How to Apply

Applications to the Ph.D. program in Computation, Organizations and Society (COS) are made through the School of Computer Science (SCS) unified on-line application process. Read the following instructions carefully and make certain that you have met all requirements before you submit your application.

Admissions are made once a year in February.

Complete the Ph.D. application form.
Applications are now filled out entire online. Please apply through the School of Computer Science Graduate Online Application. More detailed instructions can also be found on the SCS website.

  1. Make sure you indicate "Ph.D. in Computation, Organizations and Society" on your application!
  2. Prepare a Statement of Purpose.
    Type a concise one- or two-page statement in the following format:
    • Part I. Briefly state your primary interest of study within computation, organizations and society. Be as specific as possible in describing your interests.
    • Part II. State your objective in pursuing a Ph.D. and why you are applying to Carnegie Mellon. Explain how your objective requires studies in computation, organization and society and is not realizable by other Ph.D. programs.
    • Part III. Describe your background as it relates to your objective. List any relevant industrial, organizational, governmental or commercial experience, and describe how these past experiences prepare you for the Ph.D. program in COS.
    • Part IV. Include any additional information you wish to supply to the admissions committee.
  3. Enclose your current resume.
    Include a summary of your research experience and/or practical experience, and a list of publications, if any. Include copies of any publications (in English only) that you may have.
  4. Submit transcripts.
    Have official transcripts submitted directly to SCS from all undergraduate or graduate training.
  5. Request three letters of recommendation.
    Recommendations should be completed by people who know you and your work. Recommendation letters have to be submitted online by the recommender. The online application will provide you with instructions on how recommenders can submit their letters.
  6. Take the Graduate Record Examination
    • The GRE general (or aptitude) test is required, but upon special request, GMAT scores may be used instead of GRE scores. A request to substitute GMAT scores for GRE scores must be made in writing, along with an explanation as to why the GMAT scores are more appropriate to your objectives and background. Include this request in your application packet upon submission. If you have additional questions concerning the ability to substitute GMAT scores, send email to cherold@cs.cmu.edu.
    • The GRE computer science subject test is not required, although your application may become stronger by including it.
    • Have your standardized scores sent to SCS (Institution Code: 2074, Department Code: 0402). Applications will not be processed without current GRE (or GMAT) scores. Be sure to report your scores informally, on the application, as well as through the Educational Testing Service. To ensure that the GRE scores reach us in time, the GRE must be taken by December.
  7. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    Have the scores sent directly to SCS (institution Code 4256, department code 78). Scores should also be reported informally on the application. All students whose native language is not English must take this examination. Please note we prefer the TOEFL, but will also accept the IELTS. A successful applicant will normally have a total iBT score of at least 100 with sub-scores no less than indicated below. Applicants may be admitted with slightly lower scores in exceptional circumstances.
    Minimum Acceptable TOEFL Score:
    • Reading: 25
    • Listening: 25
    • Speaking: 25
    • Writing: 25
  8. It is your responsibility to make certain that all items listed above and any additional materials not included with your application reach the Admissions Committee by the deadlines on this webpage: School of Computer Science (SCS) Application Information.