university of washington computer science phd application

Ph.D. Admissions

Virtual Information Sessions

These sessions will provide an overview of the Allen School's Ph.D. application process and incorporate information about graduate student life and experiences with the aid of a panel of graduate students doing Q & A. 

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Ph.D. Application Timeline

• Application Opens: Sept 1
• Application Deadline: Dec 16
• Decisions Released: Mid-Feb
• Grad Visit Days: Mid-March
• Response Deadline: April 15
• Study Begins:  Mid-Sept

Admission to the Allen School's Ph.D. program in Computer Science & Engineering is competitive. Each year, we receive applications from approximately 2,500 prospective graduate students, from around the globe, with the goal of starting approximately 50-60 students each year. Applications are accepted once per year for an autumn start in the program. 

Underrepresented Communities

The University of Washington and the Allen School reaffirm their policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran in accordance with University policy and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations. We encourage applications from women, students with disabilities and minority candidates. Learn more about the Paul G. Allen School's commitment to Diversity & Inclusion . 

The Allen School welcomes, and is committed to working with, undocumented students. You are welcome to reach out to us if you have questions or concerns. Leadership Without Borders is a division of UW focused on the UW undocumented community. They are eager to offer whatever assistance with or without a collaboration with our program.

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Ph.D. Application Process

Application timeline for autumn 2024 enrollment.

• Sept. 15, 2023:  Application opens
• Dec. 5, 2023:  The Application for Graduate Study and all application materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (PST). *
• Early January 2024:  Select applicants will be notified that they have been chosen to participate for an interview. Applicants not selected for an interview will receive a final decision letter.
• January 2024:  Interviews will be conducted via phone or private chat room with members of the Ph.D. admission committee.
• Early February 2024:  All decisions (admit, wait list, deny) will be conveyed via email. 
• Mid-February 2024:  Admitted applicants will receive their funding package. (All admitted applicants receive a funding offer.)
• Early March 2024:  Visit events for admitted students occur on the UW campus in Seattle.
• April 15, 2024:  Reply deadline for initial round of offers.

Deadline Policy

All application materials should be submitted by the December 5th deadline. Review and/or consideration of incomplete applications or late materials is at the discretion of the Ph.D. admissions committee.

* Please be aware that our application system operates on the U.S. Eastern Time Zone, which means the time displayed in your application may be three hours later than the current time in Seattle/Pacific Time. All applications submitted by the deadline and marked as received by Dec. 6 at 2:59 a.m. Eastern Time will be considered.

* Test scores and letters of recommendation have a two-day grace period beyond the application deadline for submission, Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Kindly urge your recommenders to submit the letters at their earliest convenience to ensure the completeness of your application for the given round.

Reapplication Procedures

Some individuals apply to the Ph.D. program more than once.  These applicants will need to submit a complete application through the Application for Graduate Study just like any other first-time applicant. However official test scores submitted during the previous admissions cycle will be kept on record and will not need to be reported again. Applying to the program multiple times does not increase or decrease your chances of being admitted. Each application cycle is a fresh start.

Full Results

Customize your experience.

• Admissions Requirements

In addition to curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, UW ECE graduate students have a strong background in math, science, and programming. If you have questions, contact the UW ECE Advising Office at [email protected] or 206-221-5270.

UW ECE enrolls graduate students once per year, in autumn quarter. You will submit your application approximately one year prior to when you hope to enroll. Applications for the program are submitted through the Graduate School’s online application (you will need to create a profile in order to apply).

• Graduate School applications open October 1.
• Applications must be completed by December 15.
• Any application materials received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
• Please do not submit any materials directly to UW ECE. They will not be reviewed.

Student-Led Ph.D. Applicant Support Programs

We recognize that access to information about the graduate school experience and application process is not available to everyone equitably. This leads to systematic disadvantages for applicants in underserved communities. At UW ECE, we are hoping to address some of these challenges through two of our student-led volunteer programs: 

(1) Weekly drop-in hours during Fall to meet with current students (and sometimes faculty) to talk about graduate school and research (Open to students at all levels and professionals interested in graduate school) 

(2) Graduate Applicant Support Program (GASP) to receive mentorship and feedback on graduate school applications to best emphasize their past experiences and aspirations (Open to students submitting to the 2022 Ph.D. admission cycle)  

You can find more information about these programs here .  

