phd computer science years

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Please visit the UVA Graduate Record webpage for Ph.D. degree requirements. 

Application Requirements

Computer science background requirements.

The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science. A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:

• Data Structures
• Discrete Mathematics
• Assembly Language and Computer Organization
• Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.

Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:

• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Networks
• Automata and Formal Languages
• Software Engineering

A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.

Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.

GRE scores are optional. 

Letters of Reference

If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

• If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., TOEFL is not required
• If you received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.), TOEFL/IELTS is not required.
• If you received a 4-year degree at a non -English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is required. 
• Note that if you have a solid command of written and spoken English, TOEFL/IELTS waivers are possible! Contact via email,  [email protected] , explaining why you believe TOEFL/IELTS can be waived (include evidence such as verification of duties as a Teaching Assistant that required significant interactions in English, copies of expired TOEFL/IELTS scores, presentations at conferences in English, etc.). 

It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. Scores can be sent electronically to UVa at institution code B875. Some students with lower scores may be required to complete the UVA Summer English for Academic Purposes Program prior to admission.

Application Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• Background in Computer Science (including project work)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Letters of reference
• Personal statement
• TOEFL/IELTS scores

Applications are evaluated in their entirety. A weakness in one factor might be mitigated by strength in another.

Financial Aid / Tuition 

Occasionally, the school of Engineering offers Master Fellowships. More information can be found on the Engineering Cost Aid webpage: https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-admissions/cost-aid , and you can learn more about UVA Fellowships here: https://citizenscholars.virginia.edu/fellowships  

PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.  

You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school. 

CS Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i apply.

Please visit this Web page to apply.

When is the application deadline?

See details in the section above (Admissions).

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

Visit this UVA Engineering FAQ page for details on the cost to apply, and learn if your fee can be waived.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

International students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University of Virginia. The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all applicants if the language first learned and spoken in the home is not English, and they are not permanent residents. However, TOEFL/IELTS is not required if the applicant has received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.). (If the applicant has a 4-year degree from a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is still required.) It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 

I scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Can I still apply?

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90/ IELTS score of 6.5.

Where do I send my GRE and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores?

The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820. The code for TOEFL is  B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.

I'm taking TOEFL/IELTS or GRE after your deadline (Dec 15). If I apply will these scores make it into my application and be seen by the admissions committee?

We will start evaluating applications soon after the Dec 15 deadline. Applicants should submit the most complete application they can, based on the information they have at the time (e.g., current test scores, even if new test scores are anticipated).Those applications that are complete will be considered first. We will continue to evaluate applications into early next year, until we have completed our offers. As we are reviewing applications, we will certainly consider updated scores as the arrive at the University of Virginia. There is no need to email us to tell us that new scores are being sent.

Should I mail or should I upload my materials with my application?

We strongly discourage applicants from mailing in any items that can be uploaded to avoid delays in your application review, and we ask that you not send duplicate copies of previously uploaded documents. If you still need to mail documents to our office, please send them to: For US Postal: Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions P.O. Box 401103 Charlottesville, VA 22904 For UPS/FEDEX:      Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions      1001 Emmet Street North      Room 209B Carruthers Hall      Charlottesville, VA 22903

I’ve submitted my application and all supporting materials. Why does my application status still show as incomplete?

We will fully review your application with unofficial test scores and unofficial transcripts. Your application will only show as "complete" when your application has been submitted, your official scores and transcripts have been received and all three letters of recommendations have been received. An application is complete for review with unofficial transcripts and self-reported scores, though the checklist will still show incomplete. Please note that all official transcripts are received in our main admissions office and scanned or entered into our system manually. If you feel that your materials should have been received by now, but are NOT showing up when you login to your account, please note that the Graduate Admissions Office processes a very large number of applications and it may take longer than expected for your documents/information to appear online (in your account). It is very likely that your materials have been received, but have not been loaded into our application system yet.

If I email you my information (e.g., GPA, GRE scores, etc.) before I apply, can you tell me the chance of being accepted?

The graduate admissions committee considers many factors in an application, including more than just GPA and test scores. In particular, letters of reference and your personal statement are extremely important. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide any information before the committee considers your full application.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to [email protected]. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions [email protected] 434-243-0209

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

Email forwarding for @cs.stanford.edu is changing. Updates and details here .

PhD | Program Requirements

Main navigation.

On average, the program is completed in five to six years, depending on the student’s research and progress. First-year students have the opportunity to rotate in three different labs before selecting their advisor. 

The Computer Science Department also believes that teaching is an integral and important part of graduate-level education in Computer Science. In pursuing the PhD degree, students have clear and defined milestones that help guide them to the successful completion of their dissertation and oral defense. This includes a cumulative list of requirements to be completed in order for students to confer their PhD degree in Computer Science.

For any questions related to CS PhD milestone requirements, please email  [email protected] . 

Form/s should be submitted as a PDF and emailed to  [email protected] .  Jay Subramanian, Director of Graduation Admissions and PhD Program, approves all forms on behalf of the Department chair. The CS PhD Student Services Team will collect her signature after you submit your form/s.

• CS300 Seminar       
• First-Year Research Rotation Program       
• Courses       
• Foundation & Breadth Requirements       
• Candidacy Requirement       
• Qualifying Examination       
• Teaching Requirements       
• Reading Committee       

Thesis Proposal       

Note : A student may go to TGR status after all the Ph.D. requirements above have been completed, and just their orals and dissertation submission remain, see Special Registration Statuses page.

• University Oral Examination       
• Dissertation

Computer Science, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, database, enggradcs, systems

Take the next step in your journey to become an effective leader, innovator, entrepreneur or educator in your community and the world.

The PhD program in computer science prepares students to undertake fundamental and applied research in computer science. The program is available for those of high ability who seek to develop and implement their own research studies.

Students pursuing the doctorate in computer science learn to analyze, understand and apply key theories and algorithms used in the field and to generate and evaluate new theories, algorithms and software modules that can advance the field of computer science.

The program provides students with research opportunities in a wide variety of areas, including:

• artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical modeling
• big data and data mining
• computational biology
• computer design and architecture, including nonvolatile memory computing
• computer system security, cybersecurity and cryptography
• cyber-physical systems and Internet of Things (commonly abbreviated as IoT), and robotics
• distributed computing and consensus protocols
• networking and computer systems
• novel computing paradigms (e.g., biocomputing, quantum computation)
• social computing
• theory, algorithms and optimization
• visualization and graphics

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) foundations (3) systems (3) applications (3)

Depth (3 credit hours) three additional credit hours in one core area (3)

Research (18 credit hours) CSE 792 Research (18)

Electives and Additional Research (42 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) CSE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Courses that are used to satisfy the core area requirement cannot be used to satisfy electives or other requirements. A grade of "B" or better is required for core courses.

Eighteen credit hours of CSE 792 Research are required, and up to 54 credit hours are allowed on the plan of study. Students with research credit hours in excess of 18 add these credit hours to their electives and additional research.

Electives include:

• additional CSE 792 Research credit hours (up to 36 credit hours allowed beyond the required 18)
• computer science courses, of which up to 18 credit hours of CSE 590 and CSE 790: Reading and Conference are allowed
• up to six credit hours of interdisciplinary electives in other academic units that are subject to program chair approval

When approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.

A maximum of three credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied to the plan of study.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area. Most applicants should have earned a master's degree, but exceptional undergraduate applicants may be admitted directly into the doctoral program.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts from every university attended
• three letters of recommendation
• a statement of purpose
• curriculum vitae or resume
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Submission of GRE scores is optional.

Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") within two semesters of admission to the program. Deficiency courses commonly taken include:

CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms CSE 330 Operating Systems CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science

The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.

Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in research and education, including academia, government and industry.

Career examples include:

• computer science professor or researcher
• data scientist or engineer
• machine learning, AI or computer vision scientist or engineer

Computer Science and Engineering Program | CTRPT 105 [email protected] 480-965-3199

Online PhD in Computer Science Guide | Salary & Requirements 2024

Phd in computer science overview.

The field of computer science has seen exponential growth in the last decade as web-based apps and media platforms continue to grow. An online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Computer Science prepares graduates for some of the highest-paying positions in the nation with technology firms of varying sizes.  

As industries continue to adopt digital technologies, the demand for graduates with postsecondary degrees in the field of computer science remains steady. Businesses like Google and Microsoft continue to hire web developers, coders, and other computer science specialists to manage their web-based platforms/services. 

What Is Computer Science?

As a computer science professional, your job is to: 

• Observe, listen to, and communicate with clients
• Python, HTML, Java, C++ and more
• Offer strategies to ensure the functionality of web-based platforms
• Collaborate with UX specialists to ensure website functionality 

Depending on the industry or client, computer science specialists may work in-house or be contracted externally. 

What Can I Do With An Online PhD in Computer Science?

There are many viable career options for professionals with an online PhD in Computer Science. At tech corporations, start-ups, and in higher education, computer science professionals:

• Develop software
• Maintain data systems 
• Teach students coding theory
• Complete programmatic updates
• Maintain server security

Professionals with an online PhD in Computer Science provide in-demand services that continue to increase in value as countless entities adopt web-based platforms for business and internal use. 

Others who graduate with a PhD in Computer Science end up working in academia as a PhD satisfies minimum requirements for many colleges and universities. 

PhD in Computer Science Salaries and Career Outlook

Graduates with a PhD in Computer Science may pursue careers as:

• College Professors
• Computer Science Specialists
• Database Managers
• Research & Development 

Job growth in the computer science career field can vary depending on the position, and graduates should note that these statistics are reflections of the current job market that can fluctuate over time. 

Computer Science PhD Career Paths 

• Median Salary: $85,540 
• Career Outlook: +7% (2020-2030)

Professors that teach computer science at the university level conduct courses in coding, software design, and database management.

• Median Salary: $126,830 
• Career Outlook: +22% (2020-2030)

Professionals in this field to develop new software and improve on existing platforms to improve user experience and efficiency.

• Median Salary: $116,780 
• Career Outlook: +5% (2020-2030)

Network architects help organizations manage their local-area networks and wide-area networks.

• Median Salary: $110,140 

Software developers create computer programs/applications and work closely with UX specialists to provide iterative updates that address bugs/create efficiencies. 

Source: BLS

Earning A PhD in Computer Science

An online PhD in Computer Science typically takes between 4-5 years to complete. It’s always smart to research in-person and online formats to find the program that fits your schedule. 

Aspiring PhD students should consider admissions requirements, areas of specialization, and cost to ensure the program they choose fits their goals and lifestyle.

Pros And Cons Of PhD in Computer Science

Time, cost, and job placement are important factors to review when looking for a PhD program. Compared to a master’s degree in computer science, a PhD in Computer Science allows graduate students to gain access to higher-paying, upper-level positions in the tech and academic fields.

Due to the flexibility offered with an online program, doctoral students have the opportunity to complete their degree with sometimes little to no impact on their current day job.

Coursework In PhD in Computer Science Programs

Most classes included in computer science programs align with industry standards. Classes like Computer Languages, and Database Design, and Machine Learning provide students with a wide range of knowledge and skills to help them operate in a variety of roles post-graduation. 

Courses often include topics like data management, robotics, artificial intelligence, and software development. As a prerequisite to many of these classes, general knowledge of computer science and hardware can help students prepare for PhD-level coursework. 

Computer science graduate programs typically culminate in a research project. 

