements, career placement, assistantships and internships, and the application process. RSVP for a small group graduate program session. For individual support, please email the computer science graduate admissions team at csadmissions@iastate.edu.
What are the application deadlines?
Please check our program websites for current deadline information.
What is the priority deadline?
We do not have priority deadlines for admission and funding. Please check our program websites for current deadline information.
I missed the application deadline. Can I still apply?
With regret, late applications are not accepted. Please apply for the next available entry term.
Can I get an application fee waiver?
We offer delayed payment of the application fee. The application fee for admitted students will be placed on the first university bill (U-Bill) after enrolling in classes. All other applicants (those who are not admitted and those who do not accept the admission offer) are not required to pay an application fee. We do not offer application fee waivers.
Should I contact faculty members directly before submitting my application?
Contacting faculty and securing a supervisor prior to submitting your application is not required.
When submitting your Ph.D. application, please list your research interests and the names of at least three faculty who you are interested in working with (faculty by research area). This will help us match you with a major professor, if admitted to the Ph.D. program. Due to high demand for AI and ML, you will have more opportunities for admission if you list other research areas.
M.S. applicants are not required to list faculty names and research interests.
Can I apply to multiple Computer Science graduate degree programs?
We only accept one application per entry term for the graduate programs managed by the Department of Computer Science graduate programs (M.S. Computer Science, M.S. Artificial Intelligence, and Ph.D. Computer Science). You may apply to additional graduate programs if offered by other Iowa State University departments. For example, you may apply to both Ph.D. Computer Science and Ph.D. Computer Engineering, since the second degree is offered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Can I apply for admission to the summer entry term?
We only offer summer entry if there is an urgent need (e.g., an expiring visa) since most of our faculty are away from campus, and we do not offer graduate-level courses during the summer. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu if you have an urgent need for summer entry.
If I applied last year and was not admitted, can I reapply this year?
Yes, you can submit a new application. The entry term cannot be changed on previously submitted applications, so a new application is required. The process will be quick and simple since you already have an online application account. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if you would like to transfer your letters of reference (LORs) and GRE waiver approval to your new application. With regret, we cannot transfer the other application documents (transcripts, statement of purpose, test taker reports, etc.). Please upload these documents to your new application.
I submitted my application before the deadline, but some of my application documents will be late. What should I do?
To prevent delays in the admission process, please make every effort to submit your application documents by the deadline. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu if your documents will arrive a few days late. With regret, incomplete applications with significant document delays will not be considered for admission.
Can I make changes to my online application after it has been submitted?
Recommender names and email information can be updated within the online application portal. Click on the “manage” button for the recommender letter action item that you would like to change.
The degree program and entry term cannot be changed. Please submit a new application for the correct degree program/entry term and withdraw your incorrect application, either by clicking on “Withdraw Application” within the online application portal or by contacting the Iowa State University department responsible for that degree program. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu if you need assistance changing your degree program.
For all other changes (e.g., name, email address, and revised documents such as Statement of Purpose), please email csadmissions@iastate.edu.
I mistakenly applied to the wrong program (e.g., Computer Engineering instead of Computer Science) and/or entry term. How may I change to the correct program/entry term?
Please submit a new application for the correct degree program/entry term and withdraw your incorrect application, either by clicking on “Withdraw Application” within the online application portal or by contacting the Iowa State University department responsible for that degree program. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu if you need assistance changing your degree program.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission requirements are established by both the Graduate College and by the graduate program. Please see the “Admission criteria” section of the online application instructions for the Graduate College requirements. The Computer Science Department requirements can be found on the program websites:
My undergraduate degree isn’t Computer Science. Can I apply?
Yes, we admit graduate students with academic backgrounds in areas outside of computer science. We recommend taking pre-requisite classes to prepare for graduate studies. Our graduate programs are fast-paced, so admitted students need to have the requisite background before starting the program. Please see the program websites for a list of prerequisites:
Do I have to take the pre-requisite courses at Iowa State University?
No, classes can be taken online or at your local university. Generally, we recommend students with a non-CS background take courses for academic credit (with a letter grade) instead of an online MOOC.
