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computer science phd full time

PhD in Computer Science

Our doctoral program is a full-time program: Admitted doctoral students have only the Ph.D. as their degree objective, and they have guaranteed funding for up to five years.

GRE Required for the Fall 2024 cycle

Please note: students applying to graduate programs in Fall 2024 are required to take the GRE. However, students applying for the 4+1 programs do not need to take the GRE.

Applying to the PhD Program

2024 admission requirements.

Questions about our PhD program should be directed by email to [email protected] .

The required components of your application are:

  • The online application form
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation
  • All applicants should upload a scanned copy of their transcripts.  Applicants should not send an official transcript to the Graduate Office unless they are admitted and accept our offer of Admission.
  • All applicants may self report GRE and TOEFL scores. Official test scores are not required unless you are offered admission into the program, and you accept our offer of admission.
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores (required for non-native English speakers, photocopy accepted, original required upon admission)
  • The $40 application fee

These items must reach us by December 15, 2023  in order for your application to receive full consideration.

If English is not your native language, we require that you take the TOEFL (Test Of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System exam). An IELTS band score of 7.0 or above is required for Dartmouth Programs, but we have no specific test score requirements for the TOEFL or GRE. If you are transferring from a U.S. university, we may waive the language test. As with the GRE, we will accept a photocopy until the official report is available, but the photocopy must reach us by  December  15, 2023 .

We prefer that your recommenders provide their recommendations online. Once you have listed their names on the application, an email will be sent to them with a link to the application site. If necessary, we will also accept recommendations in sealed envelopes through the mail.

We require a $40.00 application fee, to be paid by credit card online. The fee helps to cover the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable. The application fee will not be waived.

Like many graduate programs, we base our admissions decisions primarily on the information requested above. We have no minimum test scores. We recognize that you may have talents and experience that do not shine through the forms and test scores.

Use the Application Essay section of the online application to give additional information. Do you have a specific reason for coming to Dartmouth? Specific goals for your study? Significant work experience? Why do you want to do advanced training in computer science? Include any publications you have authored.

In the Computer Science Supplement section of the online application, attach examples of your work. This is also the place where you can attach a resume.

At the discretion of the admissions committee, we award stipends as well as tuition grants without stipend. The stipend awards cover tuition waiver and a payment for living expenses for nine months of each year for five years, as long as satisfactory progress is made toward the Ph.D. The stipend for 2023-2024 is $3,333.33 per month, and it generally increases every year. Health insurance cost for the academic year is covered by the college for full-time students. Graduate students who receive support contribute to the program by teaching or grading undergraduate courses, assisting with advanced courses, and participating in research projects. Additional stipend is provided for the summer months if the student performs research or teaching assistance during that period.

There is no separate application for financial aid. Every applicant is considered for financial aid, unless you say that you do not need financial support. If you do not need support, please indicate this on the application form, and tell us how you expect to be supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to additional FAQs about grad admissions, including how to obtain a fee waiver, update an application, and waive TOEFL based on a degree from an English institution, are available at the grad school site .

Q. What are the institution and department codes for the GRE?

The GRE institution code is 3351, and the GRE department code is 0402.

Q. What are the institution and department codes for the TOEFL?

The TOEFL institution code is 3351, and the TOEFL department code is 78.

Q. If my GRE scores are low, but I have good grades, can I still get admission?

Our decision takes into account all components of your application. Therefore, it is usually impossible to predict the outcome until you apply and the admissions committee goes over your entire application.

Q. Can I be admitted for the Winter term?

No. We only admit one class each year, matriculating in the Fall term.

Q. Where should I have the transcripts and scores sent?

Send to: Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies Dartmouth College Attn: Computer Science Graduate Admissions Anonymous Hall 64 College St, Suite 6062, Room 102 Hanover NH 03755 Phone: (603) 646-8193

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Ph.d. program requirements.

The PhD degree requires 72 graduate-level credits, including:

  • no 5000-level CS courses
  • these credits traditionally cannot be transferred in, you must actually take at least 6 credits of coursework at UVA to get a UVA PhD
  • CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction) cannot be used to satisfy this 24-credit requirement (but see below)
  • at least 12 credits in any combination of CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction), corresponding to two semesters as a full-time, 20 hour per week TA (see Chapter 3.2)
  • Completion of the Qualifying Examination (see Chapter 5)
  • Completion of the PhD Proposal (see Chapter 6.3)
  • Completion of the Oral Defense of the written Dissertation (see Chapter 6.4)
  • Finally, complete the “ Graduate Student Leave Request ” form (see Section 2.5) to leave the program.

These requirements have significant overlap with the MCS and MS degree requirements; many students choose to earn one of those Master’s degrees as part of their PhD studies.

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 .

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Computer Science, Ph.D.

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We have a thriving Ph.D. program with approximately 80 full-time Ph.D. students hailing from all corners of the world. Most full-time Ph.D. students have scholarships that cover tuition and provide a monthly stipend. Admission is highly competitive. We seek creative, articulate students with undergraduate and master's degrees from top universities worldwide. Our  current research strengths  include data management and analysis, cybersecurity, computer games, visualization, web search, graphics, vision and image processing, and theoretical computer science.

This degree program offers interested students opportunities to do their research abroad, under the supervision of faculty at NYU Shanghai or  NYU Abu Dhabi .

  • View the Computer Science Ph.D. program flyer
  • Admissions requirements for the Ph.D. Program.
  • Find out more about general  Admission Requirements .

To receive a Ph.D. in Computer Science at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, a student must:

  • satisfy a breadth course requirement, intended to ensure broad knowledge of computer science,
  • satisfy a depth requirement, consisting of an oral qualifying exam presentation with a written report, to ensure the student's ability to do research,
  • submit a written thesis proposal and make an oral presentation about the proposal,
  • write a Ph.D. thesis that must be approved by a dissertation guidance committee and present an oral thesis defense, and
  • satisfy all School of Engineering requirements for the Ph.D. degree, as described in the NYU Tandon School of Engineering bulletin, including graduate study duration, credit points, GPA, and time-to-degree requirements.

Upon entering the program, each student will be assigned an advisor who will guide them in formulating an individual study plan directing their course choice for the first two years. The department will hold an annual Ph.D. Student Assessment Meeting, in which all Ph.D. students will be formally reviewed.

Note: for pre-fall 2015 Ph.D. students, please see the pre-fall 2015 Ph.D. Curriculum.

Program Requirements

Details about Breadth and Depth Requirements, Thesis Proposal and Presentation, and Thesis Defense can be found in the NYU Bulletin.

Program Details

Each incoming Ph.D. student will be assigned to a research advisor, or to an interim advisor, who will provide academic advising until the student has a research advisor. The advisor will meet with the student when the student enters the program to guide the student in formulating an Individual Study Plan. The purpose of the plan is to guide the student’s course choice for the first two years in the program and to ensure that the student meets the breadth requirements. The plan may also specify additional courses to be taken by the student in order to acquire necessary background and expertise. Subsequent changes to the plan must be approved by the advisor.

Sample Plan of Study

In order to obtain a Ph.D. degree, a student must complete a minimum of 75 credits of graduate work beyond the BS degree, including at least 21 credits of dissertation. A Master of Science in Computer Science may be transferred as 30 credits without taking individual courses into consideration. Other graduate coursework in Computer Science may be transferred on a course-by-course basis. Graduate coursework in areas other than Computer Science can be transferred on a course-by-course basis with approval of the Ph.D. Committee (PHDC). The School of Engineering places some limits on the number and types of transfer credits that are available. Applications for transfer credits must be submitted for consideration before the end of the first semester of matriculation. 

