Graduate Admissions

PhD in Computing

To apply to the PhD in Computing degree program, please visit the University of South Alabama (USA) Graduate School website. Applications are initially reviewed by the Graduate School and then forwarded to the School of Computing for additional review. For information about the program, please see this link. 

In addition to the general admission requirements of the USA Graduate School, admission requirements for the Computing Ph.D. program are:

• A statement of purpose indicating the student’s personal goals and research interests. Because prospective students are matched with a faculty mentor, competitive applications align with the research areas of School of Computing graduate faculty.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons able to speak directly to the applicant’s ability
  to engage in advanced discovery and contribute new knowledge to the discipline.
• Curriculum vitae.
• An official transcript from each college or university attended.
• A baccalaureate or graduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology or a closely related field. A graduate degree is not required for admission.
• An undergraduate minimum GPA of 3.3 overall or a graduate minimum GPA of 3.5 overall (4 point scale).
• Official scores for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) including the AW portion.
  • Domestic applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution are not required to provide GRE scores.
  • Any applicant with a graduate degree awarded by an accredited U.S. institution is not required to provide GRE scores.
• Additional Requirements for international students:
  • An official Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PET score.
    • See the policy of the Graduate School
  • * Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution are exempt from providing English proficiency requirements.
• A completed application for admission to the Graduate School. Admission is competitive and the decision is based on a review of all submitted admission materials.
• A personal interview may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to submit samples of prior work. All admissions materials should be submitted online.

Admission may be granted by the Director of Graduate Studies, when supported by a vote of the Graduate Faculty, in special cases where a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s credentials is appropriate.

Master’s Degree in CIS Programs

To apply to the Master of Science in Computer and Information Science (Computer Science Option), please visit the University of South Alabama (USA) Graduate School website. Applications are initially reviewed by the Graduate School and forwarded to the Computer Science Department for additional review. For information about the program, please see this link.

In addition to the general admissions requirements of the USA Graduate School, admission requirements for the Master’s Degree in Computer and Information Sciences programs are:

• Undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• An official academic transcript from each college or university attended.
• Three letters of recommendation from persons able to speak directly to the applicant’s academic abilities.
• A written statement of purpose indicating the student’s personal and academic goals.
• A minimum grade-point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for either all completed post-secondary coursework or for a completed graduate program to be accepted for regular admission.
• Official scores for the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) including the AW portion.
  • Domestic applicants with an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution are not required to provide GRE scores.
  • Any applicant with a graduate degree awarded by an accredited U.S. institution is not required to provide GRE scores.
• Additional Requirements for international students:
  • An official Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, ITEP, or PET score.
    • See the policy of the Graduate School
  • * Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution are exempt from providing English proficiency requirements.
• A completed application for admission to the Graduate School.

In situations where one part of the application is particularly strong, applicants may be considered for admission by the Graduate Director if their GPA or GRE (or other admissions test score) is below the standards. 

For additional information about the PhD program, please contact Dr. Ryan Benton at (251) 460-6298 or csgraduate@southalabama.edu.