Mastering the grad school application process

The decision to pursue graduate school marks a significant milestone in your academic and professional journey. Whether you're newly interested in computer and information science or a seasoned IT professional looking to advance your career, understanding how to apply for grad school can feel overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the graduate school application process, helping you navigate each step with confidence.

Most graduate students have career goals in mind when pursuing a master's program. The technology sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 11% growth in computer and information technology occupations from 2023 to 2033– much faster than the average for all occupations.¹ This growth, combined with the increasing complexity of technology systems, makes advanced education more valuable than ever. Before diving into application requirements, it's essential to identify your motivation for pursuing a graduate degree.

Are you seeking increased income potential? Looking for greater job stability? Or perhaps you're driven by a desire to specialize in emerging fields like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity? Consider the intrinsic rewards as well. Graduate programs offer unique opportunities to:

• Engage with cutting-edge research and technology
• Build a powerful professional network
• Develop advanced problem-solving skills
• Gain specialized knowledge in your area of interest

Take time to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Are you interested in leading development teams? Creating innovative solutions to complex problems? Or perhaps pursuing research opportunities? Understanding your motivation will not only help you craft a stronger application but also guide you toward the right program.

Finding the perfect graduate program requires careful consideration of multiple factors. For technology professionals, this decision is particularly important given the rapid development of knowledge of the field and the varying specializations available.

Program format and flexibility

Look for programs that align with your learning style and schedule constraints. Consider whether you prefer traditional on-campus learning, online education, or hybrid programs. For working professionals, parents, and others, online programs often provide the flexibility to balance work responsibilities with academic pursuits. Many universities now offer online master's programs that directly mirror the traditional programs, taught by the same instructors and featuring the same curriculum and accreditations.

Admission requirements

Review the admission criteria of the master's degree programs you're interested in to see if you qualify. Most master's programs accept students with only a bachelor's degree but some fields of study require certain certifications, experience or demonstrated knowledge in an area.

Curriculum and specializations

Examine the program's curriculum in detail. For instance, if you're interested in artificial intelligence, ensure the program offers advanced courses in machine learning and neural networks.

Key considerations include:

• Core course requirements
• Available electives and specialization tracks
• Research opportunities - Industry partnerships
• Internship programs or hands-on courses

Faculty expertise and research

Research the faculty members' backgrounds and current projects. Are they conducting research in areas that interest you? For computer science programs, look for faculty members who:

• Publish in respected journals
• Have industry experience
• Maintain active research programs
• Collaborate with major tech companies

Program reputation and accreditation

Verify the program's accreditation status and reputation within the field. For computer science programs, look for:

• Regional accreditation
• ABET accreditation (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
• Rankings in respected publications
• Alumni success stories and career outcomes

Cost and funding opportunities

Calculate the total cost of attendance, including:

• Tuition and fees
• Technology resources
• Living expenses (if relocating)
• Professional development opportunities

Research available funding options such as:

• Graduate assistantships
• Research assistant jobs or fellowships
• Industry sponsorships
• Scholarships and grants
• Federal financial aid

Successfully navigating graduate school applications requires careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. Most computer science and technology-focused graduate programs have specific application criteria that you'll need to meet.

Core application components

Standard requirements typically include:

• Official transcripts from all previous institutions
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3)
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Current resume or CV
• Standardized test scores
• Application fee

Test requirements

While some programs are moving away from standardized testing requirements, many other programs still require or recommend them:

• GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Most common for computer science programs
• TOEFL or IELTS: Required for international students

Some programs may waive test requirements for applicants with significant work experience or high GPAs.

Important deadlines

Create a timeline that accounts for:

• Priority deadlines vs. regular deadline
• Early decision options (if available)
• Fellowship and assistantship application deadlines
• Document processing time (especially for international transcripts)
• Test scheduling and score reporting

Academic prerequisites

Most computer science graduate programs expect applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Programs typically look for strong foundational knowledge demonstrated through undergraduate coursework in key areas such as data structures and algorithms, programming languages, and computer architecture. A solid mathematics background is equally important, with most programs requiring completion of courses in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. However, some programs offer conditional admission or bridge courses for candidates from different academic backgrounds who demonstrate strong potential and relevant professional experience. It's essential to review specific program requirements early in your planning process to ensure you meet all academic prerequisites or can complete any necessary additional coursework before applying.

