University of Massachusetts - Computer Science
 
 
Our highly-ranked graduate program is a comprehensive academic program designed to train students to perform original research.
 

Joining our Graduate Program

The Computer Science Department has offered graduate education for more than forty years. Today it is one of the highest ranked and highest impact graduate research programs in the nation.  According to the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best graduate schools, the UMass Amherst graduate program in computer science ranked 20th, while its artificial intelligence specialty ranked 10th and systems specialty ranked 18th.

The graduate student body consists of more than 200 graduate students from many different backgrounds and all parts of the globe. As a group they are characterized by a spirit of cooperation and camaraderie that contributes significantly to the Department.

Once students enter graduate studies, the department aims to see that they not only successfully complete a comprehensive academic program but also prepare themselves well for their future careers. Students are involved in research programs from the beginning of their graduate careers. Upon graduation, our students have consistently found positions in some of the best academic and industrial settings.

Most students apply directly to our Ph.D. program, which is the main focus of graduate studies in our department. We also offer an M.S. program in Computer Science, and earning an M.S. is a natural part of progressing within the Ph.D. program.  Admission is very competitive: a typical graduate class numbers between 20 and 30 students selected from about one thousand domestic and international applicants. Backgrounds vary: we have students from engineering, math, computer science, electrical engineering, psychology and social sciences. With such a diverse group, emphasis is placed on letters of recommendation, the personal statement, GPA and GRE scores.

These pages are provided to help answer the questions that prospective graduate students often ask about our Department, graduate programs of study, and the graduate admissions process. Applicants are also encouraged to learn more about our Faculty and Research, and the many benefits of living in the Amherst Area.