computer science phd how long

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

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

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

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

• computer-science
• united-states

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

4 Answers 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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College of Computing

Ph.D. in Computer Science

All students in the program receive the same degree regardless of their interest area, specialization, research focus or school affiliation. New students are affiliated with the school in which their advisor resides, but none of the schools impose any special requirements compared to another.

As a research-oriented degree, the Ph.D. in Computer Science prepares exceptional students for careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry and government. Students are expected to demonstrate excellence in both defining and executing a substantial research project that forms a novel contribution to the state of the art in computing. With a highly individualized program of study, the degree provides students with depth in their chosen research area coupled with a rigorous breadth of knowledge across the discipline.

First granting the doctoral degree in 1969 (as a Ph.D. in Information and Computer Science), the College of Computing represents a continuation of one of the earliest and most well-established graduate Computing institutions in the United States, and in the world. This stature is reflected in our national and international rankings and, most importantly, in the quality of the students who have graduated from our program.

The CS Ph.D. Structure

The coursework component of the Computer Science Ph.D. consists of an introductory course on graduate studies (CS 7001), along with the separate breadth and minor requirements.

The breadth requirement is intended to give students a broad competency across the discipline of computing through coursework in a range of the College's different research areas. This requirement is satisfied by taking five classes from across the College's different research areas and must include a Programming Proficiency course and a Theory course.

The minor is a 9-hour sequence of courses from outside the College that constitutes a coherent program of study and is determined by the student and advisor. The minor builds non-Computing expertise in an area related to the student's core research area.

As students progress, they must select a primary area of research and pass a qualifier (comprehensive exam) in that area to demonstrate mastery of the field in their chosen area, and readiness to do research.

While coursework plays an important role in the Ph.D., by far the most important component of the degree is the student's individual dissertation research project. This project should contribute to new knowledge in the field of computing, and should demonstrate the student's proficiency in defining and executing a compelling research agenda.

The dissertation research plan is formalized in a written proposal followed by an oral presentation. When a student passes his or her proposal, the student is admitted to candidacy and proceeds with the dissertation research, which is completed with the successful defense and submission of the approved doctoral dissertation.

Program of Study

Want to know more details about the program of study for the Ph.D. in CS? Find out about breadth component areas and courses, minors, qualifying exams, and more on the Ph.D. CS - Program of Study page.

Explore the Program of Study for the Ph.D. in CS

Computer Science Research

The breadth of the College's research endeavors makes our doctorate degree in computer science unique: the research specializations in the College span what is typically found in a "traditional" CS department, along with elements found in EECS, robotics, or information schools in other universities. This diversity allows students to formulate a unique individual program of study all within the CS degree, which may be impossible at other universities.

Learn more about our Areas of Research

Admissions Requirements and Applications

If this kind of work interests you and fits with your career aspirations, why not go ahead and apply?

Need more information about our admissions requirements? Find an overview of these requirements on our Ph.D. CS - Admissions Requirements page.

Ph.D. CS - Admissions Requirements

Current Ph.D. in CS Student Information

If you are a current student in our Ph.D. in Computer Science program, you can find information on your qualifying exams on our website. If you still cannot find the information you are looking for, please reach out to your assigned program advisor. 

Ph.D. CS - Qualifier Exam Information

CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

Older handbook:

2023 CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

2022  CS Ph.D. Student Handbook  

2021 CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

From the Catalog:

Doctoral Program

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 doctoral degree requires a dissertation based on the candidate’s original research, which is supervised by a faculty member, and all students in the doctioral program are actively engaged in research throughout the program.

The PhD is the Computer Science Department’s primary doctoral program.  PhD students are expected to be full-time on-campus during every fall and spring academic semester from initial enrollment until the dissertation has been distributed to their defense committee, except during leaves of absence approved by the university.  PhD 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. PhD 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 PhD students. The policy on outside activities by PhD students is here .

DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

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

SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

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

GENERAL DOCTORAL 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
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Last updated on July 11, 2024.

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Computer Science at Columbia University

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PhD Program Admissions

Applying to our PhD Program

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

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

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

Ready to start your PhD application?

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

The Application: General Advice

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

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

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

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

Letters of Recommendation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOEFL or IELTS

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

Application Tips

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

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

Application Deadlines

Application Deadline:

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

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

Vivien Thomas Scholars

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

Computer Science, PhD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

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

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

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

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

Electives and Additional Research (42 credit hours)

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

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

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

Electives include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

All applicants must submit:

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

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

Submission of GRE scores is optional.

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

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

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

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

Career examples include:

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

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

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Brochure This page covers two topics of interest to prospective Ph.D. students:

• how to apply to the computer science Ph.D. program , and
• sources of funding for graduate study in the Ph.D. program .

For Fall of 2025 the CS PhD application deadline is December 15th, 2024

For general information about the Ph.D. program, please see the Ph.D. program overview . The Ph.D. Applicant FAQ also answers many common questions. The Ph.D. program, similar to the department, operates in both Ithaca and New York City, with students and advisors located on both campuses. Each CS faculty member is based either in Ithaca or in New York City.  All Ph.D. students spend their first two semesters on the Ithaca campus; afterwards, they are generally based in the location of their principal advisor.  

FAQ with further information about the two campuses .

Applying for the Ph.D.

