Entering the Scientific Computation Program
The prerequisite for admission is adequate preparation in the fundamentals of a field that uses scientific computation. This will typically consist of a bachelor's degree in a field that uses scientific computation.
Both prospective graduate students and current graduate students in other programs may apply. The application requirements are listed below.
A decision for admission notice will be emailed to you once your application is carefully reviewed by the program’s admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) are authenticated by Graduate School officials. You can expect a decision by late March or early April.
Language Requirement or Prior Proficiency in Scientific Computation
No foreign language proficiency is required. In addition, no prior proficiency in scientific computation is explicitly required. The graduate faculty believe that a strong disciplinary background will be adequate preparation at the undergraduate level, and computational proficiency may and will be attained as part of the graduate studies experience.
Support for Graduate Students
For beginning graduate students, support usually consists of a teaching assistantship, fellowship, or research assistantship. For advanced graduate students switching into the program from other graduate programs, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships are all probable support sources.
Students may apply to individual graduate faculty for research assistantships or for suggestions of fellowship programs in individual fields of scientific computation for which they might be eligible. They may also apply to departmental affiliates for teaching assistantships. Finally they are urged to apply for federal and other external fellowships.
Deadline
The application deadline for fall semester admission is January 1. Applications received by January 1 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications received after January 1 will be considered on a space and funds available basis.
Materials
All application materials should be submitted online through the Office of Graduate Admissions. We cannot review your application until all of the required materials listed below are submitted successfully.
Submit the Following Required Materials
| Materials | How to submit |
|---|---|
| Application |
Required fields:
Optional fields: All other fields or application materials are optional, but will be taken into consideration if submitted. |
| Application Statement #1 | Statement #1 should outline your immediate educational and long-range career objectives in relation to your chosen field. Please include your top 3 research areas, desired fields for the minor or supporting program, and the names of particular faculty members with whom you wish to study. In addition, include other information, such as any undergraduate research experience, internships, or other experiences you may have had to document your preparation for advanced study in your chosen field. |
| Application Fee | Click here for more information about fees. |
| Transcripts |
Unofficial transcripts or academic records should be uploaded directly to the online application. International students should also upload an English translation if the transcript is not in English. Please do not mail in paper copies of your transcripts, there is no need for official transcripts or academic records for initial review. If you are admitted, the University will then request official copies of this material. Click here for important information about uploading your transcripts and credentials. |
|
Letters of Recommendation |
Three letters of recommendation are requested from current or former professors who can assess your potential for graduate work. Other recommenders, such as employers, are also acceptable. The Graduate School student rating form is optional. Paper copies are not accepted. |
| English Language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) | Our program requires TOEFL scores for admission. You should enter your scores in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in ApplyYourself. If you requested ETS to report the scores to the University of Minnesota, the scores will be electronically uploaded to your application. You can check to see if your official scores have been reported from ETS (see link at the bottom of this page). If you did not request ETS to report your TOEFL directly, please upload a copy along with your transcripts. Click here for more information about the TOEFL (or IELTS or MELAB). |
| GRE Scores |
Our program requires the general GRE exam for admission. You should enter your scores in the Test Information-Self-Reported field in ApplyYourself. |
| Have your test scores been received? | Click here to check if the University of Minnesota has received your GRE and TOEFL test scores. |