University of Texas at Austin

CSEM Admissions

The CSEM Program is committed to equal educational opportunity and values a diverse student body. Prospective students from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Latest Announcements

  1. We are now accepting applications for Fall 2025.

  2. The GRE General Test is REQUIRED for Fall 2025 applications.

Overview

Thank you for applying to UT Austin's premier graduate program for computational science, engineering, and mathematics. As you plan your application, please keep in mind:

  • We admit students in the Fall semester only.
  • We are primarily a PhD track program. If your ultimate goal is the PhD degree in CSEM, you should indicate PhD as the degree sought on your application. PhD students may earn the CSEM Master's degree along the way. All PhD applicants are considered for funding (fellowships and/or research assistantships).
  • The Master's program is a terminal program; it does not lead to admission to the PhD program. We admit a limited number of students to the Master's program each year. We do not have funding available for Master's students.
  • The CSEM Program is designated by the Graduate School as an Intercollegial Program. We are NOT in the Mathematics Department, the Computer Science Department, the College of Natural Sciences, or the Cockrell School of Engineering (although many of the faculty teaching and advising CSEM students are drawn from these units).

Application Deadline – December 10, 2024

All application materials are due by this date, including letters of recommendation. You are strongly encouraged to submit the online application well in advance of the deadline.

GRE Update

The GRE General Test is required for all Fall 2025 applications to the CSEM Program.

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree with a major in any of the following disciplines:
    • Engineering
    • Mathematics
    • Computer Science
    • Physical or Biological Sciences
    • Finance
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), or the equivalent, in all upper-division work and any graduate work
  • TOEFL score of 79 (iBT) OR an IELTS overall band score of 6.5 (International applicants only)
  • Must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for graduate study at UT Austin

How to Apply / Application Requirements

  • Initiate your application on the Graduate Admissions page: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/apply
    • Select “Summer 25 and Fall 25 Entry” to expand options.
    • Under “All Other Programs,” select “Apply Now using the Graduate School Application for Admission.”
    • When completing the application, select "Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics" which is listed under "Intercollegial Programs.”
  • 3 Letters of recommendation — Within the Graduate School application, you will be asked to list the name and e-mail addresses for your recommenders. E-mails will be sent to your recommenders directing them to a website where they may upload their letters.
    • 4th Letter of recommendation (U.S. citizens only) — To be considered for the CSEM Fellowship, PhD applicants should submit a fourth letter of recommendation.
  • CSEM Program Departmental Application form. Complete this form AFTER you have submitted the online Graduate School application and have received your UT EID.
  • AFTER your online application has been received, submit the following materials via your MyStatus page:
    • Official transcripts from every senior college attended. Instructions for uploading transcripts can be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions page.
    • Statement of Purpose
      Guidelines for the Statement of Purpose: Describe why you want to study within the CSEM Program at the University of Texas at Austin, what areas of research you are most interested in pursuing, who from among our faculty you would like to have advise you on your research, and your career plans. Put a heading at the top of your Statement that includes: your name, your UT EID, and the program you are applying to (CSEM PhD or CSEM Master's).
    • Resume / CV
  • Submit official GRE General Test scores. The Educational Testing Service institution code for UT Austin is 6882. It is not necessary to use a department code.
  • International applicants — Submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Information about waivers can be found on the Office of Graduate Admissions page. If you do not qualify for a waiver based on the requirements outlined by the Graduate School, DO NOT e-mail the CSEM Program to ask for a waiver. We cannot accept expired test scores, nor will we waive the requirement for applicants who have earned only a Master's degree from a U.S. institution.

Summary of Required Application Materials

  1. Online Graduate School application
  2. Official transcripts (submitted via MyStatus)
  3. Official GRE General Test scores
  4. Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only)
  5. Statement of Purpose (submitted via MyStatus, follow guidelines above)
  6. Resume or CV (submitted via MyStatus)
  7. CSEM Program Departmental Application form
  8. Three letters of recommendation
  9. Fourth letter of recommendation (for CSEM Fellowship consideration only, U.S. PhD applicants)

ALL applicants should review our ADMISSIONS FAQ page.

Application Status:

After you have submitted your application, you may monitor the status via the MyStatus portal. You will not be able to access MyStatus until you have received your UT EID. As soon as your admission decision is official, it will be posted to MyStatus.

Please direct questions to:

Stephanie Rodriguez
CSEM Graduate Coordinator

512-232-3356