A successful application will include the following:

• Transcripts of all previous college and university work
• Academic Statement of purpose
•  The diversity statement has been incorporated into the personal statement. Applicants can check if they are interested in applying for a diversity fellowship and they will be asked to respond to some additional prompts in their personal statement. For more information. please visit: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/admissions/prepare/personal-statements/
• Letters of recommendation
• Cornell Computer Science no longer considers the GRE in any aspect of our admissions process (the FAQ explains this policy in more detail).
• Proof of competence in English (TOEFL or IELTS)
• Fee.  Cornell has an application fee, but you can petition to waive it if the cost represents a financial hardship to you.  Your financial circumstances will not be a consideration in our admissions process. If admitted, we provide full support (including student health insurance , stipend and tuition ) for admitted PhD students.
• Optional: Writing Sample 

Students apply online using the admissions site of the Cornell Graduate School . You should not mail any application materials ; this may delay your application . Any additional materials beyond those above, such as research paper manuscripts, may be uploaded to the online application system as “writing samples”.

Our application asks you to identify your area(s) of research interest.  This information is important to us, for the following reason.  Whereas some PhD programs allow individual professors to admit their own students, at Cornell admissions decisions are made by a committee.   In addition, we recommend reviewing faculty research, and sharing names of faculty in which you would be interested in working with and why.  We generally admit students only if we can identify faculty members who they might later work with.  The areas and names you list will help us identify those faculty members and to determine the relevant capacity for new students.   All of these steps ensure that the people you might love to work with will be equally enthusiastic about working with you!

Most students arrive on campus with a strong interest and demonstrated talent in some area of research, but no certainty about which group they will join.  Reaching out to a faculty member who is doing work you find exciting is not a problem, but you should not assume that the professor you contact will be involved in admissions.  Once you have been admitted, we will make sure that you have ample opportunity to meet the faculty members who work in the area(s) of research you indicated in your application.

Starting in 2020, the  Cornell CS Student-Applicant Support Program aims to assist underrepresented students as they apply to Cornell’s CS PhD program.  Subject to capacity limits, a graduate student volunteer may: (1) Talk to applicants (via Zoom) for 30 minutes about the application process and their experience (as well as answer any preliminary questions that the applicant may have) (2) Subsequently, provide one round of meaningful feedback on an applicant’s resume and statement of purpose (capacity limited). Participation in the Student-Applicant Support Program does not guarantee admission and our capacity for applications is limited. To participate in the Student-Applicant Support Program, here are the relevant deadlines: (1) Please fill out this form by 11:59PM EST, Oct 6 2023. (2) Your application material needs to be submitted by 11:59PM EST on November 3, 2023. (The relevant form will be shared later.) Note: Information will be aggregated and anonymized to evaluate the impact of this program, but individual responses will be deleted at the end of this application cycle. All demographics questions are optional.

The department accepts applications for the fall semester only. The deadline for the fall 2024 semester is December 15th . Applying early is strongly advised. Because the TOEFL or IELTS is required for international students, you may submit your application before taking those exam(s).  Nonetheless we strongly advise that you ensure that your application will be complete by December 15th.  Delays in receiving your scores will delay the the review of your application.

Cornell University requires all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.

Evaluation Process

There is no formula that guarantees admission. We will carefully evaluate all the above components of your application. We tend to look for the following:

• A coherent body of coursework with a high average grade in the A− to A+ range.
• Adequate mathematical background including freshman and sophomore calculus and at least two other courses (e.g., linear algebra, abstract algebra, analysis, statistics).
• Basic background in computer science including evidence of research potential.
• A strong statement of purpose.  Our committee reads your statement of purpose carefully and it shapes our perspective on who you are and what your interests are.  The most compelling statements of purpose center on the research areas that fascinate you and your experience working in or learning about those areas.
• Strong letters of recommendation.  The most compelling letters are those written by people who know you well and who can attest to characteristics such as your intellectual potential, creativity, ability to overcome challenges, work ethic, and motivation.

It is important to stress that these are only guidelines and not a rigid policy. An applicant whose record is weaker in some respect (e.g. a low grade in some course) may still be admitted if strength is revealed in some other respect (e.g., exceptional letters of recommendation).

Commitment to Diversity

Fostering an inclusive environment is a core value of the Computer Science Department and Cornell as a whole. In line with Cornell’s historical commitment to educating “… any person … in any study…”, we seek candidates who will create a climate that helps attract and is inclusive of all students, including students from historically underrepresented groups, and students who have overcome personal challenges. 

As a member of our community, all of our graduate students find themselves in student-facing roles such as teaching, other TA activities, and advising research.  With this in mind, we are asking all applicants to explicitly express a committment to  Cornell's guidelines for equity and inclusiveness .   A brief statement will suffice.  Should you wish to say more, you are welcome to use this as an opportunity to talk about your own experiences or challenges that you have overcome along the path to applying to graduate school, and how those experiences have prepared you to represent Cornell's diversity mission when you interact with students as a graduate student.

We should note that we also require such a statement from Cornell's faculty candidates, and you may also find it interesting to consult Cornell's faculty diversity web page , which provides additional detail about Cornell's commitment to diversity at the faculty level, inclusion and equity.  The Computing and Information Sciences web page  describes some CIS activities in this area. 

Our FAQ includes a list of fellowships for which you can apply, including several intended specifically to support Cornell in achieving its diversity goals.  Some students may wish to apply for one of these diversity fellowships. It is important to realize that the department's required diversity statement is not used for these fellowship applications   If interested, you would provide a longer fellowship application statement that would be used by the relevant fellowship selection committee.  In that statement, we recommend that you offer insight into your background and experiences and discuss how these shape their potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect.  The department's required diversity statement will not be supplied to the diversity fellowship selection committee, although they will be able to see other elements of your PhD application.