Skills Learned In PhD in Computer Science

With a PhD in Computer Science, graduates enter the workforce with a wide range of industry-specific skills. These programs build skills such as:

• Writing and improving code
• Website generation
• Advanced software engineering
• Communication
• Troubleshooting
• Operational functionality 
• Systems maintenance

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD in Computer Science?

Some PhD programs take four years to complete, while others take up to five years. Most programs usually require 90 credit hours, including electives and the Teaching Assistantship requirement.

Factors that impact the length of a degree program include:

• Prior education (Master’s in Computer Science preferred)
• Accelerated course availability
• Synchronous vs asynchronous learning
• Part-time vs. full-time course loads

Choosing The Best PhD in Computer Science

There are many ways to earn a PhD in Computer Science. For example, you can choose to study online, in-person, or through a hybrid of both options. You may want to earn additional certifications and licenses, depending on your specialization or field of interest. This section explores the different options available for future computer science students. 

Online vs In-Person Graduate Degrees

Potential computer science PhD applicants have options depending on their current schedule and employment status. Applicants should be aware that there are many online programs to choose from. 

• Online learning offers flexibility, though on-campus learning can provide additional networking opportunities that may improve the job search post-graduation. 
• On-campus, students learn interpersonal skills that benefit them in professional settings. 
• If students choose to study online, this can be a great way to balance a job while completing the doctoral program. 

There is no right option between the two, though most doctoral students likely prefer one option over the other.

10 Best Schools With Degrees in Computer Science

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Brown University
• Cornell University
• Stanford University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Dartmouth College
• Columbia University in the City of New York
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of California – Berkeley
• Duke University

If you’re looking for other schools that offer online degrees in computer science, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the  perfect school for you !

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Course? 

Depending on the type of online course, student experiences can vary. If courses are taught synchronously, then students must attend online lectures and labs at set times. Hybrid courses offer a combination of online lectures and in-person lab time, ideal for students looking to acquire skills needed to work post-graduation. 

If a course is taught asynchronously, students can watch lectures and study with flexibility. Alternatively, certificate programs offer accelerated online courses that condense the subject matter into 3-6 week increments. 

Licensure and Certification

Many computer science positions prefer and potentially require applicants to have a license and/or certification (especially for PhD grads). Prospective students should be sure to research their intended job prospects to ensure they acquire the appropriate credentials depending on the region and type of position they may hold. 

Admissions Requirements 

The first step to applying to any program is to check the admissions requirements to confirm the prerequisite experience needed to qualify. Most information technology programs require:

• Proof of completion of a 4-year  bachelor’s degree  from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirements – These vary depending on the program
• Official Transcript
• GRE test score 
• Application fee
• Letter of Intent
• Letters of recommendation 

It is always a good idea to submit applications to schools with varying rates of acceptance. You should also diversify your application list and include schools with high and low rates of admission.  

Paying For A PhD in Computer Science

The cost of an  online PhD in Computer Science  varies depending on a range of factors. In-state tuition tends to be much cheaper than out-of-state, so be sure to apply to programs locally if cost is a determining factor. 

Online programs can be more cost-effective and accessible than in-person programs, providing applicants with options depending on their prior obligations. Some online programs also extend in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of where they live.

Lastly, colleges, universities, and organizations offer scholarships that are merit or need-based that can help minimize the financial impact of going to school.

Scholarships

There are  many scholarship  options for students in the field of computer science. Here are a few: 

• Generation Google Scholarship
• Richard E Merwin Student Scholarship
• IEEE Presidents Scholarship

Computer Science Career Resources

Online computer science phd faqs.

• Due to the web-based nature of the IT sector, pursuing an online PhD in Computer Science is a lucrative alternative to in-person education. Market projections for job growth and compensation are very positive. 
• Professionals with a PhD in Computer Science can expect to make upwards of $80,000 post-graduation, with some roles grossing up to $200,000 annually. 
• A PhD is a lengthy,  intense, and challenging ordeal. Potential applicants should think about the time and financial commitment before applying to a program. 
• After receiving a PhD in Computer Science, graduates can enter the workforce immediately at top tech firms, internally at fortune corporations, and in the academic field in a teaching capacity.  

Get all the Universities.com's college news, advice, updates, financial aid, and more  straight to your inbox.

• Payscale.com
• https://upe.acm.org/
• https://www.computer.org/
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
• https://cse.gatech.edu/academics/computer-science-phd-program
• https://www.cs.ubc.ca/students/grad/prospective-grads/grad-programs/phd-track-msc-program

College of Arts & Sciences

Ph.D. Program

Admission to the ph.d. program.

The Ph.D. program accepts applications annually to begin study during the following Fall semester; we do not currently solicit applications to begin study in Spring semesters. Students may apply for the Ph.D. program before or after earning an M.S. degree.

Ph.D. students in good standing receive financial support during the first five academic years of their program, including tuition, health insurance, and a service stipend assistantship.

Information about the application process may be found below or by visiting our FAQ for Prospective Students .

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted online beginning in mid-July. Visit the Graduate School application page to begin an application.

Final submission deadline: January 15

Applications received by the final submission deadline are eligible for a full review including financial aid consideration.

The admissions committee begins reviewing applications after the priority submission deadline and notifies admitted students in early March.

Admissions Requirements

Successful Ph.D. applicants will hold a B.S. or M.S. degree in computer science or a closely-related field or will have significant coursework or professional experience in computer science. A strong background in computer science topics including data structures and algorithms, hardware and architecture, and computer programming; as well as mathematics including discrete mathematics, probability and statistics, linear algebra, and calculus is expected. Prior research experience and/or publication, either in an academic or professional setting is favored.

All applicants must meet the requirements specified by the Graduate School in their application FAQ . Additionally, our program requires a TOEFL score of at least 90 or an IELTS score of at least 7.0 to apply.

Cognitive Science Concentration

Students applying to our Ph.D. program can apply simultaneously to the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cognitive Science program . This program is designed to enable Ph.D. students in Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Computer Science to pursue a concentration in Cognitive Science. Students accepted to the Cognitive Science concentration take courses and create an advisory committee of faculty members from multiple departments at the University, which can include the Departments of Psychology, Linguistics, Computer Science, Philosophy, Neurology, Biology, and/or Spanish and Portuguese. Students will graduate with a Ph.D. from their home department with a Concentration in Cognitive Science.

To apply for admission, select “yes” in response to the Cognitive Science question in the application portal and submit a short (1 page) essay describing your interest in cognitive science. Note that your application will be reviewed alongside the other applications in Computer Science. Applying to the Cognitive Science Concentration may open up additional funding sources, so it is to your advantage to do so if the concentration aligns with your goals. It is also possible to apply to the Concentration later, after starting the Ph.D. in Computer Science. You may direct questions about applying to the Concentration to [email protected] .

Ph.D. Program Requirements and Milestones

The Ph.D. program requirements include completing graduate-level coursework; passing a core and area qualifying exam; completing PhD seminar courses; completing an Apprenticeship in Teaching program; and proposing, writing, and defending a research dissertation.

The information below is an overview of these requirements. The official requirements, procedures, and policies are kept in the Graduate Student Handbook .

Ph.D. Coursework

Ph.D. students must complete coursework equivalent to the M.S. Computer Science requirements, consisting of either 30 credits (10 courses) or 24 credits (8 courses) plus the writing of a Master’s Thesis. Upon completion of this requirement, Ph.D. students who have not yet earned a Master’s degree may apply to receive an M.S. in Passing (equivalent to an M.S. Computer Science) from Georgetown.

Ph.D. students who complete an M.S. degree prior to joining the program may receive Advanced Standing credit equivalent to some or all of this requirement, effectively reducing the total number of courses needed.

Qualifying Examinations

Ph.D. students must satisfy two qualifying exam requirements: the core qualifying requirement and the area qualifying requirement.

The core qualifying requirement evaluates a student’s breadth of computer science knowledge and is completed by earning strong grades in three courses at Georgetown. This requirement can be (and often is) completed simultaneously with the coursework requirement above.

The area qualifying requirement evaluates a student’s depth of understanding in an area of their choice and consists of a written literature review to be read and assessed by a committee of faculty.

Ph.D. Seminars

Ph.D. students must take a total of three seminar courses designed to explore current literature and research across computer science disciplines. These seminars are taken after completing the coursework and qualifying requirements.

Apprenticeship in Teaching Workshop Program

Ph.D. students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching (AT) Program administered by Georgetown’s Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship. This program consists of a series of workshops on teaching pedagogy. It may be completed at any time in the program but it usually done after the qualifying process is complete.

Dissertation Proposal and Defense

Ph.D. students must propose, perform, and defend a novel research project of significant importance or impact in the form of a written dissertation.

Students must first select a research topic and write a proposal outlining the scope of the problem; prior work in the area; and a blueprint for performing research work and measuring success or completion. This proposal is presented to a committee of faculty who must approve the proposal.

Upon completion of the research work, a written dissertation detailing the results must be written and defended publicly before the faculty committee who must unanimously approve the work.

Timeline of Degree Milestones

Ph.D. students entering the program immediately after completing a B.S. typically complete the degree in five years; the timeline below is based on a five-year course of study.

Secondary Menu

Phd program, find your passion for research.

Duke Computer Science gives incoming students an opportunity to investigate a range of topics, research problems, and research groups before committing to an advisor in the first year. Funding from the department and Duke makes it possible to attend group meetings, seminars, classes and colloquia. Students may work on multiple problems simultaneously while finding the topic that will motivate them through their first project. Sharing this time of learning and investigation with others in the cohort helps create lasting collaborators and friends.

Write a research proposal the first year and finish the research the second under the supervision of the chosen advisor and committee; present the research results to the committee and peers. Many students turn their RIP work into a conference paper and travel to present it.

Course work requirements are written to support the department's research philosophy. Pass up to four of the required six courses in the first two years to give time and space for immersing oneself in the chosen area.

Years three through five continue as the students go deeper and deeper into a research area and their intellectual community broadens to include collaborators from around the world. Starting in year three, the advisor funds the student's work, usually through research grants. The Preliminary exam that year is the opportunity for the student to present their research to date, to share work done by others on the topic, and to get feedback and direction for the Ph.D. from the committee, other faculty, and peers.

Most Ph.D students defend in years five and six. While Duke and the department guarantee funding through the fifth year, advisors and the department work with students to continue support for work that takes longer.

Teaching is a vital part of the Ph.D. experience. Students are required to TA for two semesters, although faculty are ready to work with students who want more involvement. The Graduate School's Certificate in College Teaching offers coursework, peer review, and evaluation of a teaching portfolio for those who want to teach. In addition, the Department awards a Certificates of Distinction in Teaching for graduating PhD students who have demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching and mentoring.

