Don't see your question here? Please e-mail it to us at gcounsel@ics.uci.edu.
For Prospective Graduate Students
How long does it take for a decision to be reached on my application?
Decisions are ongoing, therefore, you may hear as early as March or as late as May/June.
You will be notified of the final decision via online Tracker. We cannot provide you with the final decision over the phone or through email.When will I be notified of my funding offer?
If funding has been awarded, notification will be included with your admissions offer.
How will I know if my file is missing any documents or whether my file is complete?
Applicants may login to the online GATS TRACKER to check for application materials received.
Do I need to take the GRE General Exam?
Yes, a general GRE exam is required from all applicants. GRE scores are good for five years, after which time the exam must be repeated.
Only the general exam is required; we do not require the subject GRE exam, although it is recommended for applicants without a background in Computer Science or a related area.If my undergraduate degree is not in the same area as the graduate degree in which I am interested, can I still apply?
Yes, but it is helpful if you have taken courses in computer science and math, and/or have some related work experience.
Do I have to submit online letters of recommendation?
You may elect to submit online or hard copy letters of recommendation.
May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
You may submit as many recommendation letters as you like.
Can I attend part time or take evening classes?
M.S. students may petition to attend part time, but Ph.D. students are required to attend full time.
The Bren School does not offer evening or weekend classes at this time; all classes are offered during the day.Can I be waived out of the TOEFL requirement?
UCI will only waive the TOEFL requirement for students who have completed ALL requirements for a B.S., M.S. or Ph.D. degree in the U.S. prior to submitting their application.
Can the application fee be waived or deferred?
No. In order for your application to be processed, the application fee must be received.
Is on-campus housing guaranteed?
On-campus housing is not guaranteed.
Due to the housing wait-list, all applicants are encouraged to apply for housing at the same time they apply for admission.Can I send photocopies of my transcripts, GRE scores and TOEFL scores?
Only official documents are acceptable in order to complete your application.
Do I need to send bank certification or financial verification at the time of application?
Once admitted, all international students are required to submit a financial questionnaire and financial verification documents.
If I am re-applying to the program, do I need to re-submit all my documents?
You will need to submit an online application and pay the application fee in order to re-apply to the program.
If you are re-applying within a one-year period, you may re-use the original documents; however, we encourage you to update your file with a new statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
GRE and TOEFL scores must be current at the time of re-application.
Please send an email to gcounsel@ics.uci.edu letting us know which documents you would like to re-use.
If you are re-applying after one year, you will need to re-submit all new documents.Do you admit for the Winter or Spring quarter?
The Bren School only admits for the Fall quarter.
Who do I contact if I’m having trouble with the online application or if I need to make a correction?
Send an email to UCI Graduate Division and let them know of the change or error: ogs@uci.edu.
For Current Graduate Students
How do I advance to candidacy for the Masters degree?
Complete and submit the Advancement to Candidacy form one quarter prior to when you expect your M.S. degree to be conferred.
Please check with the ICS Graduate Counselors for quarterly deadlines.How often can I go on a Leave of Absence?
Up to three quarters total.
When is the Leave of Absence deadline?
Friday of the second week of classes.
When is the deadline to apply for part-time status?
Noon on Wednesday of the third week of classes.
Can a Ph.D. student apply for part-time status?
No, only Master’s students are eligible to apply for part-time status.
What is the composition of the Ph.D. advancement committee?
The Ph.D. advancement committee is a five member committee of senate faculty. Committee membership policies may vary by department/program. Consult the ICS graduate counselors for more information.
What is the composition of the Ph.D. final defense committee?
The Ph.D. final defense committee is a three member committee of senate faculty drawn from your advancement committee. The majority of the committee MUST be from your department.
Who exactly are "senate faculty?"
Senate faculty have the following titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, and Lecturer/Senior Lecturer with Security of Employment (SOE).
Can I combine my Ph.D. advancement and my topic defense?
Yes, with the consent of your advisor.
Do I have to complete my courses before I can advance to candidacy for the PhD?
Yes, you must complete all required course work before you can advance to candidacy for the PhD.
Do research units count toward course requirements?
No. Course numbers 290, 298 and 299 do not count toward course requirements.
My degree requires a "publication-quality" research paper. Does that mean it has to be published before I can submit it to my advisor/committee?
No, the paper does not have to be published. Your advisor/committee will assess the quality of your paper.
For Current & Prospective TAs/Readers
Who do I see regarding the TA/Reader assignments?
The Department Managers.
Do I need to submit a TA/Reader application for each quarter?
You'll need to submit a TA/Reader application each quarter you wish to serve as a TA/Reader.
When will I be informed of the TA/Reader appointments?
You will be notified via email as soon as you are assigned.
Do I need to fill out a TA/Reader application if I'm on a TA/Reader fellowship?
Yes.
If I've been assigned as a TA/Reader, do I get academic credit?
Yes, each quarter you are assigned as a TA/Reader, you will receive four units of academic credit by signing up for ICS 399. Note: ICS 399 does not count toward degree requirements.
Who can sign my add/drop card for ICS 399?
The ICS Graduate Counselors can sign the add/drop card for ICS 399.
