how long is a phd in computer science

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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Ph.D. in Computer Science overview

Looking to make your mark on the computer science community? Our doctoral program prepares students for careers focused on research and innovation. Whether you dream of working in the industry or in academia, a Ph.D. in computer science is the jumping off point for ground breaking discovery.

• General degree information
• Credit Requirements
• Thesis credits
• Things to remember
• Degree Progress

The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a research degree which culminates in a unique dissertation that demonstrates original and creative research. The program consists of three components: coursework, research, and thesis preparation.

Early on in your career as a graduate student, you will take courses to fulfill background, breadth and supporting program requirements. You will also take courses that help to develop and refine your research writing skills; these skills include information analysis and synthesis as well as written and verbal presentation capabilities. This part of your graduate career ends when you cross the threshold presented by the  Preliminary Oral and Written Examinations  (WPE and OPE). Taken in conjunction, these examinations serve as an early test of your research ability.

Once you have passed the WPE and OPE, you will be formally admitted to Ph.D. candidacy and are ready to begin the second phase of your career as a doctoral student. During this phase, your coursework lightens and your research increases as you focus on the definition and pursuit of your specific thesis topic and begin to prepare for your  Thesis Proposal Examination . The Thesis Proposal Examination should be taken 1-2 years after passing the Preliminary Oral Examination and is a presentation pertaining to research directly related to your thesis proposal. This examination will test the full range of your expertise regarding your thesis topic in order to evaluate your preparation for thesis research and the suitability of your thesis research plan.

Once you pass the Thesis Proposal Examination, you will be in the full swing of research. During this stage, you will synthesize all of the skills you have learned up to this point and use them to distill the material that will become the core of your doctoral thesis. Your days and nights will be filled with intense thesis preparation and research into your thesis topic and finally you will produce a complete thesis dissertation document which you will defend orally during your  Final Oral Examination and Thesis Defense .  The successful completion of these activities yields your Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science!

Throughout your career as a doctoral student you will receive support from your Academic Advisor(s), peer and research groups, and the departmental program administrator as well as a number of individuals across campus who work to best facilitate your progress through your degree program. Our primary goal is to make sure that your experience is positive, productive, and prepares you for a successful career beyond the University of Minnesota. The entirety of the Ph.D. process is complex and at times, rife with academic and administrative requirements. If you have questions regarding your individual degree plan, please do not hesitate to reach out to your advisor, the Director of Graduate Studies or the Graduate Program Coordinator for help.

A total of 55 credits are required to complete the Ph.D. in Computer Science. This includes 31 coursework credits and 24 thesis credits with a GPA of 3.45 or higher.

Coursework credits

Each student must complete 31 credits of graduate coursework, including:

• 16 graduate credits from 5xxx or 8xxx courses with a CSCI designator (with a grade of C- or better)
• 15 credits of  breadth courses  (5 courses), at least one from each category.
• 1 credit of CSCI colloquium (CSCI 8970)
• 6 credits of supporting program coursework or 12 credits from a minor program
• CSCI 8001/8002 unless advised otherwise by research advisor (Introduction to Research in Computer Science I and II)
• Other graduate-level credits to reach a total of at least 31 credits which may include related field courses from programs other than CSCI or courses for a graduate minor

Students have eight calendar years to complete their degree per University requirements.

Transfer credits from a previously acquired M.S. degree may apply to your Ph.D. program. Please speak with the Graduate Program Coordinator for information on transfer credit.

Breadth  coursework consists of five (5) courses (typically 15 credits) taken within three (3) subject areas. The breadth requirement exists to help expose the student to diverse computer science research topics and methods. There is 3.45 GPA minimum requirement for this coursework.

Supporting program courses

Supporting program courses are defined as a minimum of six (6) credits from a supporting program outside of the computer science department. These six credits can be a part of the 12 credits counted towards a minor. A minor is optional for the Ph.D. in Computer Science.

Background knowledge

Background knowledge  courses cover concepts that are integral to a minimal core body of knowledge that all computer science Ph.D. students are expected to posses. These concepts are required prerequisites and all students in the Ph.D. program are required to fulfill these background requirements.

In addition to coursework credits, a minimum of 24 thesis credits are required in order to complete the Ph.D. program. These courses may only be taken following the completion of the WPE/OPE and admission of a student to Ph.D. candidacy.

It is the recommendation of the department that you maximize the thesis credits you take each semester and it is our hope that you will complete the thesis credits in two (2) semesters. Most students will be able to take half in one semester and the other half the next semester. If you still have some classes to take, you can register for the class(es) and then register thesis credits for the rest of the credits, up to the maximum allowed each semester of 14 credits total

When you have completed all of your thesis credits, you will be put in a reduced fringe classification, which allows you to only register for one credit, CSCI 8444 which is designated as the Ph.D. full-time equivalent credit. This credit gives you full-time status for your visa requirements for international students and also full-time status if you hold a graduate assistantship. Your assistantship will only pay for one credit, so if you take any additional credits after you have completed all of your thesis credits, the tuition for those credits will be your responsibility.