• CS 50th Anniversary
• Computing Resources
• Event Archive
• Location & Directions
• AI for Social Good
• Computational Social Choice
• Computer Vision
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Reinforcement Learning
• Search and Optimization
• Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design
• Computational Genomics
• Computational Imaging
• DNA and Molecular Computing
• Algorithmic Game Theory
• Social Choice
• Computational Journalism
• Broadening Participation in Computing
• CS1/CS2 Learning, Pedagogy, and Curricula
• Education Technology
• Practical and Ethical Approaches to Software and Computing
• Interdisciplinary Research in Data Science
• Security & Privacy
• Architecture
• Computer Networks
• Distributed Systems
• High Performance Computing
• Operating Systems
• Quantum Computing
• Approximation and Online Algorithms
• Coding and Information Theory
• Computational Complexity
• Geometric Computing
• Graph Algorithms
• Numerical Analysis
• Programming Languages
• Why Duke Computer Science?
• BS Concentration in Software Systems
• BS Concentration in Data Science
• BS Concentration in AI and Machine Learning
• BA Requirements
• Minors in Computer Science
• 4+1 Program for Duke Undergraduates
• IDM in Math + CS on Data Science
• IDM in Linguistics + CS
• IDM in Statistics + CS on Data Science
• IDM in Visual & Media Studies (VMS) + CS
• Graduation with Distinction
• Independent Study
• Identity in Computing Research
• CS+ Summer Program
• CS Related Student Organizations
• Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) Information
• Your Background
• Schedule a Visit
• All Prospective CS Undergrads
• Admitted or Declared 1st Majors
• First Course in CS
• Duties and Commitment
• Compensation
• Trinity Ambassadors
• Mentoring for CS Graduate Students
• MSEC Requirements
• Master's Options
• Financial Support
• MS Requirements
• Concurrent Master's for Non-CS PhDs
• Admission & Enrollment Statistics
• PhD Course Requirements
• Conference Travel
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Additional Graduate Student Resources
• Graduate Awards
• Undergraduate Courses
• Graduate Courses
• Spring 2024 Classes
• Fall 2023 Classes
• Spring 2023 Classes
• Course Substitutions for Majors & Minors
• Course Bulletin
• Course Registration Logistics
• Assisting Duke Students
• For Current Students
• Alumni Lectures - Spring 2024
• News - Alumni
• Primary Faculty
• Secondary Faculty
• Adjunct and Visiting Faculty
• Emeriti - In Memoriam
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Ph.D. Program
• Masters in Computer Science
• Masters in Economics and Computation
• Affiliated Graduate Students

• Menu  Close 
• Search 

PhD Program Admissions

Applying to our PhD Program

We’re thrilled that you are interested in our PhD program in computer science! This page provides an overview of the application process, some guidelines, and answers to specific questions. Please check our FAQ before emailing [email protected] with any questions not answered here.

Our program accepts a large number of applicants each year from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our applicants come directly from undergraduate or master’s programs, as well as industry positions, and from within United States and numerous countries around the world.

Visit the interactive PhD program statistics page   to view historical program data pertaining to admissions, enrollment, retention/attrition/completion, and time to degree conferral. (Select “ Computer Science” from the “Choose Program” drop-down menu.)

Ready to start your PhD application?

We’re ready for you. Click on the link below to start your application to become a PhD student at Johns Hopkins University

The Application: General Advice

The most important question we ask when reviewing applications is "Will this individual excel at research?" Every part of your application is helpful insofar as it answers this question. The three major components of an application are the statement, letters of recommendation, and grades.

This is one of the most important parts of your application; it lets us get to know you and creates a narrative of your academic career and future plans. Before you write your statement, start by thinking about what you want us to learn about you. Make a list of important achievements, perspectives, and goals. Build your statement around this list. We are looking for students who have made the most of the opportunities they have been presented with and who are smart, creative, and motivated. Keep in mind that we also have your CV and letters of recommendation, so we don’t necessarily need a list of all your accomplishments. However, your statement can fill in the narrative around what you did and, more specifically, why you did it. What motivates you? What are your research interests and why? These details aren’t found elsewhere in your application, so focus on them in your statement.

There are a few things we suggest not including in your statement. While it’s tempting to give a rationale for why you are applying to our program, don’t include it if it’s uninformed. Consider: “I want to apply to Johns Hopkins because it’s one of the premiere academic programs.” We know that already! If you do have specific reasons to be interested in our program (e.g. location, a specific project, a faculty member, etc.), be sure to mention them.

In terms of your motivation, be specific! Don’t write: “I’ve wanted to do a PhD in CS since I was six years old.” We don’t trust that six-year-olds make good career decisions. If you write “I have always found AREA X fascinating,” explain why.

Letters of Recommendation

The two most important factors of a recommendation letter are: 1) select someone who knows you well, and 2) select someone who knows how to write a letter.

First, it’s tempting to ask Professor X. to write a letter for you because they are a well-known person in the field. While we can better contextualize letters from people we know, it’s only helpful if the letter contains meaningful information. If Professor X. writes, “I’ve met the applicant a few times and they seem sharp,” that’s not useful information. It’s more important to select someone who knows you well and can discuss your achievements in detail.

Second, your letter writer should know how to write a letter. Academic research programs look for different things than a company. We often read letters from work supervisors that say nice things, but don’t speak to the qualities we find most important.

Of course, it’s a balance. You want someone who knows you well, but they still need to know how to write a good letter of recommendation.

We understand that three letters are a lot, especially for an undergraduate applying directly to a PhD program. We don’t expect each candidate to have three amazing letters. Your choices should be about balance: you want people who know you well, can write good academic letters, and know the research field. Use your choice of your three letter-writers to create this balance.

There isn’t much you can do about your grades—you have the grades you have. However, we do not use any grade cutoffs or thresholds in admissions. We want to see that you did well and excelled in whatever program you were in. Did you push yourself to take upper-level classes? Did you do well in the classes most directly related to your research area? If you have special circumstances that explain some of your grades, please include a description of them in your statement.

The Whiting School of Engineering does not require GRE General Test scores for applications to our PhD programs.

TOEFL or IELTS

Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Details on accepted exams, scores, and exceptions to this requirement can be found here .

Application Tips

There are many helpful guides for PhD applications. Here are a few we recommend:

• How to be a Successful PhD Student (co-authored by our own Mark Dredze )
• What Readers Look for in a Statement of Purpose
• Student Perspectives on Applying to NLP PhD Programs
• A Survival Guide to a PhD

Application Deadlines

Application Deadline:

The deadline for fall is December 15th. (No recruiting for spring admissions.)

The application will be available for submission on or around August 15.

Vivien Thomas Scholars

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically black college and university or other minority serving institution for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, all application and supplementary materials must be received by December 1, 2021.

• Current MIT Graduate Students

Doctoral Programs in Computational Science and Engineering

Application & admission information.

The Center for Computational Science and Engineering (CCSE) offers two doctoral programs in computational science and engineering (CSE) – one leading to a standalone PhD degree in CSE offered entirely by CCSE ( CSE PhD ) and the other leading to an interdisciplinary PhD degree offered jointly with participating departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science ( Dept-CSE PhD ).

While both programs enable students to specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related field via focused coursework and a thesis, they differ in essential ways. The standalone CSE PhD program is intended for students who plan to pursue research in cross-cutting methodological aspects of computational science. The resulting doctoral degree in Computational Science and Engineering is awarded by CCSE via the the Schwarzman College of Computing. In contrast, the interdisciplinary Dept-CSE PhD program is intended for students who are interested in computation in the context of a specific engineering or science discipline. For this reason, this degree is offered jointly with participating departments across the Institute; the interdisciplinary degree is awarded in a specially crafted thesis field that recognizes the student’s specialization in computation within the chosen engineering or science discipline.

Applicants to the standalone CSE PhD program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in CSE, applied mathematics, or another field that prepares them for an advanced degree in CSE. Applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program should have an undergraduate degree in a related core disciplinary area as well as a strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, or related fields. When completing the MIT CSE graduate application , students are expected to declare which of the two programs they are interested in. Admissions decisions will take into account these declared interests, along with each applicant’s academic background, preparation, and fit to the program they have selected.  All applicants are asked to specify MIT CCSE-affiliated faculty that best match their research interests; applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program also select the home department(s) that best match. At the discretion of the admissions committee, Dept-CSE PhD applications might also be shared with a home department beyond those designated in the application. CSE PhD admissions decisions are at the sole discretion of CCSE; Dept-CSE PhD admission decisions are conducted jointly between CCSE and the home departments.

Please note: These are both doctoral programs in Computational Science and Engineering; applicants interested in Computer Science must apply to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science .

Important Dates

September 15: Application Opens December 1: Deadline to apply for admission* December – March: Application review period January – March: Decisions released on rolling basis

*All supplemental materials (e.g., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) must also be received by December 1. Application review begins on that date, and incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of this hard deadline, as we do not make exceptions. We also do not allow students to upload/submit material beyond what is required, such as degree certificates, extra recommendations, publications, etc.

A complete electronic CSE application includes the following:

• Three letters of recommendation ;
• Students admitted to the program will be required to supply official transcripts. Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts may result in the revocation of the admission offer.
• Statement of objectives (limited to approximately one page) and responses to department-specific prompts for Dept-CSE PhD applicants;
• Official GRE General Test score report , sent to MIT by ETS via institute code 3514 GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 ;
• Official IELTS score report sent to MIT by IELTS†  (international applicants from non-English speaking countries only; see below for more information)
• Resume or CV , uploaded in PDF format;
• MIT graduate application fee of $75‡.

‡Application Fee

The MIT graduate application fee of $75.00 is a mandatory requirement set by the Institute payable by credit card. Please visit the MIT Graduate Admission Application Fee Waiver page for information about fee waiver eligibility and instructions.

Please note: CCSE cannot issue fee waivers; email requests for fee waivers sent to [email protected] will not receive a response.

Admissions Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

► Current MIT CSE SM Students: Please see the page for Current MIT Graduate Students .

GRE Requirement

GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Aptitude Test. The MIT code for submitting GRE score reports is 3514 (you do not need to list a department code). GRE scores must current; ETS considers scores valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested.

†English Language Proficiency Requirement

The CSE PhD program requires international applicants from non-English speaking countries to take the academic  version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  The IELTS exam measures one’s ability to communicate in English in four major skill areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  A minimum IELTS score of 7 is required for admission.  For more information about the IELTS, and to find out where and how to take the exam, please visit the IELTS web site .

While we will also accept the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language), we strongly prefer the IELTS. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 100.

This requirement is waived for those who can demonstrate that one or more of the following are true:

• English is/was the language of instruction in your four-year undergraduate program,
• English is the language of your employer/workplace for at least the last four years,
• English was your language of instruction in both primary and secondary schools.

Degree Requirements for Admission

To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before they enroll at MIT.

Applicants without an SM degree may apply to the CSE PhD program, however, the Departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Mechanical Engineering nominally require the completion of an SM degree before a student is considered a doctoral candidate. As a result, applicants to those departments holding only a bachelor’s degree are asked in the application to indicate whether they prefer to complete the CSE SM program or an SM through the home department.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment.  To read MIT’s most up-to-date nondiscrimination policy, please visit the Reference Publication Office’s nondiscrimination statement page .

Additional Information

For more details, as well as answers to most commonly asked questions regarding the admissions process to individual participating Dept-CSE PhD departments including details on financial support, applicants are referred to the website of the participating department of interest.

