UNM Computer Science

Admissions for Prospective Graduate Students

If you'd like a brochure, fill out our brochure request. Or, you may wish to download the PDF version of the brochure (3.7 Meg).

Here are our GRE numbers:

GRE Institution Code: 4845
GRE Departmental code: 0402

To apply to UNM as graduate student, you may wish to apply online (link to main UNM site)

Note: In addition to the UNM online application, you should also complete the CS pre-application on our Graduate Application Server.

Policies

Admissions procedures for Computer Science differs from those of other Departments. Follow the Computer-Science procedures for admission detailed below.

Fall Semester Application Deadlines

Priority for admission and consideration for financial aid will be given to applications received by January 15. International applications will be accepted until May 1, and domestic applications will be accepted until July 15.

Spring Semester Application Deadlines

Priority for admission and consideration for financial aid will be given to applications received by August 1. International applications will be accepted until August 1, and domestic applications will be accepted until November 15.

All materials, including completion of the Pre-admission Graduate Information Form, are required to be at the offices of the Department of Computer Science at that time.

The Application Process

All mailed application materials must be sent to the Computer Science Department.

First: Use either the form or the Graduate Application Server at the earliest opportunity. This is used by faculty to determine student eligibility for admission, and to match students with faculty of compatible research interests. It is in the applicant's best interest to complete this form as early as possible and prior to the January 15th deadline for Fall admission, when all application materials are due, (August 1st for spring admission).

Second: Complete the application packet. When downloading electronically you need to remember to send us two (2) copies of your application form. Please include all these things in your application packet to Computer Science:

• Two copies of your completed application form, either U.S. Resident or International, including:
  • Department major code: 109
  • Semester for which you are applying: (Fall or Spring; there are no summer admissions.)
  • Degree sought: (Master of Science or Ph.D.).
• The Registration Information Form (PDF, 37 KB)
  For residency, but required for ALL applicants. Military residents should request an Active Duty Military Tuition Residence form to be considered for in-state tuition.
• A check or money order for the application fee, made out to the University of New Mexico. The application fee may be paid with a major credit card if you are applying online.
• Two certified official copies of transcripts from every post-secondary institution you have attended. The registrar of each school should provide these transcripts to you in sealed envelopes provided for this purpose. If a school you have attended will not comply with a request to return an official transcript to you, please contact the Department of Computer Science for further instructions before returning the packet.
• Three letters of recommendation.
  Letter of Recommendation Form (PDF, 67KB)These letters should be professional (as opposed to personal or character) references, such as from colleagues, supervisors, or former instructors.
• Recent GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores (less than five years old) for the general test (i.e.verbal, quantitative, and analytic). Link to GRE's website. Our GRE numbers: GRE Institution Code: 4845; GRE Departmental code: 0402
• A letter of intent stating your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree, your research interests, your career objectives, general information on your technical and scientific experience, as well as a detailed explanation of special circumstances which might affect your admission. The letter of intent should state whether you desire financial aid in the form of a research or teaching assistantship.
• For International students, have TOEFL scores sent to UNM (UNM TOEFL code is 4845) and include a signed Certificate of Financial Responsibility. Please Note: After admission, the I-20 will not be issued until the Office of International Admissions receives your Certificate of Financial Responsibility and a $50 non-refundable Registration Fee.

Then: Mail your application form, registration form, application fee, transcripts, international student information, and letter of intent together, in a single package to:

Department of Computer Science
Attn: Admissions
MSC01 1130
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001

Grades

Although each application is reviewed individually, it is expected that the applicant will have maintained a 3.0 or better average in the last two years (or the last 65 semester credit hours, if on a part-time basis) of study and in his or her major field. This is a graduate school requirement which can be waived in extenuating circumstances, particularly for returning students. Grades in technical disciplines, particularly mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering, are considered especially important, as are language skills; also, recent grades are weighed more heavily than older ones. Industrial experience with favorable recommendations will be well received.

Test Scores

The department has established criteria for the GRE scores of New GRE 158 (old GRE 570) (verbal-native English speakers), and New GRE 152 (old GRE 670) (quantitative). These are not hard and fast cutoffs—a better than 3.0 academic average, outstanding references, or other ameliorating information can make up for scores below these cutoffs. Our GRE numbers: GRE Institution Code: 4845; GRE Departmental code: 0402

Foreign students will need to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of 550 paper based, 213 computer based, or 79 internet-based or higher is required.