Graduate Admissions

This page contains details on graduate admissions for computer science.

Have Questions?

If you have questions on our programs and the admissions process, please first read over all of the information on this page and on pages linked from here. If you still have questions, then you should contact...

• If you have questions related to getting an I-20 (this applies only to international students), contact ISU-IPS@mail.indstate.edu.
• If you have questions about having an incomplete application, contact admissions@indstate.edu.
• If you have been admitted and have questions about setting up your ISU online account, contact the department administrative assistant listed on our homepage.
• If you are ready to sign up for courses and need to know which courses to sign up for, contact a CS Graduate Advisor.

University Requirements

First, all conditions of the university must be met, as listed here: https://www.indstate.edu/graduatestudies/prospective-students In particular, an applicant must hold a 4-year undergraduate/bachelor's degree before beginning at Indiana State (you can apply during your last year if you finish before starting at ISU), and must upload a transcript showing the final degree awarded into the application system and have an official transcript sent to ISU (if finishing your BS, upload your current transcript). The university normally requires a 3.0 college GPA, though the department can petition the university to grant admission also for those who pass the department requirements even if their GPA may be below this.

Note that for international students, an your transcript also needs to be evaluated. As of 2024, ISU will perform this evaluation if you have not already had it done. International students must also satisfy English proficiency requirements listed at the bottom of https://www.indstate.edu/cgps/graduate/apply/international-degree-seeking-application, and note that only officially received test scores will be accepted.

For information on the cost of tuition, see https://www.indstate.edu/costs-aid/tuition-graduate

Department Requirements - Programming and Algorithms

For admission, the following is the minimum standard we are looking for:

• Can communicate clearly in English.
• Competent in programming in some programming language.
• Good understanding of basic data structures and algorithms.
• Interest in continuing in CS.

Quizzes and Interview - This corresponds to roughly the first year of an undergraduate CS major. We validate that applicants meet these requirements with two steps. First, applicants must satisfactorily complete an online quiz over data structures and algorithms and complete a few programming tasks. See our MS Admissions Quizzes. Second, for those who complete the quizzes, we conduct a short Admissions Interview (over Teams, Zoom, or Skype) to verify that the work on the quizzes was your own and to verify you meet our minimum standards. Note that those who complete the MS Admissions Quizzes in good faith (your own work, without help from others) are very likely to pass the admissions interview and be admitted to the MS.

Preparing for Quizzes and Interview - The pages linked above for the quizzes and interview contain pointers to suggested references to help prepare. Another option is to take ISU courses to get you ready - either CS 151 Intro to Computer Science and CS 201 Programming Structures. You would apply to ISU as a non-degree student and then enroll in these courses (CS 151 one term, and the following term CS 201) or the grad course CS 510.

BS Degree and Experience - Note that we use the same admissions process regardless of your previous experience or bachelors degree. Those with a CS degree and related job experience are still required to pass through this process (quizzes and interview). Those without a CS degree or related job experience have the same process. We hope that you study and prepare for the quizzes and technical interview so that you are able to admitted.

Assistantships - Note that to be considered for one of our assistantship positions (which include a tuition waiver and stipend) the standards are higher.

Graduate Admissions - FAQ

Is a computer science BS required for admission? As noted above, a computer science degree is NOT required for admission. See above for more details.

Is there an application fee waiver? We do not offer application fee waivers. Note that once you have paid the application fee, you will NOT be required to pay it again (e.g., if you are not admitted and decide to apply again in a future term).

Is an unofficial transcript enough for admission? As of the writing of this FAQ, an unofficial transcript CAN be uploaded in your application for making an admissions decision. Note that an official transcript must still be sent if you attend ISU. This is a decision of the Admissions Office, and is subject to change.

Is a transcript evaluation required? As of the writing of this FAQ, an external transcript evaluation is NOT required. This is a decision of the Admissions Office, and is subject to change.

Are there any scholarships, tuition waivers, or assistantship positions? We consider all applicants for positions inside the department. Positions are awarded based on knowledge/skills in computer science. We do not take into account your previous work experience or previous course projects; we go strictly based off of our admissions process (see above). Most good students are able to find a position at the university by the end of the first term of study.