Your grad school application is your opportunity to present a compelling narrative about your academic journey, professional experience, and future goals. Each component should work together to create a cohesive story about why you're the ideal candidate for the program.

Personal statement

Your personal statement should go beyond simply listing your achievements. Instead, craft a narrative that demonstrates your passion for technology and clear career vision. For instance, you might discuss how your experience developing software for a startup inspired you to pursue advanced studies in cloud computing, or how contributing to open-source projects sparked your interest in distributed systems. Be specific about your goals and how the program aligns with your career aspirations.

Resume or CV

Tailor your resume to highlight experiences relevant to graduate study in computer science. Include:

• Technical projects and their impact
• Programming languages and technologies you've mastered
• Research experience or publications
• Professional certifications
• Leadership roles or team collaborations
• Open-source contributions or personal projects

Letters of recommendation

Choose recommenders who can speak specifically about your abilities and potential for graduate work. Ideal recommenders might include:

• Former professors who supervised your technical projects
• Supervisors who can discuss your problem-solving abilities
• Project leaders who have witnessed your collaboration skills
• Research mentors who can attest to your analytical capabilities

Provide your recommenders with your resume, statement of purpose, and specific examples of your work to help them write detailed, compelling letters. Give them plenty of time – at least a month before deadlines – and offer gentle reminders as the submission date approaches.

The final steps of submitting your graduate school application require attention to detail and careful organization. Most programs use online application systems where you'll upload documents and enter information in stages. Begin this process well before the deadline – ideally at least two weeks – to avoid technical issues or last-minute complications.

Start by creating an account in the application portal and familiarize yourself with the interface. Fill out all sections completely and accurately, double-checking details like dates, addresses, and course names. Many programs allow you to save your progress and return later, which can be helpful when gathering specific information about your academic or professional history.

When listing your technical experience or coursework, be precise with terminology and descriptions. For example, instead of simply listing "Programming experience," specify languages like "Python for machine learning applications" or "Java enterprise development." This precision helps admissions committees better understand your background and capabilities.

Most programs require supplementary documents that must be submitted through specific channels. Official transcripts, for example, typically need to be sent directly from your previous institutions to the graduate school. Request these early, as processing and delivery of an official transcript can take several weeks, especially during peak application seasons. Keep digital copies of all submitted materials and confirmation emails. Create a spreadsheet to track: Document submission dates, confirmation numbers, follow-up communications, processing status and contact information for admissions offices.

Once you've submitted your application, the waiting period begins – but this doesn't mean you should be passive. Most graduate programs provide an online portal where you can monitor your application status. Check this portal regularly, as it will typically show whether all required materials have been received and processed. If you notice any missing documents or discrepancies, don't hesitate to contact the program's admissions office. Most admissions staff prefer addressing potential issues early rather than discovering problems close to decision deadlines. Keep your communication professional and concise, including relevant information such as your application ID number and specific questions or concerns. Some programs may request additional information or schedule interviews with promising candidates.

Remember that the timing of graduate admission decisions can vary significantly between programs, and some may use rolling admissions. Focus on your current responsibilities while maintaining readiness to respond to any program communications promptly.

The grad school application process requires significant time and energy management. Create a master document or digital folder that contains:

• Application deadlines and requirements for each program
• Login credentials for application portals
• Copies of all submitted documents
• Contact information for recommenders and admissions offices
• Notes from program research and conversations

Remember that applying to graduate school while maintaining professional or academic commitments can be challenging. Set realistic goals and create an application timeline that allows you to break down large tasks into manageable steps. You should also aim to allocate specific times for application work and build in buffer time for unexpected delays so you don't miss an application deadline. To build a support network consider talking to a friend or coworker who has gone through the process. Additionally, joining online communities of graduate school applicants can help you get clarity on application instructions and requirements.

The graduate school application process may seem daunting, but approaching it systematically can help you present your strongest possible application. Remember that this process is not just about meeting requirements, it's about finding the right program that aligns with your career goals and personal aspirations.

Whether you're interested in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or software engineering, the right graduate program can provide the knowledge and skills needed to advance your career. Ready to take the next step? Marquette University's online Master of Science in Computer and Information Science program offers a flexible, comprehensive curriculum designed for working professionals. It also features a Career Changer pathway to help those new to the field build all the fundamental knowledge they need to catch up with their peers before diving into more advanced topics. Learn more about our admissions requirements and application process and get help every step of the way by scheduling a call with an admissions outreach advisor.