The Graduate School offers admission fee waivers to qualified participants in pipeline programs that provide educational and/or career support to students from underrepresented identities.  For the current list of approved programs and eligibility details, please visit this link . To request a waiver send the following information to [email protected]: name, date of birth, name of the undergrad summer research or other grad school prep program you participated in and date of participation, name of the field to which you are applying at Cornell. You will receive an email reply with a fee waiver code and instructions for how to use it.  Please note: fee waiver requests will be processed Monday through Friday, during normal business hours, with the exception ofholidays and breaks when the university is closed. Allow up to three business days for your request to be processed.

Transcripts

Your application should include complete and scanned transcripts of all previous college and university work, including any work done at Cornell. If you are submitting unofficial transcripts, the Graduate School will require that you submit official transcripts should you be accepted into the program. In this case, please make sure your transcript has your name, birthdate, and the name of the attended university.

Applicants should scan their transcripts and upload the documents into the on-line application themselves as part of the submission process. For students who are subsequently admitted and accept the offer of admission, an official paper transcript will be required prior to matriculation; students will be reminded of this requirement on the “response to offer of admission” form.

International Credentials

All transcripts or academic records must be official documents provided in the original language. If that language is not English, they must be accompanied by certified translations into English. If not issued by the college or university as original documents, they should be notarized, full-sized photocopies. They should include grades received in each subject each year, and the number of weeks and hours per week that each subject was studied. Courses must be described in detail. The general subject name (e.g., “mathematics”) is not sufficient. The particular subject (e.g., “differential equations,” “algebraic topology”) must be identified.

If you are admitted into the program and you accept our offer of admission, the Graduate School will require an official transcript. They will contact you directly about this requirement.

Grade point averages

If your school uses a GPA scale other than 0–4.0, just leave this field blank when submitting your application. If you feel you must, you may enter 0. We will review your transcript and will rate your performance on the grades you received, not the number you enter into this field.

How to scan transcripts

• Scan at the lowest dpi that results in a legible document (we recommend less than 200 dpi if possible).
• Ensure that the institution name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process and that your scanned copy is clearly legible and can print on letter-size paper (8½"x11").
• Save your document as a PDF file.
• Scanning in “gray scale” or black and white may produce the best results.
• If the scanned file is too large, make a photocopy first (experiment with different settings until you find one that results in the smallest file size) then scan the photocopy.

If all the above fails, please send the scanned document (no larger than 2MB) to [email protected]. Please name the file as follows: FirstName_LastName_SchoolName_Transcript.

Statement of Purpose

You should think carefully when writing your statement of purpose. Express your plans and interests in Computer Science in a concise and clear manner. It may be helpful to include a list of some of the principal reasons why you consider yourself a strong applicant to our program. Please note what area(s) of research you are excited about, and any specific faculty you might be interested in working with during your graduate studies at Cornell.  

Letters of Recommendation

Your application must include three letters of recommendation, but you may submit up to five letters if you wish. The letters should be from professors or other researchers who have supervised you or evaluated your work.  Such a person would normally know what your specific contributions were if the work was part of a group effort, and can personally testify to your potential as a researcher in Computer Science. Once you have submitted your application, a notification will be sent to your recommenders within 48 hours. These letters are a very important part of your application, and you should ensure that they are submitted into the electronic application system by December 15th or as soon as possible thereafter for your application to receive full consideration. We discourage mailed letters of recommendation as this delays the processing of your application.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

International applicants must demonstrate competency in the English language. Cornell will accept either the TOELF or IELTS.  Please see the Graduate School's page on English Language Proficiency for details.

Admission into the doctoral program in the Field of Computer Science is based purely on academic merit. All Ph.D. students in Computer Science are fully supported during the academic year as long as they remain in good academic standing. Support from Cornell includes tuition, health insurance,and stipend. Support is available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships.  Please see stipend rates here .

Teaching Assistantships

Each TA is assigned to a course with an average time commitment of 15 hours per week helping the course instructor. TA assignments typically involve grading homework, holding office hours, preparing assignments, or teaching recitations.

Research Assistantships

A GRA is given to a student whose research interests coincide with a sponsored research project. Typically, the work of a Gradaute Research Assistant is an integral part of his/her dissertation research. The faculty member in charge (your advisor)of the project grants a GRA. GRAs are generally given to continuing, rather than incoming, students.

Fellowships

Applicants are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships, such as NSF, Facebook, NDSEG, or DOE Fellowships. These fellowships are highly prestigious, and they free the student of the responsibilities of an assistantship. Whenever possible, the department helps students in the fellowship application process.

The following is a partial list of fellowships available to graduate students in computer science.  Please see the fellowship page for additional fellowships:

• National Science Foundation NSF fellowships are available to United States citizens or permanent residents, and only to incoming or first-year students. Support is for three years. The deadline for application is mid-November. You can obtain an application from your undergraduate institution, or from the NSF directly (Fellowship Office, National Research Council, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20418). Also, see their Web site, http://www.nsf.gov .
• Cornell Fellowships The Graduate School awards a number of one and two-year Cornell fellowships to incoming graduate students. Your application for admission automatically serves as the fellowship application. However, your application and all supporting credentials must be received by December 1 in order to be considered for a Cornell Fellowship.
• Meta  This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.
• Google This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.
• Microsoft This fellowship is open for continuing students. The department nominates the candidates for this fellowship.