Do you offer a path to take the foundational/bridge coursework at Iowa State University?
We do not currently offer a bridge course. As an alternative, we recommend applicants complete preparatory coursework in programming, algorithms, math/theory for computer science, databases, operating systems, and statistics. Please check our program websites for specific recommendations.
My equivalent cumulative GPA is lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Can I apply?
Unconditional admission to the ISU graduate college requires an undergraduate GPA equivalent to 3.0 or higher. At the discretion of the graduate program, applicants with a somewhat overall lower GPA may be admitted. Admission to the graduate program with an equivalent GPA lower than 3.0 will be a challenge, but it is possible. We recommend addressing the lower marks, along with your strengths to succeed in the graduate program, when writing your Statement of Purpose (SOP).
What impact does work experience have on the application?
Relevant work experience is considered as part of a holistic review of applications. In most cases, it is not a substitute for a rigorous academic background in Computer Science and mathematics.
Do you accept 3-year degrees?
The “Admission criteria” section of the online application instructions has information on 3-year degree admissibility. In general, most 3-year degrees are not accepted. We recommend continuing to a 4-year undergraduate degree or obtaining a graduate degree in the same or related academic area in order to meet this admission requirement. Please contact please contact the Office of Admissions admissions@iastate.edu with questions about 3-year degree admissibility.
Can I get an application fee waiver?
We offer delayed payment of the application fee. The application fee for admitted students will be placed on the first university bill (U-Bill) after enrolling in classes. All other applicants (those who are not admitted and those who do not accept the admission offer) are not required to pay an application fee. We do not offer application fee waivers.
Are there additional financial aid forms to complete?
Ph.D. applicants are automatically considered for graduate assistantship funding, while admission offers for the M.S. degree programs do not include funding. Applicants may apply on their own for scholarships and grants. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu for a list.
Will I be considered for financial support if I am admitted into a master’s program?
M.S. degree programs do not include funding. Some M.S. students find an assistantship or on-campus employment once they arrive on campus. Applicants may apply on their own for scholarships and grants. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu for a list.
Will I be considered for financial support if I am admitted into a Ph.D. program?
Admitted Ph.D. Computer Science students typically receive two years of funding as a graduate teaching assistant. For the remainder of their studies, they are typically funded as a graduate research assistant to their major professor or another ISU department or research institute. Others may receive funding from a graduate research assistantship starting their first year. Ph.D. students with 50% (20 hours per week) assistantships receive a 100% tuition waiver, individual health insurance, and a stipend that is paid out monthly.
What are the tuition and fees?
Current tuition and fee information can be found on the Registrar’s website. Please look in the “Specific Graduate Departments” section. Costs differ by International and Domestic (resident/non-resident).
Do I qualify for resident tuition?
Please contact the Office of the Registrar (iowaresidency@iastate.edu) regarding residency requirements.
Can you help me pay for travel expenses?
No, we are unable to assist with travel expenses.
How do I change my personal information (name, birth date, email address, etc.)?
Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu to request changes to your personal information.
My name is too long to enter in the online application. What should I do?
The name in the online application will only be used for tracking during the application process. The name on your passport will be used for the USA visa documents. Please enter as much of your name as possible. We will match it later on to your actual name, if admitted.
I don’t have a last name (surname, family name). What should I do?
Please leave the last name field blank.
What address should I use for my permanent address?
International applicants are required to have a permanent address that is outside the USA. Generally, your permanent address is where your parents live. It is the location where, if all else fails, mail sent there will eventually get to you. The current residential address is where you currently live and where mail will get to you the quickest.
Can I work if I have a visa?
Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for questions related to work eligibility.
Can I do Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) has resources to assist with OPT.
How do I get an internship?
We have resources to help students obtain summer internships:
How do I get an on-campus job?
Iowa State’s Student Employment Center (SEC) provides resources to students regarding student employment.
Which companies hire students for internships?
