Requirements

Once the graduate school deems your application complete, it is forwarded to the Center for Advanced Computer Studies for further review. The graduate school does not forward the application to the Center until after receiving all transcripts, three letters of reference describing you ability to study for the PhD, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students). Also you must include a statement of purpose. In the statement of purpose, you should explain your research interests and include any evidence of prior research experience or achievement.

Upon receiving the application from the graduate school, the Center makes a decision of acceptance or denial within three weeks. Before we notify the applicant of the outcome, the graduate school must approve the Center's decision. So, you will here of the outcome from the graduate school before you hear it from the Center.

Besides the graduate school requirements, the department has its own additional requirements. The applicant needs a four-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, computer or electrical engineering, or a related field (with GPA equal to 3.0). Either a TOEFL or IELTS score is required of international students without a degree from the U.S., U.K., or English-speaking Canada. The recommended TOEFL is 81 and the recommended IELTS is 6.5.

Competition for admission into the PhD program is intense. Consequently, only students with an excellent record should apply. Although outstanding applicants with only a bachelors degree may apply, preference is given to students who already have a masters degree in computer science or a related field. Students with degrees in other fields are required to take courses to make up the necessary background.

Please see the following page that answers most questions that we receive by potential applicants: https://cmix.louisiana.edu/node/271