Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Stanford University offers a comprehensive and rigorous foundation in the fundamental principles of computing, along with the opportunity to explore advanced topics and innovative applications. Designed for students passionate about technology, problem-solving, and creative innovation, the program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Students begin their studies by acquiring core knowledge in programming, algorithms, data structures, computer hardware, and software systems. As they progress, they have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of elective courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, computer graphics, and more, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. The curriculum also encourages engagement with interdisciplinary projects and research, often in collaboration with faculty renowned in their fields, providing opportunities to gain hands-on experience with real-world challenges. Stanford's vibrant tech ecosystem, proximity to Silicon Valley, and extensive industry partnerships enable students to participate in internships, co-op programs, and startups, bridging academic learning with practical application. The program aims to prepare graduates for diverse careers in technology, including software development, data analysis, research, and entrepreneurship, as well as for advanced study in graduate or professional schools. Emphasizing innovation, leadership, and ethical responsibility, the Stanford Computer Science program seeks to develop not only technically proficient engineers but also forward-thinking individuals who will contribute meaningfully to society through technological advancements. With access to cutting-edge resources, a collaborative academic environment, and a global network of alumni, students are well-positioned to excel in the rapidly evolving world of computing and technology.

The following are general department requirements. Contact the Computer Science Ph.D. administrator for details.

1. A student should plan and complete a coherent program of study covering the basic areas of computer science and related disciplines. The student’s adviser has primary responsibility for the adequacy of the program, which is subject to review by the Student Services Office.
2. The first year of the Ph.D. program is spent working with 1-3 different professors on a rotating basis. The intent is to allow the first-year Ph.D. student to work with a variety of professors before aligning with a permanent program adviser. Students who don't need the full year to find a professor to align with will have the option of aligning within the first or second quarter.
3. The CS 300 Departmental Lecture Series seminar gives faculty the opportunity to explain their research to first year CS Ph.D. students. First year CS Ph.D. students are required to attend 2/3 of the classes to receive credit.
4. A student must complete 135 course units for graduation. Computer Science Ph.D. students take 8-10 units per quarter. Credit for coursework done elsewhere (up to the maximum of 45 course units) may be applied to graduation requirements. Students must also take at least three units of coursework from four different faculty members. There are NO courses specifically required by the CS Ph.D. program except for the 1 unit CS 300 Departmental Lecture Series and CS 499 Advanced Reading and Research or its equivalent. At least one course must be taken for a letter grade. A 3.0 GPA must be maintained.
5. Each student, to remain in the Ph.D. program, must satisfy the breadth requirement covering introductory-level graduate material in major areas of computer science. A student must fulfill two breadth-area requirements in each of three general areas by the end of the second year in the program. If students have fulfilled the six breadth-area requirements, and taken courses from at least four different faculty members, they are eligible to apply for candidacy prior to the second year in the program. An up-to-date list of courses that satisfy the breadth requirements can be found on the department's web site. The student must completely satisfy the breadth requirement by the end of the second year in the program and must pass a qualifying exam in the general area of their expected dissertation by the end of the third year in the program.

6. University policy requires that all doctoral students declare candidacy by the end of the sixth quarter in residence, excluding summers. However, after aligning with a permanent adviser, passing six breadth requirements, and taking classes with four different faculty, a student is eligible to file for candidacy prior to the sixth quarter. The candidacy form serves as a "contract" between the department and the student. The department acknowledges that the student is a bona fide candidate for the Ph.D. and agrees that the program submitted by the student is sufficient to warrant granting the Ph.D. upon completion. Candidacy expires five years from the date of submission of the candidacy form, rounded to the end of the quarter. In special cases, the department may extend a student's candidacy, but is under no obligation to do so.

7. Each student is required to pass a qualifying exam in their area by the end of their third year in the program. A student may only take the qualifying exam twice. If the student fails the qualifying exam a second time, the Ph.D. program committee is convened to discuss the student's lack of reasonable academic progress. Failing the exam a second time is cause for dismissal from the Computer Science Ph.D. program and the committee meets to discuss the final outcome for the student.
8. As part of the training for the Ph.D., the student is also required to complete at least four units (a unit is ten hours per week for one quarter) as a course assistant or instructor for courses in Computer Science numbered 100 or above.
9. The Reading Committee form and Oral Thesis Proposal must be submitted within one year of passing the qualifying exam.
10. The Oral Thesis Proposal must be submitted nine months before the oral defense date.
11. The most important requirement is the dissertation. After passing the required qualifying examination, each student must secure the agreement of a member of the department faculty to act as the dissertation adviser. The dissertation adviser is often the student's program adviser.
12. The student must pass a University oral examination in the form of a defense of the dissertation. This is typically held after all or a substantial portion of the dissertation research has been completed.
13. The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to present scholarly material orally in the dissertation defense.
14. The dissertation must be accepted by a reading committee composed of the principal dissertation adviser, a second member from within the department, and a third member chosen from within or outside of the University. The department requires at least two committee members to be affiliated with the Computer Science department. The principal adviser and at least one of the other committee members must be Academic Council members.