Is the program available online? Yes, the program is available online, with all courses beginning offered either online asynchronous (using mostly lecture recordings, readings, email, and arranged meetings) or online synchronous (lectures via zoom and recorded for those who cannot be present live).

Why is my application "incomplete"? Check your online application to find out, and if it is not clear then write to admissions@indstate.edu. The most common missing items are: application fee, unofficial transcripts, English language test scores (for international students). See more information above.

Admissions Quizzes and Interview

More details in the Graduate Admissions Interview

Concentrations

All students are by default placed into the professional concentration as this concentration is most flexible with respect to your background. Students interested in other concentrations should be in touch with their advisor.

Admissions Deadline and Timeline

In general, for spring admission we consider all applications that are complete before November 15; for fall admission we normally consider all applications that are complete before July 15. To be complete, you must have uploaded a resume into the application. If you are an international student you must have scores sent demonstrating you have met the English language requirements of ISU as mentioned above. You should also check the application system to see if it indicates any other information that is missing.

Last chance deadlines The following are the dates that are normally used as the "last chance to apply". After these dates, it is not possible to apply for the given term, and an application should be complete before the deadline.

• Admission to begin in Fall: July 15
• Admission to begin in Spring: November 15
• Admission to begin in Summer: March 15 (though note that we only admit to begin in the summer in special circumstances)

Assistantships and Funding

The department regularly supports some of our best students with full assistantships, which cover the cost of tuition and include a stipend. Positions are limited and competitive. Those awarded funding typically are strong in both algorithms/theory and programming, obtain at least 80th percentile on the quantitative portion of the GRE, and are very hard working and earnest individuals. All who apply for admission will automatically be given consideration for an assistantship position.

Deadline For new students to be considered for departmental assistantships, their application must be complete before March 15 for fall admission, and before Oct 15 for spring admission. Note that if you are applying during your final term of your undergraduate degree, you should upload an unofficial transcript into the application system.

Other positions Most CS students end up with an on campus job by the end of their first term at ISU, and are able to earn roughly half of their living and tuition expenses. Around half of CS students end up with an assistantship position in some department by the time they are done at ISU. You can see job and GA postings at https://jobs.indstate.edu/.

Other Information

If you have other questions that have not been answered, you are encouraged to view the pages linked at http://indstate.edu/cgps/ (click on Current Student Resources as well as Prospective Students) for further information about Indiana State University. You can also find information by going to the A-Z page linked from all ISU sites, and search for what you are looking for in the list.

Applying

The instructions and application for applying for a master's of Computer Science are on this webpage at the College of Graduate and Professional Studies' website. They will process your application and route it to the Math and CS department for consideration. After we have decided on whether to admit you to the program, you will be contacted by the College of Gradate and Professional Studies.

Important - It generally takes about 4 weeks to process an application and come to a decision on admittance. If all required documents have been submitted and you have been admitted, you will receive an email and an official acceptance letter in the mail. If this is being mailed to an international address, the standard mailing system can take up to 4-6 weeks of shipping time. In this case, we recommend that you choose the expedited shipping so that your acceptance letter arrives sooner - giving you more time to schedule for a visa interview. For information on expediting your I-20 shipment, see this link.

Important - Make sure to submit all required documents when applying (according to the application instructions). If you do not submit all required forms, this will delay a decision on your admittance. You will not be admitted until all required forms have been received.

Application status - If you have been contacted by the department with the current status of your application, the meaning of the status codes mentioned in the email are as follows.

