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 November 29, 2022 (3 p.m. EST) then the application fee is $80 per program.
      • If you submit your application early your recommenders still have until December 12, 2022 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 November 25, 2022. Reportable scores can take two weeks to process and we may not be able to review any scores that arrive after our December 12, 2022 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 your native language (language spoken from birth) is not English, an official copy of an English proficiency score report is required. The English proficiency requirement cannot be waived for any reason. 
      • We strongly encourage applicants to take either the TOEFL or IELTS. In cases where these are not available it is acceptable to take the Duolingo test. We discourage the use of the "TOEFL ITP Plus for China," since speaking is not scored. 
      • Additional details are provided on the FAQ page.
      •  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
        • If you have not received a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., you will need to submit a TOEFL no older than two years. (TOEFL scores taken before September 1, 2020, 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. and your native language is not English, you may submit an expired test score up to five years old. (TOEFL scores taken before September 1, 2017, will not be accepted.)
          • Important: Applicants applying to MCDS and MHCI are required to submit a TOEFL score taken within the last two years. TOEFL scores taken before September 1, 2020, will not be accepted. For more information about their TOEFL policies, visit the MCDS or MHCI admissions websites.
        • 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.
        • A TOEFL Score of 100 is equivalent to an IELTS score of 7.
        • 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 
  • 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.
    • Note: The following programs have specific SOP instructions, please see below for more information:
      • Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction
      • Ph.D. in Social Computing
      • Ph.D. and Master's in Computational Biology
      • Master's in Computer Science
      • Master's in Software Engineering
      • Master's in Robotic Systems Development
  • 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 or 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)

 

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 highly recommended. If GRE scores are not submitted, please briefly explain in the SOP section of your application. 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. 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 EngineeringMSEGREs are optional but recommended as part of a holistic review and evaluation of applications by the MSE Programs Admission Committee. 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 Software Engineering - Scalable SystemsMSE-SSGREs are optional but recommended as part of a holistic review and evaluation of applications by the MSE Programs Admission Committee. 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 Software Engineering - Embedded SystemsMSE-ESGREs are optional but recommended as part of a holistic review and evaluation of applications by the MSE Programs Admission Committee. 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's of Software Engineering Online MSE OnlineGRE scores are optional; however, applicants who have taken the GREs are encouraged to submit their scores. 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 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 highly recommended. If GRE scores are not submitted, please briefly explain in the statement of purpose section of your application. The GRE at Home Test is not accepted. More information is available on the program website.
Ph.D. in Machine Learning GREs are optional but strongly recommended. If you cannot submit GRE scores, explain the reason. The GRE at Home Test is accepted. 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 
Optional but strongly recommended. If you cannot submit GRE scores, explain the reason. 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.

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Application Deadline

Early Deadline: November 29, 2022   
(3 p.m. EST)

Final Deadline: December 12, 2022   
(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
  • Human-Computer Interaction Ph.D. ApplicantsIindicate 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.
  • 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 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: 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. 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.