phd in computer science princeton university

• Twitter Facebook Pinterest
• Virtual Tour
• Applications
• Entering Class Stats
• Accreditation
• Faculty Composition
• Distance Learning
• International
• Tuition And Fees
• Room And Board
• Financial Aid
• Graduation & Retention
• Return On Investment

Princeton University PhD in Computer Science

Computer Science is a concentration offered under the computer science major at Princeton University. We’ve pulled together some essential information you should know about the doctor’s degree program in computer science, including how many students graduate each year, the ethnic diversity of these students, whether or not the degree is offered online, and more.

If there’s something special you’re looking for, you can use one of the links below to find it:

• Graduate Cost
• Online Learning
• Student Diversity

Featured Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

AS in Computer Science

Learn the applied programming skills needed to fill in-demand tech roles when you earn your online AS in Computer Science at Southern New Hampshire University.

BS in Computer Science

Learn the front-end design and back-end development skills employers look for in full stack software developers with this online bachelor's degree in computer science from Southern New Hampshire University.

BS in Computer Science - Software Engineering

With a software engineering degree, you'll learn the fundamental concepts and principles – a systematic approach used to develop software on time, on budget and within specifications – throughout your online college classes at SNHU.

How Much Does a Doctorate in Computer Science from Princeton Cost?

Princeton graduate tuition and fees.

Information about average full-time graduate student tuition and fees is shown in the table below.

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to <nil> that might interest you.

MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development

Learn to manage the development process for a software program with this specialized online master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Does Princeton Offer an Online PhD in Computer Science?

Princeton does not offer an online option for its computer science doctor’s degree program at this time. To see if the school offers distance learning options in other areas, visit the Princeton Online Learning page.

Princeton Doctorate Student Diversity for Computer Science

Male-to-female ratio.

About 37.5% of the students who received their PhD in computer science in 2019-2020 were women. This is higher than the nationwide number of 19.1%.

Racial-Ethnic Diversity

Racial-ethnic minority graduates* made up 12.5% of the computer science doctor’s degrees at Princeton in 2019-2020. This is higher than the nationwide number of 10%.

*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.

• National Center for Education Statistics
• O*NET Online

More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

Compare your school options.

• Advisers & Contacts
• Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Prerequisites
• Declaring Computer Science for AB Students
• Declaring Computer Science for BSE Students
• Class of '25, '26 & '27 - Departmental Requirements
• Class of 2024 - Departmental Requirements
• COS126 Information
• Important Steps and Deadlines
• Independent Work Seminars
• Guidelines and Useful Information
• Undergraduate Research Topics
• AB Junior Research Workshops
• Undergraduate Program FAQ
• How to Enroll
• Requirements
• Certificate Program FAQ
• Interdepartmental Committee
• Minor Program
• Funding for Student Group Activities
• Mailing Lists and Policies
• Study Abroad
• Jobs & Careers
• Admissions Requirements
• Breadth Requirements
• Pre-FPO Checklist
• FPO Checklist
• M.S.E. Track
• M.Eng. Track
• Departmental Internship Policy (for Master's students)
• General Examination
• Fellowship Opportunities
• Travel Reimbursement Policy
• Communication Skills
• Course Schedule
• Course Catalog
• Research Areas
• Interdisciplinary Programs
• Technical Reports
• Computing Facilities
• Researchers
• Technical Staff
• Administrative Staff
• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Alumni
• Climate and Inclusion Committee
• Resources for Undergraduate & Graduate Students
• Outreach Initiatives
• Resources for Faculty & Staff
• Spotlight Stories
• Job Openings

Huacheng Yu wins NSF CAREER award

Science has an AI problem. This group says they can fix it.

Parastoo Abtahi, expert in human-computer interaction, joins the faculty

Holographic displays offer a glimpse into an immersive future

Marcel Dall’Agnol joins the department as teaching faculty

Grad alum Avi Wigderson wins Turing Award for groundbreaking insights in computer science

Microscopes reveal a frozen moment in cellular time. This new method records cells as they work.

Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at Princeton University. Princeton has been at the forefront of computing since Alan Turing, Alonzo Church and John von Neumann were among its residents. Our department is home to about 60 faculty members, with strong groups in theory, networks/systems, vision/graphics, architecture/compilers, programming languages, security/policy, machine learning, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, robotics, and computational biology.