For international students who wish to do CPT during the summer and to register for CPT in the fall, you should not register for CSCI 8444 but instead request a reduced course  load  and submit to ISSS. For those who hold an assistantship, you must also submit a  Special Graduate Assistant Registration Tuition Benefits Status Request  form. This form must be submitted before the semester begins and is to be signed by your advisor, your employer (your advisor if an RA, by the DGS if TA) and then by the DGS. It should be submitted to the office and we will make sure it has the DGS signature and then fax it to the Grad Assistant Office. If you have any questions about the distribution of course and thesis credits over your career, please be sure to discuss with the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• Students who take six (6) credits or more are considered full-time graduate students.  All international students and students who hold a graduate assistantship, fellowship, or traineeship are required to be full-time students .
• Almost all of the graduate level courses in computer science (5000 level and above) are 3 credits each.
• Special topics courses (CSCI 5980 or 8980) are courses taught one time only and are good options if the topic is of interest to you. However, please note that these do not count towards breadth requirements.
• All computer science courses must be taken A/F (unless only offered S/N, such as colloquium or plan B project), and no more than one-third of the courses that will count towards your degree can be taken on the S/N basis.
• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.45 for courses counting towards your degree and no courses with a grade below a C- can be included.
• Students in the Doctoral program can use a maximum six (6) credits of directed research or independent study for elective credits. This is defined as CSCI 5991/5994/8991/8994

All requirements for the doctoral degree must be completed and the degree awarded within  five calendar years after passing the preliminary oral examination . Graduate School policy dictates a departmental  annual review  of Ph.D. progress for all students. Each fall, computer science Ph.D. students will be required to complete an annual review form. This form is used by the student’s research advisor to note student progress through the program. All forms are reviewed by the Director of Graduate Studies for satisfactory progress. Progress Guidelines are available in Appendix A of the Graduate Student Handbook.

The Graduate Program Coordinator can answer most questions and advise students on degree requirements, department procedures, or general issues about being a graduate student. All new students are expected to meet with her upon arrival as well as several times throughout your graduate career in order to best facilitate your program.

The Director of Graduate Studies is the official advisor of record for all students, unless an advisor was assigned at the time of admission. Only  faculty with graduate education responsibilities  are eligible to serve as advisors for graduate students. The advisor-advisee relationship is a mutual and an advisor must agree to advise any student. Once a student determines his or her advisor they will fill out a  Declaration of Advisor  form. A student may change advisors at any time using the same form. Please note that the new and the previous advisor must sign to acknowledge this change.

Most Ph.D. students have been assigned advisors in their field of interest at the time of entry into the university. Students are encouraged to talk to their assigned advisor as well as other faculty members in their interest area to determine if their assigned advisor is best suited to their research goals. It is not uncommon to discover that your permanent research advisor is different from your pre-assigned one. You are expected to take some time to look around, talk with professors and other graduate students, and then talk with your prospective advisor.  We expect you to find an advisor by the end of your first year in the program.  Advising is a mutually voluntary arrangement. You never will be obligated to work with someone against your choice, and no faculty member is obligated to take on any particular student.

For questions regarding the advising process please contact the  Director of Graduate Studies .

Stephen Guy

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies

5-225F Keller Hall 612-625-3368 [email protected]

Joseph Nieszner

Senior Graduate Program Coordinator

330G Lind Hall [email protected]   [email protected]

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Online PhD in Computer Science Guide | Salary & Requirements 2024

Phd in computer science overview.

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

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

What Is Computer Science?

As a computer science professional, your job is to: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD in Computer Science Salaries and Career Outlook

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

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

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

Computer Science PhD Career Paths 

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Median Salary: $110,140 

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

Source: BLS

Earning A PhD in Computer Science

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

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

Pros And Cons Of PhD in Computer Science

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

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

Coursework In PhD in Computer Science Programs

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

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

Computer science graduate programs typically culminate in a research project. 

Skills Learned In PhD in Computer Science

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

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

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

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

Factors that impact the length of a degree program include:

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

Choosing The Best PhD in Computer Science

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

Online vs In-Person Graduate Degrees

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

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

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

10 Best Schools With Degrees in Computer Science

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

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

How Long Does It Take To Complete An Online Course? 

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

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

Licensure and Certification

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

Admissions Requirements 

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

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

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

Paying For A PhD in Computer Science

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

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

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

Scholarships

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

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

Computer Science Career Resources

Online computer science phd faqs.

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

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PhD Time Limits & Milestones

Graduate college time requirements for degree.

• Bachelors to PhD Program Time Limits - 7 years from first term enrolled in doctoral program. Please see Illinois CS PhD Milestones below for the Department's Time Requirement for Ph.D.
• PhD Program Time Limits with a MS at Illinois - 5 years (2 yrs. for MS and 5 yrs. for PhD)
• PhD Program Time Limits with a Non-Illinois MS - 6 years from first term enrolled in doctoral program

Illinois CS PhD Milestone Timeline

The department's timeline is an average of 6 years to complete the Ph.D. degree. The timeline below is based on a 5-year program of study.

Graduate Advising

The Graduate Academic Office, a guiding hand for CS graduate students, assistance is available every weekday.

