cs phd essay

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CS Statement of Purpose Guide

This page provides advice on writing your “statement of purpose” and other graduate school and fellowship essays. Many programs may ask for several essays.

Keep in mind that your essay (and all of your application materials), will be read by professors of computer science and not by admissions officers. You should assume that your readers are very well-trained in computer science.

What are they looking for?

In general, your statement of purpose should convey the following:

• You are genuinely interested in research;
• You have an idea of the subdiscipline(s) that you would like to do research in graduate school and you can speak about them with some level of sophistication;
• You’ve had some research experience(s);
• You understand the research process from selecting a problem to solving it to presenting your results;
• You’ve done your homework about this particular school and have some ideas of which faculty members and/or research groups you’d like to work with.

Organization of the Essay

There are many ways to write a good statement of purpose essay, but here’s one possible structure that works well:

• In the first paragraph, describe the area or areas of computer science that you plan to study in computer science. The more specific you can be, the better. This is not a contract that forces you to study that subdiscipline and you might change your mind later. However, most graduate schools are more more inclined to accept students who have a good idea of an area that they plan to study. After describing the area, give a summary of your prior research experiences and an overview of the contents of the rest of your statement.
• In the next several paragraphs, describe the research projects that you’ve worked on, the challenges, the approach, and your contributions to the project. A typical situation for a Mudder applying to graduate school is one summer of research, one summer of an internship at a company, and a clinic project (which you will just be starting as you write your statement of purpose). Your summer research is the most relevant part for graduate school and should come first; It merits at least one substantial paragraph. Your clinic project is likely to have enough of a research component to merit a second paragraph. If your summer internship had some aspect of research, that can be a third paragraph. We encourage you to consult with your adviser in developing the structure for your essay based on your own experiences.
• Next, one paragraph can be devoted to describing the research that you would like to conduct in graduate school in some detail and your long-term career ambitions.
• The last paragraph should be customized to indicate why you want to go to this particular graduate school. You should spend some time looking at the web pages and publications of researchers at that university and mention the faculty and the research projects that you would be interested in joining. Generally, it’s wise to mention at least a few faculty members and projects.

Email forwarding for @cs.stanford.edu is changing. Updates and details here .

PhD Admissions

Main navigation.

The Computer Science Department PhD program is a top-ranked research-oriented program, typically completed in 5-6 years. There are very few course requirements and the emphasis is on preparation for a career in Computer Science research. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission in a Stanford graduate program, applicants must meet:

• Applicants from institutions outside of the United States must hold the equivalent of a United States Bachelor's degree from a college or University of recognized good standing. See detailed information by region on  Stanford Graduate Admissions website. 
• Area of undergraduate study . While we do not require a specific undergraduate coursework, it is important that applicants have strong quantitative and analytical skills; a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is not required.

Any questions about the admissions eligibility should be directed to  [email protected] .

Application Checklist

An completed online application must be submitted by the CS Department application deadline and can be found  here .

Application Deadlines

The online application can be found here  and we will only one admissions cycle for the PhD program per respective academic term.

Free PDF: The 4 questions every SOP must answer → Master’s or PhD

How to Write Your Computer Science Statement of Purpose

• By Jordan Dotson
• Updated: March 1, 2023

Do you find it difficult to “sell yourself”? Most CS students do, at least in my experience. It’s a funny quirk. When you ask what they want to study in the future, too many respond with “Artificial Intelligence” or “Machine Learning”…and then they say no more. Very few respond with specific ideas about the problems they want to solve. Yet, when thinking about how to write a computer science statement of purpose, specific problems are everything .

We’re not selling ourselves. We’re selling our ideas . We’re selling the potential of our minds.

Just ask Ray, a specialist in Human-Computer Interaction who received a whole slew of admissions last year. After using the Structure is Magic template , Ray’s SOP was so incisive that it prompted one professor at his top school to write:

“Wonderfully written, ambitious, and aligns perfectly with the work we do at our lab.”

Can’t ask for a better response than that, can we?

Luckily for you, Ray’s essay offers lessons you can extract and use right now. He followed Structure is Magic closely, crafting a timeless and elegant argument. He expressed big and compelling ideas. He showed a concern for the greater impact of his work on society, and he described exactly how the professors at his target school can help him make that impact.

Want to write a computer science statement of purpose that earns multiple fantastic admissions? Read on and learn how.

The Structure

Before we read the essay itself, let’s look at how it’s structured into 4 neat sections. Each of the first 3 sections convey, in order, answers to the questions below. Then, the final section reaffirms them.

• Exactly which hyper-focused academic questions are most important to me, and how did I discover them?
• How will this graduate program help me solve these problems?
• What convincing proof do I have that I’m 100% ready to pursue these questions as a graduate student?

Thus, we can break Ray’s essay down as follows:

• Introductory Frame Narrative – The quick story of how Ray discovered the intellectual problems he wants to solve in grad school and then in his career.
• 2 paragraphs
• 28% of word total
• Why This Program – How this specific university will help Ray solve the problems he mentioned in the previous section.
• 27% of word total
• Why You’re Qualified – The academic and career highlights that prove Ray is capable of actually succeeding as a graduate student pursuing these problems.
• 3 paragraphs
• 36% of word total (this is where the essay gets too long)
• Closing Frame Narrative – Quick flashback to the intro, and reaffirmation of goals.
• 1 paragraph
• 9% of word total

Sections 1 and 2 (the Introduction and “Why I’m Qualified”) are probably too long, but other than that, Ray’s SOP is structured perfectly. For other students, I’d suggest they shorten sections 1 and 3 to less than 25% of the word total each. Maybe use that extra space in Section 2 and Section 4. Or…don’t add anything else at all. Remember: master’s applicants usually shouldn’t write more than 850 words.

In my experience, CS students, more than anyone else, love to write long “Why I’m Qualified” sections. They love to list hackathons they’ve won, internships they’ve held, classes they’ve taken, and programming languages they’ve learned. But it’s important to remember that this section isn’t your CV. It’s like a small box that only lists the highlights from your CV – the most important parts. Certainly not everything. In Ray’s case, his experiences were so unique that it was hard to cut them down. But you should. Cut them down as much as you possibly can.

Why? Because that’s not the most important part of the essay. The academic ideas you express, and your fit with the program – that’s where you truly sell yourself.

Wonderfully Written. Ambitious. Aligns Perfectly.

What’s so great about Ray’s SOP?

As you’ll see shortly, this essay tackles huge topics. It asks big questions . It shows a tremendous human desire to answer those questions. And, in its own engineer’s kind of way, it shows concern for real people.

Most CS applicants don’t dive very deeply into their “study plan” for grad school — they just list classes they want to take, and maybe mention a professor or two in passing. But Ray speaks like someone who’s worked in HCI and AR for years. He knows exactly where he wants to probe further, and knows exactly which professors are the best guides on this journey.

(Ray, it should be obvious, did plenty of research on his target programs.)

As you read, pay close attention to the questions Ray asks. He’s asking them to the professors at his target school. At the same time, he’s asking them to himself. When an answer appears, he tears it apart and finds the hidden questions inside. This is way deeper than most MS applicants go. Heck, it’s deeper than many PhD applicants go!

Through this process, Ray shows that he’s more than just a guy who can plug some Python into IDLE or iterate a Map in Java. He’s a thinker, a creator, an innovator. Then, when he explains how three specific professors at his dream school are already working on these questions that he’s just asked….well, that’s what we call a coup de grâce .

• He asks 6 questions.
• He describes how 3 professors are currently tackling those questions.
• He shows how he’s spent years preparing to work on these questions.

What do you think, should this guy get admitted? Let’s read his SOP and decide.

A Rockstar Computer Science Statement of Purpose

During my 2019 internship at JL Design Partners, an architecture firm in Sacramento, I was tasked with developing an Augmented Reality application for visualizing building designs. At that point, I was already intrigued by AR’s possibilities in diverse fields, from entertainment to aiding surgeons. Then, after two weeks of writing C# in Unity and establishing a workflow from Autodesk Revit, I loaded the prototype onto my phone and ecstatically invited my colleagues to try. Immediately, however, as I watched them rotate the virtual 3D structure by swiping on a 2D screen, I understood (with dismay) how counterintuitive the interaction was. At the time, I realized that products like daily-wear AR glasses could make architectural visualization more intuitive, but due to challenges with optics, batteries, and spatial understanding, these do not yet exist. Now, I wonder if solving these problems will be enough for widespread adoption at all. To what extent are we clinging to formats that do not present an effective way to interact with virtual content?

Which type of interface most complements AR? Which most improves cognitive processing and decision-making? Brain-Computer Interfaces are the common answer, but if so, what is the best approach to combining AR and BCI? What kind of neural activity should be employed? How can we design AR experiences for reactive BCIs? These questions lingered in my mind in the months that followed my internship. They remained there well after earning my degree in Computer Science, and even today, they resonate with the very same frequency. This is precisely why I seek admission to the Master’s Program in Computer Science at Stark University: to ascertain the optimal approach for virtual interactions that reduce cognitive load, enrich the senses, and augment human capabilities.

Perhaps no other graduate program in the world is more uniquely suited to helping me explore this niche within Human-Computer Interaction. The variety of interdisciplinary research carried out at the Stark HCI Lab, and the fact that it is one of the few funded master’s program that allow specialization in HCI, all compel my decision to apply. Certainly, coursework such as MCS731 Constructing Cross Reality Applications and MCS728 Affective Computing will prove essential as I begin to comprehend the core principles and design guidelines required for a thesis studying responsive and instinctual interactivity. Most importantly, however, is the opportunity to conduct research under Dr. Bruce Banner, Dr. Erik Selvig, and Dr. Jane Foster, whose work aligns perfectly with my goals of enhancing human cognition.

Particularly intriguing is Dr. Banner’s study on Electrodermal Activity and its relationship to physiological arousal. I hope to explore how this can be implemented as a metric to uncover cognitive loads of atypical input modalities. I am also captivated by Dr. Selvig’s work in augmenting user perception of the environment, and hope to investigate how eye-tracking can strengthen the system’s perception of user intent in HearThere , and how the sensor network in Tesseract can be used for augmented on-site exploration through persistent anchors. Additionally, I am open to working under Dr. Foster as her projects on musical expression and therapy ( Vocal Waves ) are similar to my ongoing work, Fluid Fingers . Having worked on numerous similar projects, I am confident I can make substantial contributions to these and other projects at Stark, while simultaneously exploring esoteric approaches like functional near-infrared spectroscopy for its superior spatial resolution (as compared to EEG) and resistance towards motion artifacts.

Perfect as the opportunity may seem, I am well aware that the daunting problems of AR require far more than general competence. Fortunately, my academic and research experiences have equipped me with the tools to face them. I was introduced to immersive technology in undergraduate coursework at Empire State University, such as Computer Graphics and Virtual and Augmented Reality. The Interaction Design Specialization from UC San Diego (via Coursera) further improved my understanding of Ideation, Prototyping, and Evaluation methods. Additionally, during my final undergraduate year, I developed a framework, ILMR, that allowed for prototyping hand interactions through direct manipulation with virtual content. Inspired by Google Cardboard, I conceived it using inexpensive and accessible modules like the Zeiss OnePlus headset and the Leap Motion Controller. However, it lacked depth perception and haptic feedback, which are vital in letting the user know they have successfully interacted with virtual content. Through a collaboration with Dr. Otto Octavius, a postdoctoral researcher at the Osborn Private Science Institute, we developed an interface, OptiTouch , that provided the semblance of haptic feedback using only visual cues.

