Quick answer: Arizona State University’s School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering treat GRE requirements program-by-program. For the Computer Science master’s and PhD programs the GRE is often not strictly required for every applicant. ASU undergraduate alumni in the relevant computer-science programs are commonly exempted from submitting GRE scores for the MS, some online master’s (MCS) options explicitly do not require the GRE, and the PhD program materials state GRE scores are not required to be considered. However, programs still accept GRE scores when applicants choose to submit them, some concentrations publish average admitted-GRE guidance, and official university and school-level policies (including minimum GPA and calculus prerequisites) remain important. Always verify the specific program handbook and the Graduate Admissions checklist for the term you plan to apply.
Program and admissions overview
Arizona State University houses graduate-level computer science degrees inside the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence and the broader Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. ASU offers multiple paths: a research-oriented MS (Master of Science), a professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) including online variants, and a PhD in Computer Science. Each path has its own application checklist, deadlines, and program handbook; the Graduate Admissions office handles university-level requirements while the school or program enforces additional or program-specific rules. Deadlines and materials vary by semester and campus; review the program’s graduate-admissions page and handbook for the term you plan to apply.
Quick comparison: GRE requirement by program
Below is a concise table summarizing the GRE expectation across common CS graduate paths at ASU. Note that policies can change and that individual applicants may be requested to submit scores for specific funding decisions or to resolve deficiencies.
| Program | Typical GRE policy (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|
| MS in Computer Science (on-campus) | GRE may be required for applicants who are not ASU CS or Computer Systems Engineering undergraduate alumni; check the MS handbook and the program page for the average GRE guidance. |
| Master of Computer Science (MCS) — online | MCS online program does not require the GRE. |
| PhD in Computer Science | GRE scores are not required to be considered for admission to the CS PhD program per the most recent handbook statements, but departments may accept or request them in exceptional cases. |
| International applicants | English proficiency testing (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE) is required unless exempt; GRE rules follow the program policy above. ASU notes that the GRE General Test taken at home is not accepted. |
GRE requirements and expectations (detailed)
Is the GRE required?
Short answer: it depends. The SCAI graduate-admissions guidance explicitly states that students who graduated from ASU’s B.S. in Computer Science or the B.S.E. in Computer Systems Engineering are not required to submit GRE scores for the MS program. The MCS (online) program also does not require GRE scores. For applicants who did not complete an ASU CS undergraduate degree, the MS handbook and admissions pages indicate GRE scores may be required or used in the review process; the PhD handbook has language that GRE scores are not required to be considered. That means many applicants are evaluated without the GRE, but submitting a strong GRE can still strengthen an application in competitive situations.
Does ASU accept at-home GRE scores?
ASU’s school-level admissions information states that the university does not accept the GRE General Test taken at home. If you decide to submit GRE scores, confirm that you schedule the official in-person test locations that are accepted by ETS and transmitted with ASU’s institution code. ASU’s institution code is 4007; some department-specific instructions may request a department code of 0000.
Are subject tests required?
ASU’s CS program documentation does not require a GRE Subject Test in computer science. The emphasis is on the general GRE if a program requests scores. Always check the specific handbook for any exceptions.
If I submit GRE scores, what should I aim for?
ASU does not publish a single fixed cutoff used for every program and cohort. Where programs provide “average GRE” charts they reflect the range of scores for admitted applicants in recent cycles. For computer science programs nationally, competitive applicants often present Quantitative scores well above the 75th percentile and combined scores in the 320+ range at top programs. If you plan to submit a score to strengthen an application, aiming for a Quantitative score in the mid-to-high 160s and a combined score above about 320 is a reasonable target. These are general competitive guidelines rather than ASU-specific guarantees, and ASU evaluates applications holistically.
Academic requirements: GPA, coursework, prerequisites, and test scores
Minimum GPA and how ASU evaluates academic records
ASU’s Graduate College and many program pages indicate a minimum expectation of a “B” average, typically a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 semester hours (or equivalent). For certain graduate-to-PhD admissions, SCAI materials may state a higher minimum (for example, a minimum 3.5 GPA for those applying to a PhD after a master’s). Departments consider the last 60 credits, degree-level GPA, and the overall rigor of coursework when evaluating applicants. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may still be considered if other parts of the application are strong, but that depends on the program’s discretion.
