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Apply to study computer and information science

As a computer and information science student in the School of Science, you’ll earn a Purdue University degree. But you’ll also have access to the best programs of Indiana University.

When you’re ready to apply, follow the guidelines listed on this page.

Undergraduate admissions

Our undergraduate students enter the School of Science as direct admits or through University College.

Either way, you will follow the same degree requirements.

Learn how to apply as an undergraduate student

Graduate admissions

In order to join us as a Computer and Information Science graduate student, you must meet the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate School as well as our departmental requirements.

Learn more about general admissions procedures

Graduate program general requirements

To be admitted, you must have a grade point average (GPA) equivalent to at least 3.00 in all your courses, including computer science and mathematics coursework. If your institution does not use a letter grading system and does not publish an official algorithm for converting its grades to such a system, then we expect you to be in the top 10 percent of your class.

You must also submit TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency if your native language is not English. Only TOEFL scores from a single test occurence that meet all minimum requirements are acceptable. We cannot combine scores from multiple tests to meet minimum requirements, or accept TOEFL "MyBest Scores."

Requirements by degree program

Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s or equivalent degree. Interested students with a three-year degree should contact the department for information. Applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field may be required to take prerequisite courses and pass with a grade of B+ or higher.

The GRE is not required for admission. 

Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s or equivalent degree in computer science, mathematics, data science, statistics, engineering, or a related field. Interested students with a three-year degree should contact the department for information.

The GRE is not required for admission. 

For those candidates who do not have background in the aforementioned fields, case-by case evaluation will follow.

Students will be admitted to the Department of Computer and Information Science  if they applied to this department and will be admitted to the Department of Mathematical Sciences if they have applied to the Department of Mathematical Sciences. The graduate committee of each department will be responsible for evaluating the case-by-case applications.

Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s or equivalent degree. We place great weight on the quality of the institution. The applicant must have adequate computer science background, as determined by the admissions committee.

Graduate Record Examination — GRE scores are required for admission (no specific minimum score requirement). GRE School Code: 1325, Department Code: 0402.

Applicants who begin a graduate program in computer science at another institution should complete at least a year in that program before applying to us. If the program is a doctoral program, evidence of eligibility to continue that program is required.

 

Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s or equivalent degree. Interested students with a three-year degree should contact the department for information. Applicants who do not have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field may be required to take prerequisite courses and pass with a grade of B+ or higher.

* Applications submitted after the deadline may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; late applications are not guaranteed review and may need to be deferred to the next semester.

Items to submit

One original copy of the official transcript(s) of all previous university work is required (with English translation, if applicable); this includes transcripts for programs that were not ultimately completed. All degrees awarded should be documented. A list of university courses and their titles which do not appear on the transcript(s) should also be submitted, if applicable. Electronic copies may be submitted (we do not require official hard copies at the time of application); please attach these as Additional Uploads in the application. If selected for admission, you will be required to provide your original documents at a later time.

If you choose to send hard copies at this time, note that all transcripts and degree certificates must be in original, stamped, and sealed envelopes issued by the appropriate university/college authority. Loose or unattested copies cannot be accepted. We do not accept transcripts or other academic documents from WES, or any other external credentials analysis agency.

English language proficiency can be waived by applicants who have received a baccalaureate degree or graduate or professional degree within 36 months from a school where English is the primary language of instruction/where English is the native language. (See test scores section for more information.)

Please attach to the electronic application. There is no specific format or page length requirement for the statement of purpose.

We require three letters of recommendation from people familiar with you and your student and/or professional career. There is no specific format required for the letters of recommendation.

Enter the recommendation provider name and email addresses in the appropriate section of the application; once submitted, providers can directly submit their letters attached to your application.

If recommendations are submitted electronically, please do not send duplicate hard copies. 

Submit English language proficiency scores and/or GRE, if appropriate. Only official score reports from the testing agency are acceptable. Please note, at this time we are not able to accept IELTS scores electronically; paper score reports can take two to four weeks to be delivered to the department through the mail, so please plan accordingly. Only TOEFL scores from a single test occurrence that meet all minimum requirements are acceptable. We cannot combine scores from multiple tests to meet requirements, or accept TOEFL “MyBest Scores.”

IUPUI’s institution code for ETS test reporting (TOEFL and GRE) is 1325.

English proficiency scores must meet all requirements listed (both total and section minimums, if applicable):

  • TOEFL—80 Total, 19 Reading, 14 Listening, 18 Speaking and Writing 
  • IELTS (academic test only)—overall band score of 6.5 or higher, 6.5 Reading, 6.0 Listening, 6.0 Speaking, 5.5 Writing
  • Duolingo—105 minimum overall score

We cannot accept completion of ELS Intensive English coursework or IUPUI EAP test scores as sufficient proof of English proficiency for admission purposes.

GRE scores are required for Ph.D. applicants; there is no specific minimum score requirement that must be met. GRE scores are not required for M.S. applicants.

Please do not submit the following documents, as our admissions committee does not consider them as part of their review:

  • Intermediate, secondary, middle, or high school transcripts (anything prior to bachelor's program)
  • Technical certification documents
  • Participation, extracurricular or employment certificates or letters (a one- to two-page CV/resume may be submitted, but is not required)
  • Photographs
  • Multiple copies of documents

Computer science B.S./M.S. dual degree program

Current students must meet the following requirements to apply for the B.S./M.S. dual degree program. New undergraduate students should apply through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

Requirements for current students

  • Must be junior standing (completed 60 or more credits) in the bachelor of science program, having already completed CSCI 36200 Data Structures
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
  • Strong performance in CSCI coursework

Apply for the dual degree program