My most rewarding experience, however, was not with ILMR, but rather the research I conducted unofficially with Professor Charles Xavier after graduation. I was intrigued by Neurofeedback and its non-pharmacological approach towards mental health therapy, but felt the feedback modality lacked appeal. Keeping ADHD-diagnosed children in mind, we devised an AR telekinetic experience where a user could bend a virtual spoon by reaching the desired psychological state. This work was accepted to the International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality , where AR academia veteran Dr. Reed Richards claimed it to be impressive.

In my free time, I actively participate in hackathons, where I have led teams to multiple triumphs and developed multiple AR apps. One such was a music visualizer, VizAR , now published on the App Store. I redesigned the particle system in VizAR for Head-Mounted Displays, and enabled hand-particle interactions by implementing a Signed Distance Field. This ultimately led to my work, Fluid Fingers , which aims to elicit emotional states akin to those exhibited in live music performances. Considering these experiences, I feel confident that I am prepared to hone my abilities even further at the Stark Lab.

During my architectural design internship two years ago, I saw immediately the great chasm between our current technological capabilities with AR, and normal users’ ability to employ them. The questions that arose have been my guiding force ever since. This is precisely why I seek to contribute to the field of Human-Computer Interaction, and eventually work as a researcher in industry, ensuring AR’s impact in people’s everyday lives. To begin this effort in the Stark MS CS program would be the most tremendous honor of my career.

What should you take away from this essay?

• You should absolutely mimic the structure . Unless a specific school requires otherwise, there are no more effective ways to write a general statement of purpose.
• You should absolutely state, with 100% clarity, the questions you want to study in grad school.
• You should absolutely describe how professors in your target program are already studying these questions, and what you’d like to investigate under their guidance. If you don’t know already, then spend some time on the department website, or use a resource like Drafty to find professors who match your interests.

I’m indebted to Ray for allowing me to republish his SOP and to brag about his success. No matter which CS field you want to specialize in – whether HCC, Network Engineering, Computational Linguistics, or something else – there’s a lot you can learn from Ray’s example.

Ask big questions. Show that you have a real, thoughtful purpose. Show that you want to make a difference in the world. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about, right?

Then, if you can link those questions to specific resources, labs, or professors at your target program, you too will have a rockstar SOP on your hands.

“Wonderfully written…ambitious…aligns perfectly.”

You can get the same feedback, friend, and now you know how.

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Ph.D. Admissions: How to Apply

Apply online.

All PhD application materials are submitted electronically through the online application portal and must be received by December 15th at 11:59pm, Pacific Time. We recommend leaving yourself enough time to completely navigate the submission process (e.g., 1 hour). There is only one admission cycle each year . Decisions come out in late February with students expected to enroll in the following autumn quarter.

Application Materials

The information below describes the materials required for your application to the Ph.D. Program in Computer Science. All materials are submitted electronically and prospective students are encouraged to review the program’s eligibility requirements for computing background carefully before applying.

The GRE is not required and any scores received will not be used for evaluation. There is no benefit to providing GRE scores during the application process as any scores that are received will not be referenced during application reviews.

Application checklist

• Applicant profile and program information

Academic history

• Research Interests and Faculty Advising

Recommendation letters

Resume or cv, personal statement, proof of english proficiency, application fee.

• Submit application
• Profile Information
• Research Interests and Faculty

Create your applicant profile and start your application

The application for graduate study at UW is hosted by the UW Graduate School. Create an application account and fill out your applicant profile. Complete the "Profile Information," "Contact Information," and "Ethnicity Information."

Official transcripts are not required during the application process; you will only have to submit official documents to the UW Graduate School if you accept an admission offer. At that time, you should provide your documents according to the Graduate School's official transcript requirements .

Research Interests & Faculty Advising

Applicants are given the opportunity to indicate up to 3 interest areas our research areas of expertise .

If you are confident that you'd like to work with any particular faculty member(s), you may indicate their name(s) in the supplemental question. This question is optional but is strongly encouraged to make sure your application is reviewed by the appropriate reviewers during the admissions process. For a list of faculty and a description of their research, see our faculty directory . You do not need to contact faculty prior to applying, nor is it expected.

When you designate someone as a recommender, the application system will automatically send them an email with a link to follow to upload their letter. The email will indicate the application deadline of your desired entry quarter and specify that letters need to be received by that date.

Upload a current copy of your CV that provides detailed descriptions of your research accomplishments and other technical skills. There are no requirements for length or formatting; you may be as descriptive as you would like and may utilize more than one page.

Submit a personal statement of that includes: a) how you became interested in doing research, b) a relevant project or research experience that shows your technical knowledge and skill, and c) your plans for the future in computer science. You may wish to include information about what you feel are the strengths of your application, such as special interests and abilities, or give explanations for what you feel are any weaknesses in your academic record. If you have background that might particularly contribute to the intellectual and social enrichment of the program, please describe it. Examples include unique educational or cultural opportunities (or lack of them), social and economic disadvantages that you may have had to overcome, and interesting or unusual influences on your intellectual development.

• Having earned a degree in the United States in which English was the language of instruction; or, having earned a degree in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or certain other countries specified in Policy 3.2 and where English was the language of instruction.
• Documentation from your undergraduate degree-granting institution, if outside the US or one of the countries specified in Policy 3.2 , verifying that all instruction is in English (for example, transcript notation or attested document issued by the institution).
• TOEFL scores showing a minimum total score or MyBest score of 92 or higher. UW's ETS institution code is 4854 .
• Academic IELTS scores showing a total score of 7.0 or higher. Applicants using IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365 .

Application fee waivers are available from the UW Graduate School to some domestic students who demonstrate financial need. The PhD does not offer fee waivers at the program/department level.

Submit your application

Both steps - making payment and then submitting the application - must be completed in order for your application to be finalized and viewable to application reviewers .

After You Apply

Admitted students.

At any time, feel free to contact us at grad-admissions [at] cs [dot] washington [dot] edu with questions.

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Abbatematteo, Ben - Exploiting Structure for Efficient Robotic Manipulation

• George D. Konidaris , advisor

Allen, Cameron

Corsaro, Matthew - Learning Task-Specific Grasps

Ebert, Dylan

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Writing the Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should convince the admissions committee that your achievements show promise for your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with four different parts.

Make sure to check on the appropriate departmental website to find out if your statement should include additional or specific information.

Part 1: Introduce yourself, your interests and motivations

Tell them what you’re interested in, and perhaps, what sparked your desire for graduate study. This should be short and to the point; don’t spend a great deal of time on autobiography.

Part 2: Summarize your undergraduate and previous graduate career

a) Research you conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. Write technically, or in the style of your discipline. Faculty are the people who read these statements.

b) Important paper or thesis project you completed, as well as anything scholarly beyond your curricular requirements.

c) Work experience, especially if you had any kind of responsibility for testing, designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.

Part 3: Discuss the relevance of your recent and current activities

If you graduated and worked prior to returning to graduate school, indicate what you’ve been doing: company or non-profit, your work/design team, responsibilities, what you learned. You can also indicate here how this helped you focus your graduate studies.

Part 4: Elaborate on your academic interests

Here you indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to convince the faculty that you understand the scope of research in their discipline, and are engaged with current research themes.

a) Indicate the area of your interests. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or indicate a theme that you would like to address, and questions that arise from contemporary research. This should be an ample paragraph!

b) Look on the web for information about departments you’re interested in, including professors and their research. Are there professors whose research interests parallel yours? If so, indicate this. Check the specific program; many may require you to name a professor or professors with whom you might work.

c) End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead of you.

Essential Tips

1. What the admissions committee will read between the lines: self-motivation, competence, potential as a graduate student.

2. Emphasize everything from a positive perspective and write in an active, not a passive voice.

3. Demonstrate everything by example; don’t say directly that you’re a persistent person, show it.

4. If there is something important that happened to you that affected your grades, such as poverty, illness, or excessive work, state it. Write it affirmatively, showing your perseverance despite obstacles. You can elaborate more in your personal statement.

5. Make sure everything is linked with continuity and focus.

6. Unless the specific program says otherwise, be concise; an ideal essay should say everything it needs to with brevity. Approximately 500 to 1000 well-selected words (1-2 single space pages in 12 point font) is better than more words with less clarity and poor organization.

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Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose describes your study interests, goals, and program fit

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Your statement of purpose should be a typewritten, double-spaced, well-organized statement explaining why you wish to pursue graduate study through your program of interest at NYU. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself and to inform the department about your goals, interests, and career plans as they relate to your intended academic pursuits. Please make sure to include your name as it appears on your application, the program you are applying to, and the date. This document can be uploaded directly to your online application portal.

For those applying as a Cyber Fellow: Applicants to the NYU Cybersecurity M.S. program who are also applying to be considered for the NYU Cyber Fellow scholarship must submit a well-organized statement of purpose that is a maximum of 250 words . 

For all other applicants: Applicants to any other program or applicants to the Cybersecurity M.S. who are not interested in being considered for the Cyber Fellows scholarship must submit a well-organized statement of purpose that is a maximum of one- to two-pages .

How to write a strong Statement Of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should assure readers—primarily the faculty on the selection committee—that your background and experience will support your success in graduate study. Think of the statement of purpose as a composition with five key parts:

Share your interests — what sparked your desire for graduate study? This should be short and to the point; you don’t need to spend a great deal of time on your autobiography. You can elaborate on your areas of academic interest later in the statement.

Include details such as:

• Research you have conducted. Indicate with whom, the title of the project, what your responsibilities were, and the outcome. The graduate admissions committee is composed of faculty so write technically, or in the style of your discipline.
• Important papers or thesis projects you’ve completed, as well as related extracurricular activities.
• Awards or recognitions you’ve received for the scholarly achievements discussed.
• Related internship experience, especially if you’ve had any responsibility for testing, designing, researching or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.

If you have ongoing projects or work experience, indicate the scope of that work. Whether for a company, non-profit, design team, etc, include your responsibilities, what you learned, etc. You can also indicate how this will help you focus your graduate studies. Cyber Fellows applicants: You can skip this portion for brevity!

Use this part of your statement to indicate what you would like to study in graduate school in enough detail to show the graduate admissions committee that you understand the scope of research in a specified discipline. This can include engagement with current research themes, and/or reasons why this specific program would be a good fit for you. Indicate your area(s) of interest. Ideally, pose a question, define a problem, or indicate a theme that you would like to address and questions that arise from contemporary research that you would like to investigate. This is a key paragraph!

End your statement in a positive manner, indicating your excitement and readiness for the challenges ahead.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

How to Write the “Why Computer Science?” Essay

What’s covered:, what is the purpose of the “why computer science” essay, elements of a good computer science essay, computer science essay example, where to get your essay edited.

You will encounter many essay prompts as you start applying to schools, but if you are intent on majoring in computer science or a related field, you will come across the “ Why Computer Science? ” essay archetype. It’s important that you know the importance behind this prompt and what constitutes a good response in order to make your essay stand out.

