SCS Graduate Application Instructions

To apply for admission to our master's and/or doctoral programs, read the following instructions carefully and make certain that you have met all requirements when you submit your application. You can apply to up to three doctoral programs and any of the master's programs.

  • Application Fee
    • The application fee is $100 per program. If you apply before the early deadline of Nov. 29, 2023 (3 p.m. EST), then the application fee is $80 per program.
      • If you submit your application early, your recommenders still have until Dec. 13, 2023, to submit recommendations.
    • Application Fee Waivers: We expect all applicants to submit payment with their online application. However, note that we do waive the required fee under certain circumstances. For information about how to apply for an application fee waiver, visit the SCS Graduate Application Fee Waiver Page.
  • Test Scores
    • If you need to take/retake your TOEFL, IELTS and/or GRE for this application, we highly recommend you take the exam no later than Nov. 29, 2023. Reportable scores can take two weeks to process and we may not be able to review any scores that arrive after our Dec. 13, 2023, deadline.
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
      • Each program sets its policy on whether GRE scores are required and which test type is accepted. You can read short descriptions of each program's GRE policy below.
      • Send scores via ETS using our SCS/CMU codes:
        • GRE Institution Code: 2074
        • GRE Department Code: 0402
      • GRE scores will not be accepted if they are more than five years old.
    • Proof of English Language Proficiency (if applicable) 
      • If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you ("native language" meaning spoken at home and from birth), we are required to formally evaluate your English proficiency.
      • We require applicants who will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and for whom English is not a native language, to demonstrate English proficiency via one of these standardized tests: TOEFL (preferred), IELTS or Duolingo. We discourage the use of the "TOEFL ITP Plus for China," since speaking is not scored.
      • We do not issue waivers for non-native speakers of English. In particular, we do not issue waivers based on previous study at a U.S. high school, college or university. We also do not issue waivers based on previous study at an English-language high school, college or university outside of the United States. No amount of educational experience in English, regardless of the country it occurred in, will result in a test waiver. 
      • Some of our programs will accept expired test scores from applicants who have recently completed a degree in the United States if the applicant can present a copy of an official score report showing the applicant's picture, not an unofficial score listing. Please consult the information for each specific program you apply to.
    • Submit valid, recent scores: If, as described above, you are required to submit proof of English proficiency, your TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo test scores will be considered valid as follows: 
      • If you have not received a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., you will need to submit a English proficiency score no older than two years. (Test scores taken before Sept. 1, 2021, will not be accepted.)
      • If you are currently working on or have received a bachelor's and/or a master's degree in the U.S., you may submit an expired test score up to five years old. (Test scores taken before Sept. 1, 2018, will not be accepted.)
        • Important: Applicants applying to MCDS and MHCI are required to submit scores from an English proficiency exam taken within the last two years. Scores taken before Sept. 1, 2021, will not be accepted regardless of whether you have previously studied in the U.S. For more information about their English proficiency score policies, visit the MCDS or MHCI admissions websites.
      •  Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
        •  Send scores via ETS using our SCS/CMU codes:
          • TOEFL Institution Code: 4256
          • TOEFL Department Code: 78
          • A successful applicant will normally have a total iBT score of at least 100.
      • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 
        • We prefer that you take the TOEFL, but we will accept the IELTS.
        • The same restrictions of expiration dates apply with an IELTS.
        • An IELTS score of 7 is equivalent to a TOEFL score of 100.
        • We accept IELTS scores through E-delivery. Please use the information below when setting up your IELTS scores for delivery to our institution.
          Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science
          Address: School of Computer Science
          5000 Forbes Avenue
          Pittsburgh, PA 15213   
          United States 
      • Duolingo
        • We prefer that you take the TOEFL or IELTS, but if you cannot do that, you may take the Duolingo test.
        • A Duolingo score of 120 is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 97-102.
        • Be sure to use the same email address as you plan to use when you apply to a CMU program. Also be sure that Duolingo scores are sent to “Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate Computer Science Programs."
        • Important: Make sure to request that Duolingo includes your subscores when they send your test results to Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate Computer Science Programs.
      • Additional details about English proficiency requirements are provided on the FAQ page.
  • Unofficial Transcripts 
    • All transcripts must be uploaded by the final deadline.
    • Since fall grades are not required, upload your transcripts as early as possible.
    • We do not require hard copies of your transcripts at the time of application. If you are accepted to a program, you will be given instructions to mail your transcripts at that time. 
  • Resume/CV 
    • Submit your current resume. It should outline your education, research experience, work experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and any other extracurricular activities. 
    • You must upload your resume in PDF format. 
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) 
    • Submit a Statement of Purpose. Prepare a concise one- or two-page essay that describes your primary areas of interest in research, your related experiences and your objective in pursuing a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon.
    • Your essay should be specific in describing your interests and motivations. When describing your research interests, you should explain why you think they are important areas of study and why you are particularly well-suited to pursuing them.
    • You should describe any relevant education, research, commercial, government or teaching experience.
    • Our review committees in every program value applicants who display persistence and resilience in the face of challenge and adversity, demonstrate a commitment to ethics, show concern for others and for their community, and/or exhibit leadership in one or more endeavors.
    • We recommend that you use AI tools only in a limited fashion. They are great for correcting grammar and spelling. They are terrible for expressing your own interests and experiences. Remember that you are solely responsible for 100% of what is submitted in your application. Please consider carefully how you use these tools as the use of them may impact your ability to be admitted.
    • Note: The following programs have specific SOP instructions; see below for more information: 
      • Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction
      • Ph.D. in Robotics
      • Ph.D. in Social Computing
      • Ph.D. and Master's in Computational Biology
      • Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
      • Master's in Computational Data Science
      • Master's in Computer Science
      • Master's in Software Engineering
      • Master's in Robotic Systems Development
      • Master's in Robotic's
      • Master's in Computer Vision
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR) 
    • Submit three letters of recommendation. Recommenders should know you relatively well and be able to evaluate the quality of your previous work. At least two should be from faculty or recent employers.
    • Letters of recommendation will be requested and submitted electronically. 
    • If you submit your application early, your recommenders still have until the final deadline to submit recommendations.
  • Supplemental Information (If applicable)

