Send application materials directly to the Graduate Admissions Office only.
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the graduate admission process, see the Graduate Admissions website.
The full-time graduate program admission deadlines for completed applications are:
We offer a student-led PhD applicant support program. This program provides 1-on-1 support for applicants who are underrepresented in Computer Science. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to receive feedback and guidance from a current CICS PhD student. If you consider yourself an underrepresented or marginalized minority in Computer Science, please apply here. For more information, visit the PhD Applicant Support Program web page.
Additionally, the program will also provide general help via a live panel webinar to all applicants on November 23rd at 11 AM EST.
Materials to Submit for MS and PhD programsAll students are required to submit the following:
We strongly recommend that all students submit all required materials to the Office of Graduate Admissions before the deadline to ensure timely consideration.
Although application files are created when credentials are received, you can expedite the processing of your graduate application by making sure that your application is submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions before requesting that transcripts, GRE scores (MS), and two letters of recommendation are sent.
Re-applying? Log into your SPIRE account and add an updated SoP. Please leave your reference documents blank and after you submit your application email gradreference@grad.umass.edu to request the reference letters be moved over to your new application.Although the University of Massachusetts Graduate school requires official paper GRE and TOEFL score reports upon acceptance to our programs, the Graduate School accepts an upload of official score reports such as certified or notarized reports when foreign exchange creates a financial burden on the applicant.
***Please read the COVID update to accepted English proficiency exams here.
The Graduate Admissions Office cannot consider any application for admission to the University of Massachusetts Amherst unless that application is accompanied by the required fee or the applicant has been granted a fee waiver. Fee waiver application process and guidelines are outlined below.
United States Citizens: A waiver of this fee is available to those U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled as full-time undergraduate students and who have qualified for a waiver of the GRE fee through their undergraduate financial aid office. A statement from a college or university financial aid officer attesting to receipt of, or eligibility for, the GRE fee waiver must accompany the application. US citizens and residents are also eligible to apply for the CICS PhD Admissions Program Fee Waiver as described below.
Current UMass Amherst Students: A waiver of this fee is provided to UMass Amherst undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an academic program.
Foreign applicants: Submission of the application processing fee is required. PhD applicants are also eligible to apply for the CICS PhD Admissions Program Fee Waiver as described below.
CICS Fall 2021 PhD Admissions Program Fee Waiver: CICS is offering a limited number of fee waivers to PhD applicants who have a financial need. To apply for the waiver, applicants should complete the CICS Application for PhD Admissions Program Fee Waiver Form.
Applicants must select "pay by check" in the graduate school admissions application. No refunds will be given if you apply for a fee waiver after paying the application fee. Delay submitting your check until you have heard if you will be receiving a fee waiver
Please only apply if you are sure you will be applying this application season.
A limited number of application fee waivers are available and applications will be reviewed on a first-come basis.
We will do our best to review and respond to your application within 10 days of receiving it.
Acceptance or denial of your application for a fee waiver will not impact your admission status.
Applicants who are granted a fee waiver will be notified and the college will notify the graduate school to waive the fee in order to mark your application complete.
If we deny your request for a waiver, we will instruct you to pay the fee.
The application will close on December 10th, 2021.
Fall admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis starting January 15 and ending March 15. Students who are accepted to one of our programs must confirm acceptance by April 15.
Due to the large volume of applications to both programs we request that all applicants refrain from calling or emailing about the status of their application. You will be notified by March 15 of our decision.
Spring (MS only) decisions are made on a rolling basis and will be completed by October 15. Students who are accepted to the MS program for the spring semester must confirm acceptance by December 1.
Accepted PhD Students
Congratulations on your acceptance to the CICS PhD program! You will be asked to submit a decision in SPIRE within two weeks of receiving your University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School letter of acceptance. In order to explore all of your opportunities as well as our research labs and faculty, we encourage you to select "defer decision" in SPIRE. This will give you up until April 15 to make a formal commitment to our doctoral program. During this time you may reach out to any of our faculty or staff with questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
On March 5th we will hold our Candidate Friday virtual event in order to showcase our faculty, research labs, and community. Details will be sent directly to accepted students and posted here on our website.