• Research & Faculty
• Offices & Services
• Information for:
• Faculty & Staff
• News & Events
• Contact & Visit
• About the Department
• Message from the Chair
• Computer Science Major (BS/BA)
• Computer Science Minor
• Data Science and Engineering Minor
• Combined BS (or BA)/MS Degree Program
• Intro Courses
• Special Programs & Opportunities
• Student Groups & Organizations
• Undergraduate Programs
• Undergraduate Research
• Senior Thesis
• Peer Mentors
• Curriculum & Requirements
• MS in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science
• Admissions FAQ
• Financial Aid
• Graduate Programs
• Courses Collapse Courses Submenu
• Research Overview
• Research Areas
• Systems and Networking
• Security and Privacy
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Vision and Graphics
• Groups & Labs
• Affiliated Centers & Institutes
• Industry Partnerships
• Adobe Research Partnership
• Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence
• Submit a Tech Report
• Tech Reports
• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Faculty of Instruction
• Affiliated Faculty
• Adjunct Faculty
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• PhD Students
• Outgoing PhDs and Postdocs
• Visiting Scholars
• News Archive
• Weekly Bulletin
• Monthly Student Newsletter
• All Public Events
• Seminars, Workshops, & Talks
• Distinguished Lecture Series
• CS Colloquium Series
• CS + X Events
• Tech Talk Series
• Honors & Awards
• External Faculty Awards
• University Awards
• Department Awards
• Student Resources
• Undergraduate Student Resources
• MS Student Resources
• PhD Student Resources
• Student Organization Resources
• Faculty Resources
• Postdoc Resources
• Staff Resources
• Purchasing, Procurement and Vendor Payment
• Expense Reimbursements
• Department Operations and Facilities
• Initiatives
• Student Groups
• CS Faculty Diversity Committee
• Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Plan
• Northwestern Engineering

Academics   /   Graduate PhD in Computer Science

The doctor of philosophy in computer science program at Northwestern University primarily prepares students to become expert independent researchers. PhD students conduct original transformational research in extant and emerging computer science topics. Students work alongside top researchers to advance the core CS fields from Theory to AI and Systems and Networking . In addition, PhD students have the opportunity to collaborate with CS+X faculty who are jointly appointed between CS and disciplines including business, law, economics, journalism, and medicine.

Joining a Track

Doctor of philosophy in computer science students follow the course requirements, qualifying exam structure, and thesis process specific to one of five tracks :

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Computer Engineering

Within each track, students explore many areas of interest, including programming languages , security and privacy and human-computer interaction .

Learn more about computer science research areas

Curriculum and Requirements

The focus of the CS PhD program is learning how to do research by doing research, and students are expected to spend at least 50% of their time on research. Students complete ten graduate curriculum requirements (including COMP_SCI 496: Introduction to Graduate Studies in Computer Science ), and additional course selection is tailored based on individual experience, research track, and interests. Students must also successfully complete a qualifying exam to be admitted to candidacy.

CS PhD Manual Apply now

Request More Information

Download a PDF program guide about your program of interest and get in contact with our graduate admissions staff.

Request info about the PhD degree

Opportunities for PhD Students

Cognitive science certificate.

Computer science PhD students may earn a specialization in cognitive science by taking six cognitive science courses. In addition to broadening a student’s area of study and improving their resume, students attend cognitive science events and lectures, they can receive conference travel support, and they are exposed to cross-disciplinary exchanges.

The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

PhD candidates may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program. This opportunity allows the doctoral candidate to gain practical experience in industry or in national research laboratories in areas closely related to their research.

Management for Scientists and Engineers Certificate Program

The certificate program — jointly offered by The Graduate School and Kellogg School of Management — provides post-candidacy doctoral students with a basic understanding of strategy, finance, risk and uncertainty, marketing, accounting and leadership. Students are introduced to business concepts and specific frameworks for effective management relevant to both for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

Career Paths

Recent graduates of the computer science PhD program are pursuing careers in industry & research labs, academia, and startups.

• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Northeastern
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Rochester
• University of Washington
• Naval Research Laboratory
• Northwestern University

Industry & Research Labs

• Adobe Research
• Narrative Science
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory

More in this section

• Engineering Home
• CS Department

Related Links

• The Graduate School
• Graduate Funding
• International Office
• Graduate Housing
• Meet Our Faculty

Contact Info

Admissions Questions

Help for Current PhD Students

Director of Graduate Studies for PhD Program

What Students Are Saying

"One great benefit of Northwestern is the collaborative effort of the CS department that enabled me to work on projects involving multiple faculty, each with their own diverse set of expertise.

Northwestern maintains a great balance: you will work on leading research at a top-tier institution, and you won't get lost in the mix."

— Brian Suchy, PhD Candidate, Computer Systems

What Alumni Are Saying

"In the early stage of my PhD program, I took several courses from the Department of Economics and the Kellogg School of Management and, later, I started collaborating with researchers in those areas. The experience taught me how to have an open mind to embrace and work with people with different backgrounds."

— Yiding Feng (PhD '21), postdoctoral researcher, Microsoft Research Lab – New England

Read an alumni profile of Yiding Feng

"My work at IBM Research involves bringing together symbolic and deep learning techniques to solve problems in interpretable, effective ways, which means I must draw upon the research I did at Northwestern quite frequently."

— Maxwell Crouse (PhD '21), AI Research Scientist, IBM Research

Read an alumni profile of Maxwell Crouse

The theory group here is very warm and close-knit. Starting a PhD is daunting, and it is comforting to have a community I can lean on.

— Vaidehi Srinivas, PhD Candidate, CS Theory

Alternatively, use our A–Z index

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

PhD Computer Science / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals , including learning which relates to:

Goal 4: Quality education

Goal 8: decent work and economic growth, goal 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure, goal 17: partnerships for the goals, programme options.

Programme description

Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.

The PhD is a three-year (or six year, if taken part-time) degree resulting in a substantial thesis.

The Department of Computer Science is one of the largest in the UK covering a huge spectrum of Computer Science topics. We currently have research groups ranging from Advanced Processor Technologies to Text Mining.

Our core Computer Science research is augmented by interdisciplinary research taking place at the interface with discipline areas including mathematics, physics, medicine and biology.

A detailed overview of the Department's research groups and core and interdisciplinary research themes is available in the 'research' area of our website and you can identify a possible project from our list of available projects .

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £14,000; Band B £15,000; Band C £17,750; Band D £21,500; Band E £28,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

Contact details

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Computer Science
• Informatics

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

• Values of Inclusion
• 2020 Antiracism Task Force
• 2022 DEI Report
• Research News

Department Life

• Listed by Recipient
• Listed by Category
• Oral History of Cornell CS
• CS 40th Anniversary Booklet
• ABC Book for Computer Science at Cornell by David Gries
• Books by Author
• Books Chronologically
• The 60's
• The 70's
• The 80's
• The 90's
• The 00's
• The 2010's
• Faculty Positions: Ithaca
• Faculty Positions: New York City
• Lecturer Position: Ithaca
• Post-doc Position: Ithaca
• Staff/Technical Positions
• Ugrad Course Staff
• Ithaca Info
• Internal info
• Graduation Information
• Cornell Learning Machines Seminar
• Student Colloquium
• Fall 2024 Colloquium
• Conway-Walker Lecture Series
• Salton 2023 Lecture Series
• Spring 2024 Artificial Intelligence Seminar
• Spring 2024 Robotics Seminar
• Spring 2024 Theory Seminar
• Big Red Hacks
• Cornell University - High School Programming Contests 2024
• Game Design Initiative
• CSMore: The Rising Sophomore Summer Program in Computer Science
• Explore CS Research
• ACSU Research Night
• Cornell Junior Theorists' Workshop 2023
• Researchers
• Ph.D. Students
• M.Eng. Students
• M.S. Students
• Ph.D. Alumni
• M.S. Alumni
• List of Courses
• Course and Room Roster
• CS Advanced Standing Exam
• Architecture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Biology
• Database Systems
• Human Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Programming Languages
• Scientific Computing
• Software Engineering
• Systems and Networking
• Theory of Computing
• Contact Academic Advisor
• Your First CS Course
• Technical Electives
• CS with Other Majors/Areas
• Transfer Credits
• CS Honors Program
• CPT for International CS Undergrads
• Graduation Requirements
• Useful Forms
• Becoming a CS Major
• Requirements
• Game Design Minor
• Co-op Program
• Cornell Bowers CIS Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE)
• Independent Research (CS 4999)
• Student Groups
• UGrad Events
• Undergraduate Learning Center
• UGrad Course Staff Info
• The Review Process
• Early M.Eng Credit Approval
• Financial Aid
• Prerequisites
• The Application Process
• The Project
• Pre-approved Electives
• Degree Requirements
• The Course Enrollment Process
• Advising Tips
• Entrepreneurship
• Cornell Tech Programs
• Professional Development
• Contact MEng Office
• Career Success
• Applicant FAQ
• Computer Science Graduate Office Hours
• Exam Scheduling Guidelines
• Graduate TA Handbook
• MS Degree Checklist
• MS Student Financial Support
• Special Committee Selection
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Contact MS Office
• Ph.D. Applicant FAQ
• Graduate Housing
• Non-Degree Application Guidelines
• Ph. D. Visit Day
• Business Card Policy
• Cornell Tech
• Curricular Practical Training
• A & B Exam Scheduling Guidelines
• Fellowship Opportunities
• Field of Computer Science Ph.D. Student Handbook
• Field A Exam Summary Form
• Graduate School Forms
• Instructor / TA Application
• Ph.D. Requirements
• Ph.D. Student Financial Support
• Travel Funding Opportunities
• Travel Reimbursement Guide
• The Outside Minor Requirement
• CS Graduate Minor
• Outreach Opportunities
• Parental Accommodation Policy
• Special Masters
• Student Spotlights
• Contact PhD Office

Search form

Computer Science Ph.D. Program

You are here.

The Cornell Ph.D. program in computer science is consistently ranked among the top six departments in the country, with world-class research covering all of computer science. Our computer science program is distinguished by the excellence of the faculty, by a long tradition of pioneering research, and by the breadth of its Ph.D. program. Faculty and Ph.D. students are located both in Ithaca and in New York City at the Cornell Tech campus . The Field of Computer Science also includes faculty members from other departments (Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Applied Math, Mathematics, Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computational Biology, and Architecture) who can supervise a student's Ph.D. thesis research in computer science.

Over the past years we've increased our strength in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, systems, security, machine learning, and digital libraries, while maintaining our depth in traditional areas such as theory, programming languages and scientific computing.  You can find out more about our research here . 

The department provides an exceptionally open and friendly atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas across all areas. 

Cornell is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This beautiful area provides many opportunities for recreational activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, both downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and brewery/cider/wine-tasting. In fact, Cornell offers courses in all of these activities.

The Cornell Tech campus in New York City is located on Roosevelt Island.  Cornell Tech  is a graduate school conceived and implemented expressly to integrate the study of technology with business, law, and design. There are now over a half-dozen masters programs on offer as well as doctoral studies.

FAQ with more information about the two campuses .

Ph.D. Program Structure

Each year, about 30-40 new Ph.D. students join the department. During the first two semesters, students become familiar with the faculty members and their areas of research by taking graduate courses, attending research seminars, and participating in research projects. By the end of the first year, each student selects a specific area and forms a committee based on the student's research interests. This “Special Committee” of three or more faculty members will guide the student through to a Ph.D. dissertation. Ph.D. students that decide to work with a faculty member based at Cornell Tech typically move to New York City after a year in Ithaca.

The Field believes that certain areas are so fundamental to Computer Science that all students should be competent in them. Ph.D. candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in four areas of computer science at the high undergraduate level: theory, programming languages, systems, and artificial intelligence.

Each student then focuses on a specific topic of research and begins a preliminary investigation of that topic. The initial results are presented during a comprehensive oral evaluation, which is administered by the members of the student's Special Committee. The objective of this examination, usually taken in the third year, is to evaluate a student's ability to undertake original research at the Ph.D. level.

The final oral examination, a public defense of the dissertation, is taken before the Special Committee.

