Program Overview

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Computer Science Program Overview

The Department of Computer Science at Iowa State University offers a highly regarded graduate program with immediate career applications. The department provides a supportive environment, groundbreaking research opportunities, and exceptional academics.

Degrees Offered

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Areas of Specialization

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Human Computer Interaction
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems
• Software Engineering and Programming Languages
• Systems and Networking
• Theoretical Foundations

Program Duration

• Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.8 years
• Median time to earn the master’s: 2.3 years

Learning Goals

• Master core areas of Computer Science (MS, PhD)
• Achieve in-depth knowledge in chosen subfield of Computer Science (PhD)
• Obtain expertise to perform original research that advances Computer Science (PhD)
• Demonstrate ability to communicate technical concepts and research results (MS, PhD)

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements

• 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Academic Records/Transcripts
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Proof of English Proficiency

Program Specific Requirements

• Current Resume/CV
• Unofficial transcripts from ALL universities/colleges attended
• Unofficial degree statement(s)
• (3) Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• GRE scores
• English Proficiency for International Applicants
• Passport/Immigration card
• Financial Support Documents

International Requirements

• Financial Statement
• English Proficiency Minimum:
  • TOEFL Paper (PBT) | 550
  • TOEFL Internet (iBT) | 79
  • IELTS | 6.5
  • PTE | 53
  • Duolingo | 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

See detailed deadlines for Spring 2025 applications.

Application Details

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Program Requirements

• Program Requires GRE: Yes
• Program Requires GMAT: No
• Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

Related Programs

• Computer Engineering
• Information Systems
• Business Analytics