Last reviewed: Apr 19th, 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions from Prospective Graduate Students

How do I find information (admission and degree requirements) on graduate programs in computer sciences?

Please visit The Florida Tech Catalog and our Academics section

Can I be admitted if my computer background does not meet the admission requirement?

Yes, you can be admitted with the stipulation that you will be required to complete extra courses in areas you are deficient.

How do I apply for admission?

Application forms/packets are obtained from the Graduate Admission Office, or you can apply online at the Florida Tech Admissions website. Please note some of the application will have to be mailed in (for example, transcripts and GRE test scores).

How do I apply for assistantship awards?

To be considered for assistantship awards, you must first apply for admission--we do not award assistantships to non-students. All admitted students are considered for assistantship awards. (The assistantship application form need not be filled out if you are not a current student at Florida Tech.)

What is the deadline for applying for admission and assistantship?

For the Fall Semester (August-December): February 1
For the Spring Semester (January-May): August 1

Please note these dates are earlier than the university's deadlines for admission applications, which are April 1 (Fall) and September 1 (Spring).

Do you admit students to start in the Summer?

You are encouraged to apply for admission for Fall or Spring--few classes are offered in Summer and many faculty members are not on campus.

What standardized tests do I need to take?

All graduate applicants are required to submit scores from the GRE General Test. You are required to submit scores but there is no minimum required for application. International applicants are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Please note that the more information you provide us, particularly standardized test scores, the more accurate we can evaluate your application. Lack of information from you usually has negative impact on your application.

What are the required application materials for MS admission in Dept. of Computer Sciences and Cybersecurity?

  1. Admission Application Form
  2. Transcripts
  3. GRE General Test Scores
  4. Three Letters of Recommendation
  5. TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores (international applicants)

Please note that the Graduate Admission Office may have additional requirements.

What are the required application materials for Ph.D. admission in Dept. of Computer Sciences and Cybersecurity?

  1. Admission Application Form
  2. Transcripts
  3. GRE General Test Scores
  4. Three Letters of Recommendation
  5. Statement of Objectives
  6. Resume
  7. TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores (international applicants)

Please note that the Graduate Admission Office may have additional requirements.

What is the minimum TOEFL [or IELTS] score?

The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 550 for paper-based TOEFL, 213 for computer-based TOEFL (CBT), 79 for internet-based TOEFL (iBT), or 6.5 for IELTS. Applicants may be admitted with a lower score, but will be required to take English courses and obtain the minimum score before taking regular courses.

What are the average GPA and GRE scores for incoming students for the Masters/Ph.D. programs?

In general, we do not admit students with a GRE Quantitative score lower than 50th percentile. Average GPA is less informative since many international universities do not use GPA and we have a large number of international applicants.

Where can I find more information about the GRE and TOEFL/TSE?

At the ETS GRE website and TOEFL website.

What is a Statement of Objectives?

Ph.D. applicants are required to submit a Statement of Objectives (aka Statement of Purpose) that describes your reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science, key qualifications to enter our Ph.D. program, research interests, and career goals. The statement should be no more than one single-spaced page.

What are my chances of getting admitted?

Applicants are evaluated in four areas: English preparation, Mathematics preparation, CS preparation, and others. Applicants can be accepted with deficiencies in CS if they are well prepared in the other areas. We do not know your chances until we look at your completed application.

What are my chances of receiving an assistantship award?

Based on academic achievement and potential (not financial reasons), top admitted applicants are awarded teaching/research assistantships. Priorities are given to Ph.D. applicants, followed by MS applicants. Strong candidates without a master's degree may apply directly to the Ph.D. program. We plan to start awarding assistantships in late March.

Are there scholarships outside of Florida Tech that I can apply?

Information on scholarships offered outside of Florida Tech can be found at http://www.cs.fit.edu/~pkc/dept/scholarship.html

How is my application processed?

Your application is processed by two separate offices at Florida Tech: Graduate Admission Office and Department of Computer Sciences and Cybersecurity. The steps are:

  1. Applications forms/packets are obtained from the Graduate Admission Office.
  2. Applications are submitted to the Graduate Admission Office.
  3. Completed applications are forwarded to the CS Dept.
  4. The CS Dept evaluates the applications.
  5. The CS Dept notifies the Graduate Admission Office about the decision.
  6. Decision letters are sent out by the Graduate Admission Office.

Have you received my application? Is my application complete?

Please contact the Graduate Admission Office directly (contact information below). All your application materials should be mailed to Graduate Admission, not the CS Dept.

What is my admission status?

Please contact the Graduate Admission Office directly (contact information below). Your application might not be complete to be forwarded to the CS Dept for evaluation and the Graduate Admission Office has the official answer.

I have more questions related to international students.

Please check: International Students FAQ

I have more questions about assistantships.

Please check: Assistantships FAQ

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Last reviewed: Apr 19th, 2024.
Out-of-Date - Please contact CS Sysadmin