• Computational Biology
• Computer Architecture
• Economics & Computation
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Programming Languages & Compilers
• Public Law & Policy
• Security & Privacy
• Systems & Networking
• Vision & Graphics
• May 9th, 2024 Huacheng Yu wins CAREER award, supporting research on data structures and streaming algorithms
• May 1st, 2024 Science has an AI problem. This group says they can fix it.
• April 26th, 2024 Parastoo Abtahi, expert in human-computer interaction, joins the faculty

Securing the Next Generation of Computers

Professor Amit Levy’s goal is to improve the security and reliability of the small electronic devices that we’re carrying around these days as the Internet of Things explodes into all aspects of everyday life.

Researchers Link Realism to Blockchain’s Promise

Depending on who you ask, blockchain technology is poised to revolutionize the world — from creating a universal currency to building a free and truly private internet. Or, the new technology, built with a combination of encryption and transparency, is a solution in search of a problem.

Computer Science Experts Criticize New Jersey’s Election Security

At a panel Wednesday evening about election security, computer science professor Andrew Appel highlighted the fact that New Jersey and four other states exclusively use computer-based ballots, which makes detecting hacks and recounting votes impossible.

Mayer Combines Expertise in Computer Science, Law, and Public Policy

When Jonathan Mayer ‘09 joined the faculty in spring 2018, he was conducting a seminar on information technology and public policy at Princeton while finishing his term as a technical adviser to U.S. Senator Kamala Harris. He alternated between creating political history in Washington and teaching it at Princeton.

Tool for Checking Complex Computer Architectures Reveals Flaws in Emerging Design

With backing from some of the largest technology companies, a major project called RISC-V seeks to facilitate open-source design for computer chips, offering the possibility of opening chip designs beyond the few firms that dominate the space. As the project moves toward a formal release, researchers at Princeton University have discovered a series of errors in the RISC-V instruction specification that now are leading to changes in the new system.

Andrew Appel

Programming Languages

Edward Felten

Security & Privacy Public Policy

Michael Freedman

Brian Kernighan

Jonathan Mayer

Security & Privacy Law & Public Policy

Margaret Martonosi

Arvind Narayanan

Jennifer Rexford

Mark Zhandry

Cryptography

Collaborators

Electrical Engineering Systems

Prateek Mittal

Princeton University

This ai does more than just think.

By John Sullivan

May 10, 2024

This article is from the Accelerating Innovation with AI issue of EQuad News magazine.

Professor Ryan Adams and graduate student Cindy Zhang work with a laser cutter. Photo by Tori Repp/Fotobuddy

There are 27 bones in the human hand, but almost no one thinks about that when they pick up a water bottle. Ryan Adams does.

Adams, a professor of computer science, is leading research into mechanical intelligence. If artificial intelligence mimics cognition, the mechanical version acts like the autonomic system that drives walking, grasping, and breathing.

“Intelligence is more than just the brain,” he said.

It is not only a matter of computation. Organisms’ physical bodies are optimized for certain behaviors, which reduces the burden on the nervous system, said Adams.

“An example is grasping for primates. The design of your hand makes it easy to control,” he said. “Fish bodies really want to swim. It makes it easy for the brain.”

Over millions of years, these physical systems evolved in tandem with the neurological systems that control them. In Adams’ lab, researchers deploy AI techniques to speed up this process. In one, they use a technique called gradient descent algorithms to allow AI systems to solve problems by trying many potential solutions. As the AI solves a single problem, it also develops the ability to solve other, similar problems.

“We can use things like gradients to get better at solving a problem,” Adams said. “Can we use them to get better at mechanical things?”

Related News

Episode 4: Bethany Beardslee Winham and Chris Winham

Episode 2: That Magic Touch

Episode 3: Haydn Seek

Episode 1: Stanley Jordan Pulls Out All the Stops

Science has an AI problem. This group says they can fix it.

When It’s Best to Let A.I. Go Unused: Annette Zimmermann

Ryan P. Adams

Data Science

Computing and Network Systems

Related department.