Sections

Helpful Links

Application Deadline

Early Deadline: November 29, 2023   
(3 p.m. EST)

Final Deadline: December 13, 2023   
(3 p.m. EST)

GRE & TOEFL Codes

GRE Report Codes:

  • Institution Code - 2074
  • Department Code - 0402

TOEFL Report Codes:

  • Institution Code - 4256
  • Department Code - 78

 

ProgramShort NameGRE Policy
Master of Science in Automated Science: Biological ExperimentationMSASNeither general nor subject GREs are required for acceptance into the MSAS program. We assess applicants holistically and take into consideration many factors including quantitative and computational background and skills. These skills can be demonstrated by optional submission of GRE scores or by advanced coursework in computer science, mathematics (especially linear algebra), statistical inference or related areas. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Computational BiologyMSCBNeither the general GRE nor subject GREs are required. However, we assess applicants holistically and take into consideration many factors including computational background and skill. This computational skill can be demonstrated by optional submission of GRE scores or by advanced coursework in computer science, linear algebra, statistical inference or related areas. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Computer ScienceMSCSGRE scores are required. GRE scores are waived for applicants who have graduated from, or are enrolled at, Carnegie Mellon. The GRE at Home Test is not accepted unless the score date is between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021; or between August 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. If you are submitting at-home GRE scores, describe the circumstances which made that necessary in your Statement of Purpose. More information is available on the program website. 
Master of Human-Computer Interaction MHCIGRE General Test scores are optional though highly recommended as part of a holistic review and evaluation of applications. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website. 
Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning ScienceMETALSGRE General Test scores are highly recommended. If GRE General Test scores are not submitted as part of your application, we strongly encourage you to submit a portfolio and other relevant materials (such as coursework) to demonstrate your abilities and readiness for the program’s rigor. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Product ManagementMSPMStudents may apply for a GRE/GMAT waiver. Students must submit a letter to the Admissions Committee highlighting their past work and educational experience. Students may be required to complete supplemental coursework. More information is available on the program website. 
Master of Software EngineeringMSEGRE scores are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Software Engineering - Scalable SystemsMSE-SSGRE scores are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. More information is available on the program website. 
Master of Software Engineering - Embedded SystemsMSE-ESGRE scores are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Software Engineering Online MSE OnlineGRE scores are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Information Technology - Privacy EngineeringMSIT-PEGRE scores are optional, but applicants who have taken the GRE are encouraged to submit their scores. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Computational Data ScienceMCDSGRE scores are required. GRE scores are waived for applicants who have graduated from, or are enrolled at, Carnegie Mellon. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Intelligent Information SystemsMIISGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is generally not accepted, but exceptions could be made. More information is available on the program website. 
Master of Science in Language TechnologiesMLTGREs are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, you may submit GRE results if you wish. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and InnovationMSAIIGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Machine LearningMSMLGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in Computer VisionMSCVGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Master of Science in RoboticsMSRGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website. 
Master's in Robotic Systems DevelopmentMRSDGRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Computer Science  GRE scores are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. The GRE at Home Test is not accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Machine Learning GRE scores are required. The GRE at Home Test is generally not accepted, but exceptions could be made. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Societal Computing (S3D) GREs are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, you may submit GRE results if you wish. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Software Engineering (S3D) We don't use GRE scores at all in our admissions processes. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Language and Information Technology GREs are optional. An application without GRE scores is not at a disadvantage; however, you may submit GRE results if you wish. More information is available on the program website. 
Ph.D. in Robotics 
GRE scores are optional, but strongly recommended. If GRE scores are not submitted, briefly explain why in the statement of purpose section of your application. The GRE at Home Test is accepted, but we prefer you take the GRE at a test center if possible. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction We don't use GRE scores at all in our admissions processes. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Computational Biology We don't use GRE scores at all in our admissions processes. More information is available on the program website.