Prerequisite coursework and calculus requirement
SCAI expects applicants to have demonstrated ability in mathematics and programming. For the MS and MCS programs, the graduate admissions material lists calculus requirements (typically Calculus I and II) and recommends additional coursework such as Calculus III and Discrete Mathematics. Applicants without the required calculus or programming background may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete prerequisite coursework either before arrival or in the first semesters. Confirm the exact prerequisite set for the concentration you apply to in the program handbook.
English proficiency for international applicants
International applicants whose native language is not English must meet ASU’s English proficiency requirements. SCAI documents mention typical minimum scores used in review for TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, or Duolingo, for example a TOEFL iBT score around 90 is commonly used as an admissions benchmark in the school, though programs may require higher scores for TA consideration. Some professional programs allow alternate paths such as ASU Global Launch courses for meeting English requirements. Check the Graduate Admissions international section for the official accepted test types and score thresholds.
Competitiveness and applicant profile
Admission is competitive and holistic. Typical successful applicants to the MS and PhD programs in computer science will demonstrate a combination of the following:
- Strong undergraduate preparation: relevant degree or coursework in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, or related fields with solid grades.
- Mathematical/technical foundation: calculus, discrete math, data structures, algorithms, and programming assignments/projects.
- Research or practical experience: research projects, publications, internships, or relevant industry work strengthen PhD and research-MSc applications.
- Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation: strong letters are required for PhD applicants and are influential in evaluating fit with faculty research areas; MS applicants may or may not be asked for letters depending on the track.
- GRE or other test evidence (when submitted): helpful in borderline cases or when program needs to compare applicants from varied educational systems.
For PhD applicants in particular, a record of independent research, strong letters from research mentors, and evidence of clear alignment with faculty research interests are among the strongest predictors of admission.
Factors beyond GRE scores (what admissions committees emphasize)
Because ASU evaluates applications holistically, factors that frequently matter more than a single test score include:
- Academic preparation in relevant courses such as algorithms, operating systems, theory, machine learning, databases, and discrete mathematics.
- Research experience for research MS and PhD applicants, including project descriptions, publications, posters, or independent projects.
- Letters of recommendation that speak to technical skills, research potential, and independence. SCAI requires letters for PhD applicants.
- Statement of purpose that explains fit with ASU faculty and how your past experience prepares you for the program.
- Relevant work experience when applying to professional master’s concentrations; industry experience can be especially valuable for online or applied degrees.
- English proficiency and readiness to teach or support courses when applying for TA support. Programs sometimes require higher English-proficiency scores for TA eligibility.
Common applicant mistakes and how to avoid them
- Assuming the GRE policy is uniform across ASU. Different programs and tracks within the Fulton Schools have different policies. Always check the specific program’s graduate-admissions page and handbook for the year and semester you are applying.
- Missing prerequisites or calculus requirements. Confirm calculus and discrete math prerequisites and plan to complete them before applying or to explain how you will address any shortfalls.
- Submitting at-home GRE scores or late scores. ASU notes it does not accept GRE General Test scores taken at home. Schedule and send official test reports in time to meet application deadlines.
- Weak or generic statements of purpose. Tailor your SOP to show concrete alignment with ASU faculty and research strengths when applying to research programs.
- Overlooking English-proficiency rules for international applicants. Ensure you meet TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo cutoffs if required; some programs accept alternative paths such as ASU Global Launch courses.
- Relying on third-party advice without checking official handbooks. Official program handbooks and the ASU Graduate Admissions site are authoritative; handbooks often include the program’s preferred profile and average GRE guidance.
Realistic applicant examples (profiles and likely outcomes)
The examples that follow are illustrative scenarios to help you benchmark where you might stand. They are not guarantees of admission but represent typical admissions thinking.
Example A: Domestic ASU alumnus, MS (on-campus)
Profile: ASU B.S. in Computer Science, 3.4 GPA, strong project portfolio, no GRE submitted. Outcome: Strong candidate for the MS program because ASU CS alumni are typically waived from GRE submission and the rest of the application is solid. Submit transcripts and a clear SOP to explain career/research goals.
Example B: International applicant, MS (research track)
Profile: Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from an overseas university, 3.2 GPA (4.0 scale equivalent), two internships, one conference paper, TOEFL iBT 95, GRE 323 (optional submission). Outcome: Competitive. The research paper, GPA, TOEFL and a strong SOP aligning with faculty make this profile attractive. GRE submission can help if faculty or the committee wants an additional quantitative signal.