For more information on writing essays, check out CollegeVine’s extensive essay guides that include everything from general tips, to essay examples, to essay breakdowns that will help you write the essays for over 100 schools.

Colleges ask you to write a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay so you may communicate your passion for computer science, and demonstrate how it aligns with your personal and professional goals. Admissions committees want to see that you have a deep interest and commitment to the field, and that you have a vision for how a degree in computer science will propel your future aspirations.

The essay provides an opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants. It’s your chance to showcase your understanding of the discipline, your experiences that sparked or deepened your interest in the field, and your ambitions for future study and career. You can detail how a computer science degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make a meaningful contribution in this rapidly evolving field.

A well-crafted “ Why Computer Science? ” essay not only convinces the admissions committee of your enthusiasm and commitment to computer science, but also provides a glimpse of your ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively—essential skills for a  computer scientist.

The essay also gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the specific computer science program at the college or university you are applying to. You can discuss how the program’s resources, faculty, curriculum, and culture align with your academic interests and career goals. A strong “ Why Computer Science? ” essay shows that you have done your research, and that you are applying to the program not just because you want to study computer science, but because you believe that this particular program is the best fit for you.

Writing an effective “ Why Computer Science ?” essay often requires a blend of two popular college essay archetypes: “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? “.

Explain “Why This Major?”

The “ Why This Major? ” essay is an opportunity for you to dig deep into your motivations and passions for studying Computer Science. It’s about sharing your ‘origin story’ of how your interest in Computer Science took root and blossomed. This part of your essay could recount an early experience with coding, a compelling Computer Science class you took, or a personal project that sparked your fascination.

What was the journey that led you to this major? Was it a particular incident, or did your interest evolve over time? Did you participate in related activities, like coding clubs, online courses, hackathons, or internships?

Importantly, this essay should also shed light on your future aspirations. How does your interest in Computer Science connect to your career goals? What kind of problems do you hope to solve with your degree?

The key for a strong “ Why This Major? ” essay is to make the reader understand your connection to the subject. This is done through explaining your fascination and love for computer science. What emotions do you feel when you are coding? How does it make you feel when you figure out the solution after hours of trying? What aspects of your personality shine when you are coding? 

By addressing these questions, you can effectively demonstrate a deep, personal, and genuine connection with the major.

Emphasize “Why This College?”

The “ Why This College? ” component of the essay demonstrates your understanding of the specific university and its Computer Science program. This is where you show that you’ve done your homework about the college, and you know what resources it has to support your academic journey.

What unique opportunities does the university offer for Computer Science students? Are there particular courses, professors, research opportunities, or clubs that align with your interests? Perhaps there’s a study abroad program or an industry partnership that could give you a unique learning experience. Maybe the university has a particular teaching methodology that resonates with you.

Also, think about the larger university community. What aspects of the campus culture, community, location, or extracurricular opportunities enhance your interest in this college? Remember, this is not about general praises but about specific features that align with your goals. How will these resources and opportunities help you explore your interests further and achieve your career goals? How does the university’s vision and mission resonate with your own values and career aspirations?

It’s important when discussing the school’s resources that you always draw a connection between the opportunity and yourself. For example, don’t tell us you want to work with X professor because of their work pioneering regenerative AI. Go a step further and say because of your goal to develop AI surgeons for remote communities, learning how to strengthen AI feedback loops from X professor would bring you one step closer to achieving your dream.

By articulating your thoughts on these aspects, you demonstrate a strong alignment between the college and your academic goals, enhancing your appeal as a prospective student.

Demonstrate a Deep Understanding of Computer Science

As with a traditional “ Why This Major? ” essay, you must exhibit a deep and clear understanding of computer science. Discuss specific areas within the field that pique your interest and why. This could range from artificial intelligence to software development, or from data science to cybersecurity. 

What’s important is to not just boast and say “ I have a strong grasp on cybersecurity ”, but instead use your knowledge to show your readers your passion: “ After being bombarded with cyber attack after cyber attack, I explained to my grandparents the concept of end-to-end encryption and how phishing was not the same as a peaceful afternoon on a lake. ”

Make it Fun!

Students make the mistake of thinking their college essays have to be serious and hyper-professional. While you don’t want to be throwing around slang and want to present yourself in a positive light, you shouldn’t feel like you’re not allowed to have fun with your essay. Let your personality shine and crack a few jokes.

You can, and should, also get creative with your essay. A great way to do this in a computer science essay is to incorporate lines of code or write the essay like you are writing out code. 

Now we will go over a real “ Why Computer Science? ” essay a student submitted and explore what the essay did well, and where there is room for improvement.

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.

I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. Although my Fat Cat project seems simple now, it was the beginning of an enthusiastic passion for computer science. Four years and thousands of hours of programming later, that passion has grown into an intense desire to explore how computer science can serve society. Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads, I’m reminded of Uncle Ben’s advice to a young Spiderman: “with great power comes great responsibility”. Likewise, the need to ensure digital equality has skyrocketed with AI’s far-reaching presence in society; and I believe that digital fairness starts with equality in education.

The unique use of threads at the College of Computing perfectly matches my interests in AI and its potential use in education; the path of combined threads on Intelligence and People gives me the rare opportunity to delve deep into both areas. I’m particularly intrigued by the rich sets of both knowledge-based and data-driven intelligence courses, as I believe AI should not only show correlation of events, but also provide insight for why they occur.

In my four years as an enthusiastic online English tutor, I’ve worked hard to help students overcome both financial and technological obstacles in hopes of bringing quality education to people from diverse backgrounds. For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. I’d love to explore how to integrate AI technology into the teaching process to make education more available, affordable, and effective for people everywhere. And with the innumerable opportunities that Georgia Tech has to offer, I know that I will be able to go further here than anywhere else.

What the Essay Did Well 

This essay perfectly accomplishes the two key parts of a “ Why Computer Science? ” essay: answering “ Why This Major? ” and “ Why This College? ”. Not to mention, we get a lot of insight into this student and what they care about beyond computer science, and a fun hook at the beginning.

Starting with the “ Why This Major? ” aspect of the response, this essay demonstrates what got the student into computer science, why they are passionate about the subject, and what their goals are. They show us their introduction to the world of CS with an engaging hook: “I held my breath and hit RUN. Yes! A plump white cat jumped out and began to catch the falling pizzas. ” We then see this is a core passion because they spent “ Four years and thousands of hours ,” coding.

The student shows us why they care about AI with the sentence, “ Every day, surrounded by technology that can recognize my face and recommend scarily-specific ads ,” which makes the topic personal by demonstrating their fear at AI’s capabilities. But, rather than let panic overwhelm them, the student calls upon Spiderman and tells us their goal of establishing digital equality through education. This provides a great basis for the rest of the essay, as it thoroughly explains the students motivations and goals, and demonstrates their appreciation for interdisciplinary topics.

Then, the essay shifts into answering “ Why This College? ”, which it does very well by honing in on a unique facet of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing: threads. This is a great example of how to provide depth to the school resources you mention. The student describes the two threads and not only why the combination is important to them, but how their previous experiences (i.e. online English tutor) correlate to the values of the thread: “ For this reason, I’m extremely excited by the many courses in the People thread that focus on education and human-centered technology. ”

What Could Be Improved

This essay does a good job covering the basics of the prompt, but it could be elevated with more nuance and detail. The biggest thing missing from this essay is a strong core to tie everything together. What do we mean by that? We want to see a common theme, anecdote, or motivation that is weaved throughout the entire essay to connect everything. Take the Spiderman quote for example. If this was expanded, it could have been the perfect core for this essay.

Underlying this student’s interest in AI is a passion for social justice, so they could have used the quote about power and responsibility to talk about existing injustices with AI and how once they have the power to create AI they will act responsibly and help affected communities. They are clearly passionate about equality of education, but there is a disconnect between education and AI that comes from a lack of detail. To strengthen the core of the essay, this student needs to include real-world examples of how AI is fostering inequities in education. This takes their essay from theoretical to practical.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a novice trying your hand at college application essays, the review and editing process is crucial. A fresh set of eyes can provide valuable insights into the clarity, coherence, and impact of your writing. Our free Peer Essay Review tool offers a unique platform to get your essay reviewed by another student. Peer reviews can often uncover gaps, provide new insights or enhance the clarity of your essay, making your arguments more compelling. The best part? You can return the favor by reviewing other students’ essays, which is a great way to hone your own writing and critical thinking skills.

For a more professional touch, consider getting your essay reviewed by a college admissions expert . CollegeVine advisors have years of experience helping students refine their writing and successfully apply to top-tier schools. They can provide specific advice on how to showcase your strengths, address any weaknesses, and generally present yourself in the best possible light.

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PhD in Computer Science

Our doctoral program is a full-time program: Admitted doctoral students have only the Ph.D. as their degree objective, and they have guaranteed funding for up to five years.

GRE Required for the Fall 2025 cycle

Please note: students applying to graduate programs in Fall 2025 are required to take the GRE. However, students applying for the 4+1 programs do not need to take the GRE.

Applying to the PhD Program

2025 admission requirements.

Questions about our PhD program should be directed by email to [email protected] .

The required components of your application are:

• The online application form
• Three (3) letters of recommendation
• All applicants should upload a scanned copy of their transcripts.  Applicants should not send an official transcript to the Graduate Office unless they are admitted and accept our offer of Admission.
• All applicants may self report GRE and TOEFL scores. Official test scores are not required unless you are offered admission into the program, and you accept our offer of admission.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for non-native English speakers, photocopy accepted, original required upon admission)
• The $40 application fee

These items must reach us by December 15, 2024  in order for your application to receive full consideration.

If English is not your native language, we require that you take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System exam). An IELTS band score of 7.0 or above is required for Dartmouth Programs, but we have no specific test score requirements for the TOEFL or GRE. If you are transferring from a U.S. university, we may waive the language test. As with the GRE, we will accept a photocopy until the official report is available, but the photocopy must reach us by  December  15, 2024 .

We prefer that your recommenders provide their recommendations online. Once you have listed their names on the application, an email will be sent to them with a link to the application site. If necessary, we will also accept recommendations in sealed envelopes through the mail.

We require a $40.00 application fee, to be paid by credit card online. The fee helps to cover the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable. The application fee will not be waived.

Like many graduate programs, we base our admissions decisions primarily on the information requested above. We have no minimum test scores. We recognize that you may have talents and experience that do not shine through the forms and test scores.

Use the Application Essay section of the online application to give additional information. Do you have a specific reason for coming to Dartmouth? Specific goals for your study? Significant work experience? Why do you want to do advanced training in computer science? Include any publications you have authored.

In the Computer Science Supplement section of the online application, attach examples of your work. This is also the place where you can attach a resume.

At the discretion of the admissions committee, we award stipends as well as tuition grants without stipend. The stipend awards cover tuition waiver and a payment for living expenses for nine months of each year for five years, as long as satisfactory progress is made toward the Ph.D. The stipend for 2023-2024 is $3,333.33 per month, and it generally increases every year. Health insurance cost for the academic year is covered by the college for full-time students. Graduate students who receive support contribute to the program by teaching or grading undergraduate courses, assisting with advanced courses, and participating in research projects. Additional stipend is provided for the summer months if the student performs research or teaching assistance during that period.

