University Of Colorado Boulder Graduate Admissions Computer Science

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Oct 31, 2025, 6:05 PM

university of colorado boulder graduate admissions computer science

The department seeks students who will strengthen our diversity, engage in advanced research or exciting graduate projects and go on to be alumni successfully pursuing a broad range of careers. Our department offers an excellent PhD in Computer Science program and cutting-edge MS degree programs in computer science and network engineering with cross-department programs in computational linguistics and data science. Our inclusive community engages in actions that build on the work of CU Boulder’s graduate access and retention initiatives. Connect with Faculty See who is recruiting! Graduate program application help Contribute original research to the field as you prepare for a career in research or academia.

Our traditional, research-based master’s degree, with thesis or independent study options. A course-based master’s option, tailored for working professionals, that does not require a thesis. Discover innovative ways to apply computer science. Join a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. In the Department of Computer Science, you’ll be part of a community engaged in cutting-edge research and in developing new technologies that are transforming communities. A graduate degree in computer science gives you a competitive advantage and prepares you for a wide range of careers in academia and industry.

Situated in the high-tech Denver-Boulder corridor, our graduate students partner with established companies as well as start-ups, academia and four national labs found within 30 minutes of campus. With research focus areas including artificial intelligence, data science and engineering, and human-centered computing, the possibilities are endless. Contribute original research to the field as you prepare for a career in research or academia. Our traditional, research-based master’s degree, with thesis or independent study options. Ranked in 2025, part of Best Science Schools Earning a graduate degree in computer science can lead

Ranked in 2025, part of Best Science Schools Earning a graduate degree in computer science can lead to positions in research institutions, government agencies, technology companies and colleges and universities. These are the top computer science schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology » Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boulder is a leading force in research, technology and entrepreneurship.

At the heart of the city, the University of Colorado Boulder produces some of the best and brightest in these industries and our talented faculty, students and alumni are leading the way by inspiring... Home to more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries, CU Boulder is one of only 34 U.S. public research universities belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities. At the cornerstone of each student’s experience are our innovative academic programs, hands-on opportunities and rigorous course work that prepare them for a complex global society. Within our learning community students interact with faculty—which includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur “Genius Grant” fellows, U.S. Professor of the Year awardees and National Medal of Science winners—who listen, question and help students refine their ideas so they develop a broad understanding of the world, strong leadership skills and an enhanced...

Within our eight colleges, schools and programs, are 3,800+ academic courses across 150 fields of study, enabling students to create a unique academic experience. Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the city of Boulder is a leading force in research, technology and entrepreneurship. At the heart of the city, the University of Colorado Boulder produces some of the best and brightest in these industries and our talented faculty, students and alumni are leading the way by inspiring... Home to more than 3,000 international students from 100 countries, CU Boulder is one of only 34 U.S. public research universities belonging to the prestigious Association of American Universities. At the cornerstone of each student’s experience are our innovative academic programs, hands-on opportunities and rigorous course work that prepare them for a complex global society.

Within our learning community students interact with faculty—which includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur “Genius Grant” fellows, U.S. Professor of the Year awardees and National Medal of Science winners—who listen, question and help students refine their ideas so they develop a broad understanding of the world, strong leadership skills and an enhanced... Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an institution comparable to the University of Colorado. They should have programming experience, a number of computer science courses and sufficient mathematical maturity to understand pure mathematics courses at the upper division (junior/senior) level. For the PhD program, the Department of Computer Science welcomes applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds. Modern computer science often combines important ideas from multiple fields, including physics, mathematics, economics, biology, psychology and more.

We welcome students from all such backgrounds, and do not require a prior degree in computer science. Applicants should identify a common research interest with faculty and communicate with students in their labs before application, seen on the CS research website. While we highly recommend that PhD applicants complete the listed prerequisite courses before submitting their application, as the research match is the most important factor taken into considerations while making decisions. Therefore, please do go through research happening in our department to make sure this is the right place for you! Completing the prerequisites helps you in handling our graduate courses better and also opens more opportunities to be a teaching assistant. We also highly encourage such students to identify areas and faculty members they wish to work with and/or get in touch with the faculty directly through email.

Research area match is the most important factor in PhD admissions. Your academic background should include at least three semesters of mathematics at the level of sophistication of calculus or above. Examples of such courses such are calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, probability, statistics and abstract algebra. The courses should indicate that you have achieved the mathematical maturity expected of an upper-level science, engineering, or mathematics undergraduate. If you're missing any of these prerequisites, our online post-baccalaureate in Applied Computer Science offers classes that can help you prepare for graduate study. Applicants for fall 2026 admission to the master’s and PhD programs in computer science must complete the following steps no later than 10 p.m.

MST on Dec. 15, 2025. All documents, including Letters of Recommendation, must be submitted by this deadline. No extensions are provided and incomplete applications will not be considered. The department does not offer spring admissions. If you have any questions about your application, please contact csgradinfo@colorado.edu.

You can also fill out the graduate school application help form. Please see the FAQs page for common questions about these steps. Ranked in the top 10% of computer science programs nationwide, CU Boulder’s Department of Computer Science gives you the skills needed to drive innovation and lead global progress. In this discipline, you’ll build the foundation that personal devices run on, develop software to power entire industries and facilitate how people interact with modern technology. Graduate-level research in machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, cognitive science and more makes this one of the most prominent departments nationally. Partner with established companies, start-ups, and academic and national labs all within 30 minutes of campus.

Gain hands-on experience building, testing and operating state-of-the-art communications systems and devices in the network engineering lab facilities. Land a high-paying job after graduation. The average reported salary was $100,000 for PhD graduates and $90,000 for MS graduates. Undergraduate Application Graduate Application Transfer Application Post-Bacc Application MS-CS on Coursera Application Request Undergraduate Info Request Graduate Info Request Post-Bacc Info Request MS-CS on Coursera Info Here, you'll be taught by some of the country's best faculty who are making a difference through innovation and collaboration.

Computational skills are applicable to a broad range of work and research in industry. The Department of Computer Science offers a variety of degree programs to provide students with these skills and guide them toward success. Our traditional, research-based master's degree option. The MS in computer science can help you prepare for a successful career in academia or in research and development for industry. It can provide a pathway to PhD study, as well as potential opportunities to fund your degree through teaching and research assistantships. Request Graduate Info Start an Application

During your first semester, you will work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a plan of study that meets your professional goals. To earn your degree, you will complete 24 credit hours of coursework, including a professional development course and at least nine hours of classes that will expose you to the breadth of current computer... Depending on which option you choose, you will then complete six hours of either thesis or independent study credit. Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Who: For prospective Computer Science graduate students What: Virtual information and pre-research advising sessions Register: Click on a date in the calendar or the links below to register for the session of your choice.

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University Of Colorado Boulder Graduate Admissions Computer Science

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