Graduate Advising

Advisors are here to assist students with concerns about their degree progression. To meet with an advisor, you must schedule an appointment with them since no walk-in advising will be allowed. You can schedule an appointment by emailing the advisor and working with them to find an appropriate time. Below is the information for each advisor:
For general CSE advising or admissions questions: csegrad@unt.edu 
For more specific questions, contact your academic advisor listed below:

CSE Graduate Handbook

Applicant Questions

  • 01) What are the admission requirements?

    We require an application from goapplytexas.org, your GRE scores, your English proficiency scores (for international students only), your resume, a copy of your official transcript, and a copy of your undergraduate degree to be considered for any of our graduate programs. Our PhD program also requires 3 Letters of Recommendation and a Statement of Purpose. Here are the typical scores of successful applicants into our programs:

    https://computerscience.engineering.unt.edu/sites/default/files/Requirements_for_Admission_8_1.pdf

  • 02) Where do I submit my supplemental Documents?

    Official transcripts are sent directly to gradadmissions@unt.edu English proficiency test results and GRE scores must be sent directly to UNT from the testing service.

    UNT’s school code is 6481

    Submit other supplemental documents to the link below. Make sure to input your information correctly, choose your appropriate major, submit your required documents, and submit all other documents in the “Optional Documents” section.

    https://engineering.unt.edu/webforms/submission-graduate-application-documents

    You can check your student portal at https://my.unt.edu to see which documents are still needed for your application. Contact the Toulouse Graduate School regarding the status of test scores and transcripts.

  • 03) Can you help me with VISA/I-20/immigration questions?

    Questions along these lines should be directed to our UNT International Office at internationaladvising@unt.edu

  • 04) Can you look over my test scores/grades/etc. (or a "preapplication") to see if I would be accepted?

    Due to the high volume of applicants, we do not prescreen any applicants. The department and graduate admissions committee will look at your application when you have properly submitted one through goapplytexas.org.

  • 05) How do I find out the status of my application?

    On average 7-10 business days after submitting your application, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to set up your student portal on my.unt.edu. This is very important, as you’ll see below. If your transcripts and other academic documents are from a school outside of the US, please upload unofficial scans of your international academic credentials through your myUNT student portal. After you have received your student account activation email, you can log in to your myUNT portal and upload your documents through the Admissions tile or Tasks tile.  Select the document you want to submit and upload it through Add Attachment. We can’t take emailed transcripts, marksheets, or degree certificates. English proficiency test results and GRE scores must be sent directly to UNT from the testing service. UNT’s school code is 6481. Any other supplemental documents will need to be uploaded here: https://engineering.unt.edu/webforms/submission-graduate-application-documents.

    Please check the status of your application at http://my.unt.edu. This is the most current information on your application. It will list any pending information needed.

    Due to the large volume of applications received to the department, we do not pre-review applications via email. Applications are processed by the Graduate School and then forwarded to the department if they meet all the previous departments' requirements. If it states that the application has been forwarded to the department it is in committee to be reviewed. Once a decision has been made it will be posted and reflect on http://my.unt.edu.

    Calling or writing the department will NOT speed the process. The department will not give you a time frame on when a decision will be made. The department will contact applicants at the email listed on the application if more information is needed. The department is aware of the appointments that international students make in their countries to receive the proper documentation to attend UNT. Due to the constant change in international law international students need to direct ALL international, I20, and/or VISA questions to the International Advising Department at internationaladvising@unt.edu.

  • 06) How can I update or defer my application?

    You can update/defer the term of entry on your application with the link below. If you have been already admitted and you update/defer the term of entry on your application, your admissions will be revoked, and your application will be reviewed with the current pool of applicants.

    You cannot update a denied application. If you have been denied previously and you still want your application to be considered, you must reapply and submit an entirely new application. The department and graduate admissions committee will not review a denied updated application.

    https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions/update-your-application

  • 07) Can I apply for Summer intake?

    Due to the high volume of applicants, we do not accept Summer intake applications for international applicants. If you have applied for Summer intake, please update/defer your application to a different term with the link below. When you update your application, you will receive a notification within 7-10 business days. Updating your application does not guarantee a spot within the program.

    https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/graduate-admissions/update-your-application

  • 08) How do I get more information about the application process?

    There are plenty of resources regarding the application process! If you require more information on the general application process and other university information, you can visit the UNT main website at http://www.unt.edu. Information about the Department of Computer Science and Engineering can be obtained from the department web page at http://cse.unt.edu

  • 09) Is it possible to obtain a graduate degree while I work during the day?