Computer Science

Popular Searches

• Transcripts
• Career Services
• Human Resources

Our Campuses

• Daytona Beach, FL
• Prescott, AZ
• Embry-Riddle Online

Degrees & Programs

• Certificate Programs
• Associate's Degrees
• Bachelor's Degrees
• Master's Degrees
• Doctoral Degrees

Master of Science in Computer Science

The Master of Science in Computer Science enhances cybersecurity careers in developing and maintaining secure networked systems.

About the Master of Science in Computer Science

Computer Science careers are on the rise in both public and private sectors worldwide, ranging in everything from research in artificial intelligence and machine learning to secure systems design to software development. A Master of Science in Computer Science from Embry‑Riddle prepares graduates to either begin or further advance their careers in the fields of technology and cybersecurity.

The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science’s (EECS) Industry Advisory Board ensures that curriculum and research activities are aligned with what’s going on in the software industry. The accelerated program is a cutting-edge degree in a dynamic, growing field.

Student Learning Outcomes

What you will learn while pursuing a Computer Science degree: 

• Apply fundamental computer science professional practices to analyze, design and implement systems.
• Apply knowledge of advanced topics in cybersecurity engineering and in computer science.
• Communicate effectively on issues pertaining to computer science and cybersecurity.

Computer Science Career Opportunities

Careers and employers.

Computer Science master's graduates often secure positions such as:

• AI researchers
• Computer scientists
• Cybersecurity consultants
• Cybersecurity engineers<
• Digital forensics investigators
• Machine learning engineers
• Software engineers

Computer Science Salary Information

As of 2023, graduates with a degree in Computer Science receive competitive salaries , with an average income of $112,000 annually.

About Computer Science at the Daytona Beach, FL Campus

About computer science at the daytona beach campus.

Housed in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering , the Master of Science in Computer Science prepares students to address challenges in the development of algorithms and data structures as well as maintaining secure operations and cybersecurity policy.

The Daytona Beach Campus is home to the Cybersecurity Engineering Laboratory (CybEL), a Real-Time Systems Laboratory, a Digital Systems Laboratory and a Software Development Laboratory, all of which offer students systems design and hands-on experience as it relates to cybersecurity attacks and corresponding mitigations, as well as software development and programming.

Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates

Computer Science graduates may select one of two areas of concentration: 

• Computer Science: 9 credits
• Cybersecurity Engineering: 9 credits

Computer Science Information 

• Credits: 30
• Online or In-Person: In-Person
• Thesis: Thesis & Graduate Research Project Options

Helpful Links 

• Tour our Daytona Beach Campus
• Discover the Department's Faculty
• Explore the Fields of Study: Engineering & Computer & Technology & Security, Intelligence and Safety
• Find Related Clubs & Organizations

Students will:

• Have an ability to apply fundamental computer science professional practices to analyze, design, and implement security-critical systems.
• Have an ability to apply knowledge of advanced topics in cybersecurity engineering and/or computer science.
• Have an ability to communicate effectively on issues pertaining to computer science and/or cybersecurity.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in  Computer Science degree is granted to students who complete the coursework described below. The program consists of  nine  hours of core  courses, nine hours of Area of Concentration courses,  and  nine hours of open   electives for the Graduate Research Project Option or six hours of open electives for the Thesis Option.

Program Core Requirements

Area of concentration.

Students may choose one of the two Areas of Concentration as shown below.

Computer Science

Cybersecurity engineering.

Students may choose the Graduate Research Project or Thesis option, as shown below.

Graduate Research Project Option

Thesis option, get started now:.

Estimate your tuition by using the Tuition Calculator

View Financial Aid Information

Learn about our General Education

Student Achievement Data

Find out about transferring credits to this degree

Learn more about our Veterans & Military  benefits

View our Academic Calendar

RELATED DEGREES

You may be interested in the following degrees:

Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence & Security

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Master of Science in Software Engineering

California State University, Sacramento

Based on real user feedback and statistics, csus.edu no longer supports Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Skip to Main Content

Story Content

Dean's award 2024 – civil engineering and mathematics graduate anna babchanik found a formula for success through community.

By Daniel Wilson

May 13, 2024

Solving equations and exploring dams may not sound like fun activities for some, but they bring Anna Babchanik a world of joy.