Selecting Your Areas of Interest

The department promotes interdisciplinary research, and students can specify multiple topics of interest in their application, including:

• Analog, mixed-signal and RF VLSI systems
• Bio-robotics
• Computer architecture
• Computer vision and image processing
• Control and dynamical systems
• Cyber-physical and networked systems
• Digital VLSI
• Electromagnetics and remote sensing
• Embedded systems
• Engineering education
• Game theory and decision-making
• Information theory and applications
• Optics and photonics
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence
• Medical devices
• Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
• Nanotechnology
• Network Control Systems
• Neural engineering
• Optimization and statistical learning
• Power electronics
• Power systems
• Renewable energy
• Security in Communication, Control and Cyber Physical System
• Semiconductor devices
• Sensors and sensor systems
• Speech and natural language processing
• Signal processing
• Synthetic and computational biology
• Wireless communications and networking

Prerequisites

Students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits.

For Applicants with Degrees in Other Fields

Students with a strong academic record who hold a degree in a technical field such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science or in another branch of engineering can expect to perform well in UW ECE’s graduate programs — provided they first develop a basic background in electrical engineering.  Students are expected to make up any deficiencies in their electrical engineering background prior to beginning their graduate program.

Fundamental courses required of all non-EE degree holders

• EE 215 Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
• EE 233 Circuit Theory
• EE 241 Programming for Signal and Information Processing Applications, concurrent with EE 242 Signal Processing I
• Programming skills at the level of  CSE 121, 122, & 123 Introduction to Computer Programming

Students may take these courses at the UW or may develop equivalent knowledge from previous studies at another institution.

Application Materials

Applications for the program are submitted through the Graduate School’s online application . Please do not submit any materials directly to UW ECE. They will not be reviewed.

GRE scores are no longer required or accepted for admission to our MS or Ph.D. programs.

Application Fee

An $85 application must be paid online, as part of the online application.

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

This must be uploaded to the application as a PDF, Word or plain text file.

Areas of Interest

Choose up to four areas. Areas are used to match graduate students with potential faculty advisers.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose describes what motivates you to pursue a career related to Electrical and Computer Engineering and what your objectives are in pursuing a graduate degree. Please focus on the following topics: feel free to expand on any of the following topics that may apply to your situation:

• What are you interested in studying, and what sparked your desire to pursue graduate studies? What is your career goal? Emphasize what motivated/s you; be concise and to the point.
• Describe any research you have conducted, if applicable . Indicate with whom, the project’s title/topic, what your specific responsibilities and tasks were, what you have accomplished (avoid copying-pasting information already available on your resume). Include both technical details and why working on the project drew you to your area of interest. (Reviewers with knowledge about your research area read these statements.)
• Describe any important papers or a thesis project you completed, as well as any projects you worked on beyond your curricular requirements.
• Discuss any work experience, especially if you were responsible for testing, designing, researching, or interning in an area similar to what you wish to study in graduate school.
• Indicate specific research areas that interest you in ECE or related Departments.
• Discuss a research question, problem, or theme that you would like to study and how it relates to contemporary research in your field(s).
• Indicate specific faculty member(s) (a few if applicable) in ECE whose research interests parallel and/or complement yours.
• Discuss any leadership roles you’ve held, whether academic (teaching assistantships, tutoring, registered student organizations, etc.), professional (internships, reviewing, workshop organization, etc.), or personal (caretaking, mentorship, nonprofit organization, etc.)).
• Discuss any roles where you support or serve a community you participate in, past or present.
• Have you experienced significant setbacks or challenges in your professional or personal life that have informed your interest in pursuing a graduate degree? If so, discuss relevant details.
• Have you overcome challenges or hardships that demonstrate your interest in or commitment to pursue a graduate degree? If so, discuss relevant details.
• Do you identify with a group that is underrepresented in engineering? If so, discuss relevant details.