    Yes! When possible, our classes are scheduled on a rotating basis so that every regularly offered class is scheduled at night during any two-year period. Most classes are offered once per year, where the scheduling switches between daytime scheduling and nighttime scheduling on alternate years. To see current course offerings, check your student portal on http://my.unt.edu.

  • 10) What are the application deadlines?

    Here are the important application deadline dates:

    April 15th = Fall deadline for full funding consideration

    July 15th = Fall final deadline

    October 15th = Spring deadline for full funding consideration

    November 15th = Spring final deadline

  • 11) What opportunities are there for financial support?

    The department provides excellent opportunities for financial support for our best students! The application for departmental financial support is very competitive, and while we support a substantial number of students through assistantships, the number of applications we get is many times the number we can award. In Spring 2022, for example, over 400 students applied for roughly 40 open positions.

    However, the Toulouse Graduate School does offer other means of funding to our graduate students. The link below is an excellent resource for graduate students looking for funding outside the department:

    https://tgs.unt.edu/future-students/funding

  • 12) I have been accepted into the program! When can I enroll in classes?

    Once you have been admitted into the program, you can enroll in courses at a specific time. Below is a link that gives more details:

    https://registrar.unt.edu/when-can-i-register

Graduate Advising

  • 01) Do I need a degree plan?

    Yes! You need an approved degree plan by the end of your second semester to be considered for assistantships and to be able to graduate. Below is the link to the degree plans. Choose the appropriate one that applies to you and follow the instructions on the webpage. You will be notified if there is an issue with your degree plan, or if it has been fully approved. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

    https://computerscience.engineering.unt.edu/degree-plans

  • 02) How many and which courses do I need to take for my degree?

    Nonthesis: 33 credit hours are needed to complete your degree

    Thesis: 30 credit hours are needed to complete your degree

    Depending on your major, specific courses may or may not count towards your degree. In general, you want to take CSCE 5000-lelvel courses, however, this can vary depending on your major. Please visit the link below for further details regarding which courses to take for your major.

    https://computerscience.engineering.unt.edu/graduate

  • 03) What is Academic Probation?

    A graduate student is placed on academic probation at the end of the initial period of enrollment if the CGPA drops below 2.67. A graduate student is placed on academic probation at the end of any subsequent term in which the CGPA falls below a 3.0.

    A student who fails to achieve the required cumulative average of 3.0 GPA (B average) on all courses carrying graduate credit in a term/semester will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent term/semester. If the student achieves a 3.0 semester GPA in the subsequent term/semester, but the cumulative GPA is still below 3.0, the student will remain on academic probation. The student will be removed from probation when the 3.0 cumulative GPA is achieved. A student who is on probation cannot apply for graduation and cannot graduate.

    For more information visit:

    Graduate Student Support | College of Engineering (unt.edu)  

    Academics - University of North Texas - Acalog ACMS™ (unt.edu) 

  • 04) What are the consequences of Academic Probation?

    A graduate student who is placed on academic probation and who does not receive either a semester or a cumulative 3.0 graduate GPA during the term/semester of probation will be subject to academic suspension for a period of up to one calendar year before becoming eligible to reapply for graduate and enroll for further graduate courses. After the one-year period of suspension, students may re-enroll in graduate courses under probation. Students who are then suspended a second time without having returned to good academic standing by achieving a CGPA of 3.0 or better will be dismissed from the university. Programs are not required to readmit students who left the university on probation or suspension and reapply.

    The student whose UNT GPA in graduate work falls below 3.0 must make up the deficit, either by repeating courses in which the grades are low, or by completing other UNT courses with grades high enough to bring the UNT GPA up to 3.0. Low grades made in graduate courses at UNT may not be duplicated at other institutions.

    For more information visit: 

    Graduate Student Support | College of Engineering (unt.edu)

    Academics - University of North Texas - Acalog ACMS™ (unt.edu)

  • 05) How can I change my major?

    To clarify, a change of major is an application, so it is not guaranteed. You can change your major to a major within our department (CS/CE/AI/DE/CYBR) AFTER you have completed your first semester with finalized published grades and have completed 9 credit hours towards your current major. Any change of major applications submitted beforehand will be denied. You can submit a change of major application with the link below.

    https://tgs.unt.edu/webform/change-major

  • 06) What do I need to start my Thesis?