The primary focus of the doctoral program is research, with the philosophy that students learn best by doing—beginning as apprentices and becoming junior colleagues working with faculty on scholarly research projects. The faculty in the department conduct research in all areas of computer science. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy requires a dissertation based on the candidate’s original research, which is supervised by a faculty member, and all students in the Ph.D. program are actively engaged in research throughout the program. Ph.D. students spend at least half of their time on research under the direction of their faculty adviser from their first day in the program and devote themselves full time to research after coursework and other preliminaries have been completed. Ph.D. students are also expected to participate in departmental and laboratory activities full time throughout the program, except possibly for summer internships elsewhere, and the department does not consider admission of part-time Ph.D. students.

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

• Program Requirements
• Docter of Engineeing Science (DES)
• MS leading to PhD
• Milestones Chart
• Milestones Registration Form: Candidacy, Thesis Proposal, Thesis Defense
• PhD course Import Forms
• PhD Algorithms Prerequisite Form
• Data Science Specialization Option  (further details here )

SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

• Registration
• SEAS Doctoral Fieldwork (CPT) Policy
• Time-Off Policy for Doctoral Students on Appointment in the Sciences and Related Research Fields

GENERAL PHD INFORMATION AND ADVICE

• CAREER Club
• Computer Science Open Data
• Computer Science Graduate Job and Interview Guide
• Background in case you ever need to teach online with two days notice
• The Definitive ‘what do I ask/look for’ in a PhD Advisor Guide
• The Thesis Whisperer
• Prem Devanbu’s Review Anti-Patterns
• Computer Science Rankings
• Michael Ernst’s Compilation of Great Advice
• Productivity Tips for PhD Students
• Getting Admitted to a Top PhD Program
• Tips on the Interview Process
• Networking on the network
• Advice on research and writing
• More advice on writing
• Corporate Lab or Academic Department, Which Fits?
• How To Survive A Thesis Defense
• 10 easy ways to fail a PhD
• Dealing with plagiarism
• Academic job site
• Computing Research Association
• IEEE Computer Society

(link suggestions appreciated; send email to [email protected] )

Last updated on March 13, 2024.

Find open faculty positions here .

Computer Science at Columbia University

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President Bollinger announced that Columbia University along with many other academic institutions (sixteen, including all Ivy League universities) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging the Executive Order regarding immigrants from seven designated countries and refugees. Among other things, the brief asserts that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”

This recent action provides a moment for us to collectively reflect on our community within Columbia Engineering and the importance of our commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming community for all students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff. As a School of Engineering and Applied Science, we are fortunate to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, from across the country, and from around the world. It is a great benefit to be able to gather engineers and scientists of so many different perspectives and talents – all with a commitment to learning, a focus on pushing the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and with a passion for translating our work to impact humanity.

I am proud of our community, and wish to take this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to maintaining an open and collegial environment. We are fortunate to have the privilege to learn from one another, and to study, work, and live together in such a dynamic and vibrant place as Columbia.

Mary C. Boyce Dean of Engineering Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor

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Online Doctorate in Computer Science

Online Computer Science Ph.D.: An Overview

Top schools with online computer science ph.d. programs, jobs for computer science ph.d. holders, prerequisites for an online computer science ph.d., online coursework.

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Why enroll in a PhD?

What’s a phd degree, and why should one get one.

A PhD, or a Doctor of Philosophy Degree, is the highest degree that one can earn in the United States. An essential component of the Ph degree is performing original research, i.e., creating new knowledge, a body of knowledge that was not available before. This essentially means that as part of doing a PhD, you are solving a non-trivial problem, for which no solution was previously known. Through a PhD degree, you get training in doing research. You also acquire a lot of advanced knowledge in the subject area you choose, and you become the world’s leading expert in that area.

If you are gifted, creative, think outside of the box, and are passionate about computing, you should definitely pursue a PhD. A PhD degree in computer science is highly valued in industry, academia, as well as industrial and government research labs. As a leading expert in the subject area, academia and industrial/government labs will be interested in you and would want to hire you. The computing industry will hire you because you have gone through the training of solving really hard problems in a creative manner, and the companies want to use this skill that you have learned while doing your PhD for solving other issues that they may have, even those that are not related to your subject area. A PhD degree holder gets a lot of respect in the general community as well. Big tech companies would want to hire you as a part of the team engaged in developing future technologies. Above all, earning a PhD can give you the satisfaction of doing something that no one had done before: solving a problem that was unsolved until you solved it.

Doctoral research has been important for humankind’s progress. Many significant and vital discoveries were made as part of an inventor’s PhD thesis. For example, the automatic theorem-proving procedure that underlies nearly all AI reasoning systems was discovered by Jacques Herbrand as part of his PhD thesis research.

It all sounds pretty hard, would I be able to do it. How would one be able to solve a problem that no one else could solve earlier?

It is certainly not easy to earn a PhD. A PhD degree requires a large amount of dedication, passion, and hard work. However, during your PhD, you closely work with your supervising Professor (your advisor), who helps you every step of the way. Your advisor will be your guide, and that makes things somewhat more manageable. Your advisor will help you in selecting the right problem to solve, brainstorm with you when you propose solutions, and advise you on how to avoid pitfalls, etc. The work and the solution to the problem, of course, have to be your own—after all, it’s your PhD.