All Ph.D. students will be formally reviewed each year in a Ph.D. Student Assessment Meeting. The review is conducted by the entire CSE faculty and includes at least the following items (in no particular order):

  • All courses taken, grades received, and GPAs.
  • Research productivity: publications, talks, software, systems, etc.
  • Faculty input, especially from advisors and committee members.
  • Student’s own input.
  • Cumulative history of the student's progress.

As a result of the review, each student will be placed in one of the following two categories, by vote of the faculty:

  • In Good Standing: The student has performed well in the previous semester and may continue in the Ph.D. program for one more year, assuming satisfactory academic progress is maintained.
  • Not in Good Standing: The student has not performed sufficiently well in the previous year. The consequences of not being in good standing will vary, and may include being placed on probation, losing RA/GA/TA funding, or not being allowed to continue in the Ph.D. program.

Following the review, students will receive formal letters which will inform them of their standing. The letters may also make specific recommendations to the student as to what will be expected of them in the following year. A copy of each student’s letter will be placed in the student’s file.

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Program Admissions Chair

Justin Cappos

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Rachel Greenstadt

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Computer Science, PhD

Whiting school of engineering.

The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in the Department of Computer Science is to prepare first-rate scholars in computer science. Successful graduates may assume significant positions in academia, research institutes, industry, or government laboratories.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science are reviewed by a faculty committee. Although specific criteria isn’t rigid, all students admitted must exhibit exceptional intellectual achievements and promise. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, and (for international applicants) TOEFL/IELTS scores. Visit https://engineering.jhu.edu/graduate-admissions/ for more information on the application process.

For details regarding CS Ph.D. program requirements and policies, please visit the Advising Manual on our departmental website.

Financial Aid

All full-time CS Ph.D. students are fully-funded for the duration of their Ph.D. career while in a fulltime, resident status- either in the form of a Research Assistantship directed by members of the faculty, a Teaching Assistantship (at least one semester of TA is required), or a fellowship.  Support includes full tuition and annual health insurance coverage, as well as a monthly living-stipend during the fall and spring academic semesters (9 months).  Students who wish to continue working with their advisor and remain researching/working towards their degree full-time with the University during the summer months will continue to receive their stipend for June, July, and August (as opposed to doing an external internship, etc.).

Program Requirements

University residency.

Two consecutive semesters of residence as a full-time graduate student are required.

Seminar Attendance

All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to maintain satisfactory attendance in the Computer Science Seminar each semester for the duration of their enrollment in the program.  Although seminar attendance is required, the seminar may not be counted toward the qualifying course requirement. Enrollment in the Computer Science Seminar EN.601.801 is required for first and second year students only.

Responsible Conduct of Research and Academic Ethics

All doctoral students are required to take AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research . Students are expected to complete the course by the end of their first year. Failure to do so may result in a loss of funding. Additional information regarding this requirement can be found here: https://engineering.jhu.edu/research/resources-policies-forms/responsible-conduct-of-research-training-for-students-and-postdoctoral-fellows-revised-spring-2020/ . In addition, all doctoral students must complete the course EN.500.603 Graduate Orientation and Academic Ethics .

Qualifying Course Requirements

The Department of Computer Science classifies its courses into five core distribution areas: Applications, Reasoning, Software, Systems and Theory.  Ph.D. candidates must complete eight courses total (3 class hours/credits each), and at least five of those eight courses must be taught in the Department of Computer Science.  Of those courses, four out of the five core distribution areas must be satisfied.  A current  l isting of courses with area designators   is provided on the departmental website. The areas are also encoded as POS (program of study) tags in SIS. Ph.D. students may complete remaining elective graduate courses (chosen from any CS area or from closely related departments such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics and Statistics) for a total of eight courses. Computer Science graduate students may count 600-level and above graduate courses. The coursework program must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor. The overall grade point average for these eight courses must be at least equivalent to a B+. No course with a grade of less than C- may be counted toward this Ph.D. qualifying course requirement. Other than independent study courses, no courses with grades of P or S can be counted toward the coursework requirement. Courses with grades of P or S will not be included in the grade point average calculation. One of the courses required for the degree, but only one, may be replaced by 3 credits from comparable short courses. With approval of the student’s faculty advisor, up to two courses can be transferred from graduate programs of other institutions; more than two such courses can be transferred with approval of the department. It is the obligation of the student to provide all necessary documentation to the Department of Computer Science regarding the course(s) for which transfer credit is being requested. Students are expected to complete the course requirements by the end of their second year as a Ph.D. candidate. 

Qualifying Project Requirements

A Ph.D. student must complete two projects, each under the supervision and written agreement of a different faculty member. One project must be under the supervision of a faculty member with an appointment in the Department of Computer Science (Professor, Research Professor, Visiting or Joint appointment). The second project can be supervised by a different tenure-track or research faculty member in any division of Johns Hopkins, or with advance approval from the department, by any outside researcher.  Upon conclusion of each project, the student must write a “Project Report” describing the project in detail. This report will be a public document and will be kept on file in the department office. The supervising faculty member must approve the project report. Students are expected to complete the qualifying projects by the end of their third year as a Ph.D. candidate. 

Upon completion of the Ph.D. qualifying course requirements and the first qualifying project, students are ordinarily eligible to receive a master of science in engineering degree. The degree will be awarded upon student request.

Graduate Board Oral Examination (GBO)

This examination is a university requirement, ideally taken in the student's third year. The oral exam is administered by a committee consisting 5 members.  Students must select two members from inside the department and two members from outside the department, plus a 5th member who is either inside or outside the department.  The exam seeks to establish the student’s readiness to conduct original research in the area of their “Preliminary Research Proposal,” which should be distributed to the examiners in advance and presented by the student at the start of the exam.

Part-Time Ph.D.

Two consecutive semesters of residence as a full-time graduate student are required by the university. Attempting to obtain a Ph.D. is a major commitment and involves close coordination with a faculty advisor in the department. Part-time students must be able to establish and maintain these close links, therefore part-time study is by advanced and special permission only.

Departmental Seminar

Ph.D. students must give an official departmental seminar on their research area. This is to be done after the GBO and prior to the dissertation defense, or as part of the dissertation defense.

Dissertation and Defense

Ph.D. students must write a dissertation consisting of original research in their chosen area. They must deliver a public presentation of the dissertation before a dissertation committee consisting of the faculty advisor, a second faculty member in the Department of Computer Science (who must have a primary tenure-track appointment in the Department if the advisor does not), and one or more other members with Ph.D. degrees. In conformity with University requirements, the members of the dissertation committee must submit a referee’s letter to the Graduate Board recommending that the dissertation be accepted. Completed dissertations will be formatted and submitted to the Milton S. Eisenhower Library for electronic publication .

Teaching Requirement

All Ph.D. students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant at least one semester during their program of study. As part of the requirement, the supervising course instructor must give the TA an opportunity to be in front of a group of students at least once during the course. Students are required to sign-up for the course EN.601.807 Teaching Practicum  during the semester in which the requirement is being fulfilled, and at the end of the semester their performance will be evaluated by the course instructor.

Student Progress Review

Ph.D. students are reviewed annually by their advisor(s) and the department, and notified in writing as to their standing in the program. Students deemed to not be making satisfactory progress may be placed on probation.

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PhD in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science program provides students with the advanced coursework and groundbreaking research opportunities they need to contribute at the forefront of the world’s fastest-growing fields. Forging knowledge in 15 core areas like artificial intelligence, data science, programming languages, and human-centered computing, you’ll gain significant expertise in conducting and presenting the results of your research. Ultimately, you’ll produce and defend original work that contributes to critical discourse in your chosen area.

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computer science phd full time

Khoury College doctorate students gain deep knowledge and invaluable experience—preparing you for a research career in academia or industry.

Khoury Computer Science PhD graduates have found prestigious positions across industry and academia.

