Last updated: July 1, 2026
The FAQ page currently covers admissions, academics, funding, enrollment logistics, Ph.D. requirements, research, and staff contact. The updates below are organized by section. Where a question is already answered on another page, the FAQ answer links to that page rather than duplicating content.
Before emailing graduate staff, check the page most relevant to your question:
- Graduate Admissions
- Master’s Degree Requirements
- New Student Information
- Ph.D. Academic Requirements
Admissions & deadlines
Q: Does CISE accept MELAB as a TOEFL substitute?
Yes. MELAB with a minimum score of 77 satisfies the UF Graduate School English proficiency requirement. Note that CISE’s own TOEFL requirement (90 iBT, with each section scoring 19 or higher) is higher than the Graduate School minimum. See the CISE Graduate Admissions page for the full list of accepted tests and scores.
Q: Can I apply to the Ph.D. program for a spring semester start?
No. Ph.D. applicants must apply for fall entry only. CISE does not admit new Ph.D. students in the spring semester. See the CISE Graduate Admissions page for application deadlines.
Q: What are the application deadlines for Spring 2026 and Fall 2026?
Q: Are application fee waivers available?
No. All applicants are required to pay the application fee. Contacting staff will not impact application fees.
Q: Can I request a GRE waiver?
No. The GRE is optional for master’s and Ph.D. applicants to CISE.
Q: Are there student discounts or vouchers for GRE registration fees?
No.
Q: What is the English proficiency requirement?
See CISE graduate admissions. CISE’s requirement is higher than the Graduate School’s minimum.
Q: Other than transcripts, what materials are required?
Q: Do I need to send official transcripts/scores before a decision?
No. Uploading unofficial copies is fine for review.
Q: My GPA is below 3.0. What are my options?
See CISE graduate admissions. The UF Graduate School enforces a 3.0 minimum for graduate admission. Applications below this threshold cannot be considered.
Academics & registration
Q: What is the difference between ‘Academic Requirements’ and ‘Degree Requirements’ for the master’s program?
Academic Requirements covers supervision, master’s examination rules, and program progress policies. Degree Requirements covers the specific courses and credit hours you must complete for your degree option. See the Master’s Academic Requirements page and the Master’s Degree Requirements page, respectively.
Q: When do I need to apply for transfer credits?
Transfer credit applications must be submitted during your first term of enrollment. Up to 9 credits from another accredited institution may be applied toward a master’s degree. Email GAdvisors@cise.ufl.edu to begin the process.
Q: Can I take elective credits outside of the CISE department?
Yes, with approval. For master’s students, a limited number of elective credits may be taken outside CISE with Graduate Affairs Committee approval. The allowed number depends on your degree option and whether you are in the thesis or non-thesis track. See the Master’s Degree Requirements page for the specific limits for each program.
Q: I received a C+ in a required course. Does that affect my standing?
C+ is a passing grade, but it still counts toward your GPA. You must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA and a cumulative 3.0 GPA in CISE courses to graduate. If your GPA drops below 3.0, you will be placed on academic probation. See the Master’s Degree Requirements page for full details.
Q: Is there a minimum number of credits each semester for part-time master’s students?
CISE does not set a department-specific minimum for domestic part-time students without funding. Check Full-time enrollment-requirements.
Q: Can I take more than 9 credit hours in a semester?
No. Maximum is 9 credits/semester for CISE master’s students. Exception requests (e.g., final semester only) are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Are CISE master’s degrees 100% online? I’ll be working in another city.
No. CISE master’s (CS and CE) are on-campus programs.
Q: Differences between the M.S. in Computer Engineering (CE) and M.S. in Computer Science (CS)?
The main difference is in the required 12 credits of core courses aligned to each program. See Master’s program degree requirements.
Funding, tuition & employment
Q: What funding options exist for master’s students?
- TA/RA assistantships are for Ph.D. students. Do not email the department to request a TA/RA if you are applying to or enrolled in the M.S. We cannot accommodate these requests. RAs are made by individual faculty; TAs are assigned by the department.
- Grader/OPS roles may occasionally be available to strong master’s students after demonstrating performance in initial courses. Grader/OPS positions do not include tuition benefits.
Q: Do graders receive tuition coverage?
No.
Q: My admission letter says I received the Achievement Award, but I do not see it on my account. Is there a problem?
No, everything is all right. The Achievement Award will not be added until AFTER the drop/add period. We are required to verify that you are in nine hours first before we can add it. It is typically added about 2-3 weeks after the end of drop/add.
Q: How much do I need to pay if I’m receiving the Achievement Award? Is there a payment plan?
You may either pay your full balance minus the amount you have been awarded, or pay in full and receive a refund once the award is applied (set up direct deposit on ONE.UF if you choose this option). For payment plan questions, please contact the UF Bursar’s Office.
Q: Do I need to pay a tuition deposit?
No, tuition deposits are not required for graduate CISE students.
Q: Can the department provide the documentation needed for me to receive a loan?
It depends on what is needed, but generally, we can provide limited documentation. Please reach out to us at GAdvisors@cise.ufl.edu with your UFID and the specifics of the documentation you need.
Enrollment logistics
Q: Can I defer my admission to a different semester?
Email klsapp@ufl.edu with your UFID to initiate a deferral review. Approvals are case-by-case and follow university policy.
Q: Can I arrive late, beyond the first day of classes (e.g., for a visa delay)?
No, students must arrive by the start of classes. If you cannot make it, you will need to defer to a future term where you can arrive by the first day of classes. International students should also coordinate with UFIC for status guidance and check-in requirements.
Q: Can the department provide me with any documentation to help speed up my visa/I-20 appointment or to appeal a denial of my visa/I-20?
No, the department cannot provide any documentation in either of these cases. You must handle the matter with the documentation already provided to you (admissions letter, initial I-20 application, etc.). If you cannot receive your visa/I-20 in time or are denied entry, you must defer or cancel your admission as soon as possible.
Ph.D. students
Q: How do I count my 6-semester qualifying exam window?
Count every fall and spring semester from your first semester of enrollment, regardless of credit load. Summer semesters do not count. For example, a student beginning in Fall 2024 must pass by the end of Spring 2027. The six semesters are: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Fall 2026, Spring 2027.
Q: What happens if I do not complete my qualifying exam by the 6-semester deadline?
Failure to pass the qualifying exam within the first 6 semesters (not counting summers) results in dismissal from the Ph.D. program. If you believe you are at risk of missing this deadline, contact your advisor as early as possible.
Q: What is the Individual Development Plan (IDP) and when is it due?
The IDP is a required annual document completed by all UF doctoral students with their faculty advisor. It identifies professional and personal goals and tracks progress toward degree completion. It is housed in Canvas. Your advisor will guide you on the schedule and submission process.
Q: How do I apply for transfer credit from my prior master’s degree?
Up to 30 credits from a prior master’s degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering may be applied toward your Ph.D. The application must be submitted during your first term of enrollment. Email GAdvisors@cise.ufl.edu to initiate the process.
Research & extras
Q: How do I get involved in research as a master’s student?
Identify faculty whose work matches your interests and contact them directly with a concise email (CV + 3-5 sentence fit). Browse faculty profiles and research areas
Staff contact
Q: I’ve read the FAQ and graduate admissions info for students and my question is not answered. How do I contact graduate staff?
Email gadvisors@cise.ufl.edu.