I. Admissions Related Information

We appreciate your interest in pursuing graduate work in Computer Science at Montana State University and hope that we will see you here in the future.

Graduate application forms and instructions are located here.  Unfortunately, due to the expense of mailing paper applications, we are unable to provide these for you.  Please note that before your application can be processed, there is a fee (currently $50 for online applications and $60 for paper applications) that must be paid.

All applicants are required to provide GRE scores and a complete academic transcript. These are used to determine eligibility into the program.

For entrance into the Master's program, we prefer to see GRE scores of at least 650 for quantitative, 450 for verbal, and 3.5 for analytical writing.  International students must also submit a TOEFL result and are expected to score 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based).

For entrance into the Ph.D. program, we prefer to see GRE scores of at least 700 for quantitative, 500 for verbal and 4.0 for analytical writing. International students must also submit a TOEFL result and are expected to score 600 (paper based), 250 (computer based) or 100 (internet based).

We look at all aspects of your application to determine admission.  The GRE scores are a part of that decision making process. The department does not set minimum levels on the GRE test, nor do we guarantee admission if you are above a particular threshold. We utilize the GRE scores and the TOEFL test, as well as your application itself.  For example, the 2-3 page description of the graduate work that you would like to pursue is used to judge your writing skills.  As another example, your transcript is used to ensure that you have the appropriate background and the ability to succeed in graduate work.  

Your undergraduate degree does not have to be in Computer Science to be admitted to the Master's program, although in most cases students from other disciplines will be required to take a number of additional deficiency courses. In order to be admitted directly into the Ph.D. program you must have a degree in Computer Science or a closely related discipline and you should have a faculty member who has agreed to be your initial advisor.

Once you have taken your tests and have received your scores, you can access the Division of Graduate Education to apply to be a graduate student.  MSU requires an international student to include a financial certificate in his or her application. International applicants are also required to submit "proof of funds" which is a statement from your financial institution verifying you have $25,000 USD per year on deposit. The "proof of funds" requirement might be eliminated if you have secured support as either a Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant.

The preferred deadlines for international applicants are May 15 for Fall Semester consideration and October 1 for Spring Semester consideration.

Some Teaching Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA) positions are available.  The department will provide a few TA positions to qualified incoming Ph.D. students each year.  Otherwise, students can apply to be a TA after they are admitted or they can contact individual professors to learn about RA opportunities.  For more information, see the TA Application Form.

Best wishes with the application process.

II. Financial Support Information

Many students need financial help to complete a graduate degree.  We cannot guarantee that every student who desires financial help will get it. However, there are many different possibilities for graduate students to obtain financial help.

Teaching Assistantships

The Computer Science Department typically hires a number of Teaching Assistants (TAs) each semester.  TAs are used to teach the many different laboratories in the Computer Science undergraduate curriculum and to help grade assignments in some of the larger classes.  A laboratory teaching position requires very good spoken English skills, whereas a grading position requires very good written English skills. Since most teaching assistantships are awarded to students already in the graduate program, there are just a few new positions open at the beginning of each semester.

Once you are admitted into the graduate program, you are welcome to apply to be a TA using the TA Application Form.

Research Assistantships

Research Assistants (RAs) work with faculty on a research projects and are paid from research funds that the faculty have obtained.   Since this funding varies from year to year depending on how successful the faculty are in obtaining funding from granting agencies, the number of RAs also varies from year to year.  Students are selected by individual faculty members for RA positions.  Because of the nature of the research involved, a student is rarely offered a research assistantship unless the faculty member knows the student (i.e., the student is already in the program and is known to the instructor) or the student gets particularly good letters of reference from known faculty at other institutions.

New applicants seeking a research assistantship should so indicate on their applications.  Faculty who are interested in a particular applicant for an RA position will make further inquiries of the student and will likely ask for references.  Current students should contact the faculty members directly about becoming part of a research project.

Jobs

Depending on the state of the economy, there are many different part-time job opportunities for Computer Science students in  Bozeman.  Some local high-tech industries occasionally hire software engineers on a part time basis.  The University has a few positions for assistants to work in campus computer laboratories.  Ongoing research and development projects on campus often advertise for programmers.  The Information Technology Center has occasional needs for part time helpers who have technical computer skills.  In short, a student who is looking for such opportunities is likely to find one.

Scholarships and Fellowships

There are some opportunities for students to obtain a scholarship or fellowship.  Many of these require that students seek and apply for the scholarship or fellowship on their own initiative.  The Computer Science Department does not have local scholarships dedicated to graduate students.

Financial Aid

To explore the prospect of obtaining loans, visit the Office of Financial Aid Services at Montana State University.

Updated: 2009-05-29