Applying for Admission

2026–27 Admissions Cycle

Apply to UMD Computer Science

Graduate Programs

Join a community of researchers at one of the nation’s top computer science programs. We offer doctoral (Ph.D.) and master’s (M.S.) pathways.

Apply Now  Ph.D. | CMSC Apply Now  M.S. | CSMS
Portal OpensJuly 1, 2026
Portal ClosesDec 4, 2026
Entry TermFall Only
 
Jul 1, 2026
Portal Opens
 
Dec 4, 2026
Portal Closes
 
Feb–Mar 2027
Decisions Released
 
Apr 15, 2027
Offer Acceptance

Application Deadlines

 

Domestic Applicants

Portal opensJuly 1, 2026
Application deadlineDecember 4, 2026
Decisions releasedMid-Feb – Late Mar 2027
Offer acceptance (April 15 Resolution)April 15, 2027
Deferral deadline (incoming)August 28, 2026
 

International Applicants

Portal opensJuly 1, 2026
Application deadlineDecember 4, 2026
Decisions releasedMid-Feb – Late Mar 2027
Offer acceptance (April 15 Resolution)                April 15, 2027
ISSS optimal I-20 iTerp date                                       May 1, 2027

Application Requirements

Online Application

Submit through the UMD Graduate School portal. Select program code CMSC (Ph.D.) or CSMS (M.S.).

Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for each program application. Fee waivers are not offered by the department but may be available through the Graduate School for eligible applicants. See fee waiver information below.

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all colleges attended. Upload unofficial copies initially; official copies required upon admission.

Statement of Purpose

A personal statement describing your academic background, research interests, and goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters from individuals qualified to assess your academic or research potential.

Résumé / CV

Current curriculum vitae detailing your academic and professional experience.

English Proficiency

Required for applicants whose native language is not English. TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly from the testing agency.

Application Fee Waiver

Eligible applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. Review eligibility requirements on the UMD Graduate School fee waiver page.

Admissions Criteria & Recommended Prerequisites

The admissions committee reviews each application holistically. No single criterion is determinative. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate strength across the following areas:

  • Strong academic record, typically a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field
  • Evidence of research potential or significant independent project work
  • Letters of recommendation that speak to intellectual ability and research capacity
  • A clear, well-articulated statement of purpose aligned with faculty research areas
  • Coursework in algorithms, data structures, and at least one area of advanced CS                                                            CMSC 330: Organization of Programming Languages
    CMSC 420: Data Structures
    CMSC 451: Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms
    MATH 140: Calculus I
    MATH 141: Calculus II
    MATH 240: Linear Algebra
  • GRE scores arenot required
  • English proficiency scores for applicants from non-English-speaking countries

Application Process & Timeline

Date Milestone Notes
July 1, 2026 Application portal opens Begin at TerpEngage
December 4, 2026 Domestic & International application deadline All materials must be submitted. Letter writers have two weeks past this deadline to submit letters of recommendation.
Mid-Feb – Late Mar 2027 Admissions decisions released Recommendations for admission sent via email. 
April 15, 2027 Offer acceptance deadline April 15 Resolution — national standard for funded offers. Nonfunded offers have a later deadline to decide. 
May 1, 2027 ISSS optimal I-20 iTerp date Submit iTerp request by this date for timely I-20
August 28, 2027 Deferral deadline (domestic incoming) Last day for current domestic admits to request deferral

Information for International Applicants

English Proficiency

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly from the testing agency. Self-reported scores are not accepted. Visit the Grad School Admissions page for more information. 

Visa & I-20 Processing

F-1 and J-1 visa applicants should:

  • Ensure the department submits its visa recommendation by April 20, 2027
  • Submit an iTerp request by May 1, 2027 for timely I-20 issuance
  • Contact ISSS for visa advising

Transcripts from Abroad

Upload unofficial translations with your application. Official certified copies are required upon admission. Contact the UMD Graduate School with questions about your specific documents.

Questions About Admissions

Review our FAQ and use our contact form to reach the graduate admissions team. We aim to respond within a few business days.

Submit a question →

Portal Technical Support

For technical issues with the TerpEngage application portal, contact Graduate School technical support.

gradappsupport [-at-] umd [dot] edu

Start Your Application

The portal opens July 1, 2026. Bookmark the link and return when it opens.

TerpEngage Portal →