Facebook, Square, eBay, google, Corteva (formally Dupont Pioneer), Walt Disney Pictures, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Apple, LinkedIn, Synopsys, Kingland, John Deere, Sparta Systems, Sam’s Club, Insight, Discover, Intel, ClearCapital, Ant Financial, nDash.co, Omni Analytics Group, Blocher Consulting, Twitch, ThermoFisher Scientific, Plant & Food Research, Caterpillar, and many more.
Are your graduate programs STEM designated majors?
Please see the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for a list of STEM designated degree programs.
How will I receive my I-20?
Electronic copies of the visa documentation will be sent to the email address listed in your application. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if you require printed copies to be mailed to you.
I already made a VISA appointment but have not yet received my I-20 form. What can I do?
Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if you need to expedite your visa documentation. In some situations, we can expedite processing.
I am a Ph.D. student with an assistantship. Do I need to submit financial documents?
Admitted PhD students who are traveling alone are not required to submit financial documents. Only admitted PhD students who are traveling with dependent(s) are required to submit financial documents for dependent expenses.
I have been recommended for admission by the Department of Computer Science. How long until I receive my I-20?
It typically takes 4 to 5 weeks to receive the I-20 after you receive the admission offer from the Department of Computer Science. Visa processing will start after you (a) are admitted by the Graduate College, (b) formally accept your Graduate College offer in the online application system, and (c) submit all required visa documentation (i.e., your passport, your dependent passport(s), and/or financial documents) in the online application system.
I received my I-20, but all of the regular VISA interview slots are full. Can you help me get an emergency VISA interview appointment?
Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu. In some situations, we can provide you with a letter to assist with scheduling an emergency visa appointment.
How do I get a letter of support, study plan, and my advisor’s resume for my visa appointment?
Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu.
How do I transfer my SEVIS to Iowa State University?
In general, you will need to first ask your current school to release your SEVIS record to Iowa State University (the release date is typically on/after your last day of classes). Then, you will transfer your SEVIS record to Iowa State University. The offer of admission letter from the ISU Graduate College includes detailed instructions for how to do this.
My classes were taught in English. Can I get a waiver for the English proficiency test?
Mode of instruction (MOI) does not qualify for a waiver. Please see the “Examination requirements” section of the online instructions for accepted tests, minimum requirements, and waiver eligibility. Do not upload a MOI letter for the “English Language Proficiency” action item task in the online application portal.
Can I request an English proficiency exam waiver?
English proficiency testing is waived for applicants who meet certain criteria, such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher from a country where English is the only official language. In most situations, it is not necessary to request an English proficiency exam waiver. The “English Language Proficiency” action item task in the online application portal will be automatically waived once your waiver eligibility is verified by the Graduate College Admissions Team. Please email admissions@iastate.edu if you have questions about waiving this requirement.
How do I get a GRE waiver?
Information about the GRE requirement, including GRE waiver request criteria, can be found on our website.
Can I apply without GRE scores?
GRE scores are required, unless you have an approved GRE waiver. Information about the GRE requirement, including GRE waiver request criteria, can be found on our website.
Should I request a GRE waiver before or after I submit my application?
A GRE waiver request can be submitted before or after submitting your application.
Do you accept “MyBest” scores?
No, we only accept scores from a single test session. Your best scores from multiple test sessions cannot be combined.
Do I need to take the GRE subject test?
No, we just require the GRE general test.
Is the GRE at home test accepted?
Yes
Do you accept Duolingo?
Please see the “Examination requirements” section of the online application instructions for accepted tests and minimum requirements.
How long are English and GRE test scores valid?
English proficiency test scores are valid for two years from the test date, while GRE test scores are valid five years from the test date.
Do you accept expired GRE and English proficiency test scores?
No.
My English proficiency and/or GRE scores will expire right around the time of the application deadline. Do I need to retake the exam?
Scores need to be valid for the admission decision and visa processing, which is a few weeks after the application deadline. Exact timing varies from semester to semester. Scores do not need to be valid at the time classes start. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if your scores are close to the expiration date.
Can I take the GRE and/or English proficiency exams later if I am admitted?
No. Test scores are considered when making the admission decision. Late scores are not accepted.
My GRE waiver request was denied. Can I submit another request based on different criteria?