We recommend the statement be no longer than three pages double-spaced.

Three Letters of Recommendation

Submit recommender email addresses into the electronic application form. This triggers an automatic request to the recommender to submit their letter. We recommend you submit the email addresses at least one month ahead of the deadline in order to give recommenders sufficient time to submit the letters. Your recommenders must submit their letters only via the online application. Letters submitted any other way (email, postal mail) will not be accepted.

Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts

Scan and upload an electronic copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended via the online application system.  Do not mail transcripts and do not submit official transcripts.

English Language Proficiency – Required for New International Applicants

Ask ETS to send official test scores directly to the University of Washington Graduate Admissions Office, institution code 4854, Department code: 99 (for any department). Scores should be no more than two years old. The minimum score required for admission is 600 (paper-based exam), 250 (computer-administered) or 92 (TOEFLiBTI) to fulfill the ELP requirement.

For details on the English language proficiency requirements, including all of the ways proficiency can be met and temporary policy updates, review the  Graduate School’s Memo 8 .

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Welcome to the University of Washington's Graduate Admission Application! Visit our Admission page for more information about the admissions process . Individual programs may have additional requirements beyond the Graduate School's minimum admission requirements, Policy 3.1 . To learn more about your intended program, see their website. 

See the UW Non-Discrimination Policy  and  the Equal Opportunity Statement , which applies to all programs and facilities, including, but not limited to, admissions.

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Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering

Degree details.

• Location: UW Seattle
• Time of Day: Evenings
• Duration: 2.5 years (part time)

Next Start Date

September 2024

About this Degree

Expand your software development knowledge while studying a wide range of topics, including artificial intelligence, computer graphics, programming languages, operating systems, machine learning and algorithms. Study cutting-edge research with renowned faculty in a top-ranked computer science and engineering department.

For more information, see the  UW Master's in Computer Science & Engineering  website.

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PhD in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

We offer unique, cutting edge degrees in either Computer Science or Computer Engineering. Our faculty's diverse research interests and multidisciplinary approach allow you to customize your PhD experience and find solutions to real-world problems in a collaborative environment.

Application Deadline: December 15

Start your PhD application

FAQs for prospective PhD students

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• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Computer Engineering
• MS in Cybersecurity Engineering
• MEng in Computer Science & Engineering
• Graduate Certificate in Data Mining & Machine Learning
• Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity Engineering
• Turner Dissertation Award
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Full Support & Funding

Our PhD students are fully funded , including full tuition support and health insurance.

As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree.

Additionally, doctoral students may also qualify for one of the fellowships:

• The Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin – Chancellor’s Fellowship
• McDonnell International Scholars Academy
• Dean's International Award

Work-Life Balance

Compared to other major cities, you will be able to pursue your professional goals without getting bogged down by the demands of every day life.  See how the cost of living in STL compares (Nerd Wallet)

Faculty & Research Spotlight

Research is the lab of Ning Zhang has found new way to ensure safety from cyber attacks on everything from pacemakers to autonomous vehicles

Read the story

I-Ting Angelina Lee, assistant professor of computer science & engineering, seeks to boost speed on cloud platform apps with CAREER Award

• Go to slide 1
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Talented Faculty Mentors

Our department covers the full breadth of computer science and engineering, with no two faculty members researching the same topic. Each focuses on unique problems and collaborates across disciplines to develop practical solutions and advance understa nding . Many of our faculty members are also ACM and IE EE Fellows as well as members of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Many of our faculty are recipients of the NSF CAREER Award, as well as other prestigious awards such as the Sloan Fellowship and have been named to Popular Science Magazine’s 100 Best Innovations. Our faculty publish papers at top notch conferences and prestigious journals such as the ACM, IEEE, SIAM Journals, and the Journal of Computational Biology.

Freedom in Research

Students are not immediately paired with a research adviser (though they do have an academic adviser from day one). Matching students to research advisers takes place after participating in "rotations". During your first semester, you will learn on small research projects with different faculty members, allowing you the freedom to select a research topic and adviser that truly meet your unique interests.