Example C: PhD applicant
Profile: Master’s degree with 3.6 GPA, multiple publications or an undergraduate thesis, strong letters from research advisors, no GRE submitted because PhD handbook states GRE is not required. Outcome: This is the profile PhD committees typically look for. A clear research plan and demonstrated faculty fit are the most important pieces.
Application timing, logistics, and practical checklist
Key application logistics to track:
- Deadlines: ASU SCAI publishes program-specific deadlines (for example, varying fall/spring/summer deadlines). Submit materials by the program’s deadline.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution are required. International transcripts must be in the original language with official English translations when applicable.
- GRE submission (if applicable): Use ASU’s institution code (4007). Confirm the program’s preference for test format and acceptability. ASU does not accept the at-home GRE General Test.
- English proficiency: If required, submit TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo scores by the deadline or use approved alternatives.
- Letters of recommendation: Required for PhD applicants; MS requirements vary by track. Prepare referees well ahead of the deadline.
- Statement of purpose and CV: Articulate objectives, fit, and relevant experience. For PhD applicants, explain proposed research interests and mention ASU faculty you would work with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I graduated from ASU with a CS degree. Do I need the GRE to apply for the MS?
A: If you earned an ASU B.S. in Computer Science or a B.S.E. in Computer Systems Engineering, SCAI’s materials indicate you are not required to submit GRE scores for the MS. Review the latest MS handbook and program page to confirm no new changes have been enacted.
Q: I am applying for a PhD. Should I take the GRE?
A: The current PhD handbook language states GRE scores are not required to be considered for admission to the CS PhD program. However, some applicants still submit strong GRE results when they want to provide an additional quantitative measure, especially if their prior academic system is difficult for reviewers to interpret. Check the PhD handbook and contact the graduate advising center if you are unsure.
Q: What if my GPA is below 3.0?
A: ASU’s Graduate College sets a general expectation of a 3.0 GPA in recent undergraduate work. Applicants below that threshold may still be considered by individual programs if other parts of the application (research, work experience, recommendations) strongly compensate. Some applicants improve their competitiveness by taking post-baccalaureate or graduate coursework and demonstrating higher grades, or by securing strong references and relevant experience.
Q: Do I need to send official GRE scores to the department as well as Graduate Admissions?
A: Follow the instructions in the Graduate Admissions portal and the program handbook. Use ASU’s institution code (4007) for ETS reports. If a department requests a department code or a specific upload of a student report, follow that guidance. When in doubt, include both the Graduate Admissions GRE report and any department-specified documentation.
Q: Will not submitting GRE hurt my application?
A: It depends on the program and your profile. For many ASU CS tracks, GRE is optional or waived for qualified applicants, and the admissions committee will focus on coursework, recommendations, statement of purpose, and relevant experience. If your academic record or transcripts come from systems difficult to interpret, or if your GPA is borderline, a strong GRE may provide helpful evidence. Confirm program-specific expectations before deciding.
Final thoughts and recommended next steps
ASU’s approach to GRE requirements is flexible and program-specific. The essential actions for applicants are:
- Read the program’s current graduate-admissions page and the latest program handbook for the semester you intend to apply. Program handbooks list prerequisites, average GRE guidance when available, and any program-specific minimums.
- If you earned an ASU CS undergraduate degree, confirm the GRE waiver language in the MS handbook to avoid unnecessary testing.
- If you are an international applicant, verify English-proficiency rules and plan to meet TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo or the approved alternatives in time for the deadline.
- If your GPA or coursework is borderline, consider whether taking the GRE and achieving a strong quantitative score would help demonstrate readiness. Use general competitive targets (Quant mid-to-high 160s, combined 320+) as guidance but treat these as nonbinding.
- Prepare a clear statement of purpose and line up recommenders early, especially if applying for research funding or PhD programs where letters are required.
- If anything is unclear, contact the SCAI graduate advising center or the program’s listed graduate contact. Program staff can confirm whether you should plan to submit GRE scores for your specific case.
Policies and preferred metrics can change, and the information in this article reflects program and school materials available from ASU as of June 8, 2026. Always verify current requirements by consulting the program’s graduate-admissions page, the most recent program handbook, and ASU Graduate Admissions before you apply.
Arizona State University Graduate Admissions Resources
Looking for broader Arizona State University graduate admissions information? The following guide covers university-wide admission requirements, GRE policies, application materials, funding considerations, and international student requirements.