No, we do not accept repeat waiver requests within the same entry term. All waiver requests are automatically considered for other criteria when evaluating the waiver request.
I met the GRE request criteria, but my GRE waiver was denied. Why?
The criteria listed on the website is to request a waiver. It is not the approval criteria. Submitting a request based on the criteria does not guarantee waiver approval.
Do you have a minimum required GRE score?
In general, successful applicants have a combined GRE score of 310 or higher. The quantitative GRE score should be above 150 if the combined GRE is between 300 and 309. Lower scores may be accepted depending on the strength of the other elements of the application.
I have entered my English proficiency/GRE test scores in my online application. Do I still have to upload my test taker reports and send official scores to Iowa State University?
Yes. Please also upload your test taker reports for the English proficiency/GRE action item tasks. You can wait to send your official scores until you receive the admission decision from the Department of Computer Science.
Can the GMAT test be used as a substitute for the GRE?
No, the GMAT test is not accepted as a substitute for the GRE.
Do I need to send my official scores to the Computer Science Department?
No, all test scores can be sent to Iowa State University since scores are automatically shared across all departments. No department codes are required.
How do I know if my official scores have been received?
The online application portal does not indicate if scores have been received. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu 2 to 3 weeks after sending official scores to confirm receipt.
What if I don’t have my scores by the application deadline?
English proficiency and GRE scores will be accepted a few days past the application deadline. Scan and upload your test taker report to your online application. Official scores are required later if you are admitted. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if your scores will be a few days late.
I received a GRE waiver for the last term, but I was not admitted. Do I need to submit a new GRE waiver request if I apply again?
No, a new GRE waiver request is not required. Please upload the GRE waiver approval email from your previous application to your new application.
My school is not listed in the application system drop down menu. What should I do?
Type the name of your school into the online application system. Select “I can’t find my school” from the dropdown list and then enter the details for your school. The Graduate College Admissions Team will add your school to your application after verifying the institution's name and accreditation.
What format do I use to enter by GPA?
Enter your GPA as listed on your transcript. It is not necessary to convert your GPA to an equivalent 4.0 scale.
Can you assist me in converting my GPA to 4.0 scale?
No, please list your GPA as listed on your transcript. It is not necessary to convert your GPA to an equivalent 4.0 scale.
I am applying to multiple degree programs (e.g., Ph.D. Computer Science and Ph.D. Computer Engineering). Can I submit different documents for each program?
Yes
My transcripts are not in English. What should I do?
Please submit your non-English transcripts along with an English translation. Please see the “Academic records” section for translation requirements. Please email admissions@iastate.edu for additional information.
I have already submitted my Resume/Statement of Purpose, but I have made revisions and would like to submit the new version. I cannot delete the old version. What should I do?
Previously uploaded documents (e.g., Statement of Purpose) cannot be deleted. We can help you upload an updated version. The Admissions Committee will only review the most current version of each document. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if you need to upload a revised document.
Can my Statement of Purpose (SOP) exceed 500 words?
Yes, your SOP can exceed 500 words. However, please keep in mind that the admissions committee reads many SOPs each term, so they might not have time to completely read SOPs that are excessively long.
I previously applied, can I reuse my old application materials?
Yes, you can reuse your old application materials. Official GRE and English proficiency test scores will automatically transfer to your new application (please make sure your exam scores are still valid/not expired). Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu if you would like us to transfer your Letters of Reference to your new application. You will need to upload all other documents (e.g., CV/resume, test taker reports, GRE waiver approval email, and transcripts) again to your new application.
When do I send my official transcripts/degree statements?
You can wait to send your official transcripts/degree statements until you receive the admission decision. Unofficial transcripts/degree statements are accepted for the initial application.
How will I know if my application is complete?
Your application is complete when all of the action item tasks listed in the online application portal will be marked “complete.”
The application requires my degree statement. What is a degree statement?
A degree statement (also known as a Diploma or Degree Certificate) typically includes the name of your university/college, the name of your degree, your name, the date the degree was awarded, and signatures of university/college officials. For some applicants, this information is included with the transcript. Please email admissions@iastate.edu for additional information.
Can I upload additional documents, such as my published papers?