Requirements

• Completed Online Application must be submitted by the CS application deadline.
• Application fee of $125: to be paid in the online application with a credit card.
• Statement of Purpose - Your Statement of Purpose should be concise, focused, and well written. It should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford, your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. The Statement of Purpose must be no more than two pages in length, single-spaced. It will be submitted as part of the online application.
• 3 Recommendation Letters -In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. CS only accepts online recommendations through the application system; CS cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.
• You must submit a minimum/maximum of 3 recommendation letters and they must be submitted through the online application system.  We recommend that at least 2 of these letters be from academic sources. Please have your recommender write candidly about your qualifications, potential to carry on advanced study in the field specified, intellectual independence, capacity for analytical thinking, ability to organize and express ideas clearly, and potential for teaching. In describing such attributes as motivation, intellect, and maturity, specific examples are more useful than generalizations. For more information on submitting letters of recommendation visit here.
• Resume- Please submit your resume in the online application.
• Supplemental form- This form is part of the online application. Please be sure to list any publications and your website on this form AND on your resume (CV). Upload your resume (CV) on the Document Uploads, Confirmation & Submission" section (page 15) and a copy of your NDO transcript on the Additional Information's section of the online application.
• Transcripts - You are required to upload official copies of your transcripts or e-transcripts onto the online application for all institutions you have attended for at least a year as a full time student. Transcripts from Stanford's Non Degree Option (NDO) program should also be uploaded. Please DO NOT mail your official transcripts unless we contact you to do so. 
• Please DO NOT mail any other  paper documents to the Admissions Office such as publications, or financial  statements/documents, as they will not be reviewed by the admissions committee. The committee reviews all graduate applications online, and will have no access to copies of  any documents sent via post. Please note that we will not upload documents emailed  to us to your applicant file.
• GRE:All applicants are required to take the GRE General Test before the application deadline and within five years of the application deadline. Scores must be from an examination taken within the last five years. Be sure to take the test in time for your scores to be received at Stanford by the application deadline. Self-report all available scores on your online application and have ETS report your official scores to Stanford immediately. Stanford Institution code: 4704 (no department code is required). 
• TOEFL:Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please see:https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-exams.

The Computer Science program at Stanford University offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options to support students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree can apply for need-based financial aid, which is primarily awarded through the Stanford Financial Aid Office. Stanford is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, ensuring that a student's financial circumstances do not hinder access to a high-quality education. The university's financial aid package often includes a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans, tailored to individual family situations and financial backgrounds.

Graduate students enrolled in the Computer Science Master’s and Ph.D. programs benefit from various funding sources as well. Many graduate students receive fellowships, research assistantship stipends, teaching assistantships, or a combination thereof. These funding opportunities are often provided directly by Stanford or through external grants and research projects. The university aims to make graduate education as accessible as possible, and most students have their tuition costs covered or significantly offset through these funding mechanisms.

Stanford's financial support policies are designed to reduce reliance on loans, favoring grants and work-study options that do not require repayment. For international students, financial aid opportunities may be more limited, but eligible students can explore scholarships, fellowships, and departmental assistantships. International applicants are encouraged to indicate their financial need and submit necessary documentation as part of the admission process.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to seek external scholarships, private loans, and sponsorship programs to supplement Stanford’s institutional aid programs. The university’s Financial Aid Office provides extensive resources and counseling to help students navigate the application process and explore additional funding opportunities. Overall, Stanford’s commitment to financial support ensures that qualified students can pursue their Computer Science degrees regardless of financial background, fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Stanford University is a highly esteemed undergraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of computer science. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in industry, research, or further academic pursuits. Stanford's curriculum encompasses core areas such as algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, programming languages, software engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, databases, and systems. Students have the flexibility to tailor their studies through various electives and specialized topics, enabling them to focus on areas like cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, or computational biology. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, often integrating insights from fields such as cognitive science, economics, and engineering.

Stanford’s state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding faculty, and vibrant research environment offer students numerous opportunities for engagement beyond classroom learning. Undergraduates often participate in pioneering research projects, internships, and entrepreneurial initiatives through Stanford’s extensive network of industry partners and innovation hubs like Silicon Valley. The program promotes a collaborative academic culture, with small classes, mentorship programs, and active student organizations fostering a tight-knit community. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to contribute effectively to technological advances and have a strong record of success in employment at top technology firms, startups, and academic institutions worldwide. The degree program also provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate studies in computer science or related disciplines, making it one of the most competitive and comprehensive undergraduate offerings at Stanford University.