As early as grade school, she knew she wanted a career where she could utilize her love for mathematics.

“I was doing math problems for fun when I didn't even need to,” she said. “My homework was done, and I didn't need to study for exams. I was just solving problems in my spare time.”

Babchanik, who graduated cum laude from Sac State in December as a double-major with bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering and Mathematics, is this year’s Dean’s Award recipient from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS). Deans’ Awards are given at Commencement to the top graduating student from each of Sac State’s seven academic colleges.

Born in Sacramento, Babchanik is one of nine children. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Ukraine in the late 1990s following the fall of the Soviet Union. The nine siblings – six of whom have Sac State degrees in STEM fields – were raised with emphasis on their Slavic heritage, including a heavy focus on language, family and faith.

“I think the way I grew up helped me build my independence and determination for my passions,” Babchanik said. “The way I was raised definitely influenced the way I see the world and the people in it, and the way I treat people with respect and kindness and empathy.”

Babchanik originally planned to pursue medicine, but quickly realized she most enjoyed the math aspects. After some heavy nudging from her brother, she switched majors from Biochemistry to Civil Engineering and added Mathematics as a second major.

While participating in the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure program at UC Davis, she fell in love with geotechnical engineering, a sub-field of Civil Engineering dealing with the behavior of earthly materials, such as soil. Her research focused on examining erosion and cracking of land that can lead to dam failures and structural issues.

“I think dams or embankments are the most interesting geotechnical structure,” she said. “They’re carefully designed and critical in providing flood control, hydroelectric power and irrigation for agricultural purposes, among other things.”

Babchanik has also served as an instructional assistant in undergraduate courses, sharpened her skills in the University of Southern California Viterbi Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, interned at the Department of Water Resources in the Division of Safety of Dams, contributed to publications and presented research at multiple events.

In addition to participating in several clubs and professional affiliations, she received several scholarships and awards and made the ECS Dean’s Honor List multiple times. At Sac State, she co-organized the Change Makers Series and served as president of the Math Club.

“A lot of my successes may have been because of my ambition and my determination to succeed and want to do better and be better, but I think a bigger part was the people that I was surrounded by. I’m very thankful to my mentors and advisors and supervisors.” -- Anna Babchanik

“Beyond her academic achievements, Anna has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving her community and inspiring future generations of civil engineers,” said Kevan Shafizadeh, ECS dean. “Through her volunteer work, mentorship and participation in outreach events, she has sought to share her experiences and encourages others to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in STEM.”

Cultural expectations initially caused her family to push back against Babchanik’s switch from medicine to engineering, but support from professors and fellow Civil Engineering students helped her persevere. Through her accomplishments, she earned the support of her family.

“I just came to realize the importance that community had for me, and having that support system,” she said. “My peers and professors were very encouraging and supportive in (that) no matter how rigorous something got, they were always there, and they also celebrated my achievements with me.”

Ultimately, her passion for helping others drives her success.

“As a woman in traditionally male-dominated fields, I see and understand the value of inclusivity, and I recognize barriers and challenges that underrepresented students are going through,” said Babchanik, who will begin a master’s program at Stanford University focusing on mechanics and computation. She wants to be the first in her family to earn a doctorate.

“A lot of my successes may have been because of my ambition and my determination to succeed and want to do better and be better, but I think a bigger part was the people that I was surrounded by. I’m very thankful to my mentors and advisors and supervisors.”

Share This Story

Related Topics:

• University Honors

About Daniel Wilson

Daniel Wilson joined the Sac State communications team in 2022 as a writer and editor. He previously worked at the Sacramento Bee as an audience engagement producer and reporter. He graduated from Sac State with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 2018. He plays video games, watches pro wrestling, and loves spending time with his wife and cat.

• [email protected]

Editor's Pick

Sacramento State to recognize seven exceptional students as the University’s top graduates at Commencement

Honorary degrees, President’s medals recognize five outstanding individuals for excellence

For six siblings who earned degrees at Sacramento State, the University is home

Media resources.

• Media Resource Page
• Administration
• Public Records Requests
• Policy for Recording Film/Sound On Campus

Faculty/Staff Resources

• Briefing Submissions
• University Marketing
• Brand Center
• Editorial Style Guide

Looking for a Faculty Expert?