As noted earlier, some generous donors have endowed an additional group of fellowships that are specifically designed to assist the department in pursuing its diversity objectives.  These are discussed in more detail (including the procedure for applying) on our FAQ page .

Graduate Program - PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

The PhD is a research degree, and is the most advanced degree that can be attained in Computer Science. Each PhD student works closely with a research advisor and an advisory committee, and publishes papers based on his or her work. Students may collaborate with researchers all over the world, travel to conferences, and have internships with government or leading industry research labs. Completion of the degree is accomplished by writing and defending a scholarly dissertation. Outstanding students with a desire to do cutting-edge research are invited to apply to the program.

Choosing a PhD in Computer Science

The NC State Graduate School requires all PhD candidates to complete 72 credit hours beyond the bachelors degree. If a candidate has earned a Masters degree from NC State and continues without a break into the PhD, up to 36 hours taken while in masters status may be used to meet the requirements for the PhD. If a candidate experiences a break between the Masters degree and the PhD, or earns a Masters degree from an institution other than NC State, up to 18 hours taken while in masters status may be used to meet the requirements for the PhD. Transfer credits require the approval of the student's Advisory Committee and the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP).

A summary of the curriculum requirements for the PhD is below.

All incoming PhD students must register for an orientation course: CSC 600 (Computer Science Graduate Orientation).

• Category 1: Theory CSC 503 (Computational Applied Logic), CSC 505 (Algorithms), CSC 512 (Compiler Construction), CSC 514 (Foundations of Cryptography), CSC 565 (Graph Theory), CSC 579 (Performance Evaluation), CSC 580 (Numerical Analysis), CSC 707 (Theory of Computation).
• Category 2: Systems CSC 501 (Operating Systems), CSC 506 (Parallel Architectures), CSC 510 (Software Engineering), CSC 520 (Artificial Intelligence), CSC 540 (Database Systems), CSC 561 (Graphics), CSC 570 (Networks), CSC 574 (Computer and Network Security).

The GPA of the four core courses must be 3.5 or better. CSC 720 may be substituted for CSC 520 and CSC 573 may be substituted for CSC 570. Special topics courses (CSC 59x or 79x) may not be used to satisfy core course requirements. Core course requirements must be met during the first 27 credit hours of the candidate's degree program.

The candidate must also take two CSC 700 level courses. One of these courses may be a CSC 791 (Special Topics) course with approval of the advisor and DGP.

• Courses cannot be double counted for both the core and the 700-level requirements.
• All Computer Science credits must be at or above the 500 level.
• To graduate, a student must have a minimum 3.0 average on all graduate course work, as well as all courses on his or her Plan of Graduate Work. Any student with a GPA less than 3.0 cannot hold an assistantship. A student's graduate study will be terminated if 18 or more credit hours at the 400 level or above have been attempted with a GPA of less than 3.0.

Advisory Committee and Plan of Work

All students in the Ph. D. program must have a graduate advisor who is a Full member of the Graduate Faculty in Computer Science. The graduate advisor serves as chair or co-chair of the committee. The choice of the advisor is key to the success of the student, and is normally based on a number of factors, particularly the interests and strengths of the student. Identifying and agreeing to work with an advisor is left up to the students and faculty. The DGP can help with suggestions of appropriate candidates.

Funding of Research Assistants is decided by the advisor, and is therefore an important consideration in selection of the advisor. A list of currently-funded research projects in the Department of Computer Science may be found here .

The advisory committee will consist of at least four Graduate Faculty members, one of whom represents the minor field if a minor has been declared. Even if a minor has not been declared, at least one committee member must have an affiliation outside the department (this requirement is usually easy to satisfy, since many of the Computer Science faculty are also affiliated with other programs, such as Computer Engineering, Operations Research, etc.). At least two of the committee members must have Computer Science as their “home” department.

The committee is formed, and the plan of work is submitted, after the Written Prelim Exam, but before taking the Oral Prelim Exam. It is a good idea to ask faculty members to join your committee at least one month (better: two) before the date you hope to schedule your Oral Prelim Exam. The committee is indicated on the Plan of Graduate Work , which is filed electronically by the student using their MyPack portal, and electronically routed for approvals. It is not necessary to know the precise exam date in order to submit the plan of work.

• include both a list of the course work to be undertaken (in all programs) and the dissertation topic.
• be developed by the student and his/her advisory committee.
• be approved by the committee and the DGP prior to submission to the Gradute School for final approval.

Written Prelim Exam

The Written Preliminary Exam is the first milestone in the student's PhD program. The purpose of this exam is to measure research aptitude, preparation (including knowledge of a specialization area), and proper research methodology. It is expected that the student will have conducted an extensive literature search of a problem area, identified a research problem, and obtained some preliminary research results in that area. The work for this exam must be substantially that of the student, with minor help from the advisor or others.

The student must first have an advisor, who helps him or her identify a suitable topic for the exam. In the semester the exam is to be taken, the student will register for up to 6 credits of CSC 890 (Doctoral Preliminary Exam). (Alternatively, the credits may be spread over two successive semesters.) Full-time PhD students who previously received a MS degree are expected to have passed this exam by the start of the 4th semester; PhD students who did not previously receive a MS degree are expected to have passed the exam by the start of the 5th semester.