Professional Experience & Exposure

Many of our students present papers at international conferences and attend doctoral consortiums with top researchers. As a doctoral candidate in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, you will contribute groundbreaking research, gain exposure, and invaluable experience that will translate to an exciting, challenging, and well compensated career.

Options After Graduation

A PhD from WashU opens doors to a variety of careers in either academia or industry with high-growth potential. Graduates can start their own company or pursue careers in research and engineering at top companies such as Amazon, Boeing, Facebook, Google, Microsoft , or join universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, UT Austin, etc. , in an academic (tenure-track or teaching) position. 

Average Starting Salaries

Tenure-track positions.

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Doctoral Program Guide

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Emerging application and theory in Computer Science

Main content, the master of science in computer science and systems (mscss) degree builds a solid foundation for advanced careers in computer science..

Develop your breadth of understanding of the latest applied and theoretical concepts within computer science through study and research guided by renowned faculty and industry fellows. You may choose to pursue a thesis or capstone project, or expand your learning by exploring a variety of electives through our course-only option.

Benefiting from close relationships with our local high-tech industry partners, MSCSS students gain real-world perspective through their classroom experiences. Graduates are working as software development engineers, program managers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and systems developers at industry leaders around the globe, driving growth, innovation and change.

Application Process 

Our application is built into the application for admission to the uw graduate school . , required with your application: , a personal statement describing your interest in the mscss program , resume , 2 letters of recommendation , proof of english language proficiency (elp).

• Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. No waivers of this requirement may be given. 
• More information on how students can demonstrate ELP can be found in the "English Language Proficiency" tab
• Please refer to Graduate School Policy 3.2 for more information about this requirement 

One transcript from each post-secondary school you have attended.

• All MSCSS applicants must provide evidence of the successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA
• After you have accepted an offer of admission, you will need to submit an official transcript for degree verification. 
• More information on how to submit your official transcript to the Graduate School can be found here . 

Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE ) scores from within the last five (5) years

• Request that ETS send your scores directly to the University of Washington.  Our institution code is: 4854. Department code: 5199.
• Visit the  GRE website  to learn more about the test and to find a testing center near you. Please notify the Graduate School at  [email protected]  if your scores are missing or if you took the test under an alternate spelling of your name (i.e., last and first name are switched).
• Competitive applicants score in the top percentiles for quantitative and mid-percentiles or better for verbal.

An $85 application fee

• Payable with a credit card 
• Note: once the fee is submitted, you will not be able to make any changes to your application

All MSCSS applicants must demonstrate successful completion of preparatory coursework prior to their formal application to the master's program, and are expected to have competency in the following areas:

• Object-Oriented Programming ( equivalent to TCSS 142, TCSS 143 and TCSS 305 )
• Discrete Mathematics ( equivalent to TCSS 321 )
• Data Structures ( equivalent to TCSS 342 )
• Algorithms ( equivalent to TCSS 343 )
• Program Management/Software Engineering ( equivalent to TCSS 360 )
• Computer Organization ( equivalent to TCSS 371 )
• Computer Architecture ( equivalent to TCSS 372 )
• Science (Physics preferred) 

For applicants who met the February 16th deadline or otherwise received confirmation from their Academic Advisor that their applicants would be considered for this round, we hope to have admission decisions released by mid-May 2024 . 

Application Fee Waivers are distributed by the UW Graduate School.  More information on the required qualifications* and instructions to apply for a fee waiver can be found here . 

* Unfortunately, applicants studying on F or J visas are note eligible for application fee waivers. 

English Language Proficiency (ELP) is required for Graduate study at the University of Washington. Every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate ELP. Each prospective Graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.

Please refer to UW Graduate School  Policy 3.2 for more information on the Graduate School's English Language Proficiency Requirements. 

Demonstration of Proficiency 

Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways:

• A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States and where English is the medium of instruction.
• A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom and where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus.
• Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
• Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
• Official English Language Test Score (sent electronically to the University of Washington via testing center). Note: Graduate programs may require a higher minimum scores for admission than the scores listed below.