Contact University Communications (916) 217-8366 [email protected]

Keep up with Sacramento State!

Get the Sac State story right in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletter, The Sacramento State Leader

• Advisers & Contacts
• Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Science in Engineering
• Prerequisites
• Declaring Computer Science for AB Students
• Declaring Computer Science for BSE Students
• Class of '25, '26 & '27 - Departmental Requirements
• Class of 2024 - Departmental Requirements
• COS126 Information
• Important Steps and Deadlines
• Independent Work Seminars
• Guidelines and Useful Information
• Undergraduate Research Topics
• AB Junior Research Workshops
• Undergraduate Program FAQ
• How to Enroll
• Requirements
• Certificate Program FAQ
• Interdepartmental Committee
• Minor Program
• Funding for Student Group Activities
• Mailing Lists and Policies
• Study Abroad
• Jobs & Careers

Admissions Requirements

• Breadth Requirements
• Pre-FPO Checklist
• FPO Checklist
• M.S.E. Track
• M.Eng. Track
• Departmental Internship Policy (for Master's students)
• General Examination
• Fellowship Opportunities
• Travel Reimbursement Policy
• Communication Skills
• Course Schedule
• Course Catalog
• Research Areas
• Interdisciplinary Programs
• Technical Reports
• Computing Facilities
• Researchers
• Technical Staff
• Administrative Staff
• Graduate Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Alumni
• Climate and Inclusion Committee
• Resources for Undergraduate & Graduate Students
• Outreach Initiatives
• Resources for Faculty & Staff
• Spotlight Stories
• Job Openings
• Graduate Program

Please read this information carefully as you prepare to apply.

Admission to Princeton is for the Fall Semester only . We do not offer evening, weekend, or summer courses. Further information can also be found at the Office of Graduate Admission site and on our FAQ page.

Application materials are available here . Please note that you are no longer required to mail in transcripts. They are to be uploaded as part of the online application.

It is your responsibility to have all materials sent in a timely manner. An incomplete application will seriously hurt your chances for admission. Late applications will not be considered. Do not send any materials directly to the department.

We do not require the writing sample or policy memo mentioned in the application.

Please do not submit any application materials directly to the department.

Fee Waivers

The application fee is $75. Fee waivers are available for:

Anyone who participates in a SEAS Hidden Curriculum series virtual event  here  (any upcoming events that start with "Hidden Curriculum:").

Anyone who meets the grad school criteria listed  here  (scroll down to “Application Fee Waivers”)

English Language Proficiency Requirements

All international applicants whose native language is not English and who have not received their complete undergraduate education in a college or university where English is the native language, must submit scores from either TOEFL, IELTS or the Duolingo English Test   (DET).  We do not require or accept TWE scores in place of these.  Please note,  the three internationally recognized tests of English language proficiency which we accept are the  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL), the  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS), and Duolingo English Test (DET).

The following applicants are not required to submit English language test scores:

• Applicants whose primary language is English. Primary language is defined as the language that someone communicates in most frequently and in most situations when speaking, reading, and writing.
• Applicants whose undergraduate instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution and for whom the degree will be awarded prior to anticipated enrollment at Princeton.
• Applicants whose graduate study was on a full-time basis for at least one year where instruction is entirely in English as certified by the institution.

All other applicants must submit valid TOEFL, IELTS or DET scores.

SEAS Hidden Curriculum Series

The SEAS Hidden Curriculum Series dispels myths and unpacks hidden truths around the application process. This is a series of virtual workshops. See here for a calendar, and here for an informational flyer.

Pre-application Mentoring

The pre-application mentorship program pairs Princeton graduate students with applicants to aid them in the graduate school application process. Mentors will provide feedback and advice on application materials. The mentorship program aims to alleviate some of the barriers preventing students from applying to graduate school and promote greater diversity in our applicants. All are welcome to apply.

Note : The program can only support a set number of applicants, please apply early and provide as much information as possible.

Apply here . Deadline: November 1, 2023.

Applying to UW-Stout

Academic Programs & Courses

Dive Into Campus Life

Elevate Your Business

Our Polytechnic Advantage

Inspiring graduate: david tesar, b.s. computer science.

