The Master of Science (M.S.) is the first graduate degree in the field. Students entering the program must have a bachelor's degree and/or adequate background in computer science, such as obtaining an undergraduate computer science program.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered in any discipline. Students may enter the doctoral program with a bachelor's degree or with a master's degree, and must have adequate background in computer science.
Application Deadlines
The official deadlines for submission of all materials to the University are as follows:
- Fall Term 2025 (September start): March 1, 2025
- Priority for PhD program: December 15, 2024
- Winter Term 2026 (January start): September 15, 2025
- Spring Term 2026 (April start): November 1, 2025
PSU operates on a quarter system. For future or specific term dates, refer to the PSU Academic Calendar.
Please note that these are the dates that the online application closes for the specified term. The application must be submitted by this date. Supporting documents such as test scores and recommendations may arrive after this deadline.
Financial support, when offered, typically starts in Fall term. The deadlines for international students are anticipated to account for the time required to obtain visas. Applications should be received by the deadline of the term of admission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, so applicants are encouraged to complete all requirements prior to submitting the application. If you are unable to do so, please contact the Graduate Advisor (gccs@pdx.edu).
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission, all applicants to the CS graduate programs must have:
- A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution1
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Proof of English Language Proficiency for International Students
- Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
- Prospective graduate students are not required to have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, but they must make up the background needed for graduate study before applying for admission. See the Grad Prep page for more details.
Admission is selective and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. All admission decisions are based on the information a prospective student provides. Please contact the Graduate Advisor (gccs@pdx.edu) if you would like to discuss your specific situation.
Admission Timeline
Admission decisions are typically issued about 6-8 weeks after the application deadline (listed above) for complete applications. For applications that are incomplete after the deadline, admission decisions will be issued 6-8 weeks after all required documents have been received.
Application Requirements
Login or create a new account in the PSU application portal to start a single online application to Portland State University and to a CS graduate program. You will be able to save an incomplete application and return at a later time.
Be prepared to submit the requested documents below electronically within the online application. Unofficial copies are sufficient for the application process. Official copies of application documents are only required upon admission to the program and instructions for how to submit these will be provided at that time. Please do not mail any hard copies to the CS department.
For any questions about the online application form, please contact help@applyweb.com. For any questions regarding CS graduate admission, please contact the CS Graduate Advisor (gccs@pdx.edu).
GRE Score Reports (Optional)
GRE scores are optional. If you choose to submit GRE scores, upload an unofficial copy of your score report within the application. Official copies are required upon admission to the program, and can be requested from ETS and sent to PSU using the school code 4610 and department code 0402.
Transcripts
The CS graduate programs require copies of transcripts from each postsecondary institution you have attended (including PSU). Unofficial transcript copies are acceptable for application purposes. Official copies are required upon admission to the program. For more information, see PSU’s transcript requirements.
References
Contact information for two references are required, preferably those who know your academic performance and potential. Recommendation letters are also acceptable and can be submitted to the CS Graduate Advisor (gccs@pdx.edu).
Short Personal Statement
In 1-2 pages, introduce yourself, your plans, interests, and qualifications. This statement should include your background and interests in computer science, any relevant work experience, why you are seeking a graduate degree, and whether you plan to enroll part-time or full-time. If you plan to enroll part-time, describe your employment or major activities as well.
If you are applying for immediate admission to the PhD program, include a description of your potential research area, faculty members you hope to collaborate, and your reasons for not entering the CS master’s program.
English Language Proficiency Test Score Reports
For international students only, please review the English Language Proficiency requirement webpage for more information about which tests are accepted, and what the minimum score requirements are. If a test score report copy is not available, please list the date the test was taken or will be be taken.