Graduate Student Application Checklist
Application Deadlines:

Fall Admission Spring Admission
Admission Only June 1* November 1*
Financial Assistance February 1** October 1**

* These dates may not allow enough time for an international applicant to receive a visa.
** For full consideration, you should meet these deadlines. Late applications will be considered if financial support is still available.

Before we can consider your application for graduate study in the Computer Science Department, we must receive the following items:
  • Statement of Purpose: The statement should describe your motivation for pursuing graduate work in computer science. Include any areas of research interest and/or the name(s) of faculty members whose research is of interest to you. Also describe any research or teaching experience you have. You may submit a paper copy, include it in the Online Application, or send it as an email attachment to gradinfo@cs.colostate.edu.
  • Three letters of recommendation, and completed recommendation forms. The form is available in PDF here.
  • Official transcripts of all prior post-secondary academic work.
  • Official GRE General Test scores, reported by ETS (institution code: R4075). The GRE is not required for application to the online MCS program.
  • A check or money order for $50.00 payable to "Colorado State University."
  • Official TOEFL scores, reported by ETS (institution code: 4075).

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

    The minimum score for applicants to our on-campus degree programs is 580 (237 on the computer-based test).

    The minimum score for applicants to our online MCS program is 550 (213 on the computer-based test). The TOEFL may be waived for online MCS applicants who have been working in the USA for several years. Contact gradinfo@cs.colostate.edu for details.
  • The Test of Spoken English (TSE) is recommended for international students under consideration for teaching assistantship positions. Such applicants should have a TSE score of at least 50.
  • Any materials that cannot be submitted online should be sent to the Computer Science Department (including the application fee). Sending documents to any other office at CSU can cause significant delays in processing your application. You may find directions on various documents recommending that some materials be sent to either the Admissions office or the Graduate School. If you send all your materials to the CS Department, we will forward materials appropriately.

    Graduate Admissions
    Computer Science Department
    Colorado State University
    Fort Collins, CO 80523-1873