Department of Computer Science

About the school

The Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was founded in 1964, with Fred P. Brooks, Jr. playing a pivotal role in its establishment. Initially proposed as a potential director, Brooks instead sparked the creation of an academic department dedicated to computer science within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Throughout its history, the department has thrived as a research, education, and collaboration hub. It has offered diverse courses, catering to introductory and advanced levels of computer science education. Notable research areas include interactive computer graphics, software engineering, virtual reality, image processing, and more.

Among the department's significant achievements is the development of Pixel-Planes, a groundbreaking hardware system for computer graphics, which held the distinction of being the fastest computer graphics engine globally at the time of its creation.

This history was meticulously assembled with contributions from numerous individuals, both past and present members of the department, highlighting the collective dedication that has shaped the Department of Computer Science at UNC-Chapel Hill into what it is today.

Where is the school located?

The Department of Computer Sciences at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill can be found in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. The campus stands out with its prevalent use of red-brick buildings, contributing to its distinct architectural identity.

Life at Department of Computer Science

The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill offers a vibrant and diverse range of events and activities, contributing to a dynamic campus life. Recent and upcoming events showcase the university's commitment to global engagement and community enrichment.

The Global Whistle-Stop Tour introduces students to global opportunities, courses, and events, enabling a global education for all. Furthermore, the North Carolina Botanical Garden hosts "Twilight Thursdays," extending its hours for evening garden exploration, accompanied by food trucks and music.

Sports enthusiasts can catch the University of North Carolina football team against South Carolina. The campus also prioritises mental well-being, hosting seminars like "Creating A Life Worth Living: Suicide Prevention & Neurodiversity" and "Nourishing Your Mind: The Link between Mental Health and Nutrition."

Moreover, the Department of Computer Science provides an inclusive environment with organisations like the Computer Science Student Association (CSSA) and Graduate Women in Computer Science (GWiCS) club, encouraging community among graduate students.

Additional benefits of studying at Department of Computer Science

The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill's Department of Computer Science offers an extensive range of cutting-edge research laboratories and computing facilities to support diverse technological exploration.

The Graphics, Imaging, and Robotics Laboratories in Sitterson Hall encompass various advanced equipment, including high-performance graphic workstations, virtual environment tools, motion capture systems, and robotic devices for multidisciplinary research..

The Graphics and 3D Vision Laboratory in the Brooks Building spans 2,500 sq. ft. and offers various curtained research zones with an impressive inventory of cameras, projectors, and motion capture systems.

The Applied Engineering Laboratory, also in Sitterson Hall, is dedicated to microtechnology-based systems and facilitates building prototypes for various purposes. It hosts a complete machine shop, measurement and analysis equipment, chip test and rework gear, and more.

Furthermore, the department provides an extensive general computing environment with various Intel-based and Macintosh systems, offering a wide range of software and network capabilities, including high-speed connections to external networks. These advanced facilities contribute to the University's dedication to promoting innovation, collaboration, and exploration in the field of computer science.

Admissions criteria

The University of North Carolina's Computer Science Department offers highly selective graduate programs. Here are the main details of the admission criteria:

Bachelor’s Degree: The applicant must have completed a four-year U.S. Bachelor's degree like B.S. or B.A from a regionally accredited institution or its international equivalent. However, if you have a 3-year foreign degree, you might not meet the educational requirement for admission.

Minimum GPA Requirement: You must demonstrate a satisfactory academic performance, with an average grade of B or higher (for instance, a cumulative GPA reaching at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Application Form: Applicants must complete an online application form.

Transcripts: Applicants must submit one unofficial transcript from each university attended with the application form.

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required depending on their chosen program.

Resume/CV: Provide information about academic degrees, work, volunteer experiences, research, publications, awards, recognitions, and other relevant activities. International students may include international standardised test scores.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants should include their objectives in pursuing graduate study, specific areas of interest within computer science, relevant qualifications (academic projects, papers, non-academic computer experience), course descriptions, and a list of planned or taken courses.

English Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, demonstrating English proficiency is essential. This is done through standardised tests like TOEFL or IELTS. It is crucial to meet the minimum required score to be eligible:

**Minimum Score needed in internet-based TOEFL: 90

Minimum Overall Band Score needed on the IELTS: 7.0

GRE (Graduate Record Examination): GRE scores are recommended while not required.

It's recommended that prospective students check the departmental web pages of their desired programs to ensure they meet the specific entrance requirements for the program they're interested in.

Job placements

The Department of Computer Science at UNC provides comprehensive career services to assist students in their professional development. Stephanie Johnson, the Career Development Manager, offers guidance to graduate students. Services include resume and cover letter creation. Students can make virtual appointments through their Handshake accounts for career advising with Stephanie or for assistance from CS Career Assistants.

The department also offers insights into the technical interviewing and hiring process, aiding students in their job search. Furthermore, the UNC Computer Science Alumni Mentoring Program and UNC CS Career Connections facilitate networking opportunities between students and alums.