Your life is also made somewhat easier by a community of scholars—other professors and PhD students – among whom you reside. There are 50+ faculty members and postdoctoral researchers actively conducting research in the UT Dallas CS Department and another 170 PhD students. This community of scholars is there to help you, as well. Your Professor will have their own research group with multiple PhD students, and often all of the group members may be working on different aspects of a larger problem. The whole group is very much like a family and not only provides scholarly help but also a lot of emotional and moral support.

What kind of jobs can one get after doing a PhD?

The job market for PhD’s in computer science is superb. The salaries and perks are excellent too. Computer Science is a rapidly expanding field, and new areas are becoming prominent – AI, machine learning, big data, cyber security, Internet of Things, virtual/augmented reality. Companies are making significant investments in advancing these technologies as well as creating new applications for them. They are recruiting PhD graduates in large numbers at sky-high salaries, perks, and bonuses. Today, the five largest companies by market capitalization in the US stock market are technology companies – Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon.com – and they have a voracious appetite for PhD graduates.

Because of the popularity of CS as a degree major, as well as increased investments by the government in computing research, Universities are also hiring professors in large numbers. At UT Dallas, in the last five years, we have hired nearly 25 faculty members.

PhD graduates are also sought after by startups, and, in fact, many PhD graduates themselves have gone on to start their own companies. Google was born out of the research of Sergey Brin (though he never completed his Ph.D. after launching Google). Google was based on a research paper that proposed the page-ranking algorithm written while Sergey Brin was a PhD student.

Can you talk about some of the recent success stories from among your PhD graduates? 

Every year we interview every PhD graduate and post the story on our news page. Here is this year’s story about our PhD graduates . Our graduates have gone to work for top technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, and Amazon. I should make a special mention of Dr. Ashkan Yousefpour, who just joined Facebook, after finishing his PhD in the fall of 2019. His PhD was in the area of networking and machine learning. You can learn more about his success by reading this Q&A with Dr. Yousefpour . Likewise, I should highlight Dr. Laura Moreno, who joined Colorado State University as a faculty member in 2016. You can  read more in this Q&A with Dr. Moreno.

Many people say that doing a PhD has a negative financial impact on that person. Is that true?

Far from being true, it’s actually patently false. PhD graduates of today command incredible salaries, especially if they work for large tech companies. Top earners can make salaries north of $150k per year, with a joining bonus between $50k to $100k and hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of stock options. Twelve-months University salaries for tenure-track faculty positions can be as high as $175,000. As a graduate with a PhD in computer science, you will always be in demand by companies, Universities, research labs, etc. A PhD in computer science indeed secures your career against economic downturns, as good computer scientists are and will always be in demand.

How long does the PhD degree take, and how much is it going to cost me?

A PhD degree will take at least four years, if not longer. Four to six years is a reasonable estimate for the range of time. The average at UT Dallas CS is perhaps 4.5 years. The good news is that nearly all our full-time PhD students have 100% of their tuition covered. In addition, PhD students get a monthly stipend ranging from $1,850 to $2,150 for covering living expenses. Financial support is generally guaranteed for four academic years. Of course, a Ph.D. student must keep making excellent progress for the continuation of this support.

Do I need an MS degree in Computer Science in order to apply for the PhD program at UT Dallas CS?

No, you don’t need to have an MS degree in advance. If you have a stellar academic record, you can apply right after your BS CS (or equivalent) degree. You will get an MS degree on the way using the coursework that you do as part of your PhD.

There are more than 200 PhD programs in Computer Science in the United States. Why should I do my Ph.D. at UT Dallas Computer Science Department?

Excellent question. There are several reasons why you should get your PhD degree in Computer Science from UT Dallas. First and foremost, we have superb faculty who are world-renowned for their research in emerging areas such as AI, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Data Science, Internet of Things (IoT), etc. Our faculty members have received many best paper awards at various conferences, as well as many test-of-time awards, where a research paper is recognized for its long-lasting impact on the field. Seventeen of our faculty members (as of 2023) hold the prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER award—given to promising young assistant professor through a nationwide competition each year.

Second, we have an incredible system of support for our PhD students. In their first semester, all PhD students are required to take a course where they learn what research and creativity are all about, what is involved in doing a PhD, and how one can be a successful PhD student? Students get their first taste of writing a large research paper – a survey of research in their area of interest – in this introductory class. The department also organizes a weekly mixer of faculty and PhD students, where each week, one research lab briefly introduces itself and gives an overview of its research projects. The lab also provides refreshments for the mixer. In addition, the department runs a reward program, where if a group publishes a paper in a top CS conference, it gets $1,500 towards travel expenses to that conference. In addition, there are weekly seminars explicitly organized for graduate students to attend so they can get to learn about cutting-edge research in computer science. There are other opportunities, as well. For example, teaching in the summer camps that the CS department organizes for high school students, various hackathons and programming competitions, as well as many other academic, scholarly activities. The environment in the CS Department is exceptionally collegial and supportive of PhD students. PhD students are treated as an integral part of the community of scholars in the CS Department.

Third, almost all our PhD students are fully supported. They also have incredible internship opportunities available to them in the later part of their PhD, especially if they plan to pursue a career in industry.

What are the milestones that one has to cross in the PhD program at UT Dallas CS Department?