There is no separate application for financial aid. Every applicant is considered for financial aid, unless you say that you do not need financial support. If you do not need support, please indicate this on the application form, and tell us how you expect to be supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to additional FAQs about grad admissions, including how to obtain a fee waiver, update an application, and waive TOEFL based on a degree from an English institution, are available at the grad school site .

Q. What are the institution and department codes for the GRE? A. The GRE institution code is 3351, and the GRE department code is 0402.

Q. What are the institution and department codes for the TOEFL? A. The TOEFL institution code is 3351, and the TOEFL department code is 78.

Q. If my GRE scores are low, but I have good grades, can I still get admission? A. Our decision takes into account all components of your application. Therefore, it is usually impossible to predict the outcome until you apply and the admissions committee goes over your entire application.

Q. Can I be admitted for the Winter term? A. No. We only admit one class each year, matriculating in the Fall term.

Q. Where should I have the transcripts and scores sent? A. Send to:      Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies      Dartmouth College      Attn: Computer Science Graduate Admissions      Anonymous Hall      64 College St, Suite 6062, Room 102      Hanover NH 03755      Phone: (603) 646-8193

Apr. 28, 2022

Writing a killer statement of purpose, by ivan rosa de siqueira: learn more about this important component of grad school applications and how you can write an effective sop.

Most graduate programs at Rice (and in the United States broadly) will require applicants to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) as part of the application process. In my opinion, the main objective of the admissions committee when asking for the SOP is very clear: to get to know you better and understand your motivations to go to graduate school. Even though the SOP is only one of the many components of the application package – which will typically include other important documents such as CV, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc. – the SOP will probably be your only opportunity of talking (writing, actually) about yourself with your own words. CV and transcripts are documents that are somewhat official and bring a list of achievements and accomplishments throughout your career; recommendation letters are written by others and bring an outer perspective of yourself as a potential graduate-level researcher. Conversely, the SOP should provide the committee with information that cannot be explicitly found elsewhere; information that only you can express accurately. That being said, the SOP is a central component of any application process to graduate school.

There are many different ways of constructing a good SOP; the first step, however, should always be the same: double-check the instructions provided by the program and what points should be addressed in your essay. For instance, the following text was adapted from Rice’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. [1]

A statement of purpose should address the following questions: Why do you want to obtain a degree in Chemical Engineering? Why are you interested in Rice and in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice? What relevant experiences do you have in research, academics, and/or prior jobs? Why do you believe you will be successful in either a thesis or non-thesis degree graduate program? What would you like to do after completing your degree, and what are your long-term career goals?

Overall, the SOP should bring an overview of your academic and professional trajectories, focusing on: (1) why you are interested in that graduate program, (2) what are your academic, professional, and research/extracurricular experiences, (3) how these experiences make you an ideal candidate for that program, and (4) what are your plans after completing your degree. These are the general guidelines followed by most graduate programs (in STEM, at least). Before start the actual writing, I believe you should invest some time in making a detailed timeline of your academic/professional life thus far. Make sure you highlight the main points that marked your path since the beginning of your education. My understanding is that this requires a lot of reflection and self-knowledge; however, I can assure this exercise will be very useful to help you track events chronologically throughout your text.

I now draft the structure of what I consider a good SOP. This is very general; make sure you adapt the actual content to your reality and incorporate some other stylistic changes.

• Starting an SOP can be very challenging. A reasonable strategy consists of delivering a general “welcome card”, trying to touch upon some of the points highlighted in the program instructions and/or providing the committee with any particular piece of information that distinguishes you from others. Introduce yourself, explain why you want to go to graduate school in that field, why you want to join that program, and what you want to do after graduation (and why a graduate degree from that program is important to achieve your goals). Be brief here; you have the whole SOP to detail and expand on these introductory comments. This initial part should be one paragraph ;
• Then, describe your academic path starting from when you think you had the first trigger to do research and go to graduate school. You can explore experiences in high school (scientific fairs, internships, academic competitions, etc.), college and/or Master’s (research experiences, publications, talks and presentations in conferences, TA positions, etc.), and prior jobs (internships, consultancies, services, etc.). The chief point here is the following: do not limit yourself to a simple list of facts, otherwise your SOP will essentially become an extended version of your CV. You do not want that. Instead, show what you learned and how you improved with these experiences. Provide examples of how you can work independently, collaborate with others, think critically, communicate your results, etc. – these are fundamental skills in graduate school. Make sure you can align these points with the specifics of the program you are applying to. You obviously want to show a solid background in your field; but, more importantly, you want to demonstrate that you have the necessary skillset and mindset to thrive in graduate school with the support of faculty and resources that program offers. This usually becomes two paragraphs ;
• Start being more specific about the research lines the program offers. Show evidence that you did your homework and studied the program in depth. Describe your interest in two to three faculty members and their labs; show you understand their research and recent works; show motivation to work in their groups; based on your previous experiences, explain what you will add (skills, ideas, etc.) to their current research. In summary, answer the question: What do you bring to the table? And, just to complement, if you contacted faculty before submitting your application, [2] make sure you mention that in your SOP because that professor might not be on the committee that year. This is one paragraph ;
• To conclude, work on a short paragraph that summarizes your story and reiterates that going to graduate school and joining that program are key steps in your life plans and research career goals.

Continuing, be truthful and original, and always avoid cliché s. Describe your skills and abilities in detail, and make sure you provide the committee with examples of past research works that support your claims with concrete evidence. More importantly, show how much the program will benefit from having you as a student. Never try to fit your story into a “dream candidate” profile; this profile does not exist and attempts to do this will be easily identified by the committee. Do not hide adversities you have eventually gone through (both personal and academic); instead, describe these problems and explain how you overcame them, what you learned from them, and how they contributed to who you are today. Resilience when dealing with problems, motivation to overcome challenges, and learning from mistakes will be essential in graduate school. Make sure the committee knows you know that.

Writing an SOP is extremely time-consuming. I recommend you start working on yours as soon as you have decided what programs you will be applying to. You will likely need to write many, many versions of your SOP until they converge to a final, satisfactory result. Length and formatting can change depending on program requirements. In general, I recommend 2 pages with editing that will ease the reading (e.g. Arial or Calibri, font 12, spacing 1.5-2, standard paragraphs and margins, etc.). Some programs might be a bit more demanding and determine a maximum number of words (e.g. 500 or 1000). Expressing ideas clearly and concisely is key in graduate school; use the SOP to demonstrate you master this skill. In contrast to other languages such as Brazilian Portuguese (I am Brazilian), English allows for a very direct and effective writing communication. Go straight to the points you want to highlight and do not waste space (sometimes precious) with sentences that do not add relevant information about yourself as a future graduate student. The committee will have hundreds of SOP to go through; do not make yours boring.

The committee will know if you are an international student, and the committee members will not expect to read an essay written by Shakespeare. Be careful with your writing and avoid naive mistakes, but do not spend too much energy trying to improve your vocabulary beyond what you are comfortable working with. Avoid too many adjectives and adverbs; use short, direct sentences in an active voice. If possible, you might want to ask some friends to review your SOP. However, be careful. First, make sure your reviewers are aware of the SOP overall goal in the application process and are sufficiently proficient in written English; second, do not ask many people for feedback because it might become unfeasible to incorporate so many different suggestions in a single text. Finally, keep in mind that you know your story better than anyone else and that the SOP should bring your own perspective about yourself.

[1] Notice that this department offers two different graduate programs: a PhD program (which requires a thesis) and Professional Master’s program (which does not require a thesis). Both require an SOP as part of the application process.

[2] Contacting faculty members (potential research advisors) in advance is another important step of the application process. Review the post  here for some tips.

Acknowledgements: I am very thankful to the comments and suggestions by Igor Cunha (Queen’s University), Raíssa Dantas (University of Illinois Chicago), and Natasha Heinz (Kent State University) – all members of the Brazilian Student Association (BRASA).

About the author:  Ivan Rosa de Siqueira is originally from Rio de Janeiro, but spent most of his adult life in Brasília. He received his BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Brasília and PUC-Rio, respectively. Since 2017, Ivan has been a PhD student in the CHBE Department under Dr. Matteo Pasquali. Learn more .

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See also the MIT EECS Comm Lab’s advice on how to write a Graduate School Statement of Purpose .

Hal Abelson

I’m looking for leadership and initiative. My group has a large number of undergraduate students and I look to our grad students to be role models and leaders. Compelling application essays should talk about actual accomplishments: applications you’ve created that others are using, technical organizations you’ve started or where you play a major role. There of course needs to be a track record of academic excellence. But the centerpiece of my group is empowering people of all ages through technology, as users and creators. That passion should come through in the essay–and it’s even better if there’s a track record to point to.

Karl Berggren

An application essay provides a number of useful information points when I’m reading a candidate’s application. I’m mostly looking to see if the person can communicate clearly. Second, I’m trying to find out a bit about the person, especially their personality and motivation, and how they think about science and engineering. Finally, I’m interested in learning a bit about what circumstances have shaped the candidate’s life. This is the place where I want to know if someone has faced exceptional challenges or took advantage of a unique opportunity to do something special. Because of the importance of writing in an academic environment, I’m looking to see if there is structure to the essay, and if paragraphs are well formed. For me, the essay is really not usually the main compelling reason to admit a student, but an essay that is over the top, or is poorly written or poorly structured, sometimes puts me off a candidate who otherwise would be a possible admit.

Adam Chlipala

I think it’s useful to think of PhD applications as more like job applications than earlier educational applications. You are applying to be an apprentice researcher, and thus concrete research experience (attested to by knowledgeable supervisors in letters) is most useful to give evidence that you will succeed. Then the specifics vary by research area. I’m looking for specific technical skills and bigger-picture direction-setting skills. In my area, the former are a mix of software/hardware implementation at a decently large scale and comfort with rigorous math and logic. The latter come down to finding ways that computer systems are developed ineffectively today, and thinking up ways we could change the development tools–ideally applicants can point to cases where they were the ones driving that brainstorming, not just implementing ideas coming from supervisors. Giving some examples of project directions you want to explore is helpful both for showing that kind of initiative, and for helping potential advisors gauge fit with their own interests. However, don’t worry that anyone will hold you to working on any of the specific ideas you list!

Frédo Durand:

Mostly two things:

1/ Can the applicant think and write deeply and intelligently about state-of-the-art technical issues?

2/ What kind of technical area (very broadly speaking) are they interested in?

One challenge for applicants is that the two answers sometimes conflict: the first question requires narrowness, but you probably want to show you’re interested in a broader set of topics to maximize the number of faculty members who feel they may want to work with you. So, I usually advise students not to restrict their essay to their past research, but have a paragraph or two at the end or beginning to list the areas that appeal to them. Ideally, the letter would give me a sense of how they attack an open problem, through the example of past projects (ideally research projects).

Regarding recommendation letters, I want to read about a candidate’s potential to do research. The most insightful letters are from people who have supervised you on a research project, or on a project that involves a fair amount of independence and creativity. I find letters from people who only know a candidate in a class context less useful, unless the student has done a particularly remarkable project. Letters from mentors in industry can be useful, especially if they do or have done research. However, not all applicants (including successful ones) have three letters that are equally thorough, and it’s quite common to have 1 or 2 letters from people who really know you well from a research perspective, and 1 or 2 that are a little more superficial.