The student, in consultation with the advisor, must submit to the DGP:

• the name of the advisor
• the names of up to five Computer Science faculty (not including the advisor, the DGP and the Department Head) who have expertise in the topic of the exam
• the title and a preliminary abstract of the paper

The DGP will form an examination committee consisting of the advisor, one of the five faculty knowledgeable about the subject area, and one other departmental faculty member (the DGP and Department Head are not eligible for this role). This information should be submitted at least 3 weeks before the proposed exam date.

The exam requires both a written report and an oral presentation. The report should be approximately 7000 words, and should include sufficient background information to be accessible to a non-specialist. If the report has already been submitted for publication and has multiple authors, the student must make clear that the work, and the writing, are mostly his or her own efforts. It is not acceptable to use a paper in which the writing or the work is substantially due to others, since this would not represent the student's independent efforts. The oral presentation is open to all faculty and students in Computer Science.

The examination committee is charged with determining if the student is capable of doing PhD level research. The examiners use a review form that should include detailed, specific comments in the categories (i) originality, (ii) technical quality, and (iii) presentation quality (includes the oral presentation). The student will be informed of the outcome immediately following the exam.

If the outcome of the exam is failure, the exam committee will determine if a retake is allowed. The conditions of the retake will be set by the DGP after consultation with the student and the advisor. The retake committee will be entirely separate from the original exam committee. If a retake is allowed, failure of the retake will result in termination of the student's Ph.D. program.

Oral Prelim Exam

In the Oral Prelim Exam, the student is expected to present a proposal for their dissertation research. They are expected to outline the expected research topics for their dissertation. The student should have made progress on that research so as to convince their committee that the research is both significant and feasible. As indicated by the name, this is a preliminary proposal for research and it is not intended that the major part of the research be already completed.

• a working title for the research project,
• a statement about the main research objectives and why the proposed work is important, relevant, and realistic,
• some background knowledge in the field, including a review of the literature and key research findings,
• a discussion of the methodology or approach to be used,
• a description of the strategy and timetable for the research project and any potential research challenges, and
• a list of references.

This examination is conducted by the student's advisory committee and is open to all Graduate Faculty members and Computer Science students. The oral examination is designed to test the student's ability to relate factual knowledge to specific circumstances, to use this knowledge with accuracy and promptness, and to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the field of specialization and related areas.

A unanimous vote of approval by the members of the advisory committee is required for the student to pass the Oral Prelim Exam. Approval may be conditioned, however, on the successful completion of additional work in some particular field(s). Failure to pass the preliminary oral examination terminates the student's work at this institution unless the examining committee recommends a reexamination. No reexamination may be given until at least one full semester has elapsed, and only one reexamination is permitted.

As the research progresses after passing the Oral Prelim Exam, it may be necessary for the research topics to change modestly. The student's advisory committee must be apprised of and approve the changes.

Final Oral Exam (Defense)

The Final Oral Examination is a public dissertation defense. Its purpose is to ensure that the student's completed work is indeed substantial and original, and to celebrate the student's scholarly achievement. Typically the student's oral presentation is one hour long. It is followed by a period for questions from the Advisory Committee and the audience.

The final oral examination is scheduled after the dissertation is completed. At least one semester must elapse between the Oral Prelim exam and the Final Oral Exam. The Request to Schedule the Doctoral Oral Examination should be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the desired exam date.

The examination consists of the candidate's defense of the methodology used and the conclusions reached in the research, as reported in the dissertation. It is conducted by the student's advisory committee and is open to the University community.

A unanimous vote of approval of the advisory committee is required for passing the final oral examination. Approval may be conditioned, however, on the student's meeting specific requirements prescribed by the student's advisory committee. Failure of a student to pass the examination terminates his or her work at this institution unless the advisory committee recommends a reexamination. No reexamination may be given until one full semester has elapsed and only one reexamination is permitted.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is the document presenting the results of the student's original investigation in the field of primary interest. It must represent a contribution to knowledge, adequately supported by data, and be written in a manner consistent with the highest standards of scholarship. It is expected that the work described in the thesis be published in research journals and conferences.

The dissertation will be reviewed by all members of the advisory committee and must receive their approval prior to submission to the Graduate School. Information on the required form and organization of the dissertation, in addition to other regulations, is presented in the University's Thesis and Dissertation Guide . Style guidelines and templates for dissertations may also be found here . PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to attend an ETD workshop conducted by the Thesis Editor. Workshop schedules are here.

At the time of the dissertation's submission to the Graduate School, the student is also required to submit one copy each of the Survey of Earned Doctorate form and University Microfilms International Agreement form and to complete a brief, standard questionnaire about his or her experience as a graduate student at NC State. Students are encouraged to keep a copy of the Checklist for Submission of Theses and Dissertations to make sure they observe all the required steps.

The University also requires that all doctoral dissertations be microfilmed by University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI, including the publication of the abstract in Dissertation Abstracts International. The cost of this service is paid by the student. After the dissertation is available to the public the dissertation is sent off to be microfilmed. When the microfiche copy is returned to NCSU, it is available in the NCSU library. The Graduate School requests only an electronic version of the dissertation; no paper copies of the dissertation are required. The advisor may request a bound copy, however.

Graduate School deadlines for defenses and submission of theses are given here .

Continuous Enrollment and Time Limits

The Graduate School has a continuous enrollment policy. While pursuing a graduate degree, the student must be registered every Fall and Spring semester until completion. Otherwise, a student must request an official leave of absence from the Graduate School.