To encourage students to explore areas other than Computer Science, the department requires that students complete an outside minor. Cornell offers almost 90 fields from which a minor can be chosen. Some students elect to minor in related fields such as Applied Mathematics, Information Science, Electrical Engineering, or Operations Research. Others use this opportunity to pursue interests as diverse as Music, Theater, Psychology, Women's Studies, Philosophy, and Finance.

The computer science Ph.D. program complies with the requirements of the Cornell Graduate School , which include requirements on residency, minimum grades, examinations, and dissertation.

The Department also administers a very small 2-year Master of Science program (with thesis). Students in this program serve as teaching assistants and receive full tuition plus a stipend for their services.

Computer Science (4 Year Programme) MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

The PhD programme in UCL Computer Science is a 4-year programme, in which you will work within research groups on important and challenging problems in the development of computer science. We have research groups that cover many of the leading-edge topics in computer science , and you will be supervised by academics at the very forefront of their field.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A UK Master's degree in a relevant discipline with Merit, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Work experience may also be taken into account.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

On this PhD programme, you will work within research groups on challenging computer science projects.

Our research groups cover leading-edge topics , and our academics are at the forefront of their field.

The research groups, the department , and the college, provide numerous opportunities to learn more about your field and the skills required to develop your research and future careers.

Who this course is for

This programme is best suited for people wishing to embark on an academic career, as well as those interested in finding work in industry. You will be assigned a first and second supervisor, who will guide you in the development of your research project and your abilities as a researcher. The research groups, the department, and the college, provide numerous opportunities for you to learn more about your field (e.g. seminars, conferences, and journal clubs) and the skills required for you to develop your research and future careers (e.g. training courses). Many of our students have had their research results published and recognised at leading international conferences during their time on the PhD programme.

What this course will give you

UCL is ranked 9th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings (2024), giving you an exciting opportunity to study at one of the world's best universities.

UCL Computer Science is recognised as a world leader in teaching and research. The department was ranked first in England and second in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics in the most recent Research Excellence Framework ( REF2021 ). You will learn from leading experts with an outstanding reputation in the field. 

Code written at UCL is used across all 3G mobile networks for instant messaging and videoconferencing; medical image computing has led to faster prostate cancer diagnosis and has developed tools to help neurosurgeons avoid damaging essential communication pathways during brain surgery; and our human-centred approach to computer security has transformed the UK government's delivery of online security.

This MPhil/PhD in Computer Science is a research degree programme that will not only challenge and stimulate you, but also has the potential to lead to a varied and interesting career and introduce you to valuable contacts in academia and the industry.

The foundation of your career

Your employability will be greatly enhanced by working alongside world-leading researchers in cutting-edge research areas such as virtual environments, networked systems, human-computer interaction and financial computing. UCL's approach is multi-disciplinary and UCL Computer Science shares ideas and resources from across all departments of Faculty of Engineering Sciences and beyond. Our alumni have a successful record of finding work, or have founded their own successful start-up companies, because they have an excellent understanding of the current questions which face industry and have the skills and the experience to market innovative solutions.

Employability

UCL Computer Science graduates secure careers in a variety of organisations, including global IT consultancies, City banks and specialist companies in manufacturing industries.

The department takes pride in helping students in their career choices and offers placements and internships with numerous start-up technology companies, including those on Silicon Roundabout, world-leading companies such as Google, Skype and Facebook, and multi national finance companies, including Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and JP Morgan.

Our graduates secure roles such as applications developers, information systems managers, IT consultants, multimedia programmers, software engineers and systems analysts in companies such as Microsoft, Cisco, Bloomberg, PwC and IBM.

UCL Computer Science is located in the heart of London and subsequently has strong links with industry. You will have regular opportunities to undertake internships at world-leading research organisations. We frequently welcome industry executives to observe your project presentations, and we host networking events with technology entrepreneurs.

You will also benefit from a location close to the City of London and Canary Wharf to work on projects with leading global financial companies. London is also home to numerous technology communities, for example the Graduate Developer Community, who meet regularly and provide mentors for students interested in finding developer roles when they graduate.

Teaching and learning

You are assigned a first and second supervisor who you will meet regularly. You are also assigned a research group who normally meet regularly for research seminars and related activities in the department.

You will participate in three vivas during the course of your study. These are useful feedback opportunities and allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the literature, your progress in your research and eventually, your final thesis and research. For each viva, you will be expected to produce a detailed report of your work to date and to attend a 'verbal exam' with supervisors and/or external academics/experts.

During your research degree, you will have regular meetings with your primary supervisor, in addition to contact with your secondary supervisor and participation in group meetings. Full-time study should comprise of 40 hours per week .

Research areas and structure

• Bioinformatics: protein structure; genome analysis; transmembrane protein modelling; de novo protein design methods; exploiting grid technology; mathematical modelling of biological processes
• Financial computing: software engineering; computational statistics and machine learning; mathematical modelling
• Human centred systems: usability of security and multimedia systems; making sense of information; human error and cognitive resilience
• Information security: human and organisational aspects of security; privacy-enhancing technologies; cryptography and cryptocurrencies; cybersecurity in public policy and international relations; systems security and cybercrime
• Intelligent systems: knowledge representation and reasoning; machine learning
• Media futures: digital rights management; information retrieval; computational social science; recommender systems
• Networks: internet architecture; protocols; mobile networked systems; applications and evolution; high-speed networking
• Programming Principles, Verification and Logic’: logic and the semantics of programs; automated tools for verification and program analysis; produce mathematically rigorous concepts and techniques that aid in the construction and analysis of computer systems; applied logic outreach in AI, security, biology, economics
• Software systems engineering: requirements engineering; software architecture; middleware technologies; distributed systems; software tools and environments; mobile computing
• Virtual environments: presence, virtual characters; interaction; rendering; mixed reality
• Vision and imaging science: face recognition; medical image analysis; statistical modelling of colour information; inverse problems and building mathematical models for augmented reality; diffusion tensor imaging

Research environment

UCL Computer Science is one of the leading university centres for computer science research in Europe. The department is very well-connected with research groups across the university, and is involved in many exciting multi-disciplinary research projects.

Furthermore, research groups in the department are heavily involved in collaborative research and development projects with other universities and with companies in the UK and internationally. UCL provides significant support for technology transfer, and in particular for technology start-ups, and the department has an increasingly successful record of spin-out companies including a number of spin-outs that have been acquired by Google, Facebook, Amazon, etc.

Month 0 Registration - initially MPhil registration.

Month 0-6 - General reading, directed by the supervisor, in the area of interest. This should bring you up to the sharp end of the area and allow you to appreciate what the research problems are.

Months 6-9 - More detailed reading, aimed at becoming expert enough to tackle a thesis project. A small focused project is in order here to pin the reading on. A report on the year's activities should begin to be prepared.

Month 9 - FORMAL 1ST-YEAR VIVA (10-12 for Part-time) This is the first major examination, and must take place no more than 9 months from the start date. A feedback activity. Given a read of your report, the supervisor, 2nd supervisor and an 'assessor' review the work done with the aim of providing you with proper feedback on your work. This is also a good opportunity to get feedback for the Transfer Viva and is often used as a “mock transfer”.

Months 12-18 - FORMAL TRANSFER VIVA (15-21 for Part-time) Also known as the “Upgrade Viva” - this is where you would upgrade your expected qualification from MPhil to PhD. A substantial project report is expected demonstrating the ability to conduct research, with initial research results, and a plan for completion of the work and writing of the thesis. The outcome of the viva will determine whether you are allowed to transfer registration from MPhil to PhD.

Months 24-36 - Thesis project work being tidied up and turned into a unified piece of work. Thesis writing being planned and chapters being drafted. You are now eligible for Completing Research Status

Month 36 - MOCK VIVA (48-60 for Part-time) A draft thesis and mock viva. This is to be attended by the supervisor, second supervisor and assessor and any others thought relevant. Thesis submission forms (aka Entry forms) completed and submitted.

Months 36-42 - Complete the writing of the thesis.

Month 42 - (60-72 for Part-time) Submit thesis.

See full-time summary

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

As each research project is unique in nature, the AFE (Additional Fee Element) is calculated on a student-by-student basis and is determined by your academic supervisor. Please contact your supervisor for further details.

A student conference and travel fund is available to students within the department to help with costs associated with attending and presenting at conferences. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

UCL offers various funding opportunities for postgraduate students. Please see UCL's Scholarships website for more information.

The department offers funding for overseas and UK students. Please see the Computer Science website for more information.

Home students will have the opportunity to apply for EPSRC DTP Studentships where available.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

CSC-UCL Joint Research Scholarship

Value: Fees, maintenance and travel (Duration of programme) Criteria Based on academic merit Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Deadlines and start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation. All applicants are asked to identify and contact potential supervisors before making an application. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Computer Science

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE programmes
• Primary PGCE programmes
• Secondary PGCE programmes
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's

• Interesting for you
• My settings

Go to your profile page to get personalised recommendations!

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Course Directory

PhD in Computer Science

Postgraduate Study

• Why Cambridge overview
• Chat with our students
• Cambridge explained overview
• The supervision system
• Student life overview
• In and around Cambridge
• Leisure activities
• Student unions
• Music awards
• Student support overview
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Disabled students
• Accommodation
• Language tuition
• Skills training
• Support for refugees
• Courses overview
• Department directory
• Qualification types
• Funded studentships
• Part-time study
• Research degrees
• Visiting students
• Finance overview
• Fees overview
• What is my fee status?
• Part-time fees
• Application fee
• Living costs
• Funding overview
• Funding search
• How to apply for funding
• University funding overview
• Research Councils (UKRI)
• External funding and loans overview
• Funding searches
• External scholarships
• Charities and the voluntary sector
• Funding for disabled students
• Widening participation in funding
• Colleges overview
• What is a College?
• Choosing a College
• Applying overview
• Before you apply
• Entry requirements
• Application deadlines
• How do I apply? overview
• Application fee overview
• Application fee waiver
• Life Science courses
• Terms and conditions
• Continuing students
• Disabled applicants
• Supporting documents overview
• Academic documents
• Finance documents
• Evidence of competence in English
• AI and postgraduate applications
• Terms and Conditions
• Applicant portal and self-service
• After you apply overview
• Confirmation of admission
• Student registry
• Previous criminal convictions
• Deferring an application
• Updating your personal details
• Appeals and Complaints
• Widening participation
• Postgraduate admissions fraud
• International overview
• Immigration overview
• ATAS overview
• Applying for an ATAS certificate
• Current Cambridge students
• International qualifications
• Competence in English overview
• What tests are accepted?
• International events
• International student views overview
• Akhila’s story
• Alex’s story
• Huijie’s story
• Kelsey’s story
• Nilesh’s story
• Get in touch!
• Events overview
• Upcoming events
• Postgraduate Open Days overview
• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD Study webinars
• Virtual tour
• Research Internships
• How we use participant data
• Postgraduate Newsletter

Primary tabs

• Overview (active tab)
• Requirements
• How To Apply

The PhD is the primary research degree that can be taken in the Department of Computer Science and Technology. The Cambridge PhD is a three to four-year full-time (five to seven-year part-time) programme of individual research on a topic agreed by the student and the Department, under the guidance of a staff member as the student's supervisor. 