All PhD students have to pass a PhD qualifying exam in their first year (Exams in three CS subject areas spread over two semesters). Students typically find their PhD advisor in their first year and start on a program of study. They will generally identify their target area of research by their second year and begin reading-related research papers. At this time, a student may also assemble his/her dissertation committee. By the end of the second year or beginning of the third year, they would have identified a specific problem their dissertation would address, and they would start working on solving it in earnest. Once the problem that the student will solve and the approach to solving it has been identified, a thesis proposal will be made to the dissertation committee. Once the committee accepts the proposal, the student will perform the work needed to solve the problem, write the dissertation, and then present it in the final Ph.D. dissertation defense to the committee.

Any parting thoughts that you want to add?

While doing a PhD in Computer Science can be highly lucrative, you should never do a PhD for money alone. You should do a PhD for the love of learning. You should do it because you enjoy learning advanced materials in computer science, because you enjoy solving hard problems, and because you want to be known and respected for creating knowledge that will advance the frontiers of knowledge. Also, a PhD requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work, and the entrance requirements are stringent, and only academically strong students make it to the program.

Learn more about getting a  Ph.D. in Computer Science  or  Software Engineering .

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

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

Research skills training

Practical work

Research report of no more than 10,000 words

Attendance at a research workshops and research seminars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Information

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

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

Michaelmas 2024 (Closed)

Funding deadlines.

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

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Academic Degrees , Computer Science News

Why Get a PhD in Computer Science? Your Questions Answered

Updated: July 19, 2022

Published: August 24, 2019

Computer Science is an ever evolving and massively expanding field of study as technology continues to innovate and data grows exponentially. For those highly interested in research, earning your PhD in Computer Science can offer you top level accessibility to become an expert in the field and pursue either a high-level career within the industry or work in academia.

Most people who have completed the doctorate degree advise doing so only if you really love the subject and research. Earning your PhD in Computer Science has many benefits, although there is no doubt that it’s challenging.

Although a doctorate degree is not required to work in the field, it offers other benefits like allowing you to research cutting-edge technology with adequate funding. As with any graduate degree, it takes both time and money to complete, so before deciding to enroll, let’s go more in depth and answer some questions about why you would want to get a PhD in Computer Science.

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What is a phd in computer science.

A PhD in Computer Science is the highest level doctorate degree you can earn. Once you finish your undergraduate degree in Computer Science or a related field like Engineering or Applied Mathematics, you can apply for your doctorate degree .

If you didn’t major in Computer Science, then earning your Master’s degree in the subject will help you on your journey for your doctorate degree. Although it is not required to apply for a PhD, having your Master’s degree first is generally preferable.

Most programs require the following, along with a degree, to apply for a PhD:

• Previous research experience
• Letters of recommendation
• A high GPA (about 3.5-4.0)

Program Length

Earning your PhD in Computer Science is not for the faint of heart as it requires a lot of time, energy and perseverance. Although the length of completion depends on your enrollment status of full or part-time, it typically takes 5-6 years to finish.

Opportunities and Challenges

As the top academic achievement within the field, a PhD exposes students to high-level information, as well as some of the hardest challenges facing the world and technology. A PhD grants students the opportunity to perform the research of their choice and explore the topic that interest them the most.

Upon graduation, a PhD student can continue with academia or enter the industry. However, if you want to enter the field as a Computer Programmer, Software Developer or the like, you don’t have to earn a degree at this level as a Bachelor’s degree will suffice. In fact, some jobs may consider a PhD candidate to be too highly qualified, so you’ll want to assess your future goals before enrolling in a PhD program.

One of the benefits of earning this doctorate degree is the freedom you have. Most programs are quite unstructured, meaning that you get to choose what you want to research. Therefore, you can be a leading expert in the field and help to shape policies around artificial intelligence, automation and technologies that are changing the way the world functions.

The deep and rich education can expand your horizons and help you understand ideas and topics that you would never have otherwise considered.

Potential Jobs

Although it is possible to enter the field of Computer Science without a PhD, having the knowledge will expand possibilities and increase your pay.

Some of the job titles that PhD candidates seek include:

Computer and Information Research Scientist:

People in this position help to invent new programming languages that enhance business practices. With the high amount of data, information and research, these scientists can create changes and also assess their impact through analysis.

Database Administrator:

Database administrators organize and secure data against attacks. Those with a PhD can be trusted to understand the complex nature of various systems and be able to better protect them.

Software Developer:

Software developers create systems and software for various uses. Although a PhD is not required to be a software developer, it further enhances one’s understanding.

Computer Science salaries vary based on position type, location and education. However, the overall field of Computer Science is growing. In fact, Computer and Information Research Scientists are expecting much higher than average growth with the discipline expected to increase its demand by 19% between 2016 and 2026. Those with a PhD will increase their salary potential based on their educational accomplishment.

Furthermore, with a PhD in Computer Science, you can go on to be a professor since you’re a leading expert in the field. The demand for jobs within the field is growing, especially regarding cloud computing, data storage, artificial intelligence and information security.

Online Versus Traditional Programs

The reason you choose to earn your PhD in Computer Science is personal, and how you choose to do it is also a subjective choice. It’s hard to say if an online university or traditional onsite program is better or worse because the reasons for choosing to do one or the other are different.

The benefits of an online program include relatively lower costs, more flexibility and greater accessibility. However, an onsite program offers you more opportunity to perform research and work with those in person who are already advancing the field.

