Master's Application Requirements

Contact Us

Email the computer science graduate admissions team at csadmissions@iastate.edu for individual support as your navigate the application process.

Sign up for a Virtual Visit - these sessions are offered for prospective master's students every Tuesday at 10:00 AM U.S. Central Time. 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. Please use this link to sign up for a virtual visit.

Spring 2024 Process (Two-Phase Application)

Phase 1 Pre-Application

Click here to submit your SPRING 2023 Phase 1 Pre-Application

  1. Pre-applications are free. Required documents needed to start:
    1. Resume/CV
    2. Unofficial transcripts from ALL universities/colleges EVER attended
    3. Statement of purpose - our guidance can be found here.pdf. Upload a separate PDF statement of purpose and do not type it into the text box.
  2. Please do not submit names for Letters of Recommendation in your pre-application (these are included in the final application).
  3. It is optional to submit GRE and English proficiency test results during the phase 1 pre-application. The Phase 1 Pre-Application includes an automatic evaluation for a GRE waiver.
  4. Phase 1 Pre-Application Evaluation Timeline: You can expect a decision within 2 to 4 weeks of submission. If approved you will be invited to continue your application for a final admission decision. Please do not email requesting for an update on your pre-application.

Phase 2 Final Application

  1. You can only start the phase 2 final application after pre-application approval. The final application requires the following documents.
    1. (3) Letters of Recommendation – the application system will automatically contact your recommender. Please reach out to csadmissions@iastate.edu with any issues related to letters of recommendation.
    2. Official GRE scores sent directly from ETS or GRE Waiver
    3. Official Transcripts
    4. Degree statements (required for each completed degree) – statements for degrees still in progress will be required later, if admitted.
    5. Publications (optional)
    6. Additional application documents for international students – please see the application instructions for specific requirements
      • Passport/ Immigrant Card
      • English proficiency test results
  2. Application Fee ($65 US, $100 International). We do not offer application fee waivers.
  3. Phase 2 Final Application Evaluation Timeline: Varies based on fall or spring entry, please see detailed dates below.

Spring 2024 Deadlines

  • M.S. pre-applications will close on December 1, 2023. If invited to continue, your full application must be submitted by December 15, 2023.
  • M.S. admission decisions will be communicated within 10 business days of final application submission.
  • We generally do not offer teaching assistantships to MS students; however, some MS students do find assistantships or on-campus employment once they arrive on campus.

Fall 2024 Application Process (One Phase)

Click here to submit your application

Required documents:

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Unofficial transcripts from ALL universities/colleges EVER attended
  3. Statement of purpose - our guidance can be found here.pdf. Upload a separate PDF statement of purpose and do not type it into the text box.
  4. (3) Letters of Recommendation – the application system will automatically contact your recommender. Please reach out to csadmissions@iastate.edu with any issues related to letters of recommendation.
  5. GRE scores sent directly from ETS. Click here for more information on the GRE requirement
    1. You will be required to type in your scores AND upload your test taker report from ETS.
    2. You are required to send official scores in order to receive your admission offer. Our ETS University code is 6306.
  6. Additional application documents for international students – please see the application instructions for specific requirements
    • Passport/ Immigrant Card
    • English proficiency test results
  7. Application Fee ($65 US, $100 International). We do not offer application fee waivers.
  8. Evaluation Timeline: We evaluate all MS applications within ten days of submission. The timeline will be delayed for incomplete applications until all required documents are received.

Fall 2024 Deadlines

  • M.S. applications will open on September 1, 2023 and close on July 5, 2024.
  • M.S. admission decisions will be communicated within 10 business days of final application submmission.
  • We generally do not offer teaching assistantships to MS students; however, some MS students do find assistantships or on-campus employment once they arrive on campus.

Financial Support

MS applicants are not offered funding at the time of admission. They often find support through a number of different research labs and organizations outside of the CS department after they arrive on campus.