Additionally, the PhD student must be registered for at least one credit in any semester, including the summer, that he or she plans to defend the dissertation.

There are minimum registration requirements for all Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, and Fellows who are eligible for the Graduate Student Support Plan. Details may be found here .

A student working toward a doctoral degree is expected to be registered for graduate work at NC State for at least 6 semesters beyond the bachelors degree. See the Grad School Handbook for the complete discussion of residence credits.

All doctoral students must attain candidacy (pass the Oral Prelim exam) within six (6) calendar years from the date of admission and complete all degree requirements within ten (10) calendar years.

Colloquium Attendance

Many times each semester, researchers from inside and outside the University make hour-long public presentations on their work. Each PhD student must attend eight such presentations during the course of their degree for which they check in using their NC State ID and submit an online Colloquium Attendance Form for each. A schedule of seminars and colloquia in Computer Science may be found here.

Academic Progress Reporting

Each semester every PhD student is required to create or update an Academic Progress report. The report summarizes the student's PhD record to date, and the progress made in the most recent semester. The faculty as a whole review these reports and provide helpful comments to advisors. These comments, and the advisor's own comments, are summarized and sent to each student in a letter signed by the DGP.

• maintain steady progress of students towards achievement of the PhD
• focus attention on and offer help to students having problems
• improve the quality of advising and the overall quality of the PhD program
• recognize and reward outstanding student success

The MS “en route” (Non-Thesis) Option

A PhD student may receive a MS non-thesis degree “en route” to the PhD. The requirements are similar to the MS thesis degree, with the following differences:

• You must pass the PhD Written Qualifier (or Written Prelim) Exam (CSC 890), rather than submitting and defending a MS thesis. This exam requires a paper, and an oral presentation to an exam committee. The student may register for a maximum of 6 credits of CSC 890 for this purpose.
• Four core courses, two from each category, must be taken, rather than two.
• One 700-level (not a special topics or 79X) course must be taken

The curriculum requirements for the non-thesis option are summarized below:

To receive the “en route” MS degree, speak with the DGP during the semester in which you will fulfill the above requirements. Students receiving the “en route” MS degree will remain in the PhD program.

Patent Agreement

Graduate students must sign a statement agreeing to abide by the University's patent policies. This statement is now part of the Graduate Plan of Work. Patent and copyright procedures of NC State are available here . Students wishing to be exempted due to policies of their companies should contact the university's Office of Technology Transfer at 919-515-7199.

No minor is required. If you choose to pursue one, the minor department must be represented on your Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee may also approve courses outside of Computer Science in the absence of an official minor.

Students pursuing a PhD in another field, wishing to co-major in Computer Science, should consult with the DGP first. Generally, Computer Science must be represented on the student's committee by at least one faculty member, and the Computer Science PhD course requirements and Written Prelim exam must be passed, in addition to the requirements for the major PhD.

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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.

Similar Courses

• Advanced Computer Science MPhil
• Machine Learning and Machine Intelligence MPhil
• Medical Science (Oncology) MPhil
• Oncology PhD
• Computation, Cognition and Language PhD

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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.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact details

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

Programmes in related subject areas

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

• Computer Science
• Informatics

Regulated by the Office for Students

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

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

Computer Science PhD

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) offers two graduate programs in Computer Science: the Master of Science (MS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master of Science (MS)

The Master of Science (MS) emphasizes research preparation and experience and, for most students, is a chance to lay the groundwork for pursuing a PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Berkeley PhD in EECS combines coursework and original research with some of the finest EECS faculty in the US, preparing for careers in academia or industry. Our alumni have gone on to hold amazing positions around the world.

Contact Info

[email protected]

215 Cory Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 9, 2024

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

• PhD Timeline

--> Also see the separate pages with on-boarding information for new PhD students <--   Information and Resources for New Graduate Students Wiki site for incoming PhD students (behind Harvard Key)

First Year (G1)

• Notify your financial aid officers of any external funding. Contact:  Erin Bishop  in SEAS Finance and  Emily Fingerle  in GSAS Financial Aid.
• Make note of the course registration deadline. (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies  Academic Calendar.
• Register for courses before the deadline  (previously known as "Study Card Day")
• Mid-January: Deadline for submitting materials to be reviewed at the January CHD meetings .
• Late-January: Course registration deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day").
• G1s: Your  Prospective Program Plan  due to the Office of Academic Programs on this day.
• Transfer of up to 3 classes of coursework may be allowed. Include the  Application for Credit for Work Done Elsewhere  with your Prospective Program Plan. 
• April 1:   Research Advisor Selection Form /Research Assistant appointment form due to Office of Academic Programs.
• Note: The April CHD meeting is the last CHD meeting in all academic year. CHD does not meet over the summer. Remember to plan ahead.

Second year (G2)

Throughout year.

