The goal of our graduate program is to educate scholar-technologists capable of performing cutting edge research and development in such areas of computer science as artificial intelligence, systems, graphics, and intelligent information systems. Our masters program is a small, focused degree program intended for students who have already developed a close working relationship with one of our faculty members. MS applications will only be considered from students who have also submitted a written invitation to apply from a faculty member in our department. Our doctoral program is a larger program, which is open to all applicants.

Graduate School Admissions

On-line Application

Computer Science Department Application FAQs

Application requirements for Computer Science:

• on-line application (submitted to the Graduate School)

• application fee (must be submitted directly to the Graduate School)

• statement of purpose

• at least two letters of recommendation sent to the Department of Computer Science

• original transcripts from all universities previously attended sent to the Department of Computer Science

• official copy of GRE scores (See also: www.gre.org/ttindex.html)

• official copy of TOEFL scores (for all applicants who have completed their undergraduate degree outside of the US)

Application Deadline: January 15, 2005 - applications are only accepted for fall quarter entry

Please note:

• The Computer Science subject test is not required

• The Computer Science department code for the Graduate School application is C45PH

• All test scores should be sent to Northwestern University by using code 1565 (no department code is necessary)

• Students are admitted to the Fall Quarter only. Applications for Winter or Spring Quarter will not be accepted.

• There is no special form for the letters of recommendation. Letters written on official school or company letterhead are sufficient. All letters must be submitted in sealed, signed envelopes, or submitted electronically via the Graduate School application.

• There is no separate financial aid application, simply indicate in the appropriate place on the admission application if you would like to be considered for financial aid.

• All transcripts and letters of recommendation must be sent in duplicate.

Please mail all application materials to:

Computer Science Department Application FAQs:

A:         No. The CS Department does not offer evening classes for graduate students. However, a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems (MSCIS) is obtainable from the School of Continuing Studies, which offers evening and weekend courses. Please see:
http://www.scs.northwestern.edu/grad/mscis/

Q:        I’m really interested in Professor X’s work, and feel that we would work well together. Should I contact him? Maybe he can put in a good word for me.

A:         It’s a good idea to look at our faculty’s individual websites to see what kind of research they are doing. However, even if your interests closely match those of faculty member, you still must apply to the Graduate School through the normal channels; individual faculty cannot make application decisions nor can they give you an assessment of your chances. If you are being considered seriously for a spot in our graduate program, the faculty may want to discuss your interests and experiences more in depth at such time.

Q:       The application fee is expensive, and I don’t want to apply if my chances aren’t good.
            Can you look at my resume and tell me if you think I should apply?

A:         We receive hundreds of requests weekly, so regrettably we cannot individually assess an applicant’s chances. If you feel strongly about your qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Q:        What is the minimum GRE score accepted by your department?

A:         The CS Department does not set a minimum GRE score. See statistics below.

Q:        What is the minimum GPA accepted by your department?

A:         Again, the CS Department does not set a minimum GPA. See statistics below.

Q:        I’m a non-native speaker, but I got my Masters at a US institution. Do I need to take the TOEFL?

A:         Yes. All foreign applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score from the last two years, unless all four years of their undergraduate work were performed in an English-speaking institution in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Q:        What is the minimum TOEFL score accepted by the Graduate School?

A:         A minimum of 560 on the Paper Based TOEFL or 220 on the Computer Based TOEFL. However, applicants admitted with a TOEFL score in the range of 560 (220) to 574 (230) will be required to complete Linguistics (LING) 380 Spoken English for Non-native Speakers during their first quarter of residency. For more information about ESL programs at Northwestern, please see:  http://www.ling.northwestern.edu/~esl/index.html

Q:        Is the TSE required to be considered for funding?

A:         All applicants are immediately considered for funding. The TSE is not required for the graduate application. However, once you are admitted to the Computer Science Department, all students whose native language is not English must take the TSE and are expected to get a score of at least 50. It is recommended that the TSE be taken here in the United States and the score is good for 2 years.

Q:        I took the CBT GRE in 2001. Will you accept this score? I don’t have time to take it again.

A:         Applicants from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea are now required to take the paper and pencil GRE. If you don’t have time to take the paper and pencil GRE before the January 15^th application deadline, you may submit your CBT scores but they will not have a large impact on your application.

Q:        I’m an international student, but I don’t have a visa yet. What can I do?

A:         You must first be accepted by the University before any visa work can begin. Please read the following from the Northwestern University International Office:
http://www.northwestern.edu/international/prospective/visa_doc.html

Q:        What kinds of financial forms do I have to submit to be considered for financial aid?

A:        Again, all students are considered for financial aid automatically. Financial forms are not required until and unless you are offered a position at Northwestern University. The financial forms will then be used to apply for your visa.

Statistics: Incoming 2004-05 Graduates