    Before starting your thesis, you must discuss it with one of your professors. If a professor decides to support your thesis, that professor will become your Major Professor. Your Major Professor can guide you on which courses to take and how to approach your thesis going forward!

  • 07) What is a Pass-Through Masters?

    A Pass-Through Masters allows PhD students who do not yet have a Masters to get one while doing PhD work! It is a great opportunity as students can get both a PhD and a Masters at the same time! You must submit a Pass-Through Masters degree plan at the same time you submit your PhD degree plan. If you submit a Pass-Through Masters degree plan after you have submitted your PhD degree plan, you will be ineligible for a Pass-Through Masters. Once you have completed all your PhD coursework, you will be awarded your Pass-Through Masters along with your PhD!

  • 08) What do I need for my QER?

    A QER, or Qualifying Exam Results, is a necessary part of the PhD program. You must have an approved PhD degree plan on file before sitting for your QER. You must also discuss with your committee on a time and place for your QER. You can contact the department at cse@unt.edu to reserve a room if needed.

  • 09) What do I need to start my Dissertation?

    To start your dissertation, you must have passed your QER and have an approved a PhD degree plan on file. After the Toulouse Graduate School approves your QER, you are eligible to enroll in dissertation hours! Contact the department at csegrad@unt.edu if you are having enrollment issues with dissertation hours.

  • 10) How long do I have to finish my Masters or PhD?

    You have up to 5 years to finish your Masters, and you have up to 8 years to finish your PhD.

  • 11) I am a transfer student from a different university. How do I transfer my credits?

    First, you must be a currently enrolled student to start the credit transfer request procedure. We do not review credit transfer requests from students outside our university. Next, you must submit your degree plan (for more info, see #01 under Graduate Advising section). Afterwards, you will need to complete the form below and send it back to us. If you are requesting more than one credit transfer request, submit a separate form for each class. To see which UNT classes are equivalent, refer to the course catalog for the current year. There, you will need to compare the class you took at your previous university to an equivalent CSCE 5000+ level class based on course description. Afterwards, attach the syllabi of the classes you took and submit the form back to us for review. You are allowed 2 credit transfers (6 credit hours) if approved. There is no guarantee that your credit transfer request will be approved. Send your completed forms to csegrad@unt.edu and allow 12-16 weeks for processing.

    If you are a PhD student, please contact the department at csegrad@unt.edu before you start your credit transfer request.

    https://computerscience.engineering.unt.edu/sites/default/files/Course_Equivalency_Request_Form.docx_0.pdf

  • 12) How do I contact my advisor?

    Advisors are here to assist students with concerns about their degree progression. To meet with an advisor, you must schedule an appointment with them since no walk-in advising will be allowed. You can schedule an appointment by emailing the advisor and working with them to find an appropriate time. Below is the information for each advisor:

    For CS Advising: csegrad@unt.edu 

    Candace Eckwright is the Graduate Advisor for CYBR and CE: candace.eckwright@unt.edu 

    ***Anne Bavousett is the Graduate Advisor for AI and DE: anne.bavousett@unt.edu

    ***You can schedule a meeting with Anne through Navigate. The other advisors are not yet on Navigate, so you must email them first.

Registration

International Student Questions

  • 01) What is the procedure for attaining an internship/CPT?

    Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an academic program allowing students to participate in an internship, training, or employment for credit.

    The Deadline for submission of Spring 2023 CPT forms is: December 2nd

    Handshake:

    ALL INTERNSHIPS MUST BE FOUND THROUGH HANDSHAKE.

    Please ensure that your employer is a registered employer though Handshake. Please ensure that your internship is listed in Handshake. Internships not found through Handshake will not be considered.

    Please follow the link to complete an experience form on Handshake: https://unt.joinhandshake.com/stu/experiences/new

    Select one of the following Experience Types:

    • Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Students: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and IT Internships (Undergraduate for-credit)

    • Graduate Degree-Seeking Students: Computer Science & Engineering Internships (Graduate for-credit

    CPT Eligibility Criteria:

    • You must have completed two long semesters. Spring and Fall are considered as long Semesters. Summer is not a long semester. You are not eligible to do CPT in your very first semester.

    • You must have maintained F-1 status to be eligible for CPT.

    • If you have completed your degree requirements, you are ineligible for CPT and must apply for OPT.

    Important Information:

    • Graduate CPT/ Internship credit hours do not count towards your total degree program credit hours.

