- About
- Events
- Calendar
- Graduation Information
- Cornell Tech Colloquium
- Student Colloquium
- BOOM
- Fall 2023 Colloquium
- Conway-Walker Lecture Series
- Salton 2023 Lecture Series
- Seminars / Lectures
- Big Red Hacks
- Cornell University High School Programming Contests 2023
- Game Design Initiative
- CSMore: The Rising Sophomore Summer Program in Computer Science
- Explore CS Research
- ACSU Research Night
- Cornell Junior Theorists' Workshop
- People
- Courses
- Research
- Undergraduate
- M Eng
- MS
- PhD
- Admissions
- Current Students
- Computer Science Graduate Office Hours
- Business Card Policy
- Cornell Tech
- Curricular Practical Training
- Exam Scheduling Guidelines
- Fellowship Opportunities
- Field of Computer Science Ph.D. Student Handbook
- Graduate TA Handbook
- Field A Exam Summary Form
- Graduate School Forms
- Instructor / TA Application
- Ph.D. Requirements
- Ph.D. Student Financial Support
- Special Committee Selection
- Travel Funding Opportunities
- The Outside Minor Requirement
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Graduation Information
- CS Graduate Minor
- Outreach Opportunities
- Parental Accommodation Policy
- Special Masters
- Student Spotlights
- Contact PhD Office
Requirements for Admission
A Bachelor's degree in CS is required, with a strong preference to Cornell Undergraduates. Applicants must have a proven record of excellence as an undergraduate teaching assistant in one or more computer science courses. Experience as an undergraduate researcher is highly recommended. In addition, students should have taken the following Cornell courses (or equivalent):
- CS 2110 - Object-Oriented Programming
- CS 3110 - Functional Programming
- CS 2800 - Discrete Structures (mathematical foundations of computer science)
- CS 3410 - Computer System Organization
If you are not a Cornell undergraduate, please outline your background in the course equivalents in your statement of purpose.
The Application
January 15 we will begin reviewing applications for a Fall Semester start. Once all positions have been filled, we will stop considering new applications. An application consists of (a) transcripts of all college-level work, (b) three letters of recommendation including at least one that addresses expository skills and the ability to work in a classroom setting, and (c) an essay that explains how the degree program and the anticipated thesis area resonates with your career plans. GRE scores are not required. Submitted GRE scores are masked and we will not review them with application materials.
Non-native English speakers are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. TOEFL Scores on the Writing, Listening, and Reading components must be 24 or higher and 28 or higher for the Speaking component. IELTS scores must be 7.0 or higher.
Deadline for Fall: January 15th
Students wishing to earn a Ph.D. should apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Students will earn a MS degree during enrollment of the PhD Program.
Students looking for a masters degree to work in Industry should consider the M.Eng. Program.
Click HERE to establish an account.