PhD Computer Science, Data Science and Analytics Concentration - Admission Requirements
MS to PhD
- Students are expected to have a Master’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline awarded by a recognized institution. Applicants with a different background are encouraged to apply. Students are expected to be proficient in programming and to have taken calculus 2 and a statistics course, as well as being knowledgeable in the topics of data structures, algorithm design and analysis, operating systems, and computer architecture. The admission committee will evaluate the application holistically to determine applicant suitability using several factors such as academic performance, GPA, GRE scores, background and experience. The admission committee may assign remedial courses on a case-by-case basis.
- Submit official transcripts from previous institutions attended. The desirable minimum GPA in previous graduate work is 3.3 (of a 4.0 maximum).
- Submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE requirement is waived for students with a Master’s degree from CEECS.
- The applicant must produce three reference letters (at least two from academia) that address his/her research potential, motivation, relative academic achievement, and personality. Forms are supplied with applications for admission.
- International students from non-English-speaking countries must be proficient in written and spoken English as evidenced by a score of at least 500 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL or a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS.
BS to PhD Direct Path program
- Students are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Students are expected to be proficient in programming and to have taken calculus 2 and a statistics course, as well as being knowledgeable in the topics of data structures, algorithm design and analysis, operating systems, and computer architecture. The admission committee will evaluate the application holistically to determine applicant suitability using several factors such as academic performance, GPA, GRE scores, background and experience. The admission committee may assign remedial courses on a case-by-case basis.
- Submit official transcripts from previous institutions attended. The desirable minimum bachelor GPA is 3.3 (of a 4.0 maximum) in the last 60 credits attempted prior to graduation.
- Submit the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. The desirable combined score (verbal and quantitative) of the GRE is 310 or better.
- The applicant must produce two reference letters. Where possible these letters should address the student's qualifications for research.
- International students from non-English-speaking countries must be proficient in written and spoken English as evidenced by a score of at least 500 (paper-based test) or 213 (computer-based test) or 79 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL or a score of at least 6.0 on the IELTS.
Students in the MS Program at FAU can apply for the direct path Ph.D. program within the first year of graduate studies. In addition to the requirements stipulated for the BS to PhD program, the students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the graduate program at FAU.