Polina Golland

The essay should focus on your interests and look to the future. Describe what problem you would like to tackle in the future and approaches you might want to take. Even if I disagree with what the applicants write, it is revealing on how they think and gets me interested. Keep the description of your (very impressive) past projects to the minimum, mention them only as support for what you want to do in the future. Your CV, other sections of the applications, and recommendation letters will talk about past projects, and it’s a pity to use your essay to rehash it again.

Piotr Indyk

For me, the most important aspect of the application is the evidence of research skills. In the ideal case, it would take the form of publications/manuscripts describing the research project(s) and results, which I can read and review. Descriptions of research projects in recommendation letters and/or the research statement are less optimal, but also OK. However, it is understandable that not all applicants have the same opportunities to pursue undergraduate research. In such cases, I try to infer from other parts of the applications, such as grades (esp. for relevant technical subjects), recommendation letters and other activities like olympiad participation. Regarding the research statement, I find it to be useful as a broad indicator of applicant research interests, but since interests of many (most?) applicants evolve, I do not put that much weight on it.

Daniel Jackson

When I think about taking on a graduate student, I ask myself: is this a good match? I want to be sure that we’ll enjoy each other’s company and be successful working together. That means you’ll be excited by the kind of work I do, and have a reason to think that working with me will be better for you than working with someone else. The students I tend to gel most with want to reconsider how we design and build software, and like to think deeply (and even a bit philosophically) about the fundamental problems. So I read the statement carefully, looking for someone who thinks clearly and creatively, knows a little bit about what I do, isn’t too distracted by technology or formalism for its own sake, and is eager to pursue big ideas. And if there’s some project you’ve done that shows some promise (especially if one of your letter writers can talk about it), so much the better.

Leslie Kaelbling

For me, the most important thing in an application is the best letter of recommendation, by a large margin. The main research letter should speak to the candidate’s creativity, independence, bravery, and ability to get things done. The other letters usually don’t matter much. I like unusual candidates, and am generally more interested in someone who has done something on their own, or in an unusual place, than someone with a lot of papers who spent four years in a very productive and prominent research group. Most essays are neither a positive nor a negative for the application. The ones I remember and value are ones that I learned something from–essays that are actually interesting to read because they have a strong or novel view or that articulate a clear vision. I also like to get the feeling that the candidate really values research intrinsically–that they are not simply applying to do a PhD because it seems like a good stepping stone to something else, or something that is highly esteemed by others. I don’t worry about a few poor grades, if they have an explanation: early in the student’s career, or during one rough semester, or as the result of exploration. I’d rather see a student with a few Bs or a C, who has taken challenging classes, than someone with a perfect GPA and completely standard undergraduate curriculum. I am completely unimpressed by a student who takes twice the normal course load—they should have been doing research!

David Karger

There are two questions that I ask when I’m looking at an application.

(1) Will this student be interested in working on the kinds of things that excite me?

And (2) do they have the independence and organization necessary to work for a laid back, disorganized advisor like me?

For the first question, I like to hear what specific problems interest you, and why. Not why you’ve loved computer science since you got your first PC at age 4, but why you consider certain specific problems important and interesting, and how you might go about trying to solve them. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have looked at some of the work my group is doing, talk about why it’s interesting to you (not just that it is), and maybe give some thoughts on where it might be interesting to take it further. But hearing your own ideas is wonderful too. You need not have solved them already, although it is great to talk about a problem you have already worked on.

The second question is specific to my advising style. I provide a lot of support and feedback to my students, but I don’t do a lot of management. So it’s important for me to know that a student will take initiative, make choices about what to work on, make decisions about designs and implementations, set their own deadlines and meet them, and come to meetings with ideas and questions to move the work forward. Just claiming this in your statement isn’t particularly meaningful, but I look for signs of it in past work (and recommendation letters).

Manolis Kellis

I’m looking to see several things:

(1) Clarity of thought: this comes through in the essay; the vision they have (for the field, how their works fits in, the broader perspective within, next steps, etc); the way they describe their accomplishments (organization, background, clarity of innovation, are they able to explain the problem, the challenge, the novelty, etc); and, of course, their grades and accomplishments.

(2) Research accomplishment: Show that they can innovate, invent, find problems, frame them, and bring things to completion, writing papers, completing projects, packaging up code, creating tools.

(3) Letters: Evidence of standing out, innovation, novelty, ability to make progress independently, yet team spirit and collaboration.

(4) Technical: Of course, their training, the rigor, the background, grades, competitions, etc.

(5) Passion: Especially for an applied field like genomics/biology/medicine, showing that they truly care about the application area, not just about the algorithms, but that they truly have sought to find something novel in the specific application area that they have chosen, and been able to interpret their results and make conclusions about the applied field.

Stefanie Mueller

For me, the most important is that the applicant can show that they have research experience in my research field. Hiring a PhD student is a 5-6 year commitment, so it is very important for me that the applicant can show me that we will produce exciting research together. When I read an application, I first check if the applicant has publications in my research field on topics related to what my research group works on. After this, I look at the recommendation letter writers and see if they come from faculty in my research field and if they talk about that the applicant can conduct research in my field. Letters from outside my research field are not very useful in determining if the applicant can do research in my area. After this, I read the statement of purpose to see if the applicant has ideas that I would also be excited to work on.

Will Oliver

When I read a graduate student applicant’s research statement, I look to obtain a picture of the student and their research interests. This includes the student’s motivations for research. Who is this person, where did they come from, what sparks their interest in science and engineering, how has that been reflected in their lives and their trajectory? I then look for examples of research experience, broadly defined. This could be an experience as an undergraduate researcher, a summer internship, or even a substantial hobby project (to name a few). I look for tangible outputs from those projects, such as a peer-reviewed publication. I then look for what the student wants to accomplish in graduate school. I appreciate a genuine exposition of intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm in describing these goals. While this approach naturally leads to some specificity in research topics, I also look for some flexibility and breadth. For example, even if the student has one top-choice topic or group, it is a good idea to articulate other (often related) areas that would also be of interest.

Al Oppenheim

A long time ago one of my graduate students asked me what I look for in choosing the students to work with. My quick and somewhat playful answer was that I have four criteria: intelligent, creative out of the box thinker, enjoyable to interact with, and coachable. From applications on paper and without personally meeting the applicant, it’s often hard to assess these and particularly the second, third, and fourth. An approximation to the first can be based somewhat on the transcript. The other three, perhaps mostly from the reference letters and personal statement and when possible personal interaction. The two areas in which applications are often weak are in the choice of references and the lack of detail in the reference letters, and in the crafting of the personal statement. In writing the personal statement I’ve typically advised potential applicants to use it as an opportunity to truly show their motivations, goals and personality, rather than trying to pattern match to what they think readers will give high marks to. If the personal statement is genuine and honest, it shows. And if it isn’t, it also shows.

Gerald Jay Sussman

The problem is that we have too many “excellent” applicants, most of whom would do fine in our graduate program. Most would do good, publishable, but incremental research. We accept plenty of those excellent people. But I am looking for the candidates that could break a paradigm and open up a new field of research.

So what I look for in an application is evidence that the candidate has an unusual perspective, perhaps in conflict with the conventional wisdom of the field. I am open to considering crackpots, but I also look for evidence of technical skill and clarity of thought and expression that separates the interesting characters from crackpots.

Additionally, the most persuasive information in an application is reference letters from previous supervisors or teachers who attest to the skill and creativity of the applicant.

George Verghese

Most of my reading of graduate folders necessarily happens at the initial stage of evaluations, when I’m looking for applicants who seem like they would thrive in, and contribute strongly to, our department or a broad research area within it. The application folders that emerge from this reading then get passed on to other faculty for more focused evaluation. So at the initial stage I am not necessarily looking for a good match to my personal research interests or style; that can come later, when I look at short-listed folders, perhaps sent my way by other faculty who think I might want to take a look.

For the initial reading, I first examine the applicant’s academic record, to be reassured that they will be able to handle at least the course work in our graduate program. A few blemishes in early years may be fine, but anything less than a strong overall academic record is likely to be a non-starter (though I will read quickly all the way through the application, feeling I owe at least that much to a hopeful applicant who has paid their application fee!).

I then look for tangible, documented outcomes of activities that go beyond standard academic efforts, whether unusual and independent projects (not standard lab projects in a class), or in research or internships. An important part of the substantiation is in the letters of reference, which have to reflect genuine, specific, modulated knowledge of the applicant and their work, and corresponding enthusiasm. A letter that sounds generic, though filled with superlatives and rating the candidate as Truly Exceptional, will not count for much. I want to know that the letter writers see stellar achievement (in academics and beyond) and potential, based on the specifics of their interaction with and knowledge of the applicant.

Finally, I turn to the student’s statement to get a sense of their voice, how they see and present themselves and their accomplishments, and what they’re looking to find in/with their graduate work. A well-crafted statement that comes across as mature, genuine, and reasonably aware of the field in which they hope to concentrate counts for a lot.

Ryan Williams

When reading a grad school application, I focus on several things. The first (obvious) thing is whether my interests align well with the applicant. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the applicant is working on the same exact problems as me; it means that I try to understand their taste in problems and topics, and how this fits with what we study in my research group. Another important thing is independence (in research, thought, etc): we get many applications from many talented students from all over the world, but we don’t see too many who showed a significant degree of independence in their thought and behavior, different from those around them (including their mentors). This can come out in the statement of purpose, but often more so in the letters. “Independence” can have various interpretations, and I’m deliberately leaving the term somewhat vague, because I think any of those interpretations can be important. Another important thing is the quality of their communication, especially their writing. I always read the statements of purpose carefully, as well as any writing samples the applicant has provided. Of course, letters of recommendation which attest to all of these qualities are also very helpful.

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Ph.D. Applications: Frequently Asked Questions

You are here, application rules and requirements, what is the application submission deadline.

For fall 2025, the CS PhD application deadline is December 15.  All application materials should be submitted by December 15th.

How should I submit my application?

In order to apply to the Field of Computer Science, you will be required to submit your application online. The Field of Computer Science does not mail out hard copy applications. Please do not send any applicatin materials; this will only delay processing your application.

What name should I use on my application?

Please make every effort to use the same name that is on your passport for your TOEFL or IELTS exam, as well as your application. Names that do not match delay processing of your application as scores need to be manually found in the reports sent from ETS and matched to your application.

What is a statement of purpose, and how do you use it?

For Cornell, the statement of purpose is one of the main criteria used to decide admissions, along with grades, papers or other accomplishments, and the reference letters.  Your statement of purpose tells us about you and your interests, and also helps us understand why you believe that the areas you list (some people just list one, some list several) are important opportunity areas for future research.  Some students are focused on working on one question with one person; others really haven't decided what they would want to work on or with whom, but do have a passion for research and use the statement to talk about experiences that have led them to decide that a PhD is the right step.  The statement of purpose is your way to communicate this information to us.  Each person is an individual, and we can't know you as an individual just from lists of classes you have taken and grades in them.  The statement of purpose shapes our perception of you as a scholar and researcher.

