About the Ph.D. and Master's Degree in Computer Science
UW’s computer science graduate programs give students the opportunity to learn from
accomplished professors in small group settings. Our faculty conduct research in a
wide variety of areas, including computational complexity, distributed computing,
formal verification and theorem proving, artificial intelligence, computer vision,
virtual reality and cybersecurity.
Our goal as a department is to help students gain hands-on experience. That’s why
all computer science students have access to state-of-the-art equipment, conferences
and workshops. We additionally partner with companies and research institutions to
provide students with internships.
The majority of our graduate students receive stipends that cover tuition costs and
living expenses.
Applicants for a graduate degree in computer science are expected to have completed undergraduate courses in:
- Algorithms and Data Structures (COSC 3020 equivalent)
- Theory of Computing (COSC 4100 or 4200 equivalent)
- Operating Systems (COSC 4740 equivalent)
- Programming Languages or Compilers (COSC 4780 or 4785 equivalent)
Applicants to the Ph.D. in computer science must have completed a bachelor's degree
in computer science or a closely related discipline at an accredited university or
college.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is encouraged but not required.
- GRE scores should be a minimum of 40th percentile for the verbal score and 65th percentile
for the quantitative score. Our strongest students tend to have scores substantially
above these minimums, with quantitative scores often around the 90th percentile or
higher.
Students whose native language is not English must also complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with scores of at least:
- 550 on the paper based TOEFL
- 213 on the computerized test, including a 58 or better in Reading Test 1
- 80 for the internet based TOEFL (iBT), including a score of 23 or better in Reading Test 1
Alternatively, students may take the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) test. They must score 6.5 or better.
Applicants must submit contact information for three references who can evaluate their
potential for graduate study in computer science. If you wish to pursue a Ph.D. in
computer science, the reference letters should address your ability to pursue quality
original research. Letters should also evaluate your oral and written communication
skills.
If you meet the minimum criteria and would like to formally apply for admission you
will also need to submit the following information during the completion of your application
via the application portal:
- Copies of your transcripts from all colleges and universities for all degrees attained.
You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent.
- International applicants must submit copies of individual semester transcripts. Consolidated
transcripts will not be accepted.
GRE scores
- International applicants must submit copies of individual semester transcripts. Consolidated
transcripts will not be accepted.
- Contact information for three recommendation letters
- Applicants should follow up with recommenders to ensure this requirement is fulfilled. Applications will not be processed further until all recommendations have been received.
- International students will also need to submit a copy of TOEFL scores or IELTS scores.
Our master's program covers essential topics such as Analysis of Algorithms, AI, ML,
Cybersecurity and HCI, equipping students with the skills needed for various professional
pathways. For those aiming for higher academic pursuits, our Ph.D. program delves
deeper into computing principles and practices, with specialized focuses including
AI, Complexity & Information Theory, Human-Computer Interaction, Cybersecurity, Machine
Learning, Computer Vision and Distributed Computing. Join us to embark on a journey
of academic excellence and professional growth in the field of Computer Science.
View the full master of science in computer science curriculum.
View the full Ph.D. in computer science curriculum.
Computer Science Graduate Minor
Enhance your expertise with a graduate minor in computer science! This program equips you with the skills to understand and develop software-intensive systems, empowering you to use computing to drive innovation in your field.
Learn MoreWhat Can You Do With a Computer Science Graduate Degree?
With a computer science graduate degree from the University of Wyoming, you can pursue advanced roles in software development, AI, data science, cybersecurity, robotics and research. Graduates work in a wide variety of private and public fields, solving complex problems and driving innovation for the future.
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Expert
- Computer Science Professor
- Software Engineer
- Senior Site Reliability Engineer
- AI Researcher
- Cybersecurity Analyst or Architect
- Robotics Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Natural Language Processing Specialist
- Computer Vision Engineer
- Chief Technology Officer
- DevOps Engineer
- Blockchain Developer
- Human-Computer Interaction Designer
- Quantum Computing Researcher
- Systems Architect
- Bioinformatics Specialist
- High-Performance Computing Engineer
- OpenAI
- Indiana University-Southeast
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- UpLink Robotics
- Accenture
- Sunrun
- VMware
- Technology and Software Development
- Finance and Fintech
- Healthcare and Bioinformatics
- Cybersecurity and Defense
- Government and Public Sector
- Education and Research Institutions
- Automotive and Robotics
- Telecommunications
- E-commerce and Retail
- Entertainment and Game Development
Yes, a graduate degree in computer science can significantly improve your job prospects. It can open doors to advanced roles in areas like AI, data science, cybersecurity and research, and often leads to higher salaries, leadership positions and greater job flexibility across many industries.
