Computer Science

With 40 full-time faculty members, 300+ graduate students, and more than 2,000 undergraduates, we provide a world-class research environment spanning not only the core areas of computer science — including computer architecture, system software, networking and distributed computing, data and information systems, the theory of computation, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics — but also highly interdisciplinary programs, such as biomedical informatics, data mining, security and privacy, and ubiquitous computing.

The diverse research interests of our faculty are reflected directly in our educational programs. Computer Science faculty teach most of the undergraduate and graduate courses for the degree programs in both Computer Science and Information & Computer Science. We jointly offer with our colleagues in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering, as well as the graduate program in Networked Systems. We also have a major in Computer Game Science, jointly offered with the Department of Informatics.

Seven elective courses from any set of CS, Informatics, or Statistics courses, including the above core courses, but excluding COMPSCI 290, COMPSCI 298, COMPSCI 299, or any course with a suffix of “S.”

Two of these courses can be graduate courses offered by a department outside of ICS, with written consent of the advisor (M.S. students must obtain written consent from the Computer Science Vice Chair for Graduate Studies).

Two of the courses can be undergraduate courses from the following list:

Requirements

GRE and TOEFL Scores

Arrange to have your official test scores sent from the testing agency to UC Irvine. Photocopies or scans will not be accepted.

GRE

• The General GRE is required of ALL applicants.
• For official GRE General test scores, use Institutional code: 4859
• There is no minimum GRE score.
• GRE scores are good for five years, after which time the exam must be retaken.
• We cannot accept GMAT scores in lieu of GRE scores.

TOEFL

• The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required of international applicants.
• For official TOEFL test scores, use Institutional code: 4859
• The minimum TOEFL score is 80. For more information, please see Graduate Division's English Proficiency site.
• UCI will only waive the TOEFL requirement for applicants who have completed ALL requirements for a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the U.S. prior to submitting their application.

» Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required, but you may submit as many letters as you wish.

For paper submission

Provide the Letter of Recommendation and Waiver of Access forms to at least three people you have identified who can evaluate your academic and/or professional achievements, describe your strengths and weaknesses and comment on your character, integrity and motivation. Your recommenders should mail his/her letter directly to:

ICS Graduate Office
Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences
352 Information & Computer Science Bldg.
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-3430

For online submission

Applicants who have completed and submitted their online application should send their recommenders a link to that page, along with their application ID number.

» Personal Statement

The Personal Statement (same as Statement of Purpose) should be submitted via the online application.

» Official Transcripts

Arrange to have one copy of your official transcripts from the colleges you attended sent directly to the ICS Graduate Office.

An official English translation is required from international students.

Photocopies, scans, or unofficial copies of transcripts will not be accepted.

Scholarships

• Fellowships or Grants
• Teaching or Research Assistantships 
• Need-based Financial Aid
• Personal Resources