• Regular Admission - you have been granted admission, and should receive an official email to this effect from admissions@instate.edu, ISU-gradinfo@indstate.edu, or a similar address soon (or you have already received that). See For New Graduate Students to get information on what to do next.
• Updated to Different Term - you were granted admission and later changed which term you wanted to begin.
• Referred to Department - the department has been sent your application information, and the department has not yet decided. If you were sent a message by someone in the department (e.g., the department administrative assistant) asking for some information and have not responded, we will not take action on your application until you respond with the requested information. Importantly, you will receive an email asking you to complete the admissions quizzes; the email has instructions on how to submit your results.
• Incomplete Application - there is something missing from your application. This is most often your transcript or English language test scores (for international students). Note that international students can upload an unofficial transcript for admissions decisions to be made, but must have an official transcript sent as well. Domestic students must have their official transcript sent and received at ISU before your application can be reviewed.
• Not Admitted - the department considered your application and decided to not admit you. We wish you the best in finding a program somewhere else that will work for you. If you improve your skills you can feel free to apply again for a future term at ISU.

Visa Interview

For international students, once all documents have been verified you will receive an email from the admissions office notifying you of your admission. Within a week or so you should hear from the ISU International Programs and Services office with information on having an I-20 shipped to you, which you will need to apply for a student visa to enter the US. Some of our previous students have compiled some advice to consider when preparing for your visa interview.

• During the visa interview the consulate performs a thorough background check. We need to make sure we have all the documents accurate and ready.
• We have to provide a strong proof of financial security, either from the bank or show that our family has enough funds to support our education.
• They go through our undergraduate records, and they will ask us the reason if we have any backlogs or failed in any of the subjects. We must be ready to give a reasonable response.
• They will ask us the reason we chose ISU (Indiana State University) to pursue our Masters. The students can mention some of the things I experienced after coming to ISU. ISU has a small program, where each individual gets a lot of focus. Highly skilled and dedicated professors, from whom we can learn a lot, get an opportunity to be involved in their research work. Lot of opportunities to get Graduate Assistantships, which will provide job and a fee waiver. (In the visa interview it's best not to mention about future employment opportunities, because the consulate expects students to return to their homeland after their education.)
• The students could go through some of the papers or current work of some of the professors, relate their own field of interest or research experience and explain why studying or working under them will be a great and beneficial experience.
• Finally what matters is how we present ourselves and how well we convey our message to them.
• You need to be completely CLEAR on your aim and what you are going to do in US. Be CONFIDANT to answer the questions. Go through cs.indstate.edu to check all course work, professors and summer research areas. In ISU you will have good opportunity to learn and you will be involved in the research areas based on your interests. (You can mention these points in the visa interview to show him your interest.)
• Keep in mind that the VO’s job is to probe you as a potential immigrant and financially incapable student. The VO’s every question has an intention (a "trap" for you). Consider all possible questions beforehand and practice your answers. In your preparation, think like a VO, think what look like weaknesses or problems in your application, and be ready to address those.
• Keep your documents ready, but remember --- your main target is to convince them, just not to show the documents (it is somewhat common for a VO to make a decision without ever looking at the documents - be ready for them to look at them, and be ready for them not to look at them). So make your answer short and simple.
• The financial plan/documents should sound "reasonable" and "make sense" - what job your funding source has that allows for sufficient savings/support, etc.
• Note that you may only have a few minutes to convince the VO. Be confident.

And the following is advice form the assistant director of our Center for Global Engagement

• From Homeland Security - how to prepare for a visa interview
• The Right Attitude
  • Speak in English - Practice interviewing in English with a native English speaker. Being fluent and confident will help you present your case better. However, avoid preparing a speech
  • Speak for yourself - Make your case yourself. Having your parents or others speak on your behalf does not make a good impression on the consular officer.
  • Be brief - Keep your answers and explanations short and to the point, as consular officers can only spend a limited amount of time with each applicant.
  • Be positive - Do not argue with the consular officer or come across as rude and sarcastic, even if you are denied a visa. Instead courteously ask the officer to suggest additional documents you could bring in order to overcome the refusal.
• Some tips to demonstrate your intentions to return to your native country:
  • Convince the consular officer that the sole (not just "primary") purpose of your visit to the US is to pursue a program of study.
  • Outline your plans for when you complete your education and return to your country.
  • Document family ties, business interests, and assets in your home country.
  • Discuss your job prospects, upon completion of your US education, in your native country.