Applying for Admission

Applying for Admission

Applicants interested in our Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs should apply through the University's graduate application system.

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Four-letter program code for PhD: CMSC

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Four-letter program code for MS: CSMS

Deadlines

Note The application deadline for both the PhD, MS is is December 20, 2025. All supporting documents must be submitted by this time for consideration.

We do not accept external applications for the PhD or MS programs for the spring cycle. This is primarily because we do not convene an admissions committee during this period, making it challenging to evaluate candidates in comparison to the cohort.

Application Process and Timeline

Applicants for Fall will be notified of their admission status between mid-February and late March. Applicants are notified via e-mail by the department. For this reason we ask that you do not send us requests for updates on your application review status until after this time.

Application Requirements

Applications are evaluated on the basis of educational and work experience, recommendation letters, and test scores. Undergraduate grade point averages are generally 3.5 or above. However, each applicant is considered individually. Our graduate program receives thousands of applications each year. Typically, the students we admit have strong backgrounds in computer science or related fields. They often boast impressive academic transcripts, extensive research experience, significant project work, and many come from prestigious STEM programs

Recommended Prerequisites

Application to the graduate program is open to individuals with an undergraduate education that includes much of the material covered in the following courses:

  • CMSC 330: Organization of Programming Languages
  • CMSC 420: Data Structures
  • CMSC 451: Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms
  • MATH 140: Calculus I
  • MATH 141: Calculus II
  • MATH 240: Linear Algebra

Course material need not be identical, but should give students a background in these course concepts. While not a requirement for admission, having this background is recommended before submitting an application.

Application materials

Please submit all application materials electronically:

  1. Graduate application
  2. Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application; official transcripts are required upon enrollment.
  3. Graduate Records Examination (GRE scores): Optional(institution code 5814) 
  4. Statement of Purpose
  5. Letters of Recommendation (3)
  6. CV/Resume
  7. Publications/Presentations (optional)
  1. Applicants to the Maryland Max Planck PhD Program in Computer Science should follow their admissions instructions.

Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for each program application. Fee waivers are not offered by the department but may be available through the Graduate School for eligible applicants.

Note: Please be sure you have submitted all of the above materials to be considered for admission. Most of these materials should be submitted online. Transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas are required and should be in the original language and accompanied by a literal, certified English translation. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for purposes of admission but official copies must be received by the Graduate School upon enrollment.

Information for International Graduate Students

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students. Admitted international students will then receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland which will require submission of additional documents.  Please see the Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants for more information.

Applying to the Maryland Max Planck Ph.D. Program

PhD applicants could also consider applying for the highly selective Maryland Max Planck joint PhD program. Students in this program have the unique opportunity to pursue their PhD while working and living at both UMD and a Max Planck Institute in Germany. If you are a new student applying for admission to the Maryland Max Planck Ph.D, Program, you must complete both the application process described above, and an application for admission into MMP.

Apply to the Maryland Max Planck PhD Program in Computer Science

Technical assistance

Applicants are encouraged to contact the online application’s helpdesk for any technical issues.  For questions related to the admissions process, prospective students may contact the Graduate School via gradappsupport [-at-] umd [dot] edu (subject: CMSC%20app%20support)

Still have questions? Fill out our contact form here.