• G2’s are required to serve as a Teaching Fellow in either the Fall or Spring semester.
• Make sure you complete the  TF form once you line up a TF position! 
• G2’s are required to take their qualifying exam in either the Fall or Spring terms.
• Email quals_defenses@seas  to book a room. If you book your own room (e.g., external to SEAS) you must still email  quals_defenses@seas  well in advance in order for your required documentation to be ready, else your exam cannot take place.
• Upon completion of the exam, students are required to submit the  Designation of Research Committee  form to OAP.
• If you plan to request a delay of the qualifying exam, complete a  Request to Delay Qual Exam  form. Note that delays until September (i.e. start of G3 year) are typically approved as a matter of course
• Mid-September: Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies  Academic Calendar.
• Mid-October :  Final Program Plan  due to OAP; see the  CHD page  for dates.
• Late-January : Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies  Academic Calendar.
• May 1 : Advising Agreement form due to OAP.
• May:   Commencement and diploma options for Masters en Route / Continuing Master’s students - You can apply to receive your S.M. degree en route to your PhD after you have completed eight of your core courses (this requirement may depend on area). You will receive your S.M. diploma, and participate in the Commencement if you choose to. However since you will be considered a non-terminal degree recipient, you will not be able to join the ceremony in Sander's Theater. 

Third year (G3+) and beyond

• Meet with your Research Committee at least annually, as indicated by your area's expectations.
• Send any changes to your Final Program Plan to the CHD for review. See the  CHD page  for submission dates.   Note that   the Committee on Higher Degrees expects students not to petition for a revised Program Plan less than a year prior to the final defense  in case additional coursework is required, so it's important to keep your plan up to date with your courses as actually taken.
• Inform OAP of any  changes to your research committee . 
• PhD candidates can review their eligibility to receive an SM en route . 
• Early-September:  Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies  Academic Calendar.
• Late-January: Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies  Academic Calendar
• May 1 :  RA reappointment  form due to OAP.

Completing your degree

Degree application.

• Check out FAS degree-completion information  here  (Registrar) and deadlines  here  (GSAS calendar)
• Complete the  degree application  via my.harvard by the Registrar's deadline.
• If you schedule your own room (e.g., external to SEAS) you must still email quals_defenses@seas   well in advance in order for your required documentation to be ready,  else your defense cannot take place.   You must also get agreement from your full committee to hold your defense in a non-SEAS room.

Dissertation Submission and Commencement

• The best way to share your dissertation with others is by linking to the DASH copy. DASH uses persistent URLs and provides you with download statistics, and the DASH copy of your PDF will not include the signed Dissertation Acceptance Certificate (DAC). If you choose to post or share your PDF in some other way, you should remove the DAC page so that readers do not have access to the scanned signatures.
• Get ready for commencement by updating your email and other contact information via  my.harvard.edu .

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Contact the computer science department.

Learn more about the  computer science department.

Application Requirements

All application materials must be submitted directly through the online application system. We do not accept paper application materials. Official transcripts should not be sent to the Guarini School office during the application process.

Application Fee

• Not accepted.

English Language Proficiency 

• Language proficiency test scores are required for non-US citizens, with the exception of those who are earning or have earned a degree from institutions in the US or Canada, or whose primary language of instruction at their non-US institution was English.
• We accept TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo 
• The ETS code for the Guarini School is 3351

Personal Statements

• 2 required personal statement prompts.

Recommendation Letters

• 3 required, up to 4 accepted.

Transcripts

• Your most recent unofficial transcripts should be uploaded as part of your application. Official transcripts are not needed during the application process.

Program Supplement 

Indicate your area(s) of interest:  

• Applied Data Science
• Computational Audition and Music
• Computational Biology
• Computational Design and Fabrication
• Computer Graphics
• Computer Vision and Image Processing
• Digital Arts
• HCI and Human-Centered Design
• Machine Learning
• Mobile and Wireless
• Natural Language Processing
• Security and Privacy

Upload a 100-line sample of code you have written in any language.  Explain in one paragraph why you chose this code.  

A computer science paper you have written for a conference, a class, or out of personal interest. If the paper is a multi-author paper choose a section that is primarily your own work, and explain your contribution.

• PhD applicants should include the entire paper.
• MS CS applicants should include two pages.
• MS DA applicants may optionally include two pages.

Portfolio- Students applying to the MS in Computer Science with a Concentration in Digital Arts are required to share their portfolio link.

Learn more about the computer science faculty.

Questions About the Admissions Process

Admission information can be found here.

Computer Science Department Website

Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

Degrees Offered: MS 4+1, MS, PhD

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

PhD | Frequently Asked Questions

Main navigation.

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 an eight (8) minimum unit requirement and a maximum of ten (10) units.
• Note: If you have earned a Master's degree at Stanford, please contact Jay Subramanian ( [email protected] ) for more information.
• Is it required to take CS499 or equivalent for all quarters, or can it be replaced with 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.

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Graduate Programs: Application & Admission Requirements - CS

Admission requirements - computer science, ms and phd admission requirements - computer science.

Note: These requirements are in addition to those listed in the Graduate School's application pages.

All documents must be in PDF format and under 10 MB in size.

In order for your application to be complete, the following information must be submitted in the online application:

• Fee:  as determined by the Graduate School. The School of EECS does not provide application fee waivers.
• Three letters of professional reference are required from former professors or employers familiar with the applicant's technical ability. Particularly valuable are letters that assess the applicant's preparation and ability to complete a research project. Applicants with a master's degree should include the major professor as one reference. Letters must be submitted electronically as part of the online application.
• Applicants must include a description of their objectives in pursuing an advanced degree. This should be a brief (one page) summary of the applicant's career goals, research interests, and pertinent experience. This information is submitted as part of the OSU online application.
• Resume/CV:  Please upload a current copy as a PDF to your online application.
• Prior Degree: Applicants must have or complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before the start of the term. International students must have completed the equivalent of a four-year US baccalaureate degree.
• Unofficial Transcripts: Applicants must upload unofficial copies of transcripts. Current and former Oregon State University students are not required to provide OSU transcripts.
• A baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration with a B average (equivalent 3.00 on a U.S. 4.00 grading scale) in the last two years, plus all subsequent graded course work; OR
• A baccalaureate degree of at least three years duration with a two-year (equivalent to 45-quarter credits) graduate degree.
• GRE:  GRE scores are not required for admission, but applicants may include GRE scores with their application.
• TOEFL/IELTS:  Please refer to the  language requirements  required by the Graduate School.