Tenure-track faculty:

  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • University of British Columbia (UBC)
  • Indiana University
  • University of Maryland
  • University College London
  • NC State University
  • UMass Boston
  • City University of Hong Kong

Postdoc research scientists:

  • University of Paris
  • Virginia Tech
  • Microsoft Research
  • GE Global Research

Senior software engineers and industry leaders:

Students graduating with a PhD in Computer Science will:

  • Gain a broad understanding of computer science fundamentals, spanning a substantial portion of the following core areas: artificial intelligence and data science, human-centered computing, software, systems, and theory
  • Gain significant expertise in at least one research area in computer science
  • Produce and defend original research in an area of computer science
  • Be able to communicate research results effectively in both oral and written forms

computer science phd full time

Our flagship campus in Boston is just minutes away from esteemed universities, exciting start-ups, and leaders in tech, finance, health care, and more.

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Ph.D. Program

Ph.D. student Lilian DeGreef and professor Shwetak Patel in the UbiComp Lab

The Allen School provides every student accepted to our Ph.D. program with full financial support in the form of teaching and research assistantships or fellowships, from program inception to degree. Students earn an integrated Master’s Degree on their path to the Ph.D. Key features of our program include:

  • Comprehensive, high-quality graduate computer science curriculum.
  • A vibrant academic and social community.
  • Welcoming and inclusive environment for international students, women, and other underrepresented groups.
  • Robust schedule of colloquia and lectures on current topics in research and technology.
  • Leading-edge interdisciplinary research opportunities, on and off campus.

Our students benefit from many collaborations and relationships that we have developed across the campus and in the region. In addition to being the headquarters of established technology leaders such as Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle is also home to an extensive (and ever-growing) list of engineering centers established by major industry players from outside the Pacific Northwest.

Admission to the Allen School’s Ph.D. program is competitive. Each year, we receive applications from approximately 2,500 prospective graduate students from around the globe for 50 - 60 positions. We accept applications once a year, for entrance in the following autumn quarter. Our application process opens on September 1, and all application materials are due December 15, or the next following business day, if the 15th falls on a weekend. The Allen School hosts its annual Grad Visit Days in March for applicants who have received an offer of admission. This event provides an opportunity for applicants to meet with faculty, get to know their prospective colleagues, and experience the Seattle area’s quality of life.

The Ph.D. Process

The Allen School's Ph.D. process consists of three components: coursework, research, and thesis preparation. At the beginning of the program, students will take graduate-level courses in an array of topics spanning theory, systems, programming, and applications. They will also develop and refine their research skills working with their faculty advisor and other collaborators. These skills include information analysis and synthesis as well as written and verbal presentation capabilities. Student progress is measured at multiple steps throughout the program: the Qualifying Evaluation (a.k.a. “quals”), the General Exam, and the Candidacy of Philosophy, leading to the preparation and defense of their dissertation to obtain their Doctor of Philosophy degree.

Course Guide

Students are required to complete approximately 90 credits on their way to obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science & Engineering from the Allen School, 60 of which must be earned at the University of Washington. Explore our online course guide to peruse available courses, teaching schedules, internship credit, and specialized degree tracks available to Ph.D. students.

Student Handbook

Visit our online student handbook for essential information and advice about being a Ph.D. student in the Allen School, from available fellowships and travel grants, to navigating the annual review of progress, to mentoring undergraduate researchers. This section also contains practical information such as allocation of office space and obtaining health insurance, as well as the forms students will need to complete at various points throughout the program.

The Allen School's graduate advising team is here to guide prospective and current students as they navigate the application and registration process and help tailor the Allen School experience to their education and career goals.

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Academics | PhD Program

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The PhD degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. A broad Computer Science, Engineering, Science background, intensive study, and research experience in a specialized area are the necessary requisites.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is conferred on candidates who have demonstrated to the satisfaction of our Department in the following areas:

  • high attainment in a particular field of knowledge, and
  • the ability to do independent investigation and present the results of such research.

They must satisfy the general requirements for advanced degrees, and the program requirements specified by our Department.

computer science phd full time

Program Requirements

On average, the program is completed in five to six years, depending on the student’s research and progress.

computer science phd full time

Progress Guidelines

Students should consider the progress guidelines to ensure that they are making reasonable progress.

computer science phd full time

Monitoring Progress

Annual reviews only apply to PhD students in their second year or later; yearly meetings are held for all PhD students.

CS PhD Course Guidelines

The following program guidelines (a.k.a model pogram) serve as a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest.   This description of the Computer Science PhD course guidelines augments the school-wide  PhD course requirements .   Students should make themselves familiar with both.

Course Guidelines for Ph.D. Students in Computer Science

We expect students to obtain broad knowledge of computer science by taking graduate level courses in a variety of sub-areas in computer science, such as systems, networking, databases, algorithms, complexity, hardware, human-computer interaction, graphics, or programming languages.

Within our school, CS courses are roughly organized according to sub-area by their middle digit, so we expect students to take courses in a minimum of three distinct sub-areas, one of which should be theory (denoted by the middle digit of 2, or CS 231). Theory is specifically required as we expect all students to obtain some background in the mathematical foundations that underlie computer science. The intention is not only to give breadth to students, but to ensure cross-fertilization across different sub-disciplines in Computer Science.

Just as we expect all students obtaining a Ph.D. to have experience with the theoretical foundations of computer science, we expect all students to have some knowledge of how to build large software or hardware systems , on the order of thousands of lines of code, or the equivalent complexity in hardware. That experience may be evidenced by coursework or by a project submitted to the CHD for examination. In almost all cases a course numbered CS 26x or CS 24x will satisfy the requirement (exceptions will be noted in the course description on my.harvard). Students may also petition to use CS 161 for this requirement.   For projects in other courses, research projects, or projects done in internships the student is expected to write a note explaining the project, include a link to any relevant artifacts or outcomes, describe the student's individual contribution, and where appropriate obtain a note from their advisor, their class instructor, or their supervisors confirming their contributions.  The project must include learning about systems concepts, and not just writing many lines of code.   Students hoping to invoke the non-CS24x/26x/161 option must consult with  Prof. Mickens ,  Prof, Kung,  or  Prof. Idreos  well in advance of submitting their Program Plan to the CHD.  

Computer science is an applied science, with connections to many fields. Learning about and connecting computer science to other fields is a key part of an advanced education in computer science. These connections may introduce relevant background, or they may provide an outlet for developing new applications.

For example, mathematics courses may be appropriate for someone working in theory, linguistics courses may be appropriate for someone working in computational linguistics, economics courses may be appropriate for those working in algorithmic economics, electrical engineering courses may be appropriate for those working in circuit design, and design courses may be appropriate for someone working in user interfaces.

Requirements

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) requires all Ph.D. students to complete 16 half-courses (“courses”, i.e., for 4 units of credit) to complete their degree. Of those 16 courses, a Ph.D. in Computer Science requires 10 letter-graded courses. (The remaining 6 courses are often 300-level research courses or other undergraduate or graduate coursework beyond the 10 required courses.)

