PhD and MSAI Admissions - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The GRE is required for admission into both the MS and PhD in AI degree programs. The GRE cannot be waived. In order to be reviewed by the admissions committee, a GRE score must be on file. 

Unfortunately, the application fee cannot be waived, and the Institute is not able to pay the application fee for applicants. 

Particularly given that our graduate students come from many different disciplines, there is no formal minimum GPA. However, we have historically not admitted students with a GPA lower than a “B” (3.0 out of 4.0 in UGA’s grading system).

We accept scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo exams.  Please see this website for score requirements.  http://grad.uga.edu/index.php/prospective-students/international-application-information/international-supplement/english-language-proficiency-requirement/

A prior degree in computer science or related field is not required, but some background or experience in computing, mathematics, and/or quantitative methods is strongly recommended. Admitted students must be able to succeed in graduate-level computer science courses, and your application should provide evidence of this to the admissions committee.

Both the PhD AI and MSAI program are interdisciplinary degrees. Historically, we have admitted students from a diversity of fields in the sciences, humanities and engineering.

The 6-digit 2020 CIP code for each degree is 11.0102 (Artificial Intelligence), which appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. As this list might change over time, and as the definition of "STEM" itself might be different in different contexts, applicants should verify with the relevant government entities whether the UGA AI degree programs count as STEM for a specific purpose.

The PhD and MSAI degrees are traditional in-person degree programs. We do not currently offer an online-only degree, and only rarely are courses offered online. The expectation is that students will devote themselves full-time to the degrees.

Yes. The dissertation/thesis requirement cannot be waived. Under the guidance of a major professor and advisory committee, student must write and orally defend a dissertation (for the PhD program) or thesis (for the MSAI program). To ensure completing the degree in a timely manner, students should identify a major professor and advisory committee early within the program.

We follow the Graduate School deadlines.

Generally, we do not. There are typically no courses relevant to the PhD and MSAI degrees offered during the summer term.

Since we admit students from many different fields, there is no hard limit which would preclude consideration of the application. Standardized test scores are an important component of the application, but they are not the only component. Overall, your application should indicate to the admissions committee a high probability of success in the program.

In order to be considered complete, your application should contain three letters of recommendation.

You should contact the Graduate School at gradadm@uga.edu and also the Institute's graduate coordinator Dr. Neal Outland (neal.outland@uga.edu) to let them know that you will be deferring your matriculation date to the semester of your choice. Your file will be moved to the semester you decide along with the admission decision. You will not incur a cost for a one-time deferral.

Information on tuition is posted by the Bursar’s office. Tuition for the graduate programs falls under the “Standard Rate for Master & PhD Candidates”.

The Graduate School provides information on financial assistance.

The Institute has a limited number of research assistantships that it can offer to graduate students. These provide reduced tuition as well as a monthly stipend. Students on assistantship are required to work 13-15 hours per week on Institute-related projects.

If you are interested in being considered for an assistantship, you would indicate this on your application.

The Institute generally awards assistantships on a yearly basis. Decisions are made in the spring semester for the next fall and spring terms. We generally do not award new assistantships for only the spring semester.

Students who are offered an Institute assistantship will be notified by a letter sent via email, and they must accept or decline the offer in writing. Notifications generally occur no later than the end of April. No notifications are sent to students who are not offered an assistantship.

It is not uncommon for our students to receive assistantships from AI faculty fellows with research grants or from other units on campus. These come with a stipend and a reduced tuition. There are also many student jobs on campus which pay an hourly wage. These are not classified as assistantships and do not come with reduced tuition.

Yes, this can and has been done. E.g., it is possible to pursue a PhD in another subject at UGA while simultaneously pursuing the MSAI degree.

Generally not. The same course cannot appear on two distinct degree programs of study. In cases where a student has already taken a course at UGA which otherwise fulfills an MSAI or PhD AI requirement, the student's advisory committee and the graduate coordinator determine whether a substitution would be appropriate.

Information regarding advisement will be sent out by our graduate coordinator. Please note that there are several flags which must be cleared before an admitted student can successfully register for classes. Among them, students must provide proof of lawful presence.

Please review the materials for new students provided by the Graduate School.

• Information for New Students
• Incoming Student To Do List
• Graduate School New Student FAQ