Ph.D. in Computer Science Admissions Information/Requirements

Admissions Requirements 

A student entering doctoral studies in computer science should have suitable preparation in mathematics and computer science and an undergraduate degree in computer science or the equivalent from an accredited college or university. In addition, ideal candidates for admission should have some previous exposure to research and development and demonstrate promise for success in research and teaching through their application materials.  For more information on how to apply, please visit GSAS Admissions.

Application Deadlines

Visit Application Deadlines.

Guidelines and Information

Completed applications will include each of the following items:

Official transcripts
Please be sure to order official final transcripts from all previously attended institutions confirming degree conferral (if applicable) at least one month before the posted application deadline. Transcripts should be sent directly from your prior institution(s) via secure electronic delivery to the Office of Admissions at [email protected].If electronic delivery is not available, please request that your transcripts be submitted by postal service in a sealed envelope from the institution to:

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
Office of Admissions
Keating Hall Room 216
Fordham University
441 E. Fordham Rd.
Bronx, NY 10458

Please note: We strongly recommend that you upload unofficial copies of your academic transcripts to your application while the Office of Admissions awaits receipt of your official transcripts. 

Please ensure that all official transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions are submitted in English, or are accompanied by a certified English translation. For academic transcripts from institutions outside the United States, applicants are strongly encouraged to obtain a course-by-course credential evaluation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.

Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores
Required - Official GRE scores must be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences – Code  #2259).

Resume/CV
Submitted directly via the online application.

Statement of intent
Up to 500 words, submit via the online application.

Three letters of recommendation
Submitted directly via the online application. Enter the following information for each of your recommendation providers: name, address, email address, phone number, institution. Make sure you enter your recommenders' email addresses correctly so that they each receive an automated email instructing them on how to submit their recommendations online. Mark the waiver statement for each recommender you enter.

Optional: Copies of Recent Publications
You have the option to submit authored/co-authored peer-reviewed research publications. You may submit up to 5 such publications, limited to conference publications (maximum size 8 pages) and journal publications or book chapters (maximum size 15 pages).  The full reference for the publication must be included.

English Proficiency

International applicants whose native language is not English are required to complete and submit to GSAS prior to matriculation their official scores from one of the following accepted English language competency exams:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - GSAS accepts the following TOEFL tests:
  • TOEFL iBT (including the Home Edition and Paper Edition
  • TOEFL Essentials
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)—Cambridge English Proficiency Level
• Duolingo English Test
• PTE Academic

Official TOEFL, IELTS, DET, or PTE Academic scores should be sent directly by the testing service to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Fordham University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (our ETS Code for TOEFL scores is 2259). Please consult the English Proficiency page for additional information. 

Preferred minimum score requirements:*

*The M.S. in Computer Science, M.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Data Science, and Ph.D. in Computer Science programs will consider applicants with the following scores:

Please consult the English Proficiency page for additional information.