Some things to keep in mind: First, we really do read these carefully, so write the statement thoughtfully.  We also tend to believe what you tell us: if you say that you want to work on the unique games conjecture (an open theory question), or on new algorithms for rapidly training DNNs, we will make sure your application is seen by people who work on those topics.  We wouldn't want to admit a person who was very focused on one opportunity, only to realize that none of our faculty actually work on that question!  Conversely, if you tell us you want to work in machine learning, but actually had in mind the new platforms and programming languages emerging to support ML, we would route your folder to the wrong people.  So it really helps to write in a clear, fairly scientific way (more like a research paper than like a letter to a close friend).  Finally, keep in mind that we are Cornell, and this is a statement about your interest in being a student here: we will use the statement to assess your fit with our department.  Knowledge of the relevant faculty and what they are working on really helps.

Most statements are two to three pages in length, and some include references, although this is definitely not required.  We receive a lot of applicantions and would prefer that you not exceed three pages.  

What is a personal statement and why is one required?

Your Personal Statement should provide the admissions committee with a sense of you as a whole person, and you should use it to describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insights into your potential to contribute to Cornell University’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. Within your Personal Statement, you may also share details on lessons learned from any of your lived experiences including but not limited to

• being a first-generation college student or graduate (no parent/guardian completed a baccalaureate degree)
• racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background(s)
• managing a disability or chronic health condition
• experiencing housing, food, economic, and/or other forms of significant insecurity
• being a solo parent
• gender identity and/or sexual orientation 
• having served in the military
• holding DACA, refugee, TPS, or asylee status

Your Personal Statement provides you with an opportunity to share experiences that provide insights on how your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. It also gives you an opportunity to provide examples of how you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive collaborative endeavors. Additionally, it is a place, where if necessary, you can (and should) address any blemishes, gaps, or weaknesses in your academic record. In these situations, you will want to be honest, but brief. It is best to turn negatives into positives by focusing on how you overcame obstacles, remained persistent in the pursuit of your goals, and showed resilience. Share what you learned from the particular experience, and how it led you to become a better researcher/scholar/person, etc.

Content in the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content contained within the Academic Statement of Purpose, which should focus explicitly on your academic interests, previous research and/or relevant professional experience, and intended area of academic focus during your graduate studies.

Diversity Fellowships?

A diveristy fellowship is a special form of financial support and is not required for PhD studies: we always provide support for all our students, while they remain in good standing.  But we do have some fellowships specifically for diversity students, offering one or two years of support during which you would not be asked to assist as a TA. 

To be considered for a diversity fellowship, first, you would then check a box saying that you wish to be considered for a diversity fellowship.  We will use your personal statement to decide which of the diversity fellowships you could be eligible for.  Beyond this, ithe essay will help the committee members understand your experiences, and to see how your strengths will enrich Cornell with respect to its diversity mission.

Is there any way to get feedback on my application before I submit it?

Starting in 2020, the Cornell CS Student-Applicant Support Program aims to assist underrepresented students as they apply to Cornell’s CS PhD program.  Subject to capacity limits, a graduate student volunteer may: (1) Talk to applicants (via Zoom) for 30 minutes about the application process and their experience (as well as answer any preliminary questions that the applicant may have) (2) Subsequently, provide one round of meaningful feedback on an applicant’s resume and statement of purpose (capacity limited). Participation in the Student-Applicant Support Program does not guarantee admission and our capacity for applications is limited. To participate in the Student-Applicant Support Program, here are the relevant deadlines: (1) Please fill out this form by 11:59PM EST, Oct 6 2023. (2) Your application material needs to be submitted by 11:59PM EST on November 3, 2023. (The relevant form will be shared later.) Note: Information will be aggregated and anonymized to evaluate the impact of this program, but individual responses will be deleted at the end of this application cycle. All demographics questions are optional.

Can I apply for Spring admission?  Could I defer?

We do not accept applications for admission in the spring semester. We only accept applications for consideration for fall admission.  Some admitted students do defer and start later than in the subsequent fall, but this is not automatic -- you would need to discuss this with the Associate Director of our graduate field and get approval.

What are the minimum requirements for all CS applicants?

Please see review the Graduate School Policy for Language requirements and waiver process.

Concentrations &. Specialties

Within each concentration we offer multiple specialties (noted below). On your application, please note area of concentration you are interested in, as well as the specialties that best match your interests.

• Artificial Intelligence : Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Robotics, Human-Computer Interaction, Information Retrieval, Natural Language Processing, Knowledge Representation and Reasoning.
• Programming Languages and Logics : Programming Methodology, Programming Environments, Program Logic and Verification, Automated Reasoning, Compilers, Type Theory and Program Analysis, Programming Language Design
• Scientific Computing and Applications : Scientific Computing, Computer Graphics, Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
• Systems : Operating Systems, Softeware Engineering, Fault Tolerance, Distributed Systems, Systems for AI/ML, Blockchain, Security,  Database Systems, Machine Architecture, Networks, Parallel Computing, IoT and Applications
• Theory and Computation : Algorithms, Complexity Theory, Cryptography

Which degree program should I select on the application form?

Regardless of if you will have earned either a Bachelor's or a Master's degree, you should be applying directly to our PhD Program.  At Cornell, PhD students receive an MS degree midway through their studies, when they take and pass the A exam (the exam we use to approve your doctoral thesis proposal).  Thus, a successful Cornell PhD student is in the PhD program from day one, but will graduate with an MS and a PhD.

We also run a separate program that is for students who are only pursuing an MS degree.  Although it is feasible to later transfer from the pure MS program into the MS/PhD program, we prefer that students who plan to obtain a PhD apply directly to our PhD program.

"Who I've been in contact with at Cornell"?

On this line, we find it helpful if you could list Cornell faculty you are interested in working with in this field, even if you have not been in direct dialog with those faculty members .  It is not necessary to discuss your application with our faculty members before you apply, although it is not harmful to do so.

When Are Recommendations Due?

Recommendation's should be submitted by December 15.

Items to accompany application submission

What items should be submitted along with my application.

All CS applicants are required to submit each of the following items.

You may upload a scanned copy of your transcript into the CollegeNet Online Application System. Please use the following guidelines to do so:

• Application: You are strongly encouraged to apply online.
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement.  This may be as short as a single sentence, or it could be a longer discussion intended to be considered in light of Cornell's diversity mission and diversity fellowships (see above).
• Cornell CS is "GRE free", meaning that we do not use the GRE in our admissions decisions and do not offer you a way to upload a GRE score.
• TOEFL/IELTS scores. ALL international applicants are required to submit a either TOEFL or IELTS (TOEFL scores must be officially submitted by ETS, photocopies are not acceptable). 
• Scan at the lowest dpi document (use under 200 dpi whenever possible)
• Ensure that the institution name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process, and that it is clearly legible and can print on 8 1/2" x 11" size paper.
• Save your document as a PDF file.
• Scanning in gray scale or black and white may produce the best results.
• If you upload a scanned copy of your transcript, you do NOT have to provide an official hard copy version to accompany your application. You will only need to provide an official hard copy transcript if you are made an offer of admission and you choose to accept it.
• Recommendation Letters: a minimum of three (3) letters are to be submitted, with at least two (2) of them from faculty. Please have your recommenders use the on-line application system.
• Resume or CV: you can upload your CV to the suplimental materials section in the online application system.

DO NOT submit copies of papers, publications, projects, CD-roms, floppy discs, books, etc. If you have materials that you would like to have our faculty review, please post them online and include a link to them in your Statement of Purpose.

GRE/TOEFL/IELTS

Cornell CS made a decision to go GRE-free starting with applications in fall of 2021.  Our reasons for this center on two concerns.  First and foremost, we believe the GRE is not well correlated with research success.  As such, your GRE score tells us how you performed on the exam, but does not predict your performance as a PhD student.  And second, due to Covid, taking the GRE (which was already expensive and stressful) also became a Covid exposure risk.  

In contrast, foreign students who are not native English speakers do need to demonstrate language proficiency, because we feel that TOEFL and IELTS exams both do a good job of confirming that you are prepared to attend courses and seminars in English, able to teach and give presentations, and will be ready to function in an English-only environment.

Please make every effort to use the same name that is on your passport for your IELTS or TOEFL exam score as well as your application. Names that do not match delay processing of your application as scores need to be manually found in the reports sent from ETS and matched to your application. Please also ensure that your birthdate matches each record.

What do i need to know about the english language proficiency requirement.

• As an international applicant, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. (See exceptions.)
• Cornell must receive official TOEFL or IELTS scores before the university can process your application.

The IELTS score must be dated within two years of your program’s application deadline. Scores must be delivered electronically through the IELTS E-Delivery service to the Cornell University Graduate Admissions e-download account.

• TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid only if dated within two years of your program's application deadline.

Where should I submit my IELTS/TOEFL scores?

Your scores will be submitted directly to Cornell University, not to the Field of Computer Science.

What code(s) should I use to submit my IELTS/TOEFL scores?

TOEFL - You need to use the Institutional Code of 2098 for Cornell

I've taken the TOEFL/IELTS more than once. Which set of scores will be reviewed?

The Field of Computer Science will receive all of your scores.

If I've already taken the TOEFL/IELTS, how long are my test scores valid?

TOEFL/IELTS scores are valid for up to two (2) years from the original test date. In order to ensure your scores are both valid and up to date, contact ETS directly.

I'm an International Applicant. Do I have to submit an IELTS or TOEFL score with my application?

Please review the Graduate School's page on English Language Proficiency Requirement  .

What is the deadline for submission of TOEFL/IELTS scores?

All official IELTS/TOEFL scores must be submitted by December 15. It is the responsibility of the APPLICANT to ensure that official scores are submitted by the deadline date. Be sure to self-report all available scores on your application and have the official scores sent immediately by ETS!

Available Funding Opportunities for Applicants

What types of funding are available for applicants.

There are three types of funding available that are awarded to our best applicants. Each of them include a full tuition waiver, an academic year stipend and a Student Health Insurance package provided through the University. We are actively recruiting students from Under-Represented Minority groups, and some generous donors have provided special funding to assist us in this effort.

Fellowships: Generally, our fellowship offers will be made to our very best applicants and for the most part last only one (1) year. Stipends for fellowships tend to be slightly higher for the first year only. Applicants who are awarded fellowships enter the program without any formal obligations such as teaching or research for a specific group.

Diversity Fellowships: Computer Science offers several Diversity Fellowships and encourages our applicants to apply for them, if they qualify (US Citizens or Permanent Residents only). Included are the Colman Fellowship and a Diversity Fellowship. Each of these funding opportunities is geared towards providing aid for applicants that meet the following criteria:

• A history of overcoming disadvantage
• First-generation college student
• Raised in a single-parent household
• Member of an underrepresented minority group (American Indian or Alaskan Native, Black/African American, Mexican American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Puerto Rican, Other Hispanic)

If you meet the criteria listed above, we would encourage you to submit a supplemental essay in your online application that clearly demonstrates how any of these eligibility criteria apply in your case. Please be sure to include at least a sentence or two at the conclusion of your Statement of Purpose that you have submitted this essay and that you hope to be considered for this Fellowship opportunity.

Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA): A RA is given to a student whose research interests coincide with a sponsored research project. Typically, the work of a Research Assistant is an integral part of his/her dissertation research. The faculty member in charge of the project grants a RA. RAs are generally given to continuing, rather than incoming, students

Teaching Assistantship (TA): TA offers come directly from the CS department. Each TA is assigned to a course with an average time commitment of 15 hours per week helping the course instructor. TA assignments typically involve grading homework, holding office hours, preparing assignments, or teaching recitations.