Submission of Test Scores 

• The Graduate School also accepts the TOEFL paper-delivered test, which is available only to students in areas without internet testing access. Contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) for special instructions if you have taken this test.
• Applicants using TOEFL test scores must submit official scores electronically via ETS, using the University of Washington’s institution code 4854.  An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
• Applicants using Academic IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
• Applicants using Duolingo test scores must submit official scores via Duolingo to the University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma). An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
• An applicant who does not meet the minimum required score will not be considered admissible by the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not offer conditional admissions to students who have not yet met the minimum English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.

Meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements 

• An applicant who has attained the recommended score has satisfied the Graduate School’s ELP requirement.
• An admitted applicant below the recommended score will be required to satisfactorily complete 1 to 3 UW Academic English Program (AEP) courses to fulfill the ELP requirement. Students are expected to register for any required AEP classes beginning the student’s first quarter.
• Admitted applicants who are required to take ENGL 102 and ENGL 104 may choose to fulfill this requirement before the start of the student’s graduate program by successfully completing the Graduate Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs. Students enrolled in the Graduate Preparation Program pay additional fees.
• Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted or on the date the program requests a deferral petition.

Find current tuition information on the UW Tacoma's Office of the Registrar site, under  Tier III . Note that costs are different for Washington State Resident and Non-Resident, as shown in the tuition tables: 

Most applicable fees are included in the listed tuition rate, but some courses will require additional fees .

Curriculum 

Mscss students can choose one of three pathways to complete their degree:, a master's thesis, capstone project, electives only, master's thesis.

If you are interested in theory and research, you are encouraged to choose this option. A thesis investigates an important research question and provides an in-depth background to the problem being addressed, and points to varying approaches to solving the problem. A thesis is excellent preparation for pursuit of a doctorate degree, and this research often results in one or more publications in journals or conference proceedings.

Students who select the thesis option must work with a faculty advisor to produce a thesis proposal. The proposal, along with a permission to enroll form, is submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval.   

After the Graduate Committee approves the proposal, the student registers for TCSS 700. A total of ten (10) credits of TCSS 700 must be completed to meet the degree requirements. These units are taken over two quarters, though a third quarter may be added if necessary. TCSS 700 is graded credit/no credit, so the grades do not count toward the student’s grade point. 

A capstone experience is a valuable part of advanced work in computer science. In a supportive environment, students work with faculty on innovative research programs.

With the help of a faculty advisor, you define, develop and implement a real-world project. When projects involve significant research, you are encouraged to write a publishable paper covering your work. You are required to present your results in a public colloquium.

Students who select the capstone project option must work with a faculty advisor to produce a project proposal. The proposal, along with a Proposal to Enroll in MS CSS Capstone, is submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval.

After the Graduate Committee approves the proposal, the student registers for TCSS 702. A total of ten (10) credits of TCSS 702 must be completed to meet the degree requirements. These units are taken over two quarters, though a third quarter may be added if necessary. TCSS 702 is graded the same way core and elective courses are graded, so the grades count toward the student’s grade point average. 

Coursework Only

The Coursework Only pathway allows more flexibility in course scheduling and broader exploration of CS subjects.

Students may choose to take an additional three (3) 500-level electives (15 credits) to satisfy their degree requirements in place of thesis or capstone courses. This option is provided for students who are primarily interested in maximizing the breadth of their background in computer science. 

The courses a student takes to satisfy the requirements for the MS degree fall into six categories: 

• Core courses (required for all students, regardless of chosen degree pathway) 
• Elective Courses (required for all students, regardless of chosen degree pathway) 
• Research Seminars (TCSS 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 597) 
• Thesis/Capstone courses (required for those who select either thesis or capstone as their degree pathway) 
• Independent Study  
• Petition to Substitute MS Course  
• Please reach out to your Graduate Advisor, Rachel Crook if you are interested in doing this

Core Courses 

All MSCSS students are required to take three core courses: 

• TCSS 540   or TCSS 543 (5 credits) 
• TCSS 558 (5 credits) 
• TCSS 598 (5 credits total - 3 credits in Autumn quarter, 2 credits in Winter quarter) 

Elective Courses 

The number of elective courses a student is required to take depends on the degree pathway (thesis, capstone, or coursework only) has chosen.