Yes, you can upload additional documents. We recommend including a citation (APA format) for your published paper(s) in your CV/resume.
Can I use AI to help me with my Statement of Purpose?
We recommend using AI tools only in a limited fashion. They are useful for correcting grammar and spelling; however, they are terrible for expressing your own interests and experiences. They are also not suitable for demonstrating your ability to communicate in English. Please consider carefully how you use these tools, as their use may impact your admissibility. You are 100% responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of the information submitted with your application.
My degree is in progress. Should I provide my transcripts?
Yes, provide transcripts for the courses you have completed so far. If admitted, final official transcripts will be required before you enroll in classes.
I have several merit certificates. Should I upload these?
No, only provide university-level academic documents.
Do you require transcripts to be evaluated by WES?
Transcript evaluations by World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) are optional. Original transcripts issued by the institution are also accepted. Evaluations by other services are not accepted. Please see the “Academics records” section of the online application instructions for more information.
My transcripts have been evaluated by Scholaro/IEE/Ucredo/etc. Are these accepted?
We only accept transcript evaluations by World Education Services (WES) and Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). Evaluations by other services are not accepted.
Can my recommender provide their recommendation on official letterhead?
Yes, your recommender can include a separate letter on official letterhead in addition to the standard recommendation form. Recommendation letters without the standard recommendation form are not accepted, since the standard recommendation form includes additional evaluation information.
My recommender already provided me with a letter. Can I upload the Letter of Reference (LOR) myself?
No, LORs submitted by applicants are not accepted. All LORs must be received directly from your recommender using the online electronic or PDF letter of recommendation process. Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions for information. If using the PDF version of the LOR, your recommenders can email their completed LORs directly to csadmissions@iastate.edu. LORs should not be sent to the Office of Admissions.
My recommender is having trouble receiving the recommendation request email. What should I do?
Some email systems incorrectly classify the ISU recommendation request email as SPAM, routing it to the recommender’s SPAM folder or preventing its receipt. Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions if you would like to switch to the PDF version of the LOR. Your recommenders can email their completed LORs directly to csadmissions@iastate.edu. LORs submitted by applicants are not accepted. LORs should not be sent to the Office of Admissions.
My recommenders cannot send the recommendation from their official email. What should I do?
Your recommenders are permitted to use personal email addresses for sending their recommendations.
How do I change my recommender’s information?
Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online application instructions for instructions for managing your recommenders. You can cancel, resend, edit, and add new recommenders.
Is the official Letter of Reference (LOR) form required? Can my recommender just supply a letter without the LOR form?
The LOR form is required since it includes additional evaluation information. Your recommender can include a separate letter (on official letterhead) instead of entering their recommendation into the second page of the PDF version of the LOR form.
Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation for me?
We recommend selecting recommenders who can best speak about your technical skills and your ability to do independent research. Employer recommendations are less valuable if they are simply character references that don’t provide good support for your application. At least two recommendation letters should be from faculty, especially from smaller classes where you had frequent interaction with the recommender.
What if I want to submit more than three letters of recommendation (LOR)?
Additional letters can be submitted using the PDF version of the LOR. Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions. Your recommenders can email their completed LORs directly to csadmissions@iastate.edu. LORs submitted by applicants are not accepted. LORs should not be sent to the Office of Admissions.
I want to change one of my recommenders. What should I do?
Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions for instructions for managing your recommenders. You can cancel, resend, edit, and add new recommenders.
Do you accept just two recommendations?
No
My recommender submitted the letter of recommendation (LOR), but the LOR action item task is still marked “incomplete.” What should I do?
There is a short delay between the time your recommender submits the LOR and the time the action item task is marked complete. The task will be marked complete after Admissions reviews the LOR. Please allow up to five business days for the task to be marked complete.
What should I do if the deadline is approaching and one or more of my recommenders has not submitted their recommendation?
You can send a reminder email to your recommender. Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions for instructions for managing your recommenders.
My recommender is asking to submit a letter of recommendation (LOR) outside of the online system, is this possible?