How do Ph.D. admissions really work behind the scenes?

Admissions decisions at Cornell (and, incidentally, other top-5 schools) are made by a committee. The committee admits students into the department; the department guarantees funding and provides a stipend; the students typically spend a year or so taking classes; and eventually the students gravitate towards different advisors. Committee-based admissions give you maximum flexibility as a student: you can switch areas and advisors if you need to. It also ensures that everyone around you has been subject to the same standards, ensuring that your peers are as equally bright and well-versed in computer science as you are.

At some schools, individual faculty will make their decisions independently and admit students specifically to their group. A student showing up at such a school is expected to work with the professor who admitted him/her. This is not what we do at Cornell for many reasons. Committee-based admissions, as we do at Cornell, fosters an open, collaborative environment of equally matched peers.  Our approach ensures that every student will have time to meet all the faculty in their areas of interest before making any committment.

What does the admissions committee look for in a candidate?

The admissions committee does not apply a magic formula. The committee evaluates the entire application packet. Every item that is a required part of the packet is examined carefully. A weakness in one area (say, GPA) can be compensated by demonstrated strength in another (say, real implementation experience, or research publications, or recommendation letters). The department posts the minimum required criteria for all graduate applicants. If your scores are below these levels, your application will not be considered.

Can you tell me my chances of being admitted to Cornell if I send you my CV?

No one can tell any prospective student's chances of admission from just a resume. Your recommendation letters, your scores on standardized tests, and all the other items that go into the full application packet are required for a good reason.  Some students who ask this question are doing so out of concerns about the cost of applying to Cornell.  See this link to learn about fee waivers that can be requested in the application cost represents a burden for you.

My application has some weakness (E.g., a C- in a core CS course, or even all F's in a semester where you became sick and were unable to complete your courses). Do I still have a chance?

You can compensate for a weakness in one area through demonstrated strength in another. Every application that satisfies the minimum required criteria receives full consideration. The committee consists of actual human beings who take extenuating circumstances into account. If your packet satisfies the minimum required criteria (if you are applying from a non-US school, check the criteria carefully), you should just apply.

You can explain the problem if you feel very anxious, 

Whom should I contact if I have further questions about the Cornell Ph.D. program that are not answered here?

The Graduate Office can be contacted at [email protected] .

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How to search for Harvard dissertations

• DASH , Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard, is the university's central, open-access repository for the scholarly output of faculty and the broader research community at Harvard.  Most Ph.D. dissertations submitted from  March 2012 forward  are available online in DASH.
• Check HOLLIS, the Library Catalog, and refine your results by using the   Advanced Search   and limiting Resource  Type   to Dissertations
• Search the database  ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Don't hesitate to  Ask a Librarian  for assistance.

How to search for Non-Harvard dissertations

Library Database:

• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global

Free Resources:

• Many  universities  provide full-text access to their dissertations via a digital repository.  If you know the title of a particular dissertation or thesis, try doing a Google search.  

Related Sites

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• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
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The Statement of Purpose is an important part of the online application and is given careful consideration in the selection process. Be concise and specific in preparing your statement: give information that will aid the selection committee in evaluating your potential for completing a graduate program of study at UC San Diego. Check the  department directory listing  for specific content requirements. Content

Focus your Statement of Purpose on the reasons you are interested in attending a specific graduate program at UCSD. Check the department requirements for the Statement of Purpose. The statement should be well organized, concise, and completely free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Before submitting the statement, seek constructive comments and criticism from friends and advisors.

Five primary topics to cover in your statement of purpose:

• How did you become interested in this field? Establish that you have had a long-term interest in the field and that you have taken positive steps in pursuing your interest. Give the committee members a sense of your particular talents and abilities and their relevance to your academic interests.
• What experiences have contributed toward your preparation for further study in this field? Demonstrate your interest by providing examples of research experiences, internships, work experience, community service, publications, or life experiences. Briefly describe what you did in each experience. Also, make sure to articulate what you have learned about the field and how those lessons stimulated you to pursue an advanced degree.
• What are your future goals? Specifically state your degree objective (Master's or Ph.D.) and specify what subdisciplines you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you are applying in political science, the committee needs to know whether you are pursuing American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Political Theory. Let the reader know that you are planning a future career as a university professor, researcher, or consultant, or in public service or private practice (or whatever your goal happens to be).
• What are your research interests? Within your subdiscipline, you should be able to identify one or two topics that are of interest to you. When possible, be specific about your research agenda. Remember that you will be working with professors in research; therefore, your research interests should parallel those of the faculty. (You will usually not be expected to know exactly what you want to research; faculty know that initial interests often change.)
• How are you a "match" for the program to which you are applying? Explain what attracts you most to the institution/program to which you are applying. Align your research interests with those of one or more of the affiliated professors. The better the "match" with the program/professors, the better the chance that you will be admitted.

Other factors to weave in (remember these are secondary factors):

• Give examples of personal attributes or qualities that would help you complete graduate study successfully.
• Describe your determination to achieve your goals, your initiative and ability to develop ideas, and your ability to work independently.
• Describe background characteristics that may have placed you at an educational disadvantage (English language learner, family economic history, lack of educational opportunity, disability, etc.).
• Leave the reader believing that you are prepared for advanced academic work and will be successful in graduate school.
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Ph.D. in Computer Science

Please visit the UVA Graduate Record webpage for Ph.D. degree requirements. 

Application Requirements

Computer science background requirements.

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
• 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 are optional. 

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! Contact via email,  [email protected] , 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.). 

It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 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.

Application Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• 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.

Financial Aid / Tuition 

Occasionally, the school of Engineering offers Master Fellowships. More information can be found on the Engineering Cost Aid webpage: https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-admissions/cost-aid , and you can learn more about UVA Fellowships here: https://citizenscholars.virginia.edu/fellowships  

PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.  

You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school. 

CS Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i apply.

Please visit this Web page to apply.

When is the application deadline?

See details in the section above (Admissions).

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

Visit this UVA Engineering FAQ page for details on the cost to apply, and learn if your fee can be waived.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

International students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University of Virginia. The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all applicants if the language first learned and spoken in the home is not English, and they are not permanent residents. However, TOEFL/IELTS is not required if the applicant has received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.). (If the applicant has a 4-year degree from a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is still required.) It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 

I scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Can I still apply?

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90/ IELTS score of 6.5.

Where do I send my GRE and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores?

The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820. The code for TOEFL is  B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.

I'm taking TOEFL/IELTS or GRE after your deadline (Dec 15). If I apply will these scores make it into my application and be seen by the admissions committee?

We will start evaluating applications soon after the Dec 15 deadline. Applicants should submit the most complete application they can, based on the information they have at the time (e.g., current test scores, even if new test scores are anticipated).Those applications that are complete will be considered first. We will continue to evaluate applications into early next year, until we have completed our offers. As we are reviewing applications, we will certainly consider updated scores as the arrive at the University of Virginia. There is no need to email us to tell us that new scores are being sent.

Should I mail or should I upload my materials with my application?

We strongly discourage applicants from mailing in any items that can be uploaded to avoid delays in your application review, and we ask that you not send duplicate copies of previously uploaded documents. If you still need to mail documents to our office, please send them to: For US Postal: Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions P.O. Box 401103 Charlottesville, VA 22904 For UPS/FEDEX:      Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions      1001 Emmet Street North      Room 209B Carruthers Hall      Charlottesville, VA 22903

I’ve submitted my application and all supporting materials. Why does my application status still show as incomplete?

We will fully review your application with unofficial test scores and unofficial transcripts. Your application will only show as "complete" when your application has been submitted, your official scores and transcripts have been received and all three letters of recommendations have been received. An application is complete for review with unofficial transcripts and self-reported scores, though the checklist will still show incomplete. Please note that all official transcripts are received in our main admissions office and scanned or entered into our system manually. If you feel that your materials should have been received by now, but are NOT showing up when you login to your account, please note that the Graduate Admissions Office processes a very large number of applications and it may take longer than expected for your documents/information to appear online (in your account). It is very likely that your materials have been received, but have not been loaded into our application system yet.

If I email you my information (e.g., GPA, GRE scores, etc.) before I apply, can you tell me the chance of being accepted?

The graduate admissions committee considers many factors in an application, including more than just GPA and test scores. In particular, letters of reference and your personal statement are extremely important. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide any information before the committee considers your full application.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to [email protected]. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions [email protected] 434-243-0209

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

PhD Program

In many ways, the PhD program is the cornerstone of Computer Science at Boston University.  Our PhD students serve some of the most central roles of our department, from pursuing sponsored research together with supervising faculty members as Research Assistants, to serving as Teaching Fellows in support of our undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

Pursuing the PhD degree enables you to become an expert in a technical subfield of Computer Science and advance the state of the art by contributing original research in that discipline. Most PhD students also gain practical experience in the classroom, as well as, becoming a visible member of the research community by publishing research and delivering oral presentations at conferences and research seminars.

Upon completing your PhD degree, you will be able to set your own research direction, teach and advise students, and work at the forefront of cutting-edge research in academia or at an industrial laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

• Produce and defend original research in the field of Computer Science.
• Master broad knowledge of Computer Science across algorithms, software, systems, theory of computation, and in one of the areas of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, cryptography & security, and data science .
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a particular subject area within Computer Science.
• Actively participate in the Computer Science research community, for example by attending academic conferences and submitting research results for publication in professional conferences and journals.
• Be able to effectively communicate the results of research.

We invite you to learn more about our program through the links below.

PhD Program Information

• Program Milestones
• Breadth Requirements
• Subject Exams
• Specimen Curriculum

Fellowships & Awards

• Computer Science Fellowship Opportunities
• Research Excellence Award
• Teaching Excellence Award
• Teaching Fellow Expectations

More Information

• PhD in Computer Science – Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Bulletin
• Graduate School of the College of Arts and Sciences (GRS) PhD Requirements
• Graduation Calendar
• PhD Profile for Computer Science

Apply Today

To apply to the Ph.D. program, please fill out an online application .

Deadline: December 15 for Fall admission.

With questions about admissions, please contact us at [email protected] .

CS PhD Course Guidelines

The following program guidelines (a.k.a model pogram) serve as a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest.   This description of the Computer Science PhD course guidelines augments the school-wide  PhD course requirements .   Students should make themselves familiar with both.

Course Guidelines for Ph.D. Students in Computer Science

We expect students to obtain broad knowledge of computer science by taking graduate level courses in a variety of sub-areas in computer science, such as systems, networking, databases, algorithms, complexity, hardware, human-computer interaction, graphics, or programming languages.

Within our school, CS courses are roughly organized according to sub-area by their middle digit, so we expect students to take courses in a minimum of three distinct sub-areas, one of which should be theory (denoted by the middle digit of 2, or CS 231). Theory is specifically required as we expect all students to obtain some background in the mathematical foundations that underlie computer science. The intention is not only to give breadth to students, but to ensure cross-fertilization across different sub-disciplines in Computer Science.