• For students in the Coursework Only option, 30 elective credits are required.
• Students may request permission from the Graduate Committee to apply TCSS 600 credits (Independent Study) to this total.
• Internship credits (TCSS 701) can't be counted toward program requirements. 

Independent Study - TCSS 600 

After taking 15 credits of core courses,  a student may decide that they have a strong interest in an area of computer science that is not covered in the scheduled courses. In this case, the student may propose that they be permitted to substitute an independent study course for an elective course. Students must find a graduate faculty member who will supervise the independent study, and complete the Petition to take Independent Study (requires signatures from student and graduate faculty member). 

Internships - TCSS 701 

Internships do not count toward elective credit. A student may need to take an internship for credit for a variety of reasons, such as to maintain full-time status, or to satisfy a scholarship requirement. Internship packets should be turned in to the Graduate Advisor, Rachel Crook with a cc: to the Graduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Ankur Teredesai . 

Thesis and Capstone Project Courses - TCSS 700 and 702 

Students enrolled in the thesis option are required to take 10 credits of TCSS 700 and students in the project option are required to take 10 credits of TCSS 702. These courses are taken in place of 10 credits of elective courses. If a student chooses to switch from the thesis or project option to the course only option, 700 and 702 will NOT count as electives. 

Educational Objectives

Mscss graduates will:.

• Have the necessary skills and knowledge to independently conduct investigative work in selected sub-areas of computing/technology;
• Have a broad understanding of the technologies and theories supporting the architecture and construction of software systems;
• Be able to pursue successful careers or subsequent postgraduate studies while adapting to emerging technologies;
• Be able to analyze issues and synthesize solutions to computing-related problems;
• Be able to use their communication skills while working in team environments.

Learning Outcomes

Mscss students are able to:.

• Apply knowledge of theoretical foundations in computer science
• Use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice
• Analyze a problem, to assess and articulate its requirements, to design, to implement, and to evaluate a computer-based system
• Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms
• Participate effectively in team projects
• Recognize the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed learning and continuing professional development

Apply Today!

Applications are accepted through the   UW Graduate School . The process includes:

• Creating or updating your graduate applicant profile (one profile for all program applications)
• Making sure required documents have been submitted
• Paying the application fee
• Francis Nwagbara - Graduate Recruiter 
• Rachel Crook - Graduate Program Advisor

Want more information about the MSCSS program, need help with your application, or just want to get in contact with us? Fill out this brief  Prospective Student Inquiry Form , and your Graduate Recruiter will reach out to you within 1 - 3 days. 

Center for Data Science at UW Tacoma

Current and past research within the school of engineering and technology.

The Center for Data Science is a hub for experts in data analytics, data management, and data science.  

At the Center for Data Science we embrace these challenges. We design and develop solutions that enable our partners and sponsors to solve complex problems posed by volume, variety and velocity (3Vs) of data.

At the Center for Data Science we use a multi-disciplinary approach to explore the impact of big data, its challenges, and its opportunities. Our aim is to develop tools and algorithms that enhance our fundamental understanding of how to  store, manage, analyze, search and model data. We use the principles and openness of the World Wide Web to deliver this impact.

What our Graduates Do

Career options for m.s. in css graduates.

As a M.S. in Computer Science graduate, you will acquire the skills and competencies sought by companies such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, REI, Disney, Amazon, HBO, and other emerging startup companies. 

Graduates are prepared to solve problems in all aspects of computing. Career options include: 

• Software Development Engineer
• Computer and Information Research Scientist 
• Computer Network Architect 
• Database Administrator 
• Information Security Manager
• Systems Developers at industry leaders around the globe, driving growth, innovation and change.

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If you are looking for a place where you can easily make interdisciplinary connections, yet still access groundbreaking research opportunities, you've found the next stop in your professional journey. 

