Graduate Admissions and Requirements for Computer Science & Software Engineering Programs

When considering a graduate education in Computer Science and Software Engineering, understanding the admission requirements and academic structure is essential. The department offers a comprehensive program designed for both domestic and international students, aiming to equip graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in the tech industry.

General Admission Requirements

To apply for the graduate programs, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or provide proof of equivalent education from a recognized international institution.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 across all completed undergraduate and any graduate coursework.
• Submit GRE scores, with a combined score (Verbal + Quantitative) of 300 or higher, a verbal score of at least 150, a quantitative score of at least 150, and a writing score of at least 3. Note: The GRE requirement is waived for applicants through Fall 2022 due to pandemic-related challenges.

International Student Admission Requirements

International applicants are expected to provide the following:

• A TOEFL iBT score of at least 79, with no component score lower than 16, or an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
• A Duolingo English Test score of 110 or above.
• Financial documentation will be required for visa processing after admission, but it is not necessary for the initial admission decision.
• For those applying for graduate teaching assistantships, a minimum score of 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is required, or equivalent scores in other speaking assessments.

Prerequisite Background

Applicants should ideally have an undergraduate degree in a closely related field. The following foundational knowledge is expected:

• Proficiency in a high-level programming language such as C, C++, Java, or Python.
• Understanding of data structures and algorithms.
• Knowledge of discrete mathematics, computer organization, operating systems, and computer networks.

If applicants lack this background, they will need to complete specific prerequisite courses:

Required Courses

These courses are typically taken over two semesters:

Semester 1

• COMP 2210: Fundamentals of Computing II
• COMP 3240: Discrete Structures
• COMP 3350: Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming

Semester 2

• COMP 3270: Introduction to Algorithms
• COMP 3500: Operating Systems
• COMP 4300: Computer Architecture
• COMP 4320: Computer Networks

Future graduate students who need to fulfill these prerequisites can enroll in courses through the on-campus or online undergraduate programs. For guidance on completing these requirements, students are encouraged to reach out to the Manager of Academic Programs.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, students can contact the department at:

• Phone: 334.844.4330
• Email: csse@eng.auburn.edu
• Address: 345 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36849