How to Apply

Application deadlines

Applications are accepted only once each year to begin the program in autumn quarter.

Autumn 2027

Application opens in October.

  • Priority: February 1, 2027
  • International: March 1, 2027
  • Domestic: May 3, 2027

This program enrolls new students for autumn quarter only. Applicants must submit all application materials by the deadline to be considered for admission.

Application Checklist

The application to the Master of Science in Computer Science & Software Engineering is submitted online via the Graduate School Application. All Application materials should be submitted online, and are due by the application deadline.

Select a checklist item to navigate for detailed instructions:

Please complete all components of the application checklist:

1. Application & Paid Fee

Complete the application to the UW Graduate School and pay the application fee. All applications must be completed online.

  • Create an applicant profile or log in to an existing applicant profile
  • Create a new application
  • Select your application type (choose from the drop down list: Graduate)
  • Select “Computer Science and Software Engineering – School of STEM (Bothell) – MS” from the drop-down list of graduate programs
  • Complete application as directed

2. Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded into the online application. Applicants will be asked to submit an official hardcopy transcript only if offered admission. Please do not send hardcopy transcript materials until you are asked to do so.

Applicants with degrees from outside the United States must upload detailed official mark sheets (front and back) and official documentation showing degree earned. It is encouraged to include the grading scale/scheme used if not already listed on the transcript. All documents must be in English, and be the official translation from the institution in which the degree(s) was earned.

3. Application Questions

Short Answer

The personal statement section consists of multiple short answer responses. In total, applicants should submit 3 short answers from the list provided. The first question will address ‘Why Bothell’, and the second and third questions are chosen from the 5 question prompts below. Each answer should be between 100 – 300 words.

Answers should reflect thoughtful consideration of the questions. Applicants are encouraged to view the School of STEM mission and goals for inspiration.

*Question 1. Why is UW Bothell and this program the best place for you to pursue your interests?

*This question is mandatory for all applicants.

Questions 2 & 3: Please choose any 2 questions out of the list below to write your short answer

  1. Give a specific example of a project or assignment you worked on as a team, including the challenges and outcomes.
  2. Describe an obstacle you’ve overcome or a time when you’ve prevailed over adversity. This may include examples from your academic work; community, or life experiences.
  3. Beyond your computer science background, please identify a non-CS academic area of interest or extracurricular activity you are passionate about. How can the activities and interests in this area influence your future work as a software or cybersecurity professional?
  4. Describe how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment at UW Bothell.
  5. Describe a time when you implemented a novel solution to a complicated problem.

Competencies

Please describe where on the transcripts or within your professional experience these competencies can be found (please include your grade and quarter) 50 words max.

  1. High level object oriented programming skills, including the language used (ex. C++ and Java)
  2. Data structures and algorithms
  3. Software engineering
  4. Recommended: Operating systems

4. Research Questions

Short Answer

Applicants should browse faculty profiles and indicate in the application who they are interested in working with. Think about how your scholarly goals align with faculty work. No commitment from a supervisor prior to applying is necessary, and contacting faculty members is not needed.

  1. Describe your specific area(s) of academic interest and research topic you want to work on. How are your research goals connected to your area(s) of interest? (200-250 words)
  2. Which UW Bothell faculty would you be interested in working with, and why do you think these faculty members are a good fit to your areas of interest and goals? (200-250 words)
  3. How are you planning on applying what you learn from your master’s work in your post graduate career? (100-150 words)
  4. How has your past education and other experiences prepared you to be successful in graduate-level work? (200-250 words)
  5. If you’ve conducted research in this area or a related field (academically or professionally), please describe any challenges you have experienced with research and how you addressed them. (200-300 words) (optional)

5. A Current Resume

Show relevant work experience in detail and include any information relevant to admission prerequisites.

6. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should have 2 – 3 letters of recommendation. All recommendations are submitted electronically as part of the application process. Once a recommender has been designated in the application recommenders will automatically be sent an email from the University of Washington Graduate School with instructions on how to submit their letter of recommendation.

(Professional references may be substituted for academic ones if academic recommenders are unavailable.)

7. Proficiency in English

Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington as outlined in Policy 3.2. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency.

Proficiency for this program can be demonstrated in one of the following ways (expand accordion for complete details):

  • Residency: For applicants using an English‑medium‑of‑instruction (MOI) degree to meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, the following residency conditions apply [Note: students that are non-native English speakers will be asked if they meet these residency requirements in the Graduate School application. Remote, distance, online, or primarily offsite enrollment does not satisfy the residency requirement.]:
    • For institutions located in an English-speaking country: The student must have been in residence in that country for the full duration of enrollment in the degree program.
    • For institutions located in countries where English is not the official or dominant language: The student must have been in residence on, or in close proximity to, the degree granting campus for the full duration of enrollment.
  • Documentation: Official documentation from the applicant’s degree-granting institutions verifying that all instruction is in English is required, except for degrees from accredited institutions in the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Canada, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Liberia, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom, the United States, or the Virgin Islands.
    • Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
    • Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
  • TOEFL iBT (at test center or home)
    • Minimum score 4.5 (92 for test taken before January 21, 2026)
    • MyBest scores are not accepted
    • Sent via ETS to institution code 4854
  • Academic IELTS (at test center or home)
    • Minimum score 7.0
    • One Skill retake are not accepted
    • Sent via E-TRF to organization code 365
  • Duolingo English Test
    • Minimum score 130
    • Sent via Duolingo to University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma)

Previous UW graduate degree completion or previous admittance and current enrollment in a UW graduate program.

8. Scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) – Optional

Applicants may choose to submit scores on the GRE General Exam. No subject test is required. Official scores are sent electronically through ETS to Institution code 4854 (University of Washington). Mailed copies of score reports are not considered official and will not be accepted. Scores are valid five years from the testing date. We recommend scheduling the GRE early in the year in order to have scores arrive prior to the selected application deadline. There is no minimum score for the GRE.

Information for International Applicants

  • International applicants are those who currently hold or expect temporary U.S. Visas, including holders of H1-B, H-4 or any other non-immigrant classifications.
  • U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders or immigrants) are NOT considered international applicants.
  • International applicants may be required to submit additional documentation, including a statement of financial ability. View more details on additional requirements for International applicants.

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