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about washington university

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is among the world’s leaders in teaching, research and patient care, with 3,800 faculty and more than 15,000 full-time students.

At WashU you will become a leader in your field of study

Our engineering programs provide the opportunity for graduate students to work across the university's top programs — many highly ranked..

• Biomedical Engineering (No. 14 in U.S. News)
• Brown School of Social Work (No. 2 in U.S. News)
• Artificial Intelligence (No. 9 in CSRankings.org)

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Doctoral programs

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Computational & Data Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
• Imaging Science
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Science & Mathematics

Master's programs

• Cybersecurity Engineering
• Data Analytics & Statistics
• Electrical Engineering *
• Information Systems Management
• Systems Science & Engineering

* Also offered part-time

Master's programs (part-time, evening)

• Construction Management 
• Cybersecurity Management
• Engineering Management  *
• Health Care Operational Excellence
• Project Management 

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World-class research

From aerosols engineering to cyberphysical systems, we have the people and resources to support your research interests.

View our research areas  

Discover St. Louis

Punching above its weight, Yelp ranked St. Louis as the #2 food city, but with over 1,600 acres of green space throughout the city, you'll never have an issue finding your space.

Brand new facilities

Since 2000, WashU, the McKelvey School of Engineering and several generous donors have invested more than $300 million in new and renovated engineering space.

Meet our students

Degree pursuing: MS in electrical engineering Hometown: Suzhou, China "WashU provides lots of research opportunities to all students and the professors here are friendly and helpful."

Camila Garcia-Novelli

Degree pursuing: BS/MS in computer science Hometown: Racine, Wisconsin "St. Louis has everything I want in a city while being extremely affordable. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of all the cool things there are to do in the area. "

Degree pursuing: MS of engineering management Hometown: China "WashU is an inclusive campus that embraces different cultures and celebrates diversity, which is a significant factor for international students."

Kathy Schaberg

Degree pursuing: MS in project management Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri "Do not let a lack of work experience put you off in any course. These are lessons I wish I had early in my career."

Hasima Hajdini

Degree pursuing: MS in health care operational excellence Hometown: Bosnia "Come and try something new, and you will be amazed by the number of new things and opportunities that will be in front of you."

Addison Schwamb

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado "My adviser, ShiNung Ching, is a fantastic teacher. His lectures are clear, principled and convey not just the key mathematical ideas, but also the ideas behind them and their applications. "

Shirin Shoushtari

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering Hometown: Isfahan, Iran "I love the rich cultural landscape in St. Louis. I also enjoy occasional visits to its parks and museums."

Ganesh Chelluboyina

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana (India) "I do believe that scientific leadership is necessary though when it comes to influencing public policies, climate change and other relevant concerns."

Allison Martinez Mejia

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras "Besides the amazing and super collaborative research being offered, WashU was extremely welcoming to me. As I spoke to different students and faculty, I knew I would be able to find a niche in the school."

Deepangsu Chatterjee

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Kolkata, India "WashU has a plethora of resources in terms of research infrastructure, motivated faculty members and loads of exciting projects to work on."

Shubham Agrawal

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: "The Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at WashU is world-renowned, with latest research in hot topics."

Bharat Singhal

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering Hometown: "WashU provides a unique research environment where I can collaborate with experts from diverse domains, allowing me to grow as a researcher. "

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: China "I have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and I am interested in environmental research especially aerosol science and engineering. WashU's a perfect fit for me."

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Anhui, China "Getting a PhD degree in biomedical engineering would be incredibly important for me to build on the expertise in the field."

Jacqueline Rogers

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: New Jersey "I specifically chose to pursue a graduate engineering degree in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering because of the integrative approach to research that is encouraged. Having the opportunity to learn from faculty or fellow graduate students with different backgrounds has only enriched my experience."

Jordan Escarcega

Degree pursuing: PhD in mechanical engineering Hometown: Costa Mesa, California "Don't be afraid to reach out to professors before and after submitting an application to the university. They love talking about their research to prospective students and it could be a good way to get your foot in the door. "

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: China "Be patient and explore different courses that can provide you with more diverse techniques. Also, try to break your limits as you are a graduate student that can learn a ton."