    • If you are working Part Time (20 hours or less a week) at your internship, you must be enrolled as a full-time student i.e., 9 credit hours Graduate

    • If you are working Full Time (more than 20 hours a week) at your internship, you can be enrolled as a Part Time student. You may just enroll in the internship class. You do not need to be enrolled in other classes for that semester.

    • CPT for shorter periods of time does not affect your OPT eligibility. Part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility either. You only lose your OPT if you complete one year or more (365 days or more) of full-time CPT.

    • Students who work on campus for 20 hours a week may also work part-time CPT (20 hours or less).

    -The student’s total work hours for each type of employment (on campus and part-time CPT) may not exceed 20 hours while school is in session.

    -Please keep in mind, this is only for students who will have part-time CPT.

    -This does NOT apply to full-time CPT students. Students who are authorized for Full Time CPT cannot work on campus.

    • CPT is approved for each Semester, and you MUST apply for a new CPT I 20 each semester.

    • If it is too late to register for the course, then it is too late to apply for CPT for that particular semester.

    • You cannot do CPT if you are finished with all of your degree requirements. You must apply for OPT. You MAY NOT extend your program just for CPT.

    CPT Application Process

    • Consult with the Career Center to begin the process of searching for an internship.

    • Find your internship on Handshake.

    • Ensure your job offer is an Internship Offer letter, not a full-time job offer.

    • An internship job offer must contain a specific start date, a specific end date, a specific employer, a specific location where your work will be performed, a reference to the number of hours per week you will work and a description of your position duties.

    • The job must be in your Major field of study.

    • DO NOT begin employment prior to the start date.

    • DO NOT continue employment after the end date.

    • CPT dates should align with specific Semester session dates i.e., Full Term, 8W1 or 8W2. 5W sessions will not be considered for CPT.

    • Complete the Employer Form and the Advisor Form: F-1 Curricular Practical Training | International Affairs (unt.edu)

    • CSCE Graduate students must use this Advisor Form for advisor approval: CPT-Form.pdf (unt.edu) .

    • Submit completed forms together with the job offer letter to CSEScheduling@unt.edu for processing and signing of the Advisor Form by the Advisor.

    • Undergraduate students will be enrolled in Cooperative Education course CSCE 4920 for 1 credit hour.

    • Graduate students will be enrolled in Internship course CSCE 5932 for 1 credit hour.

    • You CANNOT drop the internship class once your CPT has commenced even when the internship is cancelled or terminated. Dropping the internship course once you have started your CPT is a violation of your F1 status.

    • After your Employer and Advisor Forms are completed and signed, submit your CPT request, and upload your CPT through iNorthTX.

    • An immigration advisor will review your CPT request and you will receive an email confirmation with a CPT I20 that has Off Campus Work Authorization on pg. 2 once your request has been processed.

    Allow 5 -7 business days for processing or even longer during peak periods in the CSE Department.

    Applications are processed in 5-7 business days in the International advising office.

    Following CPT Completion:

    • To receive a credit for CPT you have to write a report of your internship experience and submit it to the CPT Advisor at the end of your internship.

    • Report your experience! After you complete an internship, student teaching, practicum, co-op, study abroad, or service learning, it’s important to complete this form. 

     

    Visit the International  webpage for additional information

  • 02) What is the procedure for attaining an OPT?

    You must complete your degree requirements to be eligible for OPT. Once you have met the criteria previously mentioned, refer to the OPT guide with the link below.

    https://international.unt.edu/content/optional-practical-training

  • 03) What happens if I am unable to arrive in the country/university by the time courses start?

    If you are unable to arrive in the country/university by the time classes start, you have a small grace period of arrival time. You can fill out a late arrival form with the link below:

    https://international.unt.edu/content/new-student-late-arrival-request

    However, if you miss the deadline of the grace period, you must defer your application. Keep in mind that if you have been already admitted and you update/defer the term of entry on your application, your admission will be revaluated. Your application will be reviewed with the current pool of applicants, meaning another admittance for the updated/deferred term cannot be guaranteed.

  • 04) What do I need to do if I am not going to be enrolled as a full-time graduate student?

    If you do not intend on being a full-time graduate student (enrolled in 9 credit hours), you must submit a Less Than Full Time Enrollment Request form. The link below leads to the iNorthTX portal, which is where the appropriate form is located

    https://inorthtx.unt.edu/istart/controllers/start/StartEngine.cfm

  • 05) I would like to know about my immigration status. Who do I contact?

    For all questions and concerns regarding your immigration status, please contact the International Office at internationaladvising@unt.edu.

General Help