The requirements for the 10 letter-graded courses are as follows:

  • Of the 7 technical courses, at least 3 must be 200-level Computer Science courses, with 3 different middle digits (from the set 2,3,4,5,6,7,8), and with one of these three courses either having a middle digit of 2 or being CS 231 (i.e., a “theory” course).   Note that CS courses with a middle digit of 0 are valid technical courses, but do not contribute to the breadth requirement.
  • At least 5 of the 8 disciplinary courses must be SEAS or SEAS-equivalent 200-level courses. A “SEAS equivalent” course is a course taught by a SEAS faculty member in another FAS department. 
  • For any MIT course taken, the student must provide justification why the MIT course is necessary (i.e. SEAS does not offer the topic, the SEAS course has not been offered in recent years, etc.). MIT courses do not count as part of the 5 200-level SEAS/SEAS-equivalent courses. 
  • 2 of the 10 courses must constitute an external minor (referred to as "breadth" courses in the SEAS “ Policies of the Committee on Higher Degrees [CHD] ”) in an area outside of computer science. These courses should be clearly related; generally, this will mean the two courses are in the same discipline, although this is not mandatory. These courses must be distinct from the 8 disciplinary courses referenced above.
  • Students must demonstrate practical competence by building a large software or hardware system during the course of their graduate studies. This requirement will generally be met through a class project, but it can also be met through work done in the course of a summer internship, or in the course of research.
  • In particular, for Computer Science graduate degrees, Applied Computation courses may be counted as 100-level courses, not 200-level courses.
  • Up to 2 of the 10 courses can be 299r courses, but only 1 of the up to 2 allowed 299r courses can count toward the 8 disciplinary courses. 299r courses do not count toward the 5 200-level SEAS/SEAS-equivalent courses. If two 299r’s are taken, they can be with the same faculty but the topics must be sufficiently different.
  • A maximum of 3 graduate-level transfer classes are allowed to count towards the 10 course requirement.
  • All CS Ph.D. program plans must adhere to the SEAS-wide Ph.D. requirements, which are stated in the SEAS Policies of the Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD) . These SEAS-wide requirements are included in the items listed above, though students are encouraged to read the CHD document if there are questions, as the CHD document provides further explanation/detail on several of the items above.
  • All program plans must be approved by the CHD. Exceptions to any of these requirements require a detailed written explanation of the reasoning for the exception from the student and the student’s research advisor. Exceptions can only be approved by the CHD, and generally exceptions will only be given for unusual circumstances specific to the student’s research program.

Requirement Notes

  • Courses below the 100-level are not suitable for graduate credit.
  • For students who were required to take it, CS 2091/2092 (formerly CS 290a/b or 290hfa/hfb may be included as one of the 10 courses but it does not count toward the 200-level CS or SEAS/SEAS-equivalent course requirements nor toward the SM en route to the PhD.

Your program plan  must always comply  with both our school's General Requirements, in addition to complying with the specific requirements for Computer Science. All program plans must be approved by the Committee on Higher Degrees [CHD]. Exceptions to the requirements can only be approved by the CHD, and generally will only be given for unusual circumstances specific to the student’s research program

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PhD Program

computer science phd full time

In many ways, the PhD program is the cornerstone of Computer Science at Boston University.  Our PhD students serve some of the most central roles of our department, from pursuing sponsored research together with supervising faculty members as Research Assistants, to serving as Teaching Fellows in support of our undergraduate and graduate curriculum.

Pursuing the PhD degree enables you to become an expert in a technical subfield of Computer Science and advance the state of the art by contributing original research in that discipline. Most PhD students also gain practical experience in the classroom, as well as, becoming a visible member of the research community by publishing research and delivering oral presentations at conferences and research seminars.

Upon completing your PhD degree, you will be able to set your own research direction, teach and advise students, and work at the forefront of cutting-edge research in academia or at an industrial laboratory.

Learning Outcomes

  • Produce and defend original research in the field of Computer Science.
  • Master broad knowledge of Computer Science across algorithms, software, systems, theory of computation, and in one of the areas of artificial intelligence, computer graphics, cryptography & security, and data science .
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a particular subject area within Computer Science.
  • Actively participate in the Computer Science research community, for example by attending academic conferences and submitting research results for publication in professional conferences and journals.
  • Be able to effectively communicate the results of research.

We invite you to learn more about our program through the links below.

PhD Program Information

  • Program Milestones
  • Breadth Requirements
  • Subject Exams
  • Specimen Curriculum

Fellowships & Awards

  • Computer Science Fellowship Opportunities
  • Research Excellence Award
  • Teaching Excellence Award
  • Teaching Fellow Expectations

More Information

  • PhD in Computer Science – Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GRS) Bulletin
  • Graduate School of the College of Arts and Sciences (GRS) PhD Requirements
  • Graduation Calendar
  • PhD Profile for Computer Science

Apply Today

To apply to the Ph.D. program, please fill out an online application .

Deadline: December 15 for Fall admission.

With questions about admissions, please contact us at [email protected] .

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Pursuing A Part-Time Phd In Computer Science: What You Need To Know

Earning a PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement in computer science, opening doors to research, teaching, and leadership roles. But taking 4+ years off work for a full-time program isn’t feasible for everyone.

Part-time PhD options allow professionals to attain this goal while continuing their careers.

If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: Part-time CS PhD programs typically take 5-7 years to complete . They provide flexibility for working students but require diligence to balance school, research, and professional demands.

The Benefits of a Part-Time CS PhD

Progress academically without leaving your job.

A part-time PhD in Computer Science offers the unique opportunity to advance your academic career while still maintaining your professional commitments. This flexibility allows you to continue working in your current job, providing financial stability and practical application of your studies.

Balancing work and study can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. By pursuing a part-time PhD, you can deepen your knowledge in your chosen field and make significant contributions to the advancement of computer science.

Network with faculty and peers in your field

One of the key advantages of pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science is the opportunity to network with esteemed faculty members and like-minded peers who share your passion for the subject. Interacting with experts in the field can provide valuable insights, guidance, and collaboration opportunities.

Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars can further expand your network and expose you to the latest developments in computer science. Building these connections can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your career prospects.

Strengthen research skills and resume

A part-time PhD program allows you to develop and refine your research skills, which are highly valued in the field of computer science. Through conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and writing scholarly papers, you can enhance your ability to critically think, problem solve, and contribute to the body of knowledge in your area of expertise.

Moreover, having a PhD in Computer Science on your resume demonstrates your dedication, perseverance, and expertise, making you a highly sought-after candidate for both academic and industry positions.

Program Structure and Requirements

Reduced course load each semester.

Pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science offers flexibility in terms of course load. Unlike full-time students, part-time students typically take a reduced number of courses each semester. This allows them to balance their academic commitments with other personal and professional responsibilities.

By taking fewer courses at a time, part-time students can focus on their coursework more effectively and ensure a better understanding of the material.

Original dissertation research

The cornerstone of a part-time PhD program in Computer Science is the dissertation research. Students are required to embark on an original research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This research should contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field and demonstrate a deep understanding of a specific area of computer science.

The research can involve developing new algorithms, designing innovative software systems, or exploring cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifying exams and proposal defense

Part-time PhD students in Computer Science are typically required to pass qualifying exams to demonstrate their readiness for conducting research. These exams assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in the field.

Once the exams are passed, students need to prepare a research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected contributions of their dissertation. The proposal is then defended in front of a committee of faculty members who evaluate its feasibility and significance.

It’s important to note that the specific structure and requirements of a part-time PhD program in Computer Science may vary depending on the institution. It is advisable to consult the program’s official website or contact the program coordinator for more detailed information.

Finding the Right Program

When pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science, finding the right program is crucial for success. Here are some key factors to consider:

On-campus and online options

One of the first decisions to make is whether to pursue your PhD on-campus or online. On-campus programs offer the benefit of face-to-face interactions with professors and fellow students, while online programs provide flexibility for those who are working or have other commitments.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that aligns best with your lifestyle and goals.

Focus on faculty research expertise

Another important factor to consider when choosing a program is the faculty’s research expertise. Look for programs where the faculty members have research interests and expertise that align with your own.

This will ensure that you receive guidance and mentorship from experts in your field of interest. Additionally, professors with strong research backgrounds can provide valuable networking opportunities and connections in the industry.

Funding availability

Funding is a significant consideration for many part-time PhD students. Look for programs that offer funding options such as scholarships, grants, or assistantships. These can help alleviate the financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies.

It’s also worth exploring external funding opportunities from organizations or government agencies that support research in your field.

Managing Your Time Effectively

Stay organized with schedules and goals.

When pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science, time management becomes crucial. It is important to create a schedule that includes dedicated study hours, research time, and coursework completion. By setting goals for each week or month, you can track your progress and ensure that you are staying on track.