Yes, your recommender can submit the letter of recommendation LOR) using the PDF version of the LOR. Please see the “Letters of recommendation (LOR)” section of the online instructions. Your recommender can email the completed LOR form directly to csadmissions@iastate.edu. LORs submitted by applicants are not accepted. LORs should not be sent to the Office of Admissions.
How long does it take to complete a master’s program?
Full-time students typically complete the master’s degree program in two years.
Can I apply to both M.S. Computer Science and M.S. Artificial Intelligence for the same entry term?
No, please apply to only one program. The acceptance criteria are the same for both programs, and the likelihood of admission is the same. If you are denied by one program, you will be denied by the other one. If admitted, you may switch later to the other degree program.
My application to the Computer Science Department master’s degree program was denied. Can I reapply for the other Computer Science Department master’s degree program for the same entry term?
No, the acceptance criteria are the same for the M.S. Computer Science and M.S. Artificial Intelligence degree programs. If you are denied by one program, you will be denied by the other one. You may, however, reapply to a future entry term.
Is it possible to work on a master’s degree part-time?
Yes, the master’s degree programs can be completed part-time. However, international students with F-1 and J-1 visas are typically required to be enrolled full-time during the academic year (Fall/Spring). For questions about Reduced Course Load (RCL) approval for international students, please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
Once I begin a master’s program, is it possible to change to a different program?
Yes, please contact Computer Science Graduate Services staff to switch degree programs.
Will I be considered for financial support if I am admitted to the master’s degree program?
No, our M.S degree programs do not include funding. Applicants may apply on their own for scholarships and grants. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu for a list.
I want to do a thesis for my master’s degree, but this option isn’t listed in the online application.
All admitted master’s degree students are initially enrolled in the creative component (non-thesis) option. During their first term, admitted students interested in the thesis option are required to select a thesis topic and secure a major professor prior to switching to the thesis option. Admitted students who do not complete these two requirements during their first term are required to continue with the creative component (non-thesis) option.
Can I apply if I already have an M.S. degree in a related field?
Yes
What is the difference between thesis and creative component?
The creative component has an industry-based capstone course (COMS 5990), with the course professor serving as the major professor. The thesis option has supervised original research that is done with a faculty committee, and it is great preparation for continuing on to pursue a Ph.D. degree. The creative component track is considered terminal, and you will not be allowed to continue into the Ph.D. program in our department at ISU. It is great preparation for students interested in industry employment.
What are the differences between M.S. Computer Science and M.S. Artificial Intelligence?
The M.S. Computer Science degree program (33 credits) has elective credits that are selected from a range of computing related topics, providing students with a broad background in computing theory, systems, software, and applications. The M.S. Artificial Intelligence degree program (30 credits) has elective credits focused on building advanced proficiency in Artificial Intelligence topics, such as machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing.
What are the master’s degree program admission requirements?
Admission requirements are established by both the Graduate College and by the graduate program. Please see the “Admission criteria” section of the online application instructions for the Graduate College requirements. The Computer Science Department requirements can be found on the program website.
If I have a Ph.D., can I apply for the M.S. program?
Yes
How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. program?
The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five years.
Is it possible to work on a Ph.D. part-time?
No, the Ph.D. program is designed to be completed full-time.
Can I apply to a Ph.D. program with only an undergraduate degree?
Yes, we accept direct entry with a bachelor’s degree.
Once I begin a Ph.D. program, is it possible to change to a different program?
Yes, please contact Computer Science Graduate Services staff to switch degree programs.
Will I be considered for financial support if I am admitted?
Admitted Ph.D. Computer Science students typically receive two years of funding as a graduate teaching assistant. For the remainder of their studies, they are typically funded as a graduate research assistant to their major professor or another ISU department or research institute. Others may receive funding from a graduate research assistantship starting their first year. Ph.D. students with 50% (20 hours per week) assistantships receive a 100% tuition waiver, individual health insurance, and a stipend that is paid out monthly.
Do I need to submit the Financial support documents if I get an assistantship?
Financial documents are only required for admitted Ph.D. students who are traveling with dependents. They must show funding for the additional dependent expenses, since the assistantship only funds the student.
What are the admission requirements?