 Top of Chart

  • Human-Computer Interaction Ph.D. Applicants: Indicate your intended area of emphasis in the first paragraph of your Statement of Purpose. If appropriate to your background, you may include a link to your portfolio.
  • Robotics Institute Ph.D. Applicants: Prepare a Statement of Purpose providing a concise one- or two-page statement. While the format and content is ultimately up to you, consider including information relevant to the following: 
  1. Your primary interests within the Robotics Institute (RI). Discuss your research interests, and any relevant experiences you have had that have informed and inspired those interests. Student interests tend to evolve as they are immersed in the environment of the Robotics Institute. The description provided here is not intended as a definitive statement of what you will do in your Ph.D., but is rather used to direct your application to most likely advisors and also to assess your ability to describe and motivate your research interests. You might consider including a discussion of the potential societal impact of the work (both positive and negative), as such considerations are core to how we think about our work and research at the RI. You might find it useful to relate your work to existing research areas and projects already happening in the Robotics Institute, which are listed on the RI research summary page. The RI is a large and dynamic place; the websites may not represent the entirety of work or interests of the many people in the department.
  2. State your personal and/or professional objectives in pursuing a Ph.D., and why you are applying to Carnegie Mellon, and the Robotics Institute specifically.
  3. Describe your background in fields related to your objective. List any relevant industrial or commercial experience. Note that we welcome students from diverse educational, cultural and geographic backgrounds with a variety of strengths — strong technical skills, strong social science skills, strong design skills, and combinations of the above.
  4. Explain how your background and life experiences provide evidence of your ability to display persistence and resilience when confronted with challenges, showcase a strong commitment to ethical principles, and demonstrate genuine care for both others and your community. 
  • Societal Computing Ph.D. Applicants: Indicate your intended area in the first paragraph of your Statement of Purpose, along with the name of a possible advisor. For those with industrial or government experience, describe how this experience prepares you for graduate-level academic work. Submit this information in the Supplemental Information section under Experience (Research, Industry) in the online application. Applicants may also submit a short prior publication related to their research interests.
  • Computational Biology Ph.D. and Master's Applicants: If you're applying to our Ph.D., MSAS or MSCB programs, you can include an optional paragraph — in addition to your research interests, experience and objectives — that describes your contributions to outreach efforts and/or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
  • Master's in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Applicants: A Statement of Purpose is not a resume. We are looking for significant, reliable evidence that you can succeed in the rigorous MSAII program. In additional to strong academics, it is beneficial to show evidence that you can work as a contributing member of a team. You may also take this opportunity to explain any apparent weaknesses in your application. Most important, your statement of purpose should be written solely by you and provide an accurate summary of your experiences, goals and reasons for applying to the MSAII program.
  • Master's in Computational Data Science Applicants: We are looking for strong, experience-based evidence that you can do well in our degree program and that you “fit” based on our areas of focus. For example, a description of a large software or research project, your involvement in the project, and the impact of the research is good evidence. An explanation of what drew your interest to the MCDS program and how it relates to your professional goals is also useful. You may also take this opportunity to explain any apparent weaknesses in your application. Although details regarding your personal interests and background can be helpful, they are not part of our admissions criteria and should not constitute the bulk of your statement of purpose. Most importantly, your statement of purpose should be written by you and provide an accurate representation of your experiences and goals.
  • Master's in Computer Science Applicants: Discuss your purpose in pursuing a master's degree in computer science. For example, you might explain how advanced study in computer science fits into your future career ambitions. There are no right answers, and you do not need to have worked out your future plans in detail. We just want to see that you have thought your purpose through. If your background is unusual, this is also the right place to explain it to us.