One effective strategy is to use a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and other important events. By having a visual representation of your commitments, you can prioritize your tasks and allocate time accordingly.

Additionally, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can help you stay organized and prevent overwhelm. By setting realistic goals for each study session, you can make progress towards your PhD while still managing other responsibilities.

Communicate needs clearly at work

When pursuing a part-time PhD, it is essential to communicate your needs with your employer or colleagues. Letting them know about your academic commitments and the time required for your studies can help them understand your availability and make necessary adjustments.

Consider having a conversation with your supervisor or manager to discuss your situation and explore potential flexible working arrangements. This could include adjusting your work schedule, reducing your workload, or even exploring opportunities for research collaboration between your job and your PhD.

Open and honest communication can go a long way in ensuring that both your work and academic responsibilities are managed effectively.

Leverage support systems

Pursuing a part-time PhD can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. It is crucial to leverage the support systems available to you.

Reach out to your academic advisor or supervisor for guidance and support. They can provide valuable insights on managing your time, selecting courses, and balancing your academic and work commitments.

Additionally, consider joining or forming study groups with fellow part-time PhD students. Collaborating with others who are facing similar challenges can provide a sense of camaraderie and support. You can share study materials, discuss research ideas, and offer each other encouragement along the way.

Lastly, don’t forget about the support of your family and friends. Let them know about your academic journey and the challenges you may face. Their understanding and encouragement can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Remember, pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science requires dedication, discipline, and effective time management. By staying organized, communicating your needs, and leveraging support systems, you can successfully navigate this exciting academic journey while maintaining a balance with your work and personal life.

Completion, Careers and Next Steps

Job prospects post-phd.

Completing a part-time PhD in computer science opens up a world of exciting job prospects. With a doctoral degree in this field, you are well-equipped to pursue highly specialized positions in both industry and academia.

The demand for computer science professionals continues to grow, and obtaining a PhD can give you a competitive edge in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This means that there will be ample opportunities for individuals with advanced degrees in computer science.

Potential teaching and research roles

One of the key benefits of earning a PhD in computer science is the opportunity to pursue teaching and research roles. Many universities and research institutions are constantly seeking experts in the field to join their faculty and contribute to cutting-edge research.

As a PhD holder, you can become a professor, teaching and mentoring the next generation of computer scientists. Additionally, you can engage in research projects, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field and making significant contributions to the advancement of technology.

The opportunity to share your expertise and make a lasting impact in the academic community is truly rewarding.

Higher salaries and senior positions

Earning a PhD in computer science can also lead to higher salaries and senior positions. With the advanced knowledge and skills gained during your doctoral studies, you become a valuable asset to companies and organizations.

Employers often recognize the expertise and dedication required to complete a PhD, and are willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent. In addition, holding a doctoral degree can open doors to senior management and leadership positions, where you can have a greater influence on strategic decisions and shape the direction of the company.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, computer science PhD graduates earned an average starting salary of $123,000 in 2020, significantly higher than those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

While requiring diligence and time management skills, part-time computer science PhD programs make this high-level credential attainable for busy professionals. From strengthening your research abilities to opening new career doors, the long-term benefits of earning a PhD on a flexible schedule are immense.

If you’re willing to balance work, research, and coursework, a part-time CS PhD can help you achieve your pinnacle academic and career aspirations.

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PhD Computer Science / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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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.

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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.

computer science phd full time

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.

computer science phd full time

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

computer science phd full time

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

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

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

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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 .

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

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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 .

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Computer Science (Structured PhD)

  • Find a Supervisor/PhD Project
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  • Structured Programmes
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Course Overview

Course fees.

The Structured PhD, full-time, is a 4-year programme which offers added value to the core component of doctoral training. Students on this programme are offered disciplinary or dissertation specific modules, as well as generic and transferable skills designed to meet the needs of an employment market that is wider than academia.

The programme is flexible and student centred, as candidates choose their own pathways in consultation with their Supervisor and Graduate Research Committee.

Part-time programme:  The part-time Structured PhD is a 6-year programme which offers added value to the core component of doctoral training. Students on this programme are offered disciplinary or dissertation specific modules, as well as generic and transferable skills designed to meet the needs of an employment market that is wider than academia.

The programme is flexible and student-centered as candidates choose their own pathways in consultation with their Supervisor and Graduate Research Committee.

Programmes Available

Structured PhD (full-time, four years) Structured PhD (part-time, six years) Applications are made online via the NUI Galway  Postgraduate Applications System . 

Learning Outcomes

Entry requirements.

PhD—high Honours standard in the primary degree in related discipline.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Current research projects.

Please visit:  https://cs.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/school-of-computer-science/research/researchtopics/ .

Current funded research opportunity

Work placement, related student organisations, career opportunities, find a supervisor / phd project.

If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search

Current Projects

  • Artificial Intelligence 
  • Collaborative Virtual Environments 
  • Computational Intelligence 
  • Computers and Society 
  • Distributed Systems and Cooperative Systems 
  • Energy Informatics and Sensor Networks 
  • Enterprise Computing 
  • Image Processing 
  • Machine Learning and Data Mining 
  • Medical Informatics 
  • Simulation and System Dynamics

Researcher Profiles

To view a list of current topics undertaken in the School: https://cs.universityofgalway.ie/science-engineering/school-of-computer-science/research/researchtopics/ .

Fees: Non EU

Extra information.

EU Part time: Year 1 €4,250 p.a. (€4,390 including levy) 2024/25

All students, irrespective of funding, must pay the student levy of €140.

E:   [email protected]

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What Our Students Say

Declan

Declan Mungovan |   PhD (Networks and Agent- Based Simulation)

Pursuing a PhD at NUI Galway has been a great experience in terms of working on leading-edge research topics, interacting with academics and industry at international conferences, and developing core computer science and architecture skills that are an excellent foundation for a career in the software industry.

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024 PDF (3.3MB)

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2024 Best Part Time PhD in Computer Science Programs

If you’re interested in working with computers at an advanced level and solving complex technical problems in relation to operating systems, programming, and algorithms, then earning a part time PhD in Computer Science may be a beneficial path for you to consider.

PhD in Computer Science

With an on campus or online PhD in Computer Science , you may have access to a variety of career paths that offer higher than average salaries and positive job growth.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

A terminal degree in computer science may allow you to use your expertise to teach others, contribute to growing research and knowledge in the field, or execute tasks for an organization.

Universities Offering Part Time PhD in Computer Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

DePaul University

DePaul University allows part-time enrollment in its rigorous PhD in Computer and Information Sciences program. This research-based program lets students demonstrate a heightened awareness of their field and prepares them to write and defend an academic dissertation. Small classes make support from faculty highly accessible at DU.

DePaul University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

Drexel University has an award-winning Doctorate in Computer Science program that helps students develop expertise in computing and informatics.

Students enrolled in this part-time program conduct extensive research in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, data analytics, and much more. Students have access to research facilities and labs to assist in their learning journeys.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia State University

Georgia State University’s PhD in Computer Science blends academic coursework, rigorous research, and dissertation studies.

The program gives students a well-rounded educational opportunity, helping them advance in the information technology field. Graduates from this program can be teachers, researchers, or leaders in the business world. Part-time students are welcome to apply.

Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Stevens Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Computer Science program at the Stevens Institute of Technology are connected with experts from around the world. They learn valuable information to help them excel in this ever-growing industry. Research dissertations begin immediately at SIT, so students have the opportunity to focus on this rigorous endeavor.

Stevens Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Notre Dame

The PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Notre Dame focuses on the areas of artificial intelligence, algorithms and theory, nanotechnology, and much more. Students in this program have the opportunity to complete academic research related to their area of interest and become experts in the area they choose.