Kathryn Sarullo

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: Palm Coast, Florida "I am working under S. Joshua Swamidass, MD, applying machine-learning techniques and decision theory to chemical biology and clinical data."

Zhenqin Wang

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Changzhou, Jiangsu, China "I like WashU because of its worldwide prominence. Most importantly, WashU has the only EECE program in the world."

Degree pursuing: PhD in systems science & mathematics and MD Hometown: Apple Valley, Minnesota "My current project is using an advanced signal processing approach to detect and characterize potential biomarkers in EEG of critically ill pediatric patients. My hope is that we'll be able to integrate my automated detection pipeline into bedside monitoring devices in order to provide additional prognostic information and improve patient care."

Yana Malysheva

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: New Jersey "I've had an interest in computer science education for many years: Both the teaching aspect, and the aspect of developing tools and content for teaching CS."

Aahana Bajracharya

Degree pursuing: PhD in imaging science Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal "The opportunity to perform interdisciplinary research attracted me to the imaging science doctoral program at WashU."

Ghiska Ramahdita

Degree pursuing: PhD in mechanical engineering Hometown: Depok, West Java, Indonesia "I felt the warmth of people at WashU even before I moved here. Being a part of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy gave me more opportunities to learn and grow in a flourishing environment."

Maria Bandres

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Maracay, Venezuela "I decided to get a degree in engineering because I wanted to produce new knowledge that directly addressed existing problems whose solutions would positively impact people's lives."

Marion Sudvarg

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: St. Louis "I wanted to learn more about computing, so I pursued a part-time master's degree in computer science at WashU. Toward the end, I realized that I wanted to dive in more deeply so I came back for a PhD."

Suzanne Russo

Degree pursuing: PhD in materials science & engineering Hometown: Rockford, Illinois "I would urge a new student to get involved in activities outside of their lab early on. By joining clubs and student government, you’ll meet so many new people who can become friends and mentors along your PhD journey."

Porter Weeks

Degree pursuing: PhD in materials science & engineering Hometown: Corning, New York "I have always been a part of the Peer Mentoring Committee in IMSE. Being able to help students prepare for the qualifying exam and being there when others in the program need someone to talk to has been an incredibly rewarding experience."

Degree pursuing: PhD in computation and data science Hometown: Canton, Mississippi "As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I knew this was the place for me. I love the interdisciplinary nature of my program, DCDS."

Saugat Pandey

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: New Delhi, India "Visualization has been one of the most insightful courses for me about understanding the use of visualizations in various fields. It has also helped me shape my research interests."

Engineering student numbers

 Fall 2023 enrollment

Learn more about our programs and facilities

Hear from Washington University graduate student, Clinton Sabah and why he chose to earn a dual Engineering Management degree from the Sever Institute.

The Master of Science (MS) in Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering empowers students to embark on successful careers in diverse industries.

Take a tour of Green Hall, home to the Preston M. Green Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering.

Application Tips

Statement of purpose

• This is a 5-paragraph essay that is 1-2 pages and easy to read
• Explain ambitions and why you like the program and school 
• Include 1-3 research experiences and how you can contribute to the program 
• Conclude by showing your interest in the program and school
• Application checklist

Letters of recommendation

• Pick recommenders who believe in your potential and respond favorably to your request
• Include faculty or researchers who supervised your projects
• Ask recommenders a few months in advance
• Give recommenders due dates, resume, transcript copy, etc.

Test Scores

• Check your test scores are still valid and have not expired.
• Have official scores sent by the application deadline.
• Multiple tests can be reported.
• Application Checklist
• Go to slide 1
• Go to slide 2
• Go to slide 3

Clery Report: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to assisting all members of the University community in providing for their own safety and security. Each year we publish Safety and Security, detailing what to do in an emergency, as well as publishing our federally required annual security and fire safety reports, containing campus crime and fire statistics, and key university policies and procedures. The annual security compliance document is available on the  University Police web site .