All research students are admitted to read for the PhD degree on a probationary basis and will be registered for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in the first instance. During this year students may do some additional coursework and will write a research report that is likely to form the foundation of the eventual PhD thesis. The CPGS will involve four components:

Research skills training

Practical work

Research report of no more than 10,000 words

Attendance at a research workshops and research seminars

At the end of the third term and on completion of the CPGS, students whose performance indicates that they would be able to complete a PhD in a reasonable time will be upgraded to PhD status. A student who is not upgraded to PhD status, and who has completed three terms of study, will normally be awarded the CPGS alone. They will not submit a thesis for the PhD degree.

There is an expectation that all research students will contribute to teaching in the department for which some training will be provided. Research students will submit a log - or tally-sheet - of teaching activities annually at the end of June. 

Students are expected to complete the substance of their research by the end of their third year, submitting their thesis then or within a few months.

Applicants wishing to apply to undertake a PhD on a part-time basis should refer to the Department's admissions advice for potential part-time students.

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the  Postgraduate Open Day  page for more details.

See further the  Postgraduate Admissions Events  pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Key Information

3-4 years full-time, 4-7 years part-time, study mode : research, doctor of philosophy, department of computer science and technology, course - related enquiries, application - related enquiries, course on department website, dates and deadlines:, lent 2024 (closed).

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2024 (Closed)

Funding deadlines.

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.

Similar Courses

• Advanced Computer Science MPhil
• Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence MPhil
• Linguistics: Theoretical and Applied Linguistics PhD
• Biological Science (EBI) PhD
• Medical Science (Oncology) MPhil

Postgraduate Admissions Office

• Admissions Statistics
• Start an Application
• Applicant Self-Service

At a glance

• Bringing a family
• Current Postgraduates
• Cambridge Students' Union (SU)

University Policy and Guidelines

Privacy Policy

Information compliance

Equality and Diversity

Terms of Study

About this site

About our website

Privacy policy

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

• Undergraduate
• Course Information
• Areas of Focus
• Centers + Institutes
• Undergraduate Research
• Technical Reports
• Faculty Talks
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Graduating Ph.D.s and Postdocs
• Open Faculty Positions
• Outreach Philosophy + Mission
• Meet Our Students
• K-12 Programs
• Diversity + Climate
• Chair’s Letter
• Student Awards
• Visiting CIS
• Make a Gift
• Current Students
• Program Offerings
• Doctoral Program

The Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) in Computer and Information Science (CIS) welcomes candidates   in disciplines related to computer science, information processing, and computing . Our curriculum is designed to develop the intellectual skills essential for the rapidly changing character of research and to meet the demands of academe and industry. Students develop their own advanced study focus, working with faculty mentors on topics ranging from the core computer science discipline to diverse scholarly interactions within the School of Engineering and the University.

Doctoral studies in the CIS department offer the opportunity for rewarding exploration and research. Research opportunities span a wide range of theoretical and application topics including algorithms, bioinformatics, databases, graphics, machine learning, programming languages, robotics, security, software engineering, systems, vision, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as biology, electrical engineering, genetics, linguistics, and mathematics.

Our research laboratories offer myriad possibilities for exploration. Seminars hosting outstanding leaders in their fields at our departmental and laboratories’ colloquia provide rigor, breadth, and relevance to the research and education experience. The University of Pennsylvania’s schools and research centers create an academic environment whose synergy informs research and education in the CIS department.

Our faculty prepare our doctoral students to be tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and visionaries. The CIS department is an exciting place to be, and we invite you to join us.  Read more about our research areas and   highlights of projects and activities .

New Concentration in “Machine Learning + X”

Recognizing the integration of machine learning into all specializations of computer science: starting in Fall 2020, the department is offering applicants the opportunity to specify a new concentration called “Machine Learning + X” as the primary concentration, where X is any of several existing specializations in computer science that intersect with machine learning. Such applicants must identify one or two of these specializations as their 2nd and 3rd concentrations.  The department has exciting research projects at the intersection of machine learning and these specializations.

“Machine Learning + X” cannot be used as your 2nd or 3rd concentration. T his concentration is used to facilitate review of your application by the faculty listed in the specializations above, based on your choice(s) of the 2nd and 3rd concentrations.

How to Apply: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/how-to-apply/

FAQ: https://gradadm.seas.upenn.edu/faq/

Graduate Program:

• Master of Computer and Information Technology
• MSE in Data Science
• MSE in Embedded Systems (EMBS)
• MSE in Robotics
• MSE in Computer Graphics and Game Technology
• Admissions Statistics
• Fellowships + Aid
• New Students
• How to Register
• Transferring from MSE to Ph.D.
• Graduation + Thesis Information
• Academic + Industry Job Postings

Your CIS Contacts:

Redian Furxhiu Graduate Coordinator for on-campus MCIT, CIS/MSE and CGGT programs Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-898-1668 Email: [email protected]

Staci Kaplan Program Manager for DATS (Data Science MSE) Office: 308 Levine Phone: 215-573-2431 Email: [email protected]

Britton Carnevali Doctoral Program Manager Office: 310 Levine Phone: 215-898-5515 Email: [email protected]

Mariel Celentano Graduate Coordinator for ROBO Office: 459 Levine Phone: 215-573-4907 Email: [email protected]

Liz Wai-Ping Ng Associate Director for Embedded Systems MSE program Office: 313 Levine Phone: 215-898-8543 Email:  [email protected]

Julia Esposito PICS Program Coordinator, SCMP Academic Coordinator Office: 3401 Walnut, 5th Fl. Phone: 215-573-6037 Email: [email protected]

The PhD in CSE

The doctoral degree, i.e. the Ph.D., is primarily intended for students desiring a career in research and/or collegiate teaching.  The focus is on advanced CSE topics, on learning to perform research and to write research papers, and on making fundamental new contributions to a CSE topic. Students take advanced course work and write a  doctoral dissertation , also called a  thesis .

Program overview

Students newly admitted to the doctoral program are classified as  precandidates . Upon entering a doctoral program, there is a Ph.D. qualifying process, normally completed during the first two years. After all requirements except the dissertation are completed, students become  candidates . Students entering a CSE doctoral program with a bachelor’s degree typically become candidates in the third year and are strongly encouraged to complete the degree within five years. Such students ordinarily complete the requirements for a master’s degree along the way and receive this degree in addition to the Ph.D. A masters thesis is optional. Students who enter a CSE doctoral program with a master’s in the field of their program typically become candidates in their second year and are strongly encouraged to complete the degree within four years. Such students are not ordinarily eligible to receive a CSE master’s degree.

The complete doctoral requirements can be found in the  CSE Graduate Program Guide (Google Doc) .

View a list of courses approved for the different doctoral degree requirements (Google Sheet) .

Continuous enrollment

In order to encourage timely completion of the degree, University policy requires doctoral students to register every Fall and Winter term until their degree is completed, with very few exceptions. That is, doctoral students cannot take time off from their studies, or pursue the later stages of their degree without registering, except in special circumstances.

Transferring credits

A limited number of graduate credits earned elsewhere may be transferred to meet the coursework requirements for doctoral students earning a master’s degree. In addition, a course taken elsewhere that is equivalent to a course satisfying a degree requirement here can be used to satisfy the requirement, even if course credits are not transferred. If granted, however, such equivalency does not not reduce the total number of credit hours required for the master’s degree, unless the course is transferred.

Apply to a PhD program

This page has information about graduate program admissions .

Financial support

The CSE doctoral program admits only those students for whom financial support can be guaranteed for the anticipated duration of studies (five years for students entering with a BS, four years for students entering with an MS), assuming satisfactory progress is made.

Most commonly, this financial support consists of a fellowship, a research assistantship, or a teaching assistantship offered by the program, or a fellowship from outside the university, or a combination of these.

Additional funding information for prospective graduate students can be found here .

Graduate programs staff

Contact us with any questions about Computer Science and Engineering graduate programs.

[email protected]

• B.S. Students
• M.S. Students
• Ph.D. Students
• D-Clearance
• Directed Research
• Information for Graders and Course Producers
• Microsoft Imagine
• CS Student Organizations
• CS Library Guide
• CS Job Announcements

Ph.D. Milestones for Computer Science Students

The Qualifying Exam and Defense benchmark forms are here on VASE's website :   https://viterbigrad.usc.edu/academic-services/forms/ . All committee forms require the Chair and Dean's approval before the oral exams can proceed.   

Qualifying Exam

Students will initiate this particular form (DocuSign):

•         Appointment of Qualifying Exam Committee Form

Qualifying Exam Committee: The qualifying exam committee is composed of five members. The committee chair and at least two additional members must have an   appointment in the student's program. This includes tenured, tenure track, research, teaching, practitioner, and clinical faculty expertise.    At least one committee member must be tenured in the Computer Science Department.

A USC faculty member outside the student's home program is called an "outside member." For outside Faculty, the Dean of the school decides the judgment of the qualification of the outside faculty member's primary appointment.   The "outside member" must be a full-time USC faculty member whose primary appointment is in a unit outside CS and who chairs PhD committees in that home unit.  The "external member," if included on the committee, must submit a CV and statement from the committee chair for consideration by the Dean to serve on the committee. 

Students must complete the written exam a few days before the oral exam.  The written exam and oral exam cannot occur on the same day.    Please also review our PHD requirements, particularly for qualifying exams, here:

https://www.cs.usc.edu/academic-programs/phd/

Once students initiate the form, students should inform the committee and encourage them to sign it. After the faculty signs, it will come to a PhD advisor, and then the form routes to the Chair, followed by the Dean's office. Signatures for the form take time, so please submit it at least 30 days before the qualifying exam.

Thesis Proposal Presentation

Information about the Thesis Proposal Presentation is in our CS PHD requirements (please review):

A new formal committee is NOT required just for the thesis proposal.   Students may use their qualifying exam members (guidance committee members).    At least one committee member must be tenured in the Computer Science Department. The faculty advisor must confirm the thesis proposal results and committee members for the department to record.

Please submit the thesis proposal information below to   [email protected]   so our staff   can post it online:

• Presentation Title and Abstract
• Date and Time
• Names of the Guidance Committee members

Information about the PHD defense is in our CS PHD requirements (please review):

The dissertation defense committee must have at least three (3) members, of which at least two must have an appointment in Computer Science. The student's dissertation advisor will chair the committee. At least one committee member must be tenured in the Computer Science Department. The committee must also include one tenured (or tenure-track) USC faculty member outside the department whose primary appointment is not in Computer Science.  The committee chair with a joint Computer Science appointment is ineligible to be an outside committee member.

Generally, students initiate the Defense Committee form at least 30 days in advance. The form must have Dean-level approval before the student can proceed with the Defense. In addition, the Defense must be announced at least one week in advance, so please contact the PhD office with (information below) once the date is set to post the Defense; two weeks is preferred.