For example, some students who earn their Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science online from University of the People may enjoy the online experience and therefore want to continue their studies remotely by earning their PhD online as well.

Earning your undergraduate degree is the first step in moving towards earning your PhD in Computer Science. While the field is always growing and the opportunity for research multiplies, pursuing a PhD in the discipline is an important decision to make. The program generally offers freedom to select your area of interest, but it also takes time and a lot of dedication to complete.

Those who go on to get their PhD should really have an affinity for the subject matter and love to conduct research. It’s also useful to know that it’s typically easier to earn a PhD then enter the field as opposed to working in the field and then going back to earn your PhD.

Any form of higher education will never serve as a detriment as it helps expand your mind, create more networking opportunities and better hone your skills and knowledge regarding specific subject matter.

Related Articles

Bachelor's Programs

Each year, the School of Computer Science admits students to undergraduate programs ranging from a traditional B.S. in computer science to a bachelor of computer science and arts. 

Whatever option you choose, you’re guaranteed to find a rigorous program dedicated to the real-world training and practical problem solving that has been the hallmark of computer science education at CMU since its inception.

B.S. in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon's undergraduate major in computer science combines a solid core of computer science courses with the ability to gain substantial depth in another area through a required minor in a second subject. The curriculum also gives you numerous choices for science and humanities courses. Computing is a discipline with strong links to many fields, and our program gives you unparalleled flexibility to pursue these fields. Our mathematics and probability component ensures that you'll have the formal tools to remain current as technologies and systems change, but at the same time you'll gain insight into the practical issues of building and maintaining systems by participating in intensive project-oriented courses.

Unlike other universities, where research rarely occurs at the undergraduate level, CMU CS students often have part-time or summer jobs — or receive independent study credit — working on research while pursuing their bachelor's degree. If you're interested in a research/graduate school career, we offer an intensive course of research, equivalent to four classroom courses, culminating in the preparation of a senior research honors thesis.

Requirements

Current Computer Science Undergraduate Curriculum  

Computer Science Undergraduate curriculum information for prior years are available on the Previous Course Catalogs webpage .

How to Apply

Bachelor of Science in Music and Technology

Carnegie Mellon University's Music and Technology program was established in 2009 as a joint project between three of the schools: The School of Music, School of Computer Science, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Information regarding this degree is available on the Bachelor of Science in Music and Technology website . 

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Email forwarding for @cs.stanford.edu is changing. Updates and details here . CS Commencement Ceremony June 16, 2024.  Learn More .

PhD | Frequently Asked Questions

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

CS300 Seminar

• How many CS300 seminars are we required to participate in? First year CS PhD students are required to attend 2/3 of the seminars. The seminars provide CS faculty with the opportunity to speak for 40 minutes about their research. Allowing new CS PhD students, the chance to learn about the professor's areas of research before permanently aligning.
• Are the CS300 seminars recorded? No, you must attend in person unless otherwise arranged by the faculty scheduled. Attendance is tracked based on the honor system, and Stanford’s honor code applies. Record your attendance only AFTER each session. Record your seminar attendance by using your CSID .
• If I already know who I am aligning with, is it necessary to attend a CS300 seminar? All first-year CS PhD students must sign up for CS300 and satisfy this requirement regardless of whether they opt out of rotation. Completion of CS300 is a Departmental requirement and must therefore be satisfied.

Rotation and Alignment

• How many rotations do I have to complete? First-year PhD students should plan for three rotations, one per quarter, unless an alignment has been established . They must align with a permanent advisor by the middle of Spring quarter of the first year.
• How does funding work for first-year rotation students? All faculty hosting a rotating CS 1st year PhD student pay 25%, and the department pays 25%, of a 50% RAship. This applies to all faculty (full CS, joint CS, and outside of CS). If the student has a fellowship, then the RAship is not needed. For students with NSF fellowship, faculty advisor supplements them to bring their amount up to the Department level RAship. Supplementation continues for NSF students from their faculty advisor (after they align with a faculty) until they finish their PhD program. As long as the student makes satisfactory academic progress.
• Can I rotate with the same advisor twice? If a student starts as a rotation student and does a second quarter in their first year with the same advisor, then the student has ceased to rotate. This will be considered as permanently aligning with that advisor and they'll fully support them in the second and further quarters.
• If a student is granted an exception to do a fourth rotation, then the student is fully funded by the rotation faculty (i.e., 50% RAship).
• What should I do after I align with a faculty advisor? Please email [email protected] and cc your faculty advisor.
• What if I align with a non-CS faculty? If you align with a non-CS faculty, you should have a CS faculty (courtesy faculty do not count) as a co-advisor. Please see the co-advisor policy . The decision on alignment should be made by the middle of the Spring quarter of their first year. Email [email protected] and cc your advisor/co-advisor to confirm your alignment.
• What if I have two CS co-advisors? Email [email protected] and confirm the principal advisor (e.g., day-to-day supervision and funding) of the two CS faculty.
• Is it possible to take less than 8-10 units? No. CS PhD students are required to take 8-10 units to maintain their student status for academic quarters (Autumn, Winter, and Spring). There is a eight (8) minimum units requirement and a maximum of ten (10) units.
• Note: If you've earned a Master's degree at Stanford, you are not eligible for graduate residency transfer credit. For more information email Jay Subramanian ( [email protected] ).
• Is it required to take CS499 or equivalent for all quarters or is it possible to replace it for other courses? Does it have to equal 8-10 units? All PhD students are required to enroll in at least 3-units of CS499 or equivalent for all quarters. Students should be enrolled in 8-10 units to be at “status”. The University requires PhD students to maintain a 3.0 GPA overall, in order to confer their degree.
• When should I submit my candidacy form? Students are expected to be admitted to candidacy by the end of their second year of doctoral study. To be eligible for candidacy, students must have completed three Foundation/Breadth requirements (foundation waivers do not count), be aligned, and at least a three-unit course (200 and above level) with each of four instructors who are members of the academic council (rotation units count as long as they are academic council members). Review the candidacy section for more details.
• Do I need to list all the courses I have taken? What if it does not fit on one sheet? Please list all courses you have taken in Section 1 and all the research units/courses you plan to take in the future in Section 2 of your sheet. You can list any reminder courses on any format (word doc, excel sheet, etc.) you prefer or on another copy of the candidacy form. Just make sure you make it clear what sections the courses belong in, and you list the same details that the form requests.

