- Personal Statement: which should address the applicant’s topical interests and any of the admissions criteria, listed below, that are not clearly satisfied based on the provided transcript(s)
- Transcript showing a Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in an ABET or CSAB accredited undergraduate program in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering.
- Three letters of recommendation
- GRE scores : GRE is not required (starting Fall 2024), but it is recommended. Submitted scores must be no more than 5 years old. Applications for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 will require the GRE results to be submitted.
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (always accepted) or Duolingo scores (check the graduate school website to make sure Duolingo is accepted): submitted scores must be no more than 2 years old. We follow the guidelines defined by the University of Kentucky Graduate School. If you have questions about exceptions to the language testing requirements, please contact the appropriate admissions officer. For Fall 2020 they were defined as follows: All applicants whose native language is not English will be asked to self-report one of these scores on their application. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5.
- CV/Resume
Department of Computer Science Computer Engineering Graduate Degree Admissions
Most aspects of the application process, aside from the admissions decision, are handled by the Graduate School. Please refer to their Application Process page for additional information. International applicants may want to explore the international admissions page provided by the International Center.
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in discrete math, programming, data structures, circuits, digital logic, and computer architecture.
Application Requirements
Application Fee Waiver
- MS students and students who do not have a CPE degree are not eligible for an application fee waiver.
- Financial hardship is not a factor considered when providing an application fee waiver.
- Students who have completed BS or MS degrees at a US college or university with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are eligible for an application fee waiver.
- International students: to be eligible for a waiver students should either have already secured an RA position with a faculty member or be top candidates for a TA position. Top TA candidates must be seeking a Ph.D. degree, have a strong academic record, high GPA, strong computer science background, and excellent language scores.
Contact the Director of Graduate Studies Dr. Silvestri if you meet these requirements and attach your transcripts and language scores to your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information
- If you have questions about language requirements, please contact your admissions officer.
- If you have questions about tuition, fees, or visa issues, please contact your admissions officer or the University of Kentucky International Center.
- If you have questions about admissions criteria that are not answered above, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies, Simone Silvestri.