Notre Dame is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Part Time PhD in Computer Science

part-time CS PhD

Part time doctoral programs in computer science may be offered in an online or on-campus format, but program offerings vary widely from school to school.

Doctoral programs are intended to help prepare you for advanced positions in computer science by building on existing skills and knowledge developed in bachelors- or masters-level programs. As an example, you may have earned a part time masters in computer science and are now ready to take your skills to the doctoral level in a part time program.

You may increase your understanding of operating systems, computer engineering, programming languages, and information networks, among other topics. Due to the part-time attendance structure, these programs are often ideal for working professionals who are looking to advance their education while maintaining regular employment.

Many students feel that computer science is hard , so the part-time structure may also be a good fit if you need to balance other life or family responsibilities. Pursuing a part-time PhD program in computer science may require you to complete a variety of courses.

Some of these courses may include theoretical foundations of computer science, algorithm design, software engineering, computer programming, programming languages, and data structures. Additional coursework may include calculus, software modeling, network security, machine learning, and data visualization.

Common career options with a Ph.D. in Computer Science include teaching positions at universities along with professional research roles within academic institutions, the government, or think tank organizations.

You may also find rewarding employment in positions such as computer and information systems manager, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, software quality assurance analyst, or information security analyst.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time PhD in Computer Science

computer programmer working

Choosing whether to attend a PhD in Computer Science part-time or full-time may depend on a variety of factors, including which format best fits into your life, how long it will take for you to complete the program, and the manner in which you will attend your classes.

You may want the flexibility of earning an online computer science degree , or you may prefer the structure that accompanies in-person learning.

PhD in Computer science student

Earning a doctorate in computer science generally requires the completion of 72 to 90 credits. The number of required credits may vary from school to school.

Whether you choose to study online or on-campus, you may be able to attend courses on evenings or weekends. Notably, as with the best online computer science masters degree programs, online PhD programs may offer a more flexible course structure so that you can attend online lectures whenever it fits into your schedule. With this option, you wouldn’t have to attend at a specific time on a certain date.

On the other hand, you may prefer to attend courses in-person to benefit from networking with other students or from a more structured learning environment.

Time to Completion

PhD in CS student

While part-time and full-time attendance will require you to complete the same number of credits, the two options may take varying amounts of time to complete. Studying on a part-time basis may extend the length of time required to obtain your degree.

The amount of time it takes may depend on the number of courses you are able to complete each semester. It may also depend on how long it takes for you to complete any dissertation requirements that may be needed in order to graduate.

Pros and Cons

Careers and salaries in computer science.

Careers and Salaries in Computer Science

Expertise in the field of computer science is a skillset that can be leveraged across virtually all sectors of the economy.

You may pursue work in local and national government bodies, computer system firms, research facilities, banks and insurance companies, and nonprofit organizations. Terminal degrees in the field may also prepare you for positions in education and academia.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , positions in the field of computer and information technology earn an average of $91,250 per year and have a positive job growth rate of 11%.

A number of positions available to you with a PhD in Computer Science are expected to experience growth over the coming years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions include computer network architects (5%), computer systems analysts (7%), computer and information research scientists (15%), and information security analysts (31%).

Computer Science Doctoral Courses

Software Engineers in office

Coursework in a part time doctoral program in computer science may cover a wide range of topics in order to provide you with the expertise required to graduate from the terminal degree program.

  • Software Engineering : This course looks at methods used in the development of software, including system design, testing, and validation.
  • Computational Intelligence : This course is a review of computer intelligence foundational practices and techniques, including granular computing, data mining, and distribution.
  • Operating Systems : This course is an overview of topics related to operating systems, resource management, and system implementation.
  • Advanced Image Processing : You’ll take a look at image digitalization, processing, and enhancement practices as well as restoration, filtering, and segmentation.
  • Network Security : This course is an advanced exploration of various areas of network security, including security standards-SSL and TLS and SET, authentication, and digital certificates.
  • Modeling and Simulation : You’ll review modeling and simulation theories and applications in the field of computer science.
  • Data Mining : This course is an overview of graph mining practices and algorithms, including R-MAT graph generators, PageRank, and SimRank.
  • Programming Language Concepts : You’ll review programming language fundamentals, including syntax and binding times.
  • Logic Programming : This course is an overview of deductive databases in applications and logic programming in computer science.
  • Human-Computer Interactions : You’ll explore current and emerging trends and topics in the area of advanced computer and human interactions.

In addition to finishing all required coursework, you may need to complete a dissertation to graduate with your degree.

PhD in Com Sci student

While admission requirements for a PhD in Computer Science part-time program may vary from school to school, some common criteria include:

  • Completion of a bachelor’s or master’s degree . Some schools may allow you to apply for admission with a bachelor-level education while others may require you to hold a master’s degree.
  • GRE or GMAT scores . While this requirement is becoming less common, some schools may still request your test scores in order to apply for their programs.
  • Letter of reference . You may be required to submit reference letters from previous academic supervisors or employers speaking to your fit and qualifications for the program.

In addition to the above requirements, some schools may require you to complete an online application, provide a copy of your resume or CV, and write a letter of intent.

Accreditation

PhD in Computer Science Accreditation

When a school is regionally accredited, it means that the programs offered are of high academic quality and have met a predetermined set of quality standards.

The accreditation status of a program can not only impact your ability to transfer credits to other programs but may also influence your ability to qualify for financial aid. An accredited degree may also be perceived as better quality by potential employers, and they may place higher regard on your qualifications and expertise.

You may find out if the school you’re interested in attending offers an accredited computer science PhD program by searching the U.S. Department of Education’s website .

Financial Aid

PhD in Computer Science Financial Aid

There are a number of resources available that you may be eligible for that can help cover the costs related to part time doctorate programs.

Financial aid opportunities for your PhD education may include federal or state grant and loan programs, scholarships offered by private or public organizations, or even a training program through your employer.

In some cases, the school where you obtain your PhD may also offer financial support. Depending on the school’s specific offerings, you may be able to obtain funding for the cost of tuition as well as a stipend for living expenses. This is the case even at the best computer science universities .

For more information on financial aid, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website .

Should I Get a PhD in Computer Science?

Computer Network Architects at work

Obtaining a PhD in Computer Science may require you to invest time in courses such as theoretical foundations of computer science, algorithm design, software engineering, data structures, software modeling, network security, machine learning, and data visualization.

You may also undertake a great deal of research in order to complete your dissertation. If you enjoy solving complex issues and working with technology at an advanced level, then a terminal degree in computer science might be a beneficial path for you to consider.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Computer Science?

There are a variety of careers that you may pursue with a PhD in Computer Science. These include computer and information systems manager, computer and information research scientist, computer hardware engineer, computer network architect, and software quality assurance analyst.

Other career options may include software developer and programmer, information security analyst, computer systems analyst, postsecondary teacher, or network and computer system administrator. After obtaining your degree, you may be prepared to even open your own business offering consulting services.

Are There Any Part Time PhD Programs?

Computer Programmers working together

Yes, there are PhD programs in computer science that can be attended on a part-time basis. The specific number of credits required to graduate may vary from school to school, but PhD programs in computer science generally require you to complete between 72 to 90 credits.

The number of credits required remains the same regardless of whether you enroll on a part-time or full-time basis. Attending part-time, though, will often take you longer to complete your degree than a full-time study schedule.

Depending on the program you choose to enroll in, you may have the opportunity to attend courses online or on-campus on a part-time basis.

Does a Part Time PhD Have Value?

The educational value of a part-time PhD program should be similar to that of a full-time program. The primary difference is that a part-time PhD program will often take you longer to complete since your course load will be less per semester than the full-time option.

Other factors that may influence the value of a part-time PhD also impact the value of the full-time counterpart. One such factor may include the accreditation status of the program or school you’re attending.

How Long Does a Part Time PhD in Computer Science Take?