Admission requirements are established by both the Graduate College and by the graduate program. Please see the “Admission criteria” section of the online application instructions for the Graduate College requirements. The Computer Science Department requirements can be found on the program website.
I applied to the Ph.D. program, but I have received an admission offer for the M.S. program. What does this mean? Can I get into the Ph.D. program later if I accept the M.S. offer?
We understand that you applied for the Ph.D. program; however, at this time, we can only offer admission to our M.S. degree program due to the high volume of Ph.D. applications we received. There is no guarantee you will be able to switch to Ph.D. later if you start with M.S., since admission to our Ph.D. program is highly competitive. A separate/new application for Ph.D. admission would be required later even if you are a current M.S. student.
How and when will I be notified if I am admitted?
You will be notified via email if you are admitted to the Department of Computer Science graduate program. M.S. applicants are generally notified within 10 business days of their completed application. Admission emails for Ph.D. applicants are communicated on a rolling basis, starting about six weeks after the application deadline. Please see our website for specific details:
How do I accept (decline) my admission offer?
Please visit your online application portal to formally accept (decline) your admission offer. Additionally, you can send an email to csadmissions@iatate.edu regarding your decision.
How do I track the status of my application?
Visit your online application portal to check the status of your application, including individual action item tasks.
Why was my application document returned?
The Graduate Admissions Team will return documents that do not meet the requirements. Please check the send back note for additional information. The most common reasons for return: missing transcript pages, expired exam scores, missing English translation, and wrong document format (e.g., English medium of instruction letter instead of test taker report).
If I am admitted to the program, can I defer my admission?
M.S. deferral requests are typically approved for one entry term, while Ph.D. deferral requests are infrequently approved due to future funding limitations. Ph.D. applicants are typically required to reapply for a future term. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu to request a deferral. Please include a reason for the deferral and why the situation will improve to allow attendance for a later term.
I am on the waitlist for Ph.D. admission. What is my position on the waitlist, and what are my chances of admission?
Positions within the Ph.D. waitlist are not ranked. Individual admission decisions will be made based on several factors, such as applicant qualifications, research interests, advisor match, funding availability, and more. With regret, we cannot provide an assessment regarding the likelihood of admission given the number of factors involved.
I submitted my application a while ago and still have not heard about a decision yet. Has a decision been made?
M.S. application decisions are typically ready within 10 business days of application completion. Decision delays are commonly caused by an incomplete application. Please check the status of your action item tasks in the online application portal.
The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing Ph.D. applications soon after the application deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions starting about six weeks after the application deadline.
Please see our website for specific details about decision communication:
I was denied admission. May I receive feedback on the reasons behind the decision?
Due to the high number of applicants, we regret that we cannot provide a specific reason regarding the decision about your admission decision.
If I don’t show up for the start of the semester, is my acceptance automatically deferred to the following semester?
No, failure to arrive on time for the start of the semester will not cause automatic deferral. Please email csadmissions@iastate.edu prior to the start of your entry term to discuss your deferral options.
Some Ph.D. applicants have already received their admission decision. Why haven’t I been contacted yet?
Ph.D. applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, starting soon after the application deadline. The timing of decisions depends on several factors, including timing of the review, applicant qualifications, and funding availability. Our website details the specifics of Ph.D. decision communication.
What are the housing options?
Ames has a variety of on-campus and off-campus housing options. Please visit the ISU Department of Residence website to view on-campus options. Graduate student-only housing is available at Wallace Hall, Frederiksen Court, and Schilletter Village (SUV). Ames also has many options for family-friendly housing. One on-campus option is SUV, which has two-bedroom apartments that are good for students with families. Please contact csadmissions@iastate.edu for information on housing options.
How do I get around Ames if I don’t have a car?
CyRide provides bus service on campus and throughout the city of Ames. Some bus lines run more often and later. If the student plans on taking the bus, it is important to take into account the bus routes and how often and until what time the bus runs.
I am having difficulty creating/accessing my online account What should I do?
If you encounter any technical issues when completing your online application, please contact admissions at admissions@iastate.edu and 515-294-5836.