College of Computing
Ph.d. cs admissions requirements.
The application deadline for the Ph.D. in Computer Science is December 15th. The basic requirements for admission to the program are as follows:
- General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Recently, accepted applicant scores have averaged 80%, 90+%, 90+% respectively on the verbal, quantitative and analytical sections.
- The desirable minimum undergraduate GPA is 3.5/4.0.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is required for candidates whose native language is not English and who have not studied in the United States for at least one year. The required minimum is 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test); however, most candidates are well above this score.
- We will also accept IELTS beginning in Spring 2020. A minimum overall score of 7.5 is required, with minimum section scores as follows: Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Speaking 6.5, Writing 5.5.
- Completion of the online application
The application requires three recommendation letters from people closely acquainted with the student about academic competence. Letters from the academic community are preferred.
In general, there are many more qualified applicants than there are places in the program. The challenge for the College every year is to select a class from a very qualified pool. The College looks for compelling reasons to admit candidates. We welcome all pertinent information that would assist us in making an objective and informed decision on your admission.
All application materials should be submitted to the Institute's Graduate Admissions Office and must be received by the application deadline to ensure adequate consideration of your application.
*Note that our Master's (M.S.) program is separate from our Ph.D. program. If the eventual degree you seek is a Ph.D., you will need to apply directly to the doctoral program.
Ph.D. candidates are typically offered a research or teaching assistantship which includes a stipend and tuition remission.
The Master's program does not offer financial aid to the majority of students. Aid will be based on qualifications for the program, not need.
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Graduate Education
Office of graduate and postdoctoral education, application instructions, application support.
The Application Support video playlist addresses the essential aspects of the graduate education application . Dive into these videos to learn more about:
Academic History
- Application Essay
- Graduate Admissions Test Scores
- Resumes and CVs
- Letters of Recommendation
- International Applications & English Language Proficiency
- International Credentials
- Interviews and Portfolios
- Reflection & Parallel Plans
What to Expect on the Application
Review each section prior to starting the application to ensure you are following the program and Institute-level admission requirements.
Application Type
When you start a new application, you will be asked to select the degree level that you plan to pursue.
DACA and GDPR
In the application, confirm if you are a DACA recipient or unlawfully present in the United States. In accordance with the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents, individuals considered to be unlawfully present in the United States, including DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients, are not eligible for admission to Georgia Institute of Technology, Refer to the USG policy .
EUGDPR : If you are currently physically located in a European Union country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, review Georgia Tech’s EU GDPR Compliance Policy and indicate your consent on the application.
Personal Information
Provide your biographical information such as name, address, citizenship, and other information in the online application.
Program Selection
Confirm that you have selected the correct degree level and choose the program you intend to study as well as the campus and entry term. The degree and program you choose will impact the campus and entry term options.
Supplemental
This section will vary based on the program to which you are applying. You will be asked grad program-specific information, such as adding your research experience, writing samples, faculty selection, and more.
Here in the online application, you will be asked to list all university/post-secondary schools that you have attended. Be prepared to upload scanned copies of your original documents.
If you completed all of your schooling in the U.S., go to step three of the checklist.
If you completed any of your schooling outside of the U.S., go to steps two and four of the checklist.
Additional Information
Provide information (if applicable) regarding:
- Personal and family college history
- Future academic plans
- Data gathered for internal analytics
Test Scores
You may be required to submit one or more of the following test scores:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
- International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS Academic)
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
- Georgia Tech Language Institute English Proficiency Assessment
Use the following Institute code to submit your official test scores:
- The GRE Institute code is R5248
- The GMAT Institute code for the Full-time MBA is HWK-54-37
- The GMAT Institute code for the Evening MBA is HWK-54-44
Do not provide a score if you do not plan to send your official test score results through the testing agency or if they are not required for admission. Self-reported scores will show up as "awaiting" on the application checklist until an official score report satisfies the requirement.
Provide employment information, upload your resume or CV, and other professional development credentials in the online application.
Military Information
If you are affiliated with a military from any country, you will provide information related to specific country, branch, or agency.
Recommendations
Provide contact information for up to three recommenders in the application, depending on the program’s specific requirements. Recommendations should come from either an academic or professional reference.
Recommenders will be asked to provide information regarding:
- Acquaintance with the Applicant
- Applicant’s Characteristics and Abilities
- Overall Recommendation
- Additional Comments
- Upload Recommendation Letter (in the online application)
Citizenship and Residency (lawful presence for domestic and international applicants)
In accordance with the University System of Georgia policy, all students who are admitted to Georgia Tech and residing in the United States must verify their lawful presence prior to registering for classes.
The Office of Graduate Education recommends that you submit your lawful presence documentation along with your application for faster processing.
U.S. citizens should upload one of the following to verify your lawful presence::
- Current U.S. passport or U.S. passport card.
- Current Georgia driver’s license or Georgia ID issued after Jan. 1, 2008. We cannot accept a limited-term license.
- A current front and back copy of a REAL ID driver's license or REAL ID state-issued ID card from an approved state. We only accept a REAL ID from the U.S. states listed here: list of eligible states and requirements (PDF) . Unless explicitly listed in our eligible states document, REAL IDs from other states will not be accepted.
- A front and back copy of an original or certified U.S. birth certificate. The scanned copy must be clear and complete with a legible official seal on it from a U.S. state, country, municipal authority, or territory.
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570).
- U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561).
- U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad, issued by the Department of State (DS-1350).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).
If none of the documents listed above are available, please view more options on the Lawful Presence page.
U.S. Permanent Residents should upload a front and back copy of the current, valid Permanent Resident card.
Pending U.S. Permanent Residents should upload a copy of the pending I-485 receipt notice or I-797. *Please note that applicants for Permanent Residency are not exempt from the proof of English Proficiency requirement. Only USCIS approved U.S. Permanent Residents, with a valid Permanent Resident card, are exempt from the proof of English Proficiency requirement.
Non-U.S. citizens should upload one of the following:
- Current visa
- I-766 (employment authorization card)
- Unexpired foreign passport
For information on Residency/Tuition Classification , including qualifications for in-state tuition rates, please review the USG policy .
Disciplinary History
Georgia Tech is committed to providing as safe an environment for our students as possible. We consider student discipline situations on an individual basis, within the framework of the values we uphold as a university. While many situations that individuals are involved in may be resolved and accounted for, some behaviors are so egregious that the potential risk to the Georgia Tech community is too great. A previous disciplinary violation or conviction does not automatically result in the denial of an individual’s application for admission. However, failure to disclose this information can be grounds for the rescission of an offer of admission, even if this nondisclosure is discovered after a person has matriculated at the Institute.
Learn more about disciplinary history, how to report discipline, and the discipline review process .
Payment Information
Select how you plan to pay the application fee in the online application. If you qualify for an application fee waiver, this is where you will upload the required documentation. Learn more about app fee waivers .
Application Review
This is where you will see if you missed any required questions or sections in the online application. Hard and soft warnings appear. If you are requesting an application fee waiver, stop at the “Application Review” point. There should not be any errors on this section at the point that you are requesting an app fee waiver.
Have Questions?
Here in the online application, you will find resources and contact information for if you encounter any questions throughout the application process.
Accessibility Information
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