Ph.D. admissions

• Personal statement/statement of purpose

  Concisely discuss your computer science educational, research, or industrial background as they relate to your objectives. Include any unique experiences relevant to the research you have done. Discuss why you are applying to the University of Minnesota. Please include names of faculty members and research groups at the University of Minnesota whose research is of interest to you. Use this area to list any extenuating circumstances such as poor grades or test scores. (4000 character limit strongly recommended; does not include spaces, not strictly enforced)

• Diversity Statement

This is only required of domestic applicants. A 4000-character limit (not including spaces) is recommended. International applicants do not need to complete this statement, but they are welcome to complete a statement.

The statement should cover how your background, experiences, and achievements will contribute to the University's and our Department’s goal of promoting excellence through diversity and inclusion. If applicable, you should mention hardships or obstacles you have overcome to complete your undergraduate education. Some University of Minnesota graduate student applicants will be considered for funding opportunities, like the DOVE Fellowship, based on their diversity statement.

Potential areas to address include:

• Hardships you have faced and overcome;
• Family background;
• First-generation college student;
• Non-traditional attributes for computer science/data science;
• Your lived experience as influenced, informed, or affected by your diverse identities;
• Your commitment to working toward achieving equity and enhancing diversity within the field of computing, STEM, or within your community;
• Geographic diversity;
• Community involvement;
• Multilingual skills;
• International travel which changed your perspective;
• Special talents; and
• Anything unique you would contribute to the program.

You must indicate all the colleges and graduate schools you have attended. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded directly to the admissions application per these instructions. Official transcripts are required for those students admitted to the program. Do not fax or mail hard copies of your transcripts.

• Non-native English-speaking students must send official TOEFL or IELTS scores that have not expired (exam date within two years program start date). We do not accept other language exams like Duolingo for our Ph.D. application. For more information on minimum test score requirements, visit the Graduate School’s information page. The department also requires a speaking score of 23 or higher on the TOEFL or 7 or higher on the IELTS so applicants are qualified for teaching assistantships.

Please note that official scores will appear in your application AFTER you submit the application and pay the fee.

• Submitting your TOEFL Score:
  • Official TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the University of Minnesota Graduate School (not the department).
  • The ETS institution code for the Twin Cities campus is 6874 (there is no departmental code; if you need to enter code, please use 99 for the department code).
• Submitting your IELTS Score:
  • IELTS scores can be send electronically or by physical mail. Below is the exact information you should provide to your test centers when requesting scores to be sent to the University of Minnesota:
    • Electronically:
      • When prompted, please select the following:
        Institution/Organization - University of Minnesota Graduate Admissions
        Department/Person - All Campuses
    • Physical mail:
      • Account Name: University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate Admissions
      • Address: 309 Johnston Hall
      • Address: 101 Pleasant St SE
      • City: Minneapolis
      • State: MN
      • Zip code: 55455
• Please allow 4-6 weeks for scores to be sent and matched to your application by the Graduate School. If you have already submitted an application, check your application status to find out if the Graduate School has received your official test scores. Inquiries should be sent to gsquest@umn.edu as our department does not process these scores.
• Internal applicants (current UMN undergraduate students or graduate students in other programs) can take the SETTA exam (need an ELP 1 or ELP 2 score) in order to qualify for TA appointments and admission as an alternative to taking the TOEFL or IELTS. 

This should include:

• Educational background and degrees
• Teaching or research experience
• A list of papers/publications (URLs included)
• Computer languages in which you are proficient
• Other information that will advance your application can be uploaded in PDF format

• Provide the names and e-mail address of three recommenders along with all other requested information. 
• The CS&E department does not accept hard copies of recommendation letters—they must be submitted through the online system.
• Letters of recommendation should arrive by the posted application deadline.

Please e-mail csadmit@umn.edu with any questions you may have about the admissions process. 

The following items are optional in the application:

• Diversity statement (for international applicants only—this is required for domestic applicants)
• Extenuating circumstances statement
• Writing sample
• Description of research

Unfortunately, the CS&E department is unable to review your application material prior to submission or make document corrections once your application has been submitted.