Admission FAQs

Key Pages

If your question is not answered below, contact us at csgradprogram@uab.edu.

+ - May I apply to the Ph.D. program without first having completed an M.S.? Click to collapse
Yes, students who are interested in the Ph.D. program should apply directly to that program.
+ - May I apply to the CS graduate program without a B.S. in Computer Science or Computer Engineering? Click to collapse
Yes, if you have fulfilled the program prerequisites​. Students who hold bachelors degrees in other fields may register as non-degree seeking graduate students​ in order to take the CS prerequisites.
+ - When will my application be reviewed for admission? Click to collapse
Applications are reviewed as they are received. Depending on the time of year, it takes approximately one month to process an application after it is complete (GRE received, TOEFL received if appropriate, transcript received, letters received, etc.).
+ - How many students are normally accepted into each program? What is the rate of acceptance? Click to collapse
For the M.S. program, there is no a priori limit/acceptance rate. Applicants are accepted/rejected based upon their credentials.

For the Ph.D. program, the number of offers depends on the number of new slots opened through graduation or new grant funding. There are always some slots each semester.
+ - Is it necessary to take the Computer Science GRE Subject Exam? Click to collapse
No, but if you do take it, please report your score to us as it may enhance your chances for admission and financial aid.
+ - How do I transfer credits from another program/school? Click to collapse

Previously earned graduate credit with a grade of B or above while enrolled at another regionally accredited graduate school may be eligible for transfer into the student's current degree program if it has not been applied toward another degree (either at UAB or elsewhere). All transfer credit requests must be initiated by the student and require the approval of the graduate program director and the Graduate School. Transfer of Credit forms are available on the Graduate School website. Completion of this form does not guarantee that the transfer credit will be granted. No more than 12 semester hours of graduate credit can be transferred to UAB. Once transfer credit has been approved, it will be included in the calculation of the grade point average in the student's current UAB program.

+ - What should I do if my complete transcripts are not available by the application deadline? Click to collapse
We expect this to be the case for all continuing students. You should submit the most up-to-date transcripts available along with a list of courses you are currently enrolled in. If admitted, it will be contingent upon providing a completed transcript once you arrive.
+ - Where do I mail my transcripts and other documents? Click to collapse
Please follow the application instructions on the UAB Graduate School website. You can mail documents to the Graduate School at:

UAB Graduate School
LHL G03
1700 University Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
+ - How do I apply for financial aid? Click to collapse
You do not need to formally apply for financial aid. All accepted applicants are automatically considered for financial aid.
+ - Are M.S. students eligible for financial aid? Click to collapse
Hourly paid TAship is available to top performing MS students. Please see Assistantships, Fellowships & Financial Aid for more information.
+ - How important is it to identify research interests in the personal statement which accompanies my application? Click to collapse
This is very important, as it will determine the faculty advisor you will be assigned to and how competitive your application is for financial aid. It is acceptable to have interests in more than one area, especially if there is documented research or project work in each area. It is rarely appropriate, and certainly not useful, to be interested in all areas.
+ - Before or during the application process, should I contact faculty members whose research interests align with mine? Click to collapse
You may contact faculty to learn more information about their research. Once admitted we will assign you a specific faculty advisor whose research interests are closest to those you have indicated on your application.

Note: You should not ask individual faculty members for financial aid or send them a detailed resume. Such e-mail is considered spam. Financial aid is coordinated through the department, not individual faculty members. Incoming students are not supported on research assistantships as they enter.
+ - Which courses are offered online? Click to collapse
Visit the UAB Class Listing site, enter the term you want to search and 'CS-Computer Science' as the subject, and click 'Submit.' On the class list page returned by the search, those courses with a location shown as 'ONLINE' are online courses.
+ - Can F-2 students take courses? Any restrictions? Click to collapse
A student on an F-2 visa is allowed to study, but they cannot attend full time while they are still on the F-2 visa. Once they are ready to change to the F-1 status they will work with UAB's immigration office to file the appropriate paperwork. They can be in country and studying while this application is processed.
+ - Where should I look for an internship? Click to collapse
The UAB Career Center is revamping its online job search platform to make it easier for students to connect with employers and land the career of their dreams. Handshake – the Career Center’s new, fast and powerful recruiting platform for UAB students, alumni and employers – officially launched on August 18, 2019. Students and alumni can use Handshake to easily connect with employers, search for jobs and internships, discover event information and manage on-campus interviewing. Employers can use Handshake as a recruitment tool to identify qualified candidates for open positions and manage on-campus recruitment activities.