Computer Programmers working

Traditional PhD computer science programs may require you to complete between 72 to 90 course credits. With full-time attendance, this may be completed within 3 to 5 years.

Part-time studies inevitably extend the length of time it may take for you to graduate from a program, but the specific amount of time will vary depending on the course load you have each semester. For example, if you have half of the regular course load each semester, then you can expect the program to take you twice as long to complete.

There may be other factors, though, that can influence the length of time required to complete your degree part-time. These factors may include maintaining enrollment continuously throughout the calendar year or transferring previously earned credits into your program.

Is a PhD in Computer Science Worth It?

computer programmers in meeting

Yes, a PhD in Computer Science is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology jobs are set to grow at 11% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common computer science careers in this field include postsecondary computer science teacher, computer and information systems manager, computer and information research scientist, computer hardware engineer, and computer network architect.

In these positions, you may find employment within government institutions, private sector businesses, nonprofits, educational facilities, or within your own business as a self-employed consultant.

Getting Your PhD Part Time

PhD in Com Sci online

Earning a PhD in Computer Science may offer you the opportunity for a challenging and rewarding career. You may have the ability to teach aspiring computer scientists, contribute to research in the field, or apply your knowledge in a hands-on manner for various organizations.

Part-time PhD programs in computer science may prepare you to leverage your expertise in the theoretical foundations of computer science, algorithm design, network security, and data structures, among other areas.

If you’re interested in advancing your career in this rewarding field, then you may want to research various accredited, part-time PhD computer science programs to find the one that best suits your schedule and your professional goals.

computer science phd full time

Universities Have a Computer-Science Problem

The case for teaching coders to speak French

Photo of college students working at their computers as part of a hackathon at Berkeley in 2018

Listen to this article

Produced by ElevenLabs and News Over Audio (NOA) using AI narration.

Updated at 5:37 p.m. ET on March 22, 2024

Last year, 18 percent of Stanford University seniors graduated with a degree in computer science, more than double the proportion of just a decade earlier. Over the same period at MIT, that rate went up from 23 percent to 42 percent . These increases are common everywhere: The average number of undergraduate CS majors at universities in the U.S. and Canada tripled in the decade after 2005, and it keeps growing . Students’ interest in CS is intellectual—culture moves through computation these days—but it is also professional. Young people hope to access the wealth, power, and influence of the technology sector.

That ambition has created both enormous administrative strain and a competition for prestige. At Washington University in St. Louis, where I serve on the faculty of the Computer Science & Engineering department, each semester brings another set of waitlists for enrollment in CS classes. On many campuses, students may choose to study computer science at any of several different academic outposts, strewn throughout various departments. At MIT, for example, they might get a degree in “Urban Studies and Planning With Computer Science” from the School of Architecture, or one in “Mathematics With Computer Science” from the School of Science, or they might choose from among four CS-related fields within the School of Engineering. This seepage of computing throughout the university has helped address students’ booming interest, but it also serves to bolster their demand.

Another approach has gained in popularity. Universities are consolidating the formal study of CS into a new administrative structure: the college of computing. MIT opened one in 2019. Cornell set one up in 2020. And just last year, UC Berkeley announced that its own would be that university’s first new college in more than half a century. The importance of this trend—its significance for the practice of education, and also of technology—must not be overlooked. Universities are conservative institutions, steeped in tradition. When they elevate computing to the status of a college, with departments and a budget, they are declaring it a higher-order domain of knowledge and practice, akin to law or engineering. That decision will inform a fundamental question: whether computing ought to be seen as a superfield that lords over all others, or just a servant of other domains, subordinated to their interests and control. This is, by no happenstance, also the basic question about computing in our society writ large.

When I was an undergraduate at the University of Southern California in the 1990s, students interested in computer science could choose between two different majors: one offered by the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and one from the School of Engineering. The two degrees were similar, but many students picked the latter because it didn’t require three semesters’ worth of study of a (human) language, such as French. I chose the former, because I like French.

An American university is organized like this, into divisions that are sometimes called colleges , and sometimes schools . These typically enjoy a good deal of independence to define their courses of study and requirements as well as research practices for their constituent disciplines. Included in this purview: whether a CS student really needs to learn French.

The positioning of computer science at USC was not uncommon at the time. The first academic departments of CS had arisen in the early 1960s, and they typically evolved in one of two ways: as an offshoot of electrical engineering (where transistors got their start), housed in a college of engineering; or as an offshoot of mathematics (where formal logic lived), housed in a college of the arts and sciences. At some universities, including USC, CS found its way into both places at once.

The contexts in which CS matured had an impact on its nature, values, and aspirations. Engineering schools are traditionally the venue for a family of professional disciplines, regulated with licensure requirements for practice. Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, nuclear engineers, and others are tasked to build infrastructure that humankind relies on, and they are expected to solve problems. The liberal-arts field of mathematics, by contrast, is concerned with theory and abstraction. The relationship between the theoretical computer scientists in mathematics and the applied ones in engineers is a little like the relationship between biologists and doctors, or physicists and bridge builders. Keeping applied and pure versions of a discipline separate allows each to focus on its expertise, but limits the degree to which one can learn from the other.

Read: Programmers, stop calling yourself engineers

By the time I arrived at USC, some universities had already started down a different path. In 1988, Carnegie Mellon University created what it says was one of the first dedicated schools of computer science. Georgia Institute of Technology followed two years later. “Computing was going to be a big deal,” says Charles Isbell, a former dean of Georgia Tech’s college of computing and now the provost at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Emancipating the field from its prior home within the college of engineering gave it room to grow, he told me. Within a decade, Georgia Tech had used this structure to establish new research and teaching efforts in computer graphics, human-computer interaction, and robotics. (I spent 17 years on the faculty there, working for Isbell and his predecessors, and teaching computational media.)

Kavita Bala, Cornell University’s dean of computing, told me that the autonomy and scale of a college allows her to avoid jockeying for influence and resources. MIT’s computing dean, Daniel Huttenlocher, says that the speed at which computing evolves justifies the new structure.

But the computing industry isn’t just fast-moving. It’s also reckless. Technology tycoons say they need space for growth, and warn that too much oversight will stifle innovation. Yet we might all be better off, in certain ways, if their ambitions were held back even just a little. Instead of operating with a deep understanding or respect for law, policy, justice, health, or cohesion, tech firms tend to do whatever they want . Facebook sought growth at all costs, even if its take on connecting people tore society apart . If colleges of computing serve to isolate young, future tech professionals from any classrooms where they might imbibe another school’s culture and values—engineering’s studied prudence, for example, or the humanities’ focus on deliberation—this tendency might only worsen.

Read: The moral failure of computer scientists

When I raised this concern with Isbell, he said that the same reasoning could apply to any influential discipline, including medicine and business. He’s probably right, but that’s cold comfort. The mere fact that universities allow some other powerful fiefdoms to exist doesn’t make computing’s centralization less concerning. Isbell admitted that setting up colleges of computing “absolutely runs the risk” of empowering a generation of professionals who may already be disengaged from consequences to train the next one in their image. Inside a computing college, there may be fewer critics around who can slow down bad ideas. Disengagement might redouble. But he said that dedicated colleges could also have the opposite effect. A traditional CS department in a school of engineering would be populated entirely by computer scientists, while the faculty for a college of computing like the one he led at Georgia Tech might also house lawyers, ethnographers, psychologists, and even philosophers like me. Huttenlocher repeatedly emphasized that the role of the computing college is to foster collaboration between CS and other disciplines across the university. Bala told me that her college was established not to teach CS on its own but to incorporate policy, law, sociology, and other fields into its practice. “I think there are no downsides,” she said.