Just as we expect all students obtaining a Ph.D. to have experience with the theoretical foundations of computer science, we expect all students to have some knowledge of how to build large software or hardware systems , on the order of thousands of lines of code, or the equivalent complexity in hardware. That experience may be evidenced by coursework or by a project submitted to the CHD for examination. In almost all cases a course numbered CS 26x or CS 24x will satisfy the requirement (exceptions will be noted in the course description on my.harvard). Students may also petition to use CS 161 for this requirement.   For projects in other courses, research projects, or projects done in internships the student is expected to write a note explaining the project, include a link to any relevant artifacts or outcomes, describe the student's individual contribution, and where appropriate obtain a note from their advisor, their class instructor, or their supervisors confirming their contributions.  The project must include learning about systems concepts, and not just writing many lines of code.   Students hoping to invoke the non-CS24x/26x/161 option must consult with  Prof. Mickens ,  Prof, Kung,  or  Prof. Idreos  well in advance of submitting their Program Plan to the CHD.  

Computer science is an applied science, with connections to many fields. Learning about and connecting computer science to other fields is a key part of an advanced education in computer science. These connections may introduce relevant background, or they may provide an outlet for developing new applications.

For example, mathematics courses may be appropriate for someone working in theory, linguistics courses may be appropriate for someone working in computational linguistics, economics courses may be appropriate for those working in algorithmic economics, electrical engineering courses may be appropriate for those working in circuit design, and design courses may be appropriate for someone working in user interfaces.

Requirements

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) requires all Ph.D. students to complete 16 half-courses (“courses”, i.e., for 4 units of credit) to complete their degree. Of those 16 courses, a Ph.D. in Computer Science requires 10 letter-graded courses. (The remaining 6 courses are often 300-level research courses or other undergraduate or graduate coursework beyond the 10 required courses.)

The requirements for the 10 letter-graded courses are as follows:

• Of the 7 technical courses, at least 3 must be 200-level Computer Science courses, with 3 different middle digits (from the set 2,3,4,5,6,7,8), and with one of these three courses either having a middle digit of 2 or being CS 231 (i.e., a “theory” course).   Note that CS courses with a middle digit of 0 are valid technical courses, but do not contribute to the breadth requirement.
• At least 5 of the 8 disciplinary courses must be SEAS or SEAS-equivalent 200-level courses. A “SEAS equivalent” course is a course taught by a SEAS faculty member in another FAS department. 
• For any MIT course taken, the student must provide justification why the MIT course is necessary (i.e. SEAS does not offer the topic, the SEAS course has not been offered in recent years, etc.). MIT courses do not count as part of the 5 200-level SEAS/SEAS-equivalent courses. 
• 2 of the 10 courses must constitute an external minor (referred to as "breadth" courses in the SEAS “ Policies of the Committee on Higher Degrees [CHD] ”) in an area outside of computer science. These courses should be clearly related; generally, this will mean the two courses are in the same discipline, although this is not mandatory. These courses must be distinct from the 8 disciplinary courses referenced above.
• Students must demonstrate practical competence by building a large software or hardware system during the course of their graduate studies. This requirement will generally be met through a class project, but it can also be met through work done in the course of a summer internship, or in the course of research.
• In particular, for Computer Science graduate degrees, Applied Computation courses may be counted as 100-level courses, not 200-level courses.
• Up to 2 of the 10 courses can be 299r courses, but only 1 of the up to 2 allowed 299r courses can count toward the 8 disciplinary courses. 299r courses do not count toward the 5 200-level SEAS/SEAS-equivalent courses. If two 299r’s are taken, they can be with the same faculty but the topics must be sufficiently different.
• A maximum of 3 graduate-level transfer classes are allowed to count towards the 10 course requirement.
• All CS Ph.D. program plans must adhere to the SEAS-wide Ph.D. requirements, which are stated in the SEAS Policies of the Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD) . These SEAS-wide requirements are included in the items listed above, though students are encouraged to read the CHD document if there are questions, as the CHD document provides further explanation/detail on several of the items above.
• All program plans must be approved by the CHD. Exceptions to any of these requirements require a detailed written explanation of the reasoning for the exception from the student and the student’s research advisor. Exceptions can only be approved by the CHD, and generally exceptions will only be given for unusual circumstances specific to the student’s research program.

Requirement Notes

• Courses below the 100-level are not suitable for graduate credit.
• For students who were required to take it, CS 2091/2092 (formerly CS 290a/b or 290hfa/hfb may be included as one of the 10 courses but it does not count toward the 200-level CS or SEAS/SEAS-equivalent course requirements nor toward the SM en route to the PhD.

Your program plan  must always comply  with both our school's General Requirements, in addition to complying with the specific requirements for Computer Science. All program plans must be approved by the Committee on Higher Degrees [CHD]. Exceptions to the requirements can only be approved by the CHD, and generally will only be given for unusual circumstances specific to the student’s research program

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CS MS Applicants

Admission to the CS MS program is coordinated by the Emory Laney Graduate School.

Students who are admitted to the Masters in Computer Science (MS) program, whether from the US or international, are eligible to receive a 50% tuition scholarship for two years, assuming satisfactory progress through the program. There are no teaching assistantships available for MS programs.

Our CS MS program is technical in nature, where programming-based homework and projects are expected in almost every course. Additionally, a real-world practicum (typically, as a software engineer intern) is required, to be completed during or after the Summer after the first year in the MS program. Placement and career support is offered to assist with internship placements.

Minimal requirements for admission to the MS program:

• * Java (or C++), C recommended * While Python is popular, we prefer that you also have knowledge of a general purpose programming language above.
• Knowledge in Data Structure and Algorithms comparable to Emory's CS 253 course. The syllabus of CS 253 can be found here , with extensive lecture notes. You can test your knowledge with the homework on this web page.
• Combined TOEFL score of at least 85 (90 recommended). TOEFL iBT "Special Home Edition", TOEFL ITP Plus, IETLS, Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are acceptable.

In exceptional cases, a student not satisfying one of the minimal requirements above may still be admitted, with the expectation of doing "remedial" work prior or during their first semester, to catch up on the requirements before enrolling in standard CS graduate courses.

Applying to the Emory CSI graduate programs (M.S.)

The application process for our CS MS programs involves the following steps.

• Transcripts : Required. We will need copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, including your current one. They must be in English. and issued by the registrar's at your university. We do not require official transcripts (issued by the registrar's at your university) as part of the application process, only if and when you are offered and accept admission.
• GRE scores : Required. We will need your official GRE general exam score to be sent to us (institution code 5187). We will consider an unofficial score for initial admission consideration, but an official score score is required before enrollment.
• TOEFL scores : Required. For Internet-based TOEFL test, a minimum total score of 85 is required (90 recommended), and for the paper-based TOEFL test, a total score of 600 is required. For IELTS, 7 is the minimum score for admission. IETLS, Duolingo or Pearson Test of English (PTE) scores are acceptable. This requirement can be waived for applicants who have earned an undergraduate degree, or a 2+ year MS degree, in a country where English is the primary language.
• Statement of purpose : Preferred but not required. Write candidly about why you want to pursue a MS in computer science, what kind of background you have, what you intend to focus on in your studies and how you plan to use the research experience in your longer-term plan.
• Curriculum Vitae : Required. Provide a document listing relevant experiences and accomplishments, such as internships, awards and research experiences, that you believe will strengthen your application.
• Recommendation letters:  Required. We require three professionals with knowledge about your academic performance to write letters that evaluate your research potential and your teaching experience. Your application cannot be processed before we have received these letters.
• Application fee : The application fee is $75. The fee can be paid by credit card as part of the online application. The fee can also be paid by electronic check. Please be aware that this payment option adds several days of processing time before we receive the application. Applicants experiencing financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver.

Application deadlines

• MS program. The deadline for applying to our CS MS program for possible Fall admission is March 1 of that year (e.g. for Fall 2025 admissions, the deadline is March 1, 2025).
• Please note we DO NOT offer Spring semester admissions for CS MS programs

Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Program Coordinator with questions about the application process.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Graduate (CS MS)

More From Forbes

College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Current Issue

June 2024 vol 129 | issue 2.

Check out the AHR 's June issue, with articles that rethink approaches to global, environmental, and intellectual history, History Lab pieces that focus on digital history and modes of public-making, and #AHRSyllabus modules that explore state standards in the classroom and teaching with an AHR article. Members can access the issue online through the link under AHA Publications on MYAHA .

Recent Articles

"chivalry without women: the way of the samurai and swinton’s world history in 1890s japan".

By Sarah Thal

"Gulistan in Black and White: The Racial and Gendered Legacies of Slavery in Nineteenth-Century Qajar Iran"

By Leila Pourtavaf

“Late Acceleration: The Indian Emergency and the Early 1970s Energy Crisis”

By Elizabeth Chatterjee

About the AHR

The  American Historical Review  ( AHR ) has served as the journal of record for the historical discipline in the United States since 1895. It is the leading global forum for new scholarship in every major field of historical study across time and space. The  AHR  publishes field transforming articles and contributions that reimagine historical practice and teaching. From traditional articles to innovative digital media, we welcome submissions that spark scholarly conversations.

History Lab

The AHR History Lab is a new, experimental space in the middle of the journal featuring collective projects that seek to reimagine how we approach historical practice in terms of content, form, and method.

How to Submit

Find information on article and digital media submissions and proposals for the AHR History Lab and #AHRSyllabus project.

History in Focus Podcast

Take a deeper dive into historical content and practice, highlighting the work of historians and other scholars who work in and outside of the academy.

Environmental Crisis and Recovery

Collaborative history + revisiting marion thompson wright, #ahrsyllabus.

The #AHRSyllabus is a collaborative project designed to help teachers and students look "under the hood" at how historians in the early 21st century do the work of history. Each contribution to the syllabus features a practical hands-on teaching module that foregrounds innovative uses of historical method in the classroom.

The American Historical Review publishes approximately 650 reviews annually, aiming to represent all fields of historical scholarship. Click here to learn more about our reviews process, read our FAQ, and submit your information for our reviewer database.

Past AHR Issues

Access past issues of the AHR , the journal of record for the historical discipline since 1895. The AHR publishes field transforming articles and contributions that reimagine historical practice and teaching. In its second century of continuous publication, the  AHR  strives to be the leading forum for new historical research, while meeting the challenges of an ever-evolving digital age and an ever-expanding global community of scholars.

Special Issues

The  AHR  occasionally publishes special issues. More information about upcoming special issues coming soon.

History Unclassified

Essays that highlight archival stories, off-beat discoveries, unexpected connections with other fields, as well as historians’ research experiences and their connection to the authors’ lives and stories.

Perspectives on History

The newsmagazine of the American Historical Association.

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Visit the OUP's website for information on advertising in the AHR .

Calls for Opportunities Calendar

Find upcoming calls for papers, conference proposals, and other activities.

Message To Our Members

AHA Members: To access the full text of articles, start at www.historians.org/myaha.

• Login with your email address and password.
• On the MY AHA page, scroll down in the white part of the page until you see the section AHA Publications on the left side.
• Click the link under that for American Historical Review at Oxford University Press.
• Next, click Continue to American Historical Review .
• On the Oxford site at https://academic.oup.com , you'll see a circle at the top right.
• Click on that and see Signed in as Institutional Account AHA Member Access.
• As long as you see those words you're logged in and can access all versions of the AHR articles.

Join the AHA

The AHA brings together historians from all specializations and all work contexts, embracing the breadth and variety of activity in history today.