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Computer Science

University of Texas at Austin
PortPath researches criteria from public sources and can be incomplete or out of date. Always verify against the program’s official announcement before relying on it. PortPath never predicts admission chances.
Overview
UT Austin’s MS in Computer Science uses a holistic review with a hard GPA floor, a required statement of purpose, and optional GRE. The program does not publish a separate portfolio requirement, so academic preparation and written fit carry the clearest weight.

Admission criteria

PortfolioLow

No separate portfolio submission or portfolio rubric is listed for MSCS; the closest evidence of work is the CV/resume, where publications, research, and patents can help show preparation.

Bar to clear: Not used by this program

Statement of PurposeHigh

Required; it should explain the experiences that prepared you for graduate CS, your academic and professional interests, your reasons for pursuing graduate study, and your goals for the program.

Bar to clear: 2 double-spaced pages

Academics & GPAHigh

A minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division and graduate coursework is required, and the department says successful applicants typically have an above-average GPA in CS coursework plus strong relevant background.

Bar to clear: 3.0+ in upper-division/graduate work

Test scoresMedium

GRE is optional but can strengthen the application; international applicants must submit TOEFL/IELTS/DET unless exempt, and official scores must be sent to UT Austin.

Bar to clear: GRE optional; TOEFL/IELTS/DET required for non-exempt international applicants

Application components

Statement of PurposeTranscript(s) / GPACV/ResumeGRE score report (optional)TOEFL/IELTS/DET score report (if applicable)
How to stand out
→Use the statement of purpose to connect prior CS coursework, projects, and career goals directly to UT Austin's MSCS.
→Keep GPA evidence strong in upper-division CS and math courses; that is more persuasive than an overall average alone.
→If your background is not in CS, make the CV/resume explicitly map prior coursework and experience to the program's prerequisites.
→Submit GRE only if it is a strength; if you are an international applicant, prioritize a valid English score early so it arrives by the deadline.
Source confidence
88%Well sourced
Sources
Apply to Graduate Computer Science Programs | UT Austin Computer Science
www.cs.utexas.edu/graduate/apply
Current department page; lists GPA floor, required application materials, and GRE as optional.
MSCS Application Guide (Spring 2027)
cdso.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/2025-01/MSCS_Application_Guide.pdf
Current UT Austin MSCS guide; states SOP length, CV/resume content, GPA requirement, and optional GRE / required English test reporting for international applicants.
Where to Begin | Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/begin
Graduate School minimum requirements and holistic context for UT Austin graduate admission.
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