Qualifying Examination

• What is the timeline to complete the qualifying examination? A student should pass a qualifying exam no later than the end of their third year. Please review the qualifying examination requirement for more information regarding the qual exam and the various options/formats of the exam.
• Who should I email regarding my qualifying exam result?​​​​ Students should not email their results.   The results of the quals exam should be emailed to [email protected] by the student's advisor.
• How many times can I take the quals exam? Students may take the qualifying exams only twice.

Teaching Requirement

• I was a TA for a non-CS course last quarter. Can this course count toward my teaching requirement? Only CS courses count toward the teaching requirement. If the course is cross-listed with a CS course and is taught by a CS faculty then it can be counted. Email Jay Subramanian ( [email protected] ) for additional information.

Thesis Proposal

• Can I submit my thesis proposal form along with my reading committee form? ​​​​​​​​ Yes, have your committee sign both forms. Students must present an oral thesis proposal to their full reading committee and submit the form by Spring quarter of their fourth year.

Reading Committee

• When do I need to submit my reading committee form?​​​​​​​ Within one year of passing the qualifying examination, a student should form a reading committee and submit a signed reading committee form via email ( [email protected] ).
• Can someone who is outside of Stanford participate in my Reading Committee? ​​​​​​​​​ Students are welcome to submit a petition for non-academic council doctoral committee members along with a copy of their CV to request approval for doctoral dissertation reading committee and/or University oral examination committee members that are not members of the Stanford academic council. If the individual is participating in both, check both boxes.

​​​​​​​University Oral Examination

• Can someone who is outside of Stanford participate in my University Oral Examination Committee? Students are welcome to submit a petition for non-academic council doctoral committee members along with a copy of their CV to request approval for doctoral dissertation reading committee and/or University oral examination committee members that are not members of the Stanford academic council. If the individual is participating in both, check both boxes. If the individual is only participating in your University oral examination Committee, then only check that box.
• When should I submit my Oral Examination form and is there anything else required? Submit your University oral examination form and a copy of your thesis abstract two weeks prior to your defense to [email protected] .
• I need to book a room for my dissertation defense. Who do I contact? Log into 25Live and book a conference room. Keep in mind that some conference rooms are controlled by the Registrar’s Office, you will need to contact [email protected] to request room reservations.
• How do I post my University Oral Examination announcement? Once you have submitted your University oral examination form and a copy of your abstract to [email protected] , you will receive an email approval and instructions on how to submit your announcement. 
• One of my oral examination committee members cannot make it to my thesis defense, what should I do? All University oral examination committee members must be present on the day of your defense. Please work with the rest of your committee members to arrange for a different date that works best for all members. If your committee members allow it, you can have them participate via Zoom.

​​​​​​​Dissertation

• How do I submit my dissertation? Follow the prepare your work for submission ,  submit your dissertation or thesis , and steps after submission guides carefully to ensure you submit the required items for your dissertation. 
• When do I submit my PhD dissertation? The dissertation & thesis center accept submissions on the first day of instruction (each quarter) for which the student has applied to graduate. Follow the submission deadlines for conferral guide to view (by quarter) dissertation/thesis submission, application to graduate, and degree conferral deadlines.
• If I missed the dissertation submission deadline, are late submissions accepted? No. The dissertation submission deadline is strictly enforced. 
• What if I missed the dissertation submission deadline? If you missed the dissertation submission deadline and are registered to graduate, then you will need to submit a help ticket to withdraw from the current graduating quarter.

PhD Seminar • Machine Learning • Inherent Limitations for Characterizing Distribution Learning

Please note: this phd seminar will take place online..

Tosca Lechner, PhD candidate David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science

Supervisor : Professor Shai Ben-David

We consider the long-standing question of finding a parameter of a class of probability distributions that characterizes its PAC learnability. While for many learning tasks (such as binary classification and online learning) there is a notion of dimension whose finiteness is equivalent to learnability within any level of accuracy, we show, rather surprisingly, that such parameter exists for distribution learning.