Inspiring Graduate: David Tesar (’24)

• Hometown: Lety, Czech Republic
• Degree:  B.S. Computer Science
• Concentrations: Cybersecurity; Secure Software Development
• Minors: Mathematics; Computer Networking Systems & Design; Information Security Management

Throughout his time at UW-Stout, international student David Tesar struggled with a fear of failure. 

“Computer science is often complex and left me wondering which class might be too much,” he said. 

He was also challenged by his lack of confidence in speaking English, especially in public speaking, which he faced by seeking leadership roles and involvement opportunities on campus and by placing himself in public speaking situations.

Tesar overcame his fears and challenges through perseverance and positivity and received the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year award at UW-Stout’s annual  Leadership Awards this spring.

He earned his  B.S. in computer science on May 4, along with 1,037 graduates.

He has an internship as a technical support engineer this summer at Veradka, in San Mateo, Calif., and will then find a full-time career.

How well has UW-Stout prepared you to work in your field and why?

Stout prepared me to take on challenges and learn from others as well as myself. With opportunities coming from all sides, one has to pick which path to follow. I chose to put myself out there and embrace diversity while getting the most out of my options.

I was able to take on challenges and accept leadership, and the involvement and commitment changed me for the better, allowing me to express my ideas and be creative in terms of event planning and improving the experience of my fellow students as well as my own.

The polytechnic approach works really well with computer science and cybersecurity, as it emphasizes learning through labs and similar practical experiences.

Stout is fortunate to have some of the most incredible instructors I have ever met. They encourage outside-of-class learning as well as ignite passion in their students for their own respective fields of study.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I served as the club president for the  International Club and  Collegiate Cyber Defense League . I have also been involved in Information Security Professionals,  UW-Stout Cheer and Stunt , University Housing and Habitat for Humanity.

At this spring’s Leadership Awards, I was honored with an  Outstanding Student Leader of the Year award, as well as  Student Staff Team of the Year as a member of University Housing’s North Campus housing staff team and Student Organization Event of the Year for the International Club’s annual International Night.

In my field of work, clubs like the Collegiate Cyber Defense League and the Information Security Professionals have introduced me to a community of like-minded individuals who encourage learning and improvement in the field.

With CCDL, our cyber teams won several competitions, including  Wisconsin CCDC state titles . UW-Stout took fourth place among 13 national teams, and No. 1 among Wisconsin teams at the National Centers of Academic Excellence Cyber Game in spring 2023.

Each of these clubs and organizations has made a significant impact on my Stout experience in different ways. Without being involved in such, I would have frankly missed out on so many great memories.

I would also like to highlight the #YOUAREWELCOMEHERE international scholarship and the Stout University Foundation, without which I would never have ended up at Stout.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

Seeing the impact of the International Club, as well as my work in Housing, on people’s college experience is gratifying. Observing the results of the work we put in as a team, reflected in the experiences and memories of others, is a pretty sweet reward. 

Inspiring Graduates

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

Inspiring Graduate: Lauren Arenz, B.S. Early Childhood Education

Inspiring Graduate: Genevieve Czaplewski, B.S. Applied Social Science

Nevada Today

Father and son set to receive doctoral degrees May 17

College of Engineering will graduate Jay and Nathan Thom with Ph.Ds in Computer Science & Engineering

Interest in computer science runs in the family.

There’s nothing like 700-level computer science classes to bring on the father-son bonding: just ask Jay and Nathan Thom.

Jay will be receiving a doctorate in Computer Science & Engineering at the May 17 Engineering graduation ceremony, and so will his son, Nathan.

“Graduating with a Ph.D. is a really satisfying accomplishment for me, but graduating with one of my sons will make it one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” said Jay, who also works in the College of Engineering’s Computer Science & Engineering Department as a senior information security engineer.

The two studied together, supported each other and maybe once or twice Jay kept Nathan on track.

“He was a good influence,” Nathan, who goes by Nate, said. “He was the friend you needed to have.”

When Nate joined the University of Nevada, Reno in 2015, Jay helped him with calculus. Years later, Nate would return the favor when Jay needed help with the math in a game theory class. The two have shared lab space and even co-authored two conference papers about Internet of Things (IoT) device identification.