Official documentation information can be found on the  Graduate School ’s website.

MEng Admission Requirements - Computer Science

• Fee:  As determined by the Graduate School. The School of EECS does not provide application fee waivers.
• Prior Degree: Applicants must have or complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university before the start of the term. International students must have completed the equivalent of a four-year American baccalaureate degree.
• 2.0 GPA in one year of college-level math or a degree in statistics or economics
• Algorithm Design and Analysis
• Computer Organization or Architecture
• Operating Systems
• Automata Theory/Theory of Computation
• Programming Language Fundamentals
• 2.0 GPA in one year of calculus
• 2.0 GPA in one year of physics (with calculus)
• AC/DC Circuits/Circuits Analysis
• Signals and Systems
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Power (topic course taken in 3rd or 4th year of UG study)
• Computer Engineering (topic course taken in 3rd or 4th year of UG study)
• Materials and Devices (topic course taken in 3rd or 4th year of UG study)
• Optional Materials:  (a) recommendation letters, (b) statement of objectives, (c) resume/cv (d) GRE scores. These materials will be reviewed but are not required for application or admission.

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Master’s in Computer Science, MS

Technology changes fast. Stay competitive with a master’s in computer science. At Roosevelt, you can upgrade your knowledge or make a career change into a fast-growing, sought-after field.

Why Roosevelt for Your Master’s

Individualized learning

In small, intimate classes, you’ll make personal connections with your classmates and professors. You’ll work closely with your instructors to meet your academic and career goals.

Career Changers and Aspiring Leaders Welcome

Your faculty members have industrial or research experience that can help you train for your career. Roosevelt students assume leadership positions in start-ups, national companies, large data warehouses and cloud computing.

New to Computer Science? Our three-course bridge program will prepare you to excel in the master’s degree.

Join a growing field

Computer and Information Research jobs are projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Interested in cyber security? Explore our master’s program.

Admission Requirements

Sample courses, career opportunities, admission info.

Location: Chicago Start Term: Fall, Spring

• Applications can be completed entirely online.
• $40 application fee.
• Official or unofficial transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities in the United States.

To contact an admissions counselor click here . 

Sample Computer Science Courses

• Data Mining
• System Programming
• Game Theory and Application
• Intelligence Systems
• Machine Learning

View the course catalog for the MS in computer science.

Computer Science Careers

Today, every company is a tech company. Roosevelt alumni thrive in software engineering and AI-applications after graduation. Alumni have also gone on to doctoral programs.

Our graduates hold titles like:

• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Data scientist
• Computer system analyst
• Database administrator
• Systems Architect

Roosevelt alumni have secured jobs with:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Walmart Global Tech
• Beacon Funding

Explore our master’s program in cyber security and information assurance.

"The faculty, staff and the programs that I’m involved in have prepared me for success post-graduation."  

Liz Moreno, BS ’20, MS ’21

Meet your Computer Science Faculty

Explore More Programs

From biology to bassoon, psychology to pharmacy, reading to real estate, Roosevelt has a program for you. Explore our comprehensive academic choices, outstanding faculty and nearly limitless degree program options.

International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

Award type: Scholarships

Award description:

Effective May 1, 2019 (spring 2019 admissions cycle), the International Master’s Award of Excellence, valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five full-time terms within the allowable program time limits (6 terms), will be awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. Faculties will nominate eligible students based on the Faculty’s award allocation. Students will be selected based on academic excellence as demonstrated through their application for admission to the graduate program.

Value description:

Award valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms.

• International students who are registered full time and assessed international tuition fees. 
• Normally given to students in research-based programs (thesis or major research paper). 
• Will normally only be given to students entering the first term of their program (term 1.0).
• Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty.
• Students must meet the academic progress requirements of their program and not have outstanding probationary admission requirements. 
• This award could be in addition to other internal or external scholarships (e.g., UW Graduate Scholarship, OGS,  etc).   Note: scholarships are different than sponsorships – see next bullet.
• Normally, students should not be concurrently receiving foreign government or agency sponsorship (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan sponsorship, etc) or be fully or partially self-funded in excess of the Faculty minimum levels of support.  
• Students grandparented under the existing IMSA program cannot be nominated for an IMAE; however, a student previously awarded an IMSA for a previously completed master’s degree can be nominated for an IMAE.
• Students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission. Departments and/or Faculty will define their own internal process by which they select recipients based on the eligibility criteria and allocation.
• Faculties may impose stricter eligibility criteria as appropriate.

For information regarding international funding programs, please visit the Graduate Studies   International Funding webpage .

Level: Masters Program: Open to any program Citizenship: International/study permit student Selection process: Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department Term: Winter, Spring, Fall

Contact person:

Department Graduate Co-ordinator

• Scholarships ,
• Open to any program ,
• International/study permit student ,
• Student selected automatically by Faculty/Department ,