  • Master's in Software Engineering Applicants: Describe any team-oriented software development experiences you have had. (If there are numerous examples, pick two or three.) Briefly describe the nature of the projects, the general technologies involved, how many engineers were on your team and your role on the team. Describe your short-term goals (2-4 years) and long-term goals (5-7 years) upon graduation from this program. Feel free to explain your goals in terms of relevant roles, domains, organizational technologies, expertise and so forth. Describe specifically how the program to which you are applying, and CMU more generally, align with your professional objectives.
  • Master's in Robotic Systems and Development Applicants: Prepare a Statement of Purpose providing a concise one- or two-page statement. While the format and content are ultimately up to you, consider including information relevant to the following: 
  1. Provide some background information on your academic/industrial career to date, and why/how that leads you to be interested in CMU's unique industry-oriented MRSD program. We welcome students from diverse educational, cultural, and geographic backgrounds with a variety of strengths — strong technical skills, strong social science skills, strong design skills and combinations of the above.
  2. State your personal and/or professional objectives in pursuing a graduate degree and why you are applying to Carnegie Mellon and the MRSD program, specifically. It would be helpful for the committee to understand your career aspirations, how you imagine the mix of technical/management education from MRSD would assist you in achieving these, and what you see yourself doing five to ten years after graduation.
  3. Explain how your background and life experiences provide evidence of your ability to display persistence and resilience when confronted with challenges, showcase a strong commitment to ethical principles, and demonstrate genuine care for both others and your community. 
  • Master of Science in Robotics Applicants: Prepare a Statement of Purpose providing a concise one- or two-page statement. While the format and content is ultimately up to you, consider including information relevant to the following:
  1. Your primary interests within the Robotics Institute (RI). Discuss your research interests, and any relevant experiences you have had that have informed and inspired those interests. Student interests tend to evolve as they are immersed in the environment of the Robotics Institute. The description provided here is not intended as a definitive statement of what you will do, but is rather used to assess your ability to describe and motivate your research interests. You might consider including a discussion of the potential societal impact of the work (both positive and negative), as such considerations are core to how we think about our work and research in the RI. You might find it useful to relate your work to existing research areas and projects already happening in the Robotics Institute, which are listed on the RI research summary page. The RI is a large and dynamic place; the websites may not represent the entirety of work or interests of the many people in the department. Anyone with research interests related to robotics (broadly defined) are explicitly welcome.
  2. State your specific personal and/or professional objectives in pursuing the Master of Science in Robotics (MSR) program, and why you are applying to Carnegie Mellon and the Robotics Institute, specifically.
  3. Describe your background in fields related to your objective. List any relevant industrial or commercial experience. Note that we welcome students from diverse educational, cultural and geographic backgrounds with a variety of strengths — strong technical skills, strong social science skills, strong design skills and combinations of the above.
  4. Explain how your background and life experiences provide evidence of your ability to display persistence and resilience when confronted with challenges, showcase a strong commitment to ethical principles, and demonstrate genuine care for both others and your community.  
  • Master of Science in Computer Vision Applicants: Prepare a Statement of Purpose providing a concise one- or two-page statement. While the format and content is ultimately up to you, consider including information relevant to the following:
  1. Provide some background information on your academic/industrial career to date, and why/how that leads you to be interested in the Master of Science in Computer Vision (MSCV) program. We welcome students from diverse educational, cultural, and geographic backgrounds with a variety of strengths — strong technical skills, strong social science skills, strong design skills and combinations of the above.
  2. State your personal and/or professional objectives in pursuing a graduate degree, and why you are applying to Carnegie Mellon and the MSCV program, specifically. It would be helpful for the committee to understand your career aspirations, how you imagine your MSCV experience would assist you in achieving these, and what you see yourself doing five to ten years after graduation.
  3. Explain how your background and life experiences provide evidence of your ability to display persistence and resilience when confronted with challenges, showcase a strong commitment to ethical principles, and demonstrate genuine care for both others and your community.