Specifically, students will initiate this form (DocuSign):

•      Appointment of Dissertation Committee Form

The Defense must be held in person and attended by all committee members, students, and the Chair.  Finally, please submit the information below to   [email protected]   so our staff   can post it online (noted in our PHD requirements). The following defense announcement information at least one week in advance so we can post this online:

• Dissertation Title and Abstract
• Names of the Dissertation Defense Committee members

Published on June 17th, 2024

Last updated on June 17th, 2024

• Academic Programs
• Getting Started with CS@USC
• USC Course Catalogue
• USC Schedule of Classes
• Special Topics Courses
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering and Computer Science
• Computer Science Games
• Computer Science and Business Administration
• Minor in Computer Science
• Progressive Degree Program
• Computer Science (General)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Game Development
• Computer Security
• Computer Networks
• Software Engineering
• Intelligent Robotics
• Multimedia and Creative Technologies
• High Performance Computing and Simulations
• Scientists and Engineers
• Thesis Option
• Honors Program
• Fall 2015 to Spring 2023
• Fall 2014 or Earlier
• Data Science Program
• Graduate Certificate
• Distance Education
• K-12 Outreach
• Chair’s Welcome
• Awards and Honors
• CS@SC Institutes
• Media Coverage
• Newsletters and Fact Sheets
• CS Industry Affiliate Program
• Bekey Lecture
• Driving Directions
• Open Staff Positions
• Open Faculty Positions
• Centers and Institutes
• Research Areas and Labs
• Technical Reports
• Annual Research Review
• Undergraduate Research Experiences
• Faculty Directory
• Staff Directory
• B.S. Program
• M.S. Program
• Ph.D. Program
• Academic Advisement
• B.S. Application Information
• M.S. Application Information
• Ph.D. Application Information

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Is it possible to complete a PhD in CS in 3 years?

I have always wanted to get a PhD. I'm in my thirties now and have a full time job. I don't necessarily need to get a PhD for my job, though it could open doors to a few research jobs that I can't apply for now. A few friends and colleagues have gotten their PhDs in about 5 years, they tell me that some have even spent 7 or 8 years.

Is it possible to complete a PhD in 3 years? Why or why not?

This would be a post-masters PhD in the US or Canada.

• computer-science
• united-states

• 2 It's a good idea to ask any institution that you're considering how long it takes (min/max/average) to complete the degree. In many places in the US you'll find that the average is five to six years, much longer than you want. –  Brian Borchers Commented Jul 6, 2019 at 18:10
• 2 @BrianB - To piggy-back on what you said, sometimes this varies not only from department to department, but also from advisor to advisor. It’s definitely best to ask a lot of questions up front. –  J.R. Commented Jul 6, 2019 at 23:06
• Are you looking for a quick PhD because you assume it would be full-time and you can't afford to take more than 3 years off work? It is often possible to study for a PhD either part-time or distance learning - obviously this will take longer, but you can carry on working and earning. Alternatively, if your first Masters was a taught degree, you could consider a reasearch-based Masters (again, part-time or distance learning). –  Owain Commented Jul 7, 2019 at 11:11
• I have always wanted to get a PhD Unless you want it badly enough to see it through regardless of how long it takes then don't start one. You cannot control how long it may take - it could take years longer than the best plan you design - this is outside your control. –  StephenG - Help Ukraine Commented Jul 7, 2019 at 15:26
• I think the best choice for me would be to start a PhD part-time while still working full time. Though I don't know how useful it would be after 8 years of research. –  user12973 Commented Jul 7, 2019 at 15:32

4 Answers 4

In theory, yes, it is possible. In practice it depends on many things. Let me try to list a bunch of the variables that have affect the time required.

The minimum requirements that you are likely to find for a doctorate are (a) pass a set of qualifying exams and (b) write a dissertation acceptable to the faculty. There may be a few exceptions but most of the exceptions will add requirements.

To pass the examinations, you normally take certain courses. You may already have the knowledge needed to take the exams from your masters, but many courses are designed specifically to ready you for the exams. If you don't have the knowledge you need to get it (courses or elsewhere) and that takes time.

The examinations normally guarantee that you have a solid but broad knowledge of your field. Research, on the other hand requires deep but narrow knowledge of a small sub-field. The graduate courses are also fairly broad, but also start to take you into the depths of some subfield and many will stress recent advances in some field.

To write a dissertation requires that in a small area of your discipline you become a subject expert - world class. That may require additional course work in the form of seminars with faculty and a few students. If you start out close to the boundary of the known world in the area in which you want to do research then you can move quickly. Otherwise it may take time and study to gain the required focus.

To write a dissertation, requires some knowledge of research process and in some fields that can take time to master. It is less likely to be an issue in mathematics, say, or in some parts of CS. But if you lack the knowledge of how to do the specific sort of research required of you, it will take time to gain it.

To write a dissertation requires a suitable problem. That problem can come from you or from a suitable advisor. But if there is no problem at hand then it will take time and study just to find a problem. Moreover, the problem has to be suitable . If it is too easy to solve or too hard then it isn't suitable. I worked, briefly, on both too hard and too easy problems in my math degree. But disposing of them and coming to the right problem only took several weeks of study. But it is hard to put a time limit here as research, by definition, is an exploration of the unknown.

To write an acceptable dissertation you have to produce some valuable work at the boundary of knowledge by solving the problem(s) posed. You also have to write it up and make sure there are no gaps that might invalidate the work. This can take time.

You have to make your advisor happy. Sometimes this is easy but sometimes not. Usually, however, there is the question of "How much is enough?" This is a value judgement, of course, and you and your advisor need to come to agreement.

Finally, you need, in most places, to defend your dissertation before a committee or the public and you need to handle a fair amount of paperwork. This can take some time, also, but isn't normally a big issue.

Note that lots of these things take time, but most of them require an amount of time that is hard to estimate and impossible to bound. If you are well prepared for exams and research and you have a suitable advisor and a suitable problem then three years is feasible, provided that the problem itself doesn't have hidden traps that aren't apparent at the start. Again, the existence of those traps is impossible to predict since you are extending the known world.

• A literature review is generally required and this can take quite some time (months). –  No'am Newman Commented Jul 7, 2019 at 10:51

There are countries where the standard duration of a PhD is 3 years so yes it's possible, but it usually means that the PhD is structured differently and the expectations differ. Even there it's very common that PhD last more than the standard duration: a PhD is research work and even in the best conditions it's often difficult to anticipate how the research is going to pan out. There can be all sorts of unexpected obstacles: somebody might publish some new finding which makes your approach obsolete, insufficient data for an experiment, an initial assumption might not be verified, etc.

So overall it's quite risky to set yourself a hard deadline from the start, as things often take a bit more time than expected. On the other hand, thinking of a serious PhD plan from the start can minimize the risk of delay.

In a US program, it is certainly possible, but it is substantially faster than average. It is easier in some areas (e.g. theory) than others (e.g. systems) where having a few brilliant ideas is sufficient, without the need to build an actual working piece of software. There are two ways I have seen it happen in theory:

1) Be a star: solve a few long standing open problems in your first couple of years, and write them up. This is obviously very hard; if you can pull it off, no need to stick around in the PhD program.

2) Publish a few mediocre papers and decide that research isn't for you. If you have enough material to barely clear the bar for a PhD, you can get out of the PhD program in 3 years, but not with a strong PhD. Usually the people who go this route just take software engineering jobs afterwards: so this isn't the kind of fast PhD you would want if you already have such a job.

Short of being a real star, good PhDs take longer than 3 years.

I did my MS from a public university in US. In my university, since PhDs were government funded, they wanted us to leave early.

So if you did MS from my university, then if you desire to go for PhD further, they’d let you be done in 3 years.

• Would be curious to see a list of universities by average time of completing a CS PhD. –  Andriy Makukha Commented Jul 7, 2019 at 6:07

You must log in to answer this question.

• Featured on Meta
• Upcoming sign-up experiments related to tags

Hot Network Questions

• What is 素か when used by itself
• how do i permanently disable my microphone?
• Is FDISK /MBR really undocumented, and why?
• How to join two PCBs with a very small separation?
• Is "ROW_NUMBER() OVER(ORDER BY xml.node)" well defined?
• Did James Madison say or write that the 10 Commandments are critical to the US nation?
• Redraw a Recurrent Neural Network
• Historically are there any documented attempts at finding algorithms that are asymptotically faster than the FFT for the Discrete Fourier Transform?
• Can a capacitor be used to close path between center-tap and shield instead of Bob-Smith (capacitor+resistor)?
• Convolution of sinusoid and running sum filter of order 5
• Proper way to write C code that injects message into /var/log/messages?
• Grouping rows by categories avoiding repetition
• Is it legal to initialize an array via a functor which takes the array itself as a parameter by reference?
• Is it possible to animate a curve along it's own path?
• In an interview how to ask about access to internal job postings?
• Where did the pronunciation of the word "kilometer/kilometre" as "kl OM iter" rather than "KILL o meeter" originate?
• What is the explicit list of the situations that require RAII?
• Defining the probability space for rolling a dice infinitely many times
• What is a quarter in 19th-century England converted to contemporary pints?
• RAW, do transparent obstacles generally grant Total Cover?
• Sarkhan, Soul Aflame Becoming a dragon that entered
• Derivative of the Score Function in Fisher Information
• Parallel line equation
• What is the mode of operation of a Hobb's meter?

Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science

Scs graduate application instructions.

To apply for admission to our master's and/or doctoral programs, read the following instructions carefully and make certain that you have met all requirements when you submit your application. You can apply to up to three doctoral programs and any of the master's programs .

• If you submit your application early, your recommenders still have until Dec. 11, 2024, to submit recommendations. 
• Note: The MSE, MSE-ES, MSE-SS programs are not following any early deadlines in the application fee is $100.
• Application Fee Waivers:   We expect all applicants to submit payment with their online application. However, note that we do waive the required fee under certain circumstances. For information about how to apply for an application fee waiver, visit the   SCS Graduate Application Fee Waiver Page .
• If you need to take/retake your TOEFL, IELTS and/or GRE for this application, we highly recommend you take the exam no later than Nov. 27, 2024. Reportable scores can take two weeks to process and we may not be able to review any scores that arrive after our Dec. 11, 2024, deadline.
• Each program sets its policy on whether GRE scores are required and which test type is accepted. You can read short descriptions of each program's GRE policy below .
• GRE Institution Code: 2074
• GRE Department Code: 0402
• GRE scores will not be accepted if they are more than five years old.
• If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you ("native language" meaning spoken at home and from birth), we are required to formally evaluate your English proficiency.
• We require applicants who will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and for whom English is not a native language, to demonstrate English proficiency via one of these standardized tests: TOEFL (preferred), IELTS or Duolingo. We discourage the use of the "TOEFL ITP Plus for China," since speaking is not scored.
• We do not issue waivers for non-native speakers of English . In particular, we do not issue waivers based on previous study at a U.S. high school, college or university. We also do not issue waivers based on previous study at an English-language high school, college or university outside of the United States. No amount of educational experience in English, regardless of the country it occurred in, will result in a test waiver. 
• Some of our programs will accept expired test scores from applicants who have recently completed a degree in the United States if the applicant can present a copy of an official score report showing the applicant's picture, not an unofficial score listing. Please consult the information for each specific program you apply to.
• If you have not received a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., you will need to submit a English proficiency score no older than two years. (Test scores taken before Sept. 1, 2022, will not be accepted.)
• Important: Applicants applying to MCDS and MHCI are required to submit scores from an English proficiency exam taken within the last two years. Scores taken before Sept. 1, 2022, will not be accepted regardless of whether you have previously studied in the U.S. For more information about their English proficiency score policies, visit the MCDS or MHCI admissions websites.
• TOEFL Institution Code: 4256
• TOEFL Department Code: 78
• A successful applicant will normally have a total iBT score of at least 100.
• We prefer that you take the TOEFL, but we will accept the IELTS.
• The same restrictions of expiration dates apply with an IELTS.
• An IELTS score of 7 is equivalent to a TOEFL score of 100.
• We accept IELTS scores through E-delivery. Please use the information below when setting up your IELTS scores for delivery to our institution. Account Name: Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science Address: School of Computer Science 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213    United States 
• We prefer that you take the TOEFL or IELTS, but if you cannot do that, you may take the Duolingo test.
• A Duolingo score of 120 is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 97-102.
• Be sure to use the same email address as you plan to use when you apply to a CMU program. Also be sure that Duolingo scores are sent to “Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate Computer Science Programs."
• Important:  Make sure to request that Duolingo includes your subscores when they send your test results to Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate Computer Science Programs.
• Additional details about English proficiency requirements are provided on the FAQ page.
• All transcripts must be uploaded prior to submission.
• Since fall grades are not required, upload your transcripts as early as possible.
• We do not require hard copies of your transcripts at the time of application. If you are accepted to a program, you will be given instructions to mail your transcripts at that time. 
• Submit your current resume. It should outline your education, research experience, work experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and any other extracurricular activities. 
• You must upload your resume in PDF format. 
• Submit a Statement of Purpose.  Each program has specific SOP instructions which can be found inside of that programs application.
• A concise one or two-page essay that describes your primary areas of interest in research, your related experiences and your objective in pursuing a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon.
• Your essay should be specific in describing your interests and motivations. When describing your research interests, you should explain why you think they are important areas of study and why you are particularly well-suited to pursuing them.
• You should describe any relevant education, research, commercial, government or teaching experience.
• Our review committees in every program value applicants who display persistence and resilience in the face of challenge and adversity, demonstrate a commitment to ethics, show concern for others and for their community, and/or exhibit leadership in one or more endeavors.
• We recommend that you use AI tools only in a limited fashion. They are great for correcting grammar and spelling. They are terrible for expressing your own interests and experiences. Remember that you are solely responsible for 100% of what is submitted in your application. Please consider carefully how you use these tools as the use of them may impact your ability to be admitted.
• Submit three letters of recommendation. Recommenders should know you relatively well and be   able to evaluate the quality of your previous work. At least two should be from faculty or recent employers.
• Letters of recommendation will be requested and submitted electronically. 
• If you submit your application early, your recommenders still have until the final deadline to submit recommendations.
• Application Fee
• Test Scores
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Supplemental Information
• SOP Instructions for Specific Programs