Mark Guzdial is a former faculty member in Georgia Tech’s computing college, and he now teaches computer science in the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering. At Michigan, CS wasn’t always housed in engineering—Guzdial says it started out inside the philosophy department, as part of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Now that college “wants it back,” as one administrator told Guzdial. Having been asked to start a program that teaches computing to liberal-arts students, Guzdial has a new perspective on these administrative structures. He learned that Michigan’s Computer Science and Engineering program and its faculty are “despised” by their counterparts in the humanities and social sciences. “They’re seen as arrogant, narrowly focused on machines rather than people, and unwilling to meet other programs’ needs,” he told me. “I had faculty refuse to talk to me because I was from CSE.”

In other words, there may be downsides just to placing CS within an engineering school, let alone making it an independent college. Left entirely to themselves, computer scientists can forget that computers are supposed to be tools that help people. Georgia Tech’s College of Computing worked “because the culture was always outward-looking. We sought to use computing to solve others’ problems,” Guzdial said. But that may have been a momentary success. Now, at Michigan, he is trying to rebuild computing education from scratch, for students in fields such as French and sociology. He wants them to understand it as a means of self-expression or achieving justice—and not just a way of making software, or money.

Early in my undergraduate career, I decided to abandon CS as a major. Even as an undergraduate, I already had a side job in what would become the internet industry, and computer science, as an academic field, felt theoretical and unnecessary. Reasoning that I could easily get a job as a computer professional no matter what it said on my degree, I decided to study other things while I had the chance.

I have a strong memory of processing the paperwork to drop my computer-science major in college, in favor of philosophy. I walked down a quiet, blue-tiled hallway of the engineering building. All the faculty doors were closed, although the click-click of mechanical keyboards could be heard behind many of them. I knocked on my adviser’s door; she opened it, silently signed my paperwork without inviting me in, and closed the door again. The keyboard tapping resumed.

The whole experience was a product of its time, when computer science was a field composed of oddball characters, working by themselves, and largely disconnected from what was happening in the world at large. Almost 30 years later, their projects have turned into the infrastructure of our daily lives. Want to find a job? That’s LinkedIn. Keep in touch? Gmail, or Instagram. Get news? A website like this one, we hope, but perhaps TikTok. My university uses a software service sold by a tech company to run its courses. Some things have been made easier with computing. Others have been changed to serve another end, like scaling up an online business.

Read: So much for ‘learn to code’

The struggle to figure out the best organizational structure for computing education is, in a way, a microcosm of the struggle under way in the computing sector at large. For decades, computers were tools used to accomplish tasks better and more efficiently. Then computing became the way we work and live. It became our culture, and we began doing what computers made possible, rather than using computers to solve problems defined outside their purview. Tech moguls became famous, wealthy, and powerful. So did CS academics (relatively speaking). The success of the latter—in terms of rising student enrollments, research output, and fundraising dollars—both sustains and justifies their growing influence on campus.

If computing colleges have erred, it may be in failing to exert their power with even greater zeal. For all their talk of growth and expansion within academia, the computing deans’ ambitions seem remarkably modest. Martial Hebert, the dean of Carnegie Mellon’s computing school, almost sounded like he was talking about the liberal arts when he told me that CS is “a rich tapestry of disciplines” that “goes far beyond computers and coding.” But the seven departments in his school correspond to the traditional, core aspects of computing plus computational biology. They do not include history, for example, or finance. Bala and Isbell talked about incorporating law, policy, and psychology into their programs of study, but only in the form of hiring individual professors into more traditional CS divisions. None of the deans I spoke with aspires to launch, say, a department of art within their college of computing, or one of politics, sociology, or film. Their vision does not reflect the idea that computing can or should be a superordinate realm of scholarship, on the order of the arts or engineering. Rather, they are proceeding as though it were a technical school for producing a certain variety of very well-paid professionals. A computing college deserving of the name wouldn’t just provide deeper coursework in CS and its closely adjacent fields; it would expand and reinvent other, seemingly remote disciplines for the age of computation.

Near the end of our conversation, Isbell mentioned the engineering fallacy, which he summarized like this: Someone asks you to solve a problem, and you solve it without asking if it’s a problem worth solving. I used to think computing education might be stuck in a nesting-doll version of the engineer’s fallacy, in which CS departments have been asked to train more software engineers without considering whether more software engineers are really what the world needs. Now I worry that they have a bigger problem to address: how to make computer people care about everything else as much as they care about computers.

This article originally mischaracterized the views of MIT’s computing dean, Daniel Huttenlocher. He did not say that computer science would be held back in an arts-and-science or engineering context, or that it needs to be independent.

Northeastern University Graduate Programs

Bouvé College of Health Sciences

Applied behavior analysis.

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares graduates to become behavior analysts, serving in supervisory and consultant roles within schools, agencies, hospitals, and other organizations that seek to apply behavioral science to improve socially significant behaviors.

The MS in Applied Behavior Analysis program is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as meeting the coursework requirements to sit for the 5th Edition Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) exam. This online program includes seven core courses in behavior analysis plus an additional three courses that extend the student’s familiarity with clinical procedures and with the research supporting their use. Students are given the option of completing supervised fieldwork on their own or by enrolling in courses that provide supervision through the Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork option. 

Northeastern University became one of the first universities to offer a Master's degree in applied behavior analysis when it was created in 1976. In 2013, the MABA program became a fully online program which employs evidence-based practice in applied behavior analysis and online learning experiences. 

More Details

Unique features.

  • Asynchronous online program with optional synchronous components, allows students to complete their degree in a way that works for their life and commitments
  • Choose how to accrue your field work hours as required by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Program Objectives

This program was designed to prepare students to employ the principles and procedures derived from research to create meaningful change in the lives of their clients. This is achieved through in-depth exploration of foundational concepts such as classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, motivating operations, stimulus control, and more. Advanced courses build upon this foundation, preparing graduates to address the most complex behavior problems and learning challenges.

Career Outlook

Many students become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) after graduation. Our graduates often go on to work in schools or private agencies, providing oversight of behavioral and educational programming for individuals with autism and related disabilities. Graduates also work in research or hospital settings, or they pursue terminal degrees in behavior analysis or related fields.

Accreditation Description

The Master’s program is verified by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) as providing the course content required to sit for the BACB exam. See the data: BCBA Examination Pass Rates for Verified Course Sequences.

Testimonials

Greg lum, alumnus, catherine martin, alumna, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Personal statement
  • TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the Bouvé College of Health Sciences admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Students enroll in the fall and spring. Fall:  August 1 Spring:  December 15

We use rolling admissions. Applications will be reviewed after they are complete in our system.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

      

Nicole M. Davis, PhD. BCBA LABA

Nicole M. Davis, PhD. BCBA LABA

Maeve Donnelly

Maeve Donnelly

Laura Dudley, PhD. BCBA-D LABA

Laura Dudley, PhD. BCBA-D LABA

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Psychology & Mental Health alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

  • Behavior Analysis, Inc.
  • Behavior Based Learning, LLC
  • Boston Public Schools
  • UMass Medical School
  • The New England Center for Children

What They Do

  • Healthcare Services
  • Community and Social Services
  • Business Development
  • Entrepreneurship

What They're Skilled At

  • Mental Health
  • Psychotherapy
  • Public Speaking

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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    By Jamie Foster November 5, 2023. Earning a PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement in computer science, opening doors to research, teaching, and leadership roles. But taking 4+ years off work for a full-time program isn't feasible for everyone. Part-time PhD options allow professionals to attain this goal while continuing their careers.

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    The M.S. degree in Computer Science is intended as a terminal professional degree and does not lead to the Ph.D. degree. Most students planning to obtain the Ph.D. degree should apply directly for admission to the Ph.D. program. Some students, however, may wish to complete the master's program before deciding whether to pursue the Ph.D. To give such students a greater opportunity to become ...

  27. Universities Have a Computer-Science Problem

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  28. Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis

    A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level. ... Computer and Data Science Admissions Hour. ... Full-Time Part-Time: 2-3 Years ...