Concretely, our results apply for several general notions of characterizing learnability and for several learning tasks. We show that there is no notion of scale-invariant dimension that characterizes the sample complexity  of learning distribution classes. We then consider the weaker requirement of only characterizing learnability (rather than the quantitative sample complexity function). We propose some natural requirements for such a characterizing dimension and go on to show that there exists no characterization of learnability that satisfies these requirements for classes of distributions.

To attend this PhD seminar on Zoom, please go to  https://uwaterloo.zoom.us/j/97855800636 .

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The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations .

RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Computer-Science Majors Graduate Into a World of Fewer Opportunities

C omputer science is hotter than ever at U.S. universities. But students graduating this month are discovering their degrees are no longer a surefire ticket to tech-industry riches.

In fact, many are finding it harder than they ever thought it would be to land a job.

Tech giants that were expanding aggressively just a few years ago now have less need for entry-level hires—or are shedding jobs. They are also, increasingly, turning their focus to artificial intelligence, a technology many fear could reduce the need for coders. Postings on jobs website Indeed for software-development roles, a proxy for computer science, have dropped 30% from prepandemic levels.

At the same time, companies have a burgeoning supply of new grads to choose from. The number of students in the U.S. majoring in computer and information science has jumped 40% in five years, to more than 600,000 as of 2023. The number of bachelor’s degrees conferred in those majors topped 100,000 in 2021, according to the Department of Education, a 140% rise from 10 years earlier.

Students who once had jobs and summer internships lined up by Thanksgiving are now broadening their searches.

“When I tell people I’m in computer science, they’re like, ‘Lucky you. You’re going to make a lot of money. You can do anything you want,’” said Ben Riesett, a 22-year-old who graduated this month from Catholic University of America. “The truth is, when you start looking right now, it’s impossible to get hired.”

Just a few years ago, Riesett heard constantly that employers needed staff with his skill set; now, his classmates with jobs got them through friends or family, or from internships. Riesett, in Washington, D.C., said he’s applied to entry-level roles all over the country and received only a few responses.

To be sure, comp-sci majors from top-tier schools can still get jobs. Pay, projected to be at about $75,000, is at the high end of majors reviewed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, or NACE. They are just not all going to Facebook or Google.

“Job seekers need to reset their expectations,” said Tim Herbert, chief research officer at CompTIA, a trade group that follows the tech sector. “New grads may need to adjust where they’re willing to work, in some cases what salary, perks or signing bonus they’ll receive, and the type of firm they’ll work for.”

And while big tech companies are hiring for AI-related jobs, Herbert said, many of those positions require more experience than a new grad would have.

Salaries for this year’s graduates in computer science are expected to be just 2.7% higher than last year’s, the smallest increase of eight fields reviewed by NACE.

In the past 18 months, job growth has remained flat for software publishers, a group of employers that includes software developers, according to the Labor Department. On the student jobs platform Handshake, the number of full-time jobs recently posted for tech companies is down 30% from the year-ago period.

Looking farther afield

Jarin Rahman, an information-science major who just completed her junior year at Cornell University, had long assumed she would try to land a job at a large tech company. As a first-generation college student, she thought it was the best path.

But Rahman knows lots of seniors who interned at big tech companies last summer and didn’t get return offers. With the tech industry appearing less stable than she anticipated, she started looking elsewhere.”

“It made me really stressed out because I know that I have to find a way to support my family,” she said.

This summer, she’ll intern at a real-estate investment management firm.

Stephanie Johnson, a career development lead with the computer-science department at the University of North Carolina, said her students on average were applying to 150 or more jobs. Many were still waiting for offers in the spring.

Just a few years ago, they might apply for 20 or 40 positions—and get a final offer in the fall.

Johnson said she has seen more students focused on companies where tech is a service and not the product. She knows two students who were offered roles at big tech companies but declined: One went to a bank, the other to a retailer.

The University of Virginia typically offers a large career fair called Tech Night Takeover, hosting big companies for a night of networking. This year, the school expanded the event to include employers in healthcare, energy and financial services hiring for tech roles.

Hand-delivered applications

The pipeline is bursting with comp-sci students who will need jobs in the next few years. Computer and information science is the fastest-growing top-20 major in the U.S. at four-year colleges, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. It is the fourth-most-popular major overall. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of students majoring in computer and information science jumped from about 444,000 to 628,000.

Pierce Avner, who just finished his junior year at the University of Colorado, Boulder, said he applied online for hundreds of internships last year. The majority never responded. Of those that did, many sent back a rejection note within 15 seconds to a minute.

This year, he took an old-fashioned route, hand-delivering about 20 applications to tech companies around Denver and Boulder. He also sent emails to alumni from the Theta Tau professional engineering fraternity. He is set to intern at an aerospace company this summer, one of the employers he found through his fraternity networking.

Alex Giang, a computer-science major who just finished his junior year at Cornell, is preparing to start a software-engineering internship at a digital-advertising company. Applications to Uber, Airbnb, Tesla, Facebook, Apple and Amazon didn’t pan out.

Friends are adjusting, too. Their new mentality is: “If you get a job, even if you don’t like it, you need to take it because you don’t know if you’re going to get anything else,” Giang said.

Write to Katherine Bindley at [email protected], Corrie Driebusch at [email protected] and Lindsay Ellis at [email protected]