Additional co-authors on those papers were Professor Shamik Sengupta and Assistant Professor Emily Hand, each of whom served as Ph.D. advisors for Jay and Nate, respectively.

“Jay and Nate have been extremely helpful, cooperative and hardworking people,” Sengupta said. “They are extremely friendly and always ready to help on a moment’s notice.”

Sengupta added that Jay will be his 10 th   Ph.D. student to graduate; for Hand, the experience of mentoring a Ph.D. student through graduation is new.

“Nate has been wonderful to work with,” she said. “He and Jay both have been an asset to the (CSE) department and college. They serve as our resident IT guys, helping with anything and everything in our labs.”

Anomaly in the data set

Parent-child graduations are somewhat unusual, but not for Jay. In 2015, he received his Bachelor of Science degree alongside his son Ben. 

Also out of the ordinary: Jay was a teaching assistant for a class in which his two other sons, Max and Nick, were students.

Nate, the youngest, remembers hanging out with his brothers on the University campus even before he enrolled as a student. When he was 13, Nate was homeschooled by Jay, and would tag along with his father to the University and study on campus. His three older brothers also were students at that time, and as Nate remembers, “Mom had just graduated.”

“Mom” is Shendry Thom, who earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in nursing from the University.

And of course, the University is where Shendry met Jay, back in the 1980s.

The campus has been somewhat of a stomping ground for the Thom family.

“It feels like home,” Nate said.

Family affair

If campus feels like home, computer science is where everyone seems to gather: Nate’s older brothers Ben, Max and Nick are software engineers in the Reno area; Nate’s wife Kathleen currently studies computer science at the University; and Nick’s fiancé, Maddy, is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science, also at the University. Jay might be responsible for this family trend, according to Nate.

Jay originally studied electrical engineering in the 1980s, but when he returned to the University to study computer science, Nate said, “that was the same year Max had started college. That influenced him and me. We’re all in computer science.”

Their areas of expertise vary, however. Jay’s dissertation, “AI Enabled IOT Network Traffic Fingerprinting with Locality Sensitive Hashing,” deals with training smart devices to communicate with each other securely. Nate’s dissertation, “Attributes in Face Processing: Novel Methods for Explanation, Training and Representation,” is about improving AI systems that recognize faces.

What they have in common — besides genetics — is a strong interest in advancing the field of computer science.

“We’re really good at coming up with big ideas,” Nate said. “One of the things we say is ‘create value.’ Every time we show up somewhere, we try to create value.”

Campus Life & Athletics

‘The Jewish heart of campus’

Rabbi Dani Libersohn and his wife Rochel are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment for Jewish students at the University of Nevada, Reno through Chabad

University of Nevada, Reno to confer more than 3,000 degrees during May 2024 commencement

Five in-person ceremonies held Thursday through Saturday, May 16-18, on the University Quad

Mechanical Engineering doctoral graduate receives Sam Lieberman Scholarship Award

Alessandro Ralls hopes to continue his career in the mechanical engineering field

Nevada Dining Wins OZZI Box 2024 Earth Day Contest

Leading the way in sustainable dining by opting for reusables

Editor's Picks

Strong advisory board supports new Supply Chain and Transportation Management program in College of Business

Sagebrushers season 3 ep. 4: Associate Professor Thomas White

Geoffrey Blewitt elected to the National Academy of Sciences

University of Nevada, Reno once again nationally recognized as a Voter Friendly Campus

The acknowledgment marks the University’s 5th year in a row to receive this title

Spring 2024 Senior Scholars

The University of Nevada, Reno honors twelve graduating students who have achieved the highest grade-point average for their respective college or school

University launches program to increase number of Nevada organic producers

Grow Organic Nevada aims to help meet increasing demand for organic products

Big data, advancements in GPS and a search for dark matter earn the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Professor of Geodesy the prestigious nomination

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources hosts awards night

47 outstanding students, faculty, staff and supporters recognized at the spring celebration

Reynolds School of Journalism students receive more than $178,000 in scholarships

Over 60 students were recognized at the annual Savitt Awards Banquet

Industry leaders set clear direction to serve fast-growing economic sector in Nevada

Sigellac wins $50,000 Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition

Now in 13th year, competition generates an ecosystem of startups in northern Nevada