Doctoral Application

Please note the application and funding deadlines.

Before you start your application confirm that you meet the Program Requirements and Emphasis Area Requirements for your desired area of study.

The Computing PhD program does not provide application fee waivers.

Content on this page is provided as a quick reference for planning. All official degree requirements are published on the Graduate Catalog site.

Artificial Intelligence
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in data structure and essentials of data science. The equivalent courses at Boise State are CS 233 and CS 321.

Computational Math Science and Engineering
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in differential equations and linear algebra. The equivalent courses at Boise State are MATH 301 and MATH 333.

Computer Science
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in data structures and algorithms. The equivalent courses at Boise State are CS 321 and CS 421.

Cybersecurity
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in data structures and introductory systems programming. The equivalent courses at Boise State are CS 253 and CS 321.

Data Science
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in linear algebra and calculus-based statistics. The equivalent courses at Boise State are MATH 301 and MATH 361.

All Computing areas of emphasis and certificate programs require applicants to have programming experience and meet certain prerequisite course requirements. It is not always clear how those requirements have been met based solely on transcripts so these questions will provide important context for the Computing Admission Committee. Some questions will refer to specific courses at Boise State as examples, so please refer to the undergraduate course catalog as you complete the form. View the undergraduate course catalog.

Applicants will identify any potential or planned faculty advisor names on the Computing PhD Admission Questionnaire. Applicants are encouraged to make connection with potential faculty advisors prior to application.

Instructions for adding the completed Computing PhD Admission Questionnaire to your application materials are provided via this link.

Complete the Computing PhD Admission Questionnaire here

This form is required for anyone applying to either the Computing PhD program or Computing Graduate Certificates.

All Computing areas of emphasis and certificate programs require applicants have programming experience and meet certain prerequisite course requirements. It is not always clear how those requirements have been met just by looking at transcripts so these questions will provide important context for the Computing Admission Committee. Some questions will refer to specific courses at Boise State as examples, so it may be helpful to have the undergraduate course catalog open as you complete the form. Open Undergraduate Catalog

A Statement of Purpose is a statement of your research experience, interests and goals.

Applicants will submit their Statement of Purpose via the application system.

Do not use templates. Ensure that your Statement of Purpose clearly defines your goals, aspirations, strengths and research interests based on your past experiences and endeavors. The goal is to compile a statement that demonstrates motivation, skill and the ability to be successful in a doctoral program.

The Computing PhD Program has a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism, which includes using templates. Applications that are found to contain plagiarized material will be denied. Furthermore, your personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, self-reflection and communication skills—qualities that are essential for doctoral success. AI cannot authentically convey your personal journey, research interests or zeal. For this reason, we ask that you write in your own words based on genuine experiences and reflections and limit the use AI only for minor assistance (brainstorming, grammar checks, etc.).

The Resume or Curriculum Vita (CV) should provide a detailed and comprehensive description of the applicant’s academic and professional credentials and achievements.

The CV will be submitted electronically via the application system.

Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation.

Request letters from a variety of references including academic advisors, work supervisors or others who have served in a supervisory capacity.

Applicants will provide email addresses for each of their references via the application system and references will electronically submit recommendation letters prior to the application deadline. Applications with fewer than three recommendation letters will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed by the Computing Admission Committee. It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor their application portal for completion of the required materials. Reference letters should be submitted on letterhead.

View instructions for adding recommenders to your application. 

For International Applicants Only:

• International graduate applicants must demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to be considered for admission to Boise State. There are several approved ways for applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. Please refer to the International Admissions Office website for required scores and modes of submission.
• Test results should be sent as official copies directly from the testing agency. Boise State University’s school code for sending TOEFL scores is 4018.

Submit all of the required application materials and pay the application fee. Applicants are responsible for monitoring their application portal for updates.