Helpful Links

• Graduate Admissions Overview
• Application Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master's Programs
• Doctoral Programs
• Program Leadership

Application Deadline

Early Deadline: Nov. 20, 2024   (3 p.m. EST)

Final Deadline: Dec. 11, 2024    (3 p.m. EST)

GRE & TOEFL Codes

GRE Report Codes:

• Institution Code - 2074
• Department Code - 0402

TOEFL Report Codes:

• Institution Code - 4256
• Department Code - 78

GRE Policies for the Academic Year 2024-2025

  Top of Chart

• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

Honoring Distinguished CS&E Alum Arvind

Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) distinguished alumni Arvind Mithal passed away on June 17, 2024. Arvind, who went by the mononym, was 77 years old. A dual alumni of the University of Minnesota, Arvind earned his master’s degree and PhD in computer science from the University of Minnesota in 1972 and 1973, respectively. He earned the Distinguished Alumni Award from CS&E in 2001 , as well as the Outstanding Achievement Award from the U of M in 2008 .

"Professor Arvind was one of the early pioneers in high-performance computer architecture and system design,” said Pen-Chung Yew, professor and former CS&E department head. “His work on Dataflow Machine that includes the design of its programming language, compiler, and system architecture was extremely innovative and had a significant impact on high-performance computer architectures.''

Arvind was a prolific researcher, dedicated teacher and academic leader in computer architectures, parallel computing, and digital design, enabling faster and more efficient computation. He was a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for nearly five decades, and also served as the head of the faculty of computer science in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). He led the Computation Structures Group in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT, and was well-known for his contributions to dataflow computing. He was elected into the National Academy of Engineering in 2008. He also received the Harry H. Goode Memorial Award from IEEE in 2012, which honors significant contributions to theory or practice in the information processing field. He is considered to be one of the most notable pioneers and practitioners in the computer science field, especially in the field of computer architecture. His contributions have influenced the design of microprocessors in almost all computers in use today.

Join us in honoring the life and work of Arvind. His full obituary is published on the MIT website.  

Related news releases

• Alumni Corner: Daniel Orban talks about his work with CreateMPLS
• CS&E Alumni Justin Levandoski Earns IEEE ICDE 2023 Ten-Year Influential Paper Award
• Alumni Corner: Amr Magdy
• CS&E Alumni Ron Vetter Named Founding Dean of College of Science and Engineering at UNCW
• Alumni Corner: Jake Reynolds
• Future undergraduate students
• Future transfer students
• Future graduate students
• Future international students
• Diversity and Inclusion Opportunities
• Learn abroad
• Living Learning Communities
• Mentor programs
• Programs for women
• Student groups
• Visit, Apply & Next Steps
• Information for current students
• Departments and majors overview
• Departments
• Undergraduate majors
• Graduate programs
• Integrated Degree Programs
• Additional degree-granting programs
• Online learning
• Academic Advising overview
• Academic Advising FAQ
• Academic Advising Blog
• Appointments and drop-ins
• Academic support
• Commencement
• Four-year plans
• Honors advising
• Policies, procedures, and forms
• Career Services overview
• Resumes and cover letters
• Jobs and internships
• Interviews and job offers
• CSE Career Fair
• Major and career exploration
• Graduate school
• Collegiate Life overview
• Scholarships
• Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance
• Anderson Student Innovation Labs
• Information for alumni
• Get engaged with CSE
• Upcoming events
• CSE Alumni Society Board
• Alumni volunteer interest form
• Golden Medallion Society Reunion
• 50-Year Reunion
• Alumni honors and awards
• Outstanding Achievement
• Alumni Service
• Distinguished Leadership
• Honorary Doctorate Degrees
• Nobel Laureates
• Alumni resources
• Alumni career resources
• Alumni news outlets
• CSE branded clothing
• International alumni resources
• Inventing Tomorrow magazine
• Update your info
• CSE giving overview
• Why give to CSE?
• College priorities
• Give online now
• External relations
• Giving priorities
• CSE Dean's Club
• Donor stories
• Impact of giving
• Ways to give to CSE
• Matching gifts
• CSE directories
• Invest in your company and the future
• Recruit our students
• Connect with researchers
• K-12 initiatives
• Diversity initiatives
• Research news
• Give to CSE
• CSE priorities
• Corporate relations
• Information for faculty and staff
• Administrative offices overview
• Office of the Dean
• Academic affairs
• Finance and Operations
• Communications
• Human resources
• Undergraduate programs and student services
• CSE Committees
• CSE policies overview
• Academic policies
• Faculty hiring and tenure policies
• Finance policies and information
• Graduate education policies
• Human resources policies
• Research policies
• Research overview
• Research centers and facilities
• Research proposal submission process
• Research safety
• Award-winning CSE faculty
• National academies
• University awards
• Honorary professorships
• Collegiate awards
• Other CSE honors and awards
• Staff awards
• Performance Management Process
• Work. With Flexibility in CSE
• K-12 outreach overview
• Summer camps
• Outreach events
• Enrichment programs
• Field trips and tours
• CSE K-12 Virtual Classroom Resources
• Educator development
• Sponsor an event

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Why pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science.

The concentration in Computer Science is designed to teach students skills and ideas they will use immediately and in the future. Because information technology affects every aspect of society, graduates with computer science degrees have open to them an enormous variety of careers—engineering, teaching, medicine, law, basic science, entertainment, management, and countless others. 

At Harvard College, students choose a "concentration," which is what we call a major. All prospective undergraduate students, including those intending to study engineering and applied sciences, apply directly to Harvard College . During your sophomore spring you’ll declare a concentration, or field of study. You may choose from 50 concentrations and 49 secondary field (from Harvard DSO website ).

All undergraduates in Computer Science at Harvard are candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree (A.B.) . With the knowledge that it requires extra course work, you can consider the more intensive  A.B./S.M. option  through a concurrent masters degree.

Learn about our Computer Science concentrators  >

Apply to Harvard College  >

A.B. in Computer Science

The basic degree requirements are eleven to fourteen 4-credit courses in mathematics, theoretical computer science, computer software, and other areas of computer science. Math courses cover linear algebra, single variable calculus and probability/statistics. Students who place out of part or all of the introductory calculus sequence, Mathematics 1ab, reduce their concentration requirements to 11 courses.

Computer Science Secondary Field

A lightweight way of getting official recognition within Harvard for work in two fields is to do one or the other as a secondary field. For Computer Science, this involves taking 4 courses in the secondary field. Learn more about the  computer science secondary field .

A.B./S.M. in Computer Science

Our  AB/SM degree program  is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only. Students who are eligible for  Advanced Standing  on the basis of A.P. tests before entering Harvard may be able to apply for admission to the S.M. program of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and graduate in four years with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree (not necessarily in the same field).

Beginning with the class of 2022, students have the opportunity to apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a master’s degree pursued concurrently with the bachelor’s degree. As part of the  concurrent degree program , students will be allowed to double-count up to sixteen credits (normally, four courses) for the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Science. An undergraduate pursuing the concurrent degree must complete both of these degrees by the end of eight terms of residency, or the equivalent.

The Mind, Brain, and Behavior Program (MBB)

Students interested in addressing questions of neuroscience and cognition from the perspective of computer science may pursue a special program of study affiliated with the University-wide Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative, that allows them to participate in a variety of related activities. (Similar programs are available through the Anthropology, History and Science, Human Evolutionary Biology, Linguistics, Neurobiology, Philosophy, and Psychology concentrations.) Requirements for this honors-only program are based on those of the computer science Requirements for Honors Eligibility. See the  handbook entry  for more information and also  Frequently Asked Questions about the MBB Track . This is an honors track program: students are eligible for English Honors.

Why study CS at Harvard? What’s different about pursuing CS in a liberal arts setting?

Get the answer to these questions and learn more about CS .

Prerequisites

Learn about the prerequisites for the concentration on our  First-Year Exploration page . Students interested in concentrating in computer science can refer to our Sophomore Advising page  and request to be matched with a Peer Concentration Advisor  (PCA). PCAs serve as peer advisors for pre-concentrators (and current concentrators), providing a valuable perspective and helping students to discover additional resources and opportunities.

Requirements

Learn more about the Computer Science requirements >

View current Computer Science courses . >

View sample plans of study. >

Tags for Computer Science courses. > 

Research Opportunities in Computer Science

As part of your Bio/Biomedical Engineering coursework, or perhaps as part of individual research opportunities working with professors, you will have the chance to take part in or participate in some extraordinary projects.  Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEA S.

Learn about the research interests of our Computer Science faculty .

Computer Science Career Paths

Learn about potential career paths for students for students concentrating in Computer Science . 

Computer Science & Society

Harvard Computer Science has several programs that allow undergraduate students to think about the broader issues in tech and CS.

Computer Science Clubs and Organizations

SEAS-affiliated student organizations are critical to the overall growth of our concentrators as engineering and applied science professionals. These organizations enable our students to pursue passion projects and events in areas of interest that are complementary to the current formal academic curriculum. Learn more about computer science student clubs and organizations .

In Computer Science

• First-Year Exploration
• Concentration Information
• Secondary Field
• Senior Thesis
• AB/SM Information
• Student Organizations
• How to Apply
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Course Requirements
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings (Review Days)
• Committee on Higher Degrees
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Lecture Series
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories