phd computer science fees

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Cooperative and Practice-School Programs

Summer tuition subsidy, mit sloan school of management tuition, other programs with non-standard tuition, special student tuition.

Visiting Student Fees

The table below reflects standard graduate tuition rates for the 2023–2024 academic year (which are reviewed and likely to increase next year). Graduate programs in the MIT Sloan School of Management have their own tuition rates . Certain other graduate programs, such as the Real Estate Development master's program and the master's programs in Supply Chain Management, also employ “non-standard” tuition .  Special students and  visiting students  should refer to the tuition and fee information specific to them.

If the student was registered for thesis as a resident student in the immediately preceding term, regular or summer, tuition for thesis will be adjusted after acceptance by the department of the completed document on the basis of a charge of $2,485 per week from the starting date of the term, with a minimum of $2,485 for the master's or engineer's degree and $4,965 for the doctoral degree. If the immediately preceding term was the summer term and if the graduate student was not registered for thesis in that summer term, but was registered for thesis in residence in the previous second term, the minimum tuition for thesis is $14,940.

Key points:

• Tuition for thesis students is based on registration and residency status. The Registrar’s Office provides further tuition information by academic year .
• Resident graduate students making progress toward a degree are expected to register as and are considered full-time students. Tuition is prorated if a student withdraws early.
• A student who continues to hold a fellowship, traineeship, or graduate staff appointment for the remainder of the term after delivery of the thesis is still considered a full-time student and tuition will not be adjusted. In unusual circumstances, the Office of Graduate Education may set special tuition rates for graduate students.
• Students in approved programs registering for thesis work or other approved research subjects in the summer are eligible for a  summer tuition subsidy .
• Students who are permitted to undertake nonresident thesis research must register as nonresident doctoral candidates. Following completion of the nonresident period, the student must return to resident status for completion and presentation of the doctoral thesis. If the student requires only part of this first term back in residence to complete the thesis, the tuition will be adjusted subject to a minimum of $14,940. Consult Graduate Policies and Procedures for additional information on nonresident status . The minimum term tuition charge for registration for doctoral thesis upon readmission as a resident student is $44,815 if not registered during the preceding regular term.

The tuition for all regular graduate students, including fellows, trainees, and academic staff in the 2023 summer session was $20,640.

• A number of miscellaneous fees may apply each term, unrelated to tuition.

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please  visit the SFS website .

Cooperative and practice-school programs offered by MIT provide industrial and research experience through a series of work assignments interwoven with regular study at the Institute. The tuition fees for these programs are the same as those for regular graduate students.

Cooperative and practice-school program tuition, per term, fall and spring, 2023–2024

Graduate students who are enrolled in a research degree program and who are not taking subjects are eligible to have their summer tuition subsidized from Institute general funds. The subsidy applies to new or continuing graduate students in normal resident status during the preceding spring term, and who are only registered for thesis or pre-thesis research credit during the summer session.

• Graduate students who register for other summer subjects will be charged tuition on a per unit basis up to the maximum tuition. This tuition may not be charged to research grants.
• Students registering for summer internship subjects are not eligible and will be charged the per unit rate, up to a maximum of four units.

Full details on the Summer Tuition Subsidy [PDF] are available online. Email the Registrar’s Office with questions about the subjects that currently qualify as thesis or pre-thesis in each department.

Graduate students who are enrolled in a research program, and who are not taking courses, will have their summer tuition subsidized (that is, paid from other Institute resources).

MIT Sloan master's programs, annual tuition rate (unless otherwise noted), 2023–2024

Certain other graduate programs have non-standard tuition rates.

Tuition for non-standard programs, 2023–2024

Special students are non-degree students who are taking classes at MIT for personal or professional reasons.

• Graduate special students, including Sloan students, should contact the Advanced Study Program for information about admission and tuition rates.
• There are additional miscellaneous fees associated with registering at MIT.

  Visiting Student Fees

Students who are pursuing a degree at an institution of higher education other than MIT and have been invited by faculty in an MIT department, laboratory, or center to do research here may apply for visiting student status. Current regular or special MIT students, or MIT students who have withdrawn or are on a leave of absence, are not eligible.

Visiting students are subject to a monthly fee that includes registration, MIT's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) , and student life fees. The fee entitles visiting students to conduct research, use our fitness facilities, participate in student life programming, and have access to care at MIT Health. Full monthly fees are charged regardless of whether the student starts on the first or the 15th of the month. The total fee for the duration of their stay must be paid in full and in advance. Additional costs will be applied for those who wish to enroll family members in SHIP.

Visiting student fees, 2023–2024

  withdrawal.

A student withdrawing before the start of a term is not charged any tuition for that term and any tuition payments previously made for that term will be refunded. Students withdrawing during the fall or spring term are charged one-twelfth of the stated tuition for the term for each week from the starting date of the term, with a minimum two-week charge. A student must pay full tuition and fees at the beginning of the term. Any subsequent reduction in fees is based on the date that cancellation of a subject or withdrawal from the Institute is effected. At that time, any excess payments which the student has made will be refunded.

All students pay a student life fee each term. Late registration or applications may result in additional fees. See the Academic Calendar for relevant dates and deadlines.

Miscellaneous student fees*, 2023–2024

Processing charges for late changes in registration.

A late change in registration , which requires a petition to the Office of Graduate Education, is defined as adding a subject after the fifth week or dropping a subject during the last three weeks of a term. The processing charge for late changes is $50. There is an additional charge of $50 for a retroactive change after the end of the term.

Payment of tuition entitles all regular and special students to receive many health care services at MIT Health at no charge. The MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers hospitalization due to accidents or illness, along with other services and prescription medications, and meets the state’s requirement for comprehensive health insurance.

Enrollment in MIT SHIP is automatic for full-time students, unless they can demonstrate that they have comparable coverage through another insurance program, in which case they may submit an online request to waive coverage . Complete details on MIT SHIP are available on the MIT Medical website.

MIT Student Health Insurance Plan, cost per year for single student, 2023–2024

Updated rates for the MIT Student Insurance Plan can be found on the MIT Health website. Students can also purchase MIT SHIP coverage for family members, including partners and dependents. Refer to the Medical Requirements section for additional details or read more about the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan .

Graduate Payment of Tuition and Other Charges

An individual who registers as a student at MIT agrees to pay all charges on their account when due, and acknowledges that the Institute may charge a hold fee, suspend registration, revoke Institute services, and withhold the degree if these charges are not paid.

Student Financial Services (SFS)  gathers, bills, and collects student charges and provides a student account statement of all activity. These charges originate in the offices from which the student receives Institute services. SFS bills by posting a monthly billing statement on MITPay —MIT's secure, online billing and payment system. The statement is posted on the 10th of the month and SFS sends students a monthly email reminder to check the statement and pay any balance due. The statement includes charges (e.g., tuition, fees, housing, and library fees), payments (financial aid, tuition awards), additional amounts due, and payment deadlines.

Payment in full or a satisfactory arrangement for payment is due by August 1 for the fall term and by January 1 for the spring term. New charges that occur after the initial statement will appear on a subsequent statement. If a student anticipates that they may not be able to pay the entire amount due by the term bill due date, they should consider the MIT Monthly Payment Plan.

The MIT Monthly Payment Plan allows students to pay their balance in monthly installments interest-free. The terms and conditions of the monthly payment plan are available on the SFS website. Enrollment can be accessed through MITPay.

SFS also offers information on  federal student loan programs  as additional options for eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

A student who does not pay the balance due or make satisfactory arrangements for doing so will have a registration or degree hold placed, as well as being charged a hold fee of $100. The balance due, including the hold fee, must be paid in full before the hold can be released.

Notifications to Graduate Students with Unpaid Balances

In the fifth week of the term, SFS will reach out to graduate students who have an unpaid balance on their student account and who have not made satisfactory arrangements for payment of the balance. These students will be notified of MIT’s financial hold policy through the billing system as well as by email. SFS will send out a second reminder email and billing notification after the 11th week of the term, again notifying students of MIT’s financial hold policy.

Policy on Graduate Student Financial Holds and Other Actions

Graduate students who have not paid their prior term balances or made satisfactory arrangements to resolve their financial situation will not be allowed to register for subsequent terms, will not receive credit retroactively, will be charged a $100 hold fee, and may be restricted from Institute services. The student account must be paid in full before a degree can be awarded.

Student accounts unpaid after the student has left MIT for any reason may be reported to credit bureau agencies and/or sent to an outside collection agency and assessed additional fees on the outstanding balance. Please visit the  SFS website  for more information and to review the  Student Financial Responsibility Statement .

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Computer Science Ph.D. Cost

How much does it cost to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science from UND?

UND's School of Graduate Studies is one of the best values in the nation, offering lower tuition and fees than similar Midwest four-year doctoral universities. For an affordable tuition price, our students are learning from top experts and leading research.

The work you do at UND will be worth it — in more ways than one. Depending on your field, your paycheck could jump by $1,000/month with a master's degree or more than $2,490/month with a doctoral degree. Graduate degrees can also open new career opportunities and provide personal growth.

Computer Science Ph.D. Tuition & Fees

On-campus tuition costs.

Cost of Attendance Details

Online Tuition Costs

Online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

Calculate Your Cost to Attend UND

Several factors can adjust your cost to attend college. Use these two calculators to help determine costs.

The cost to attend UND varies. Input your program, start term, military affiliation and current residence to quickly estimate tuition and fees.

The best way to figure out what UND will cost is to calculate your cost with financial aid. The price you actually pay is usually far less once your custom financial aid package is considered.

Graduate Assistant Funding

Many departments offer graduate research or teaching assistantship employment positions. Contact the academic department for program-specific details.

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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:

2022  CS Ph.D. Student Handbook  

2021 CS Ph.D. Student Handbook

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• Expectations, Policies, and Procedures

PhD in Computer Science

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

GRE Required for the Fall 2024 cycle

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

Applying to the PhD Program

2024 admission requirements.

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

The required components of your application are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Q. Can I be admitted for the Winter term?

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

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

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

College of Arts & Sciences

Ph.D. Program

Admission to the ph.d. program.

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

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

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

Application Timeline

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

Final submission deadline: January 15

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

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

Admissions Requirements

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

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

Ph.D. Program Requirements and Milestones

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

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

Ph.D. Coursework

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

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

Qualifying Examinations

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

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

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

Ph.D. Seminars

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

Apprenticeship in Teaching Workshop Program

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

Dissertation Proposal and Defense

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

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

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

Timeline of Degree Milestones

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

Ph.D. Admission

Applying to the phd program.

The deadline for applications is December 12.

Full details about applying as a PhD student are available through the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Application Resource Center .

NYU Global Tracks

The computer science department offers students the possibility to perform research abroad with the computer science faculty in either the NYU Abu Dhabi campus or the NYU Shanghai campus. In order to be considered for those special tracks, applicants must indicate their interest on the application form. Under both tracks, students are expected to complete one year of coursework in the NYU New York campus, and then conduct research with their academic advisor in one of the two global campuses.

To read more about the NYU Shanghai track, click here .

To read more about the NYU Abu Dhabi track, click here .

Evaluation of applications to the PhD program

All of the items listed below must be included in your online application.

• A completed application form, including a statement of purpose.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• GRE scores. (Note that the general GRE test is required; the GRE Computer Science subject test is optional) Note: We encourage you to submit an application even if you do not yet have your GRE result ready by the application deadline. Please let us know if you believe that taking the GRE test presents a difficulty for you.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Academic transcripts.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for any student whose native language or medium of undergraduate instruction is not English.

Admission decisions are made by a faculty committee. The most important factor in an PhD admission decision involves the applicant's likely ability to succeed in original research. Hence the committee pays significant attention to the applicant's statement of purpose and to letters of recommendation that highlight the applicant's contributions to research. Links to research publications written or co-authored by the applicant are helpful. (Copies of publications should NOT be submitted.) There are no explicit requirements for grades. All applicants to the PhD program are expected to have outstanding grades and demonstrated command of written English. The letters of recommendation should provide confirmation of the applicant's originality and creativity in research.

Applicants are not expected or required to submit GRE scores. Applicants who wish to submit GRE scores, can do so, but need not provide official scores at the time of application.

Admission decisions are made by a faculty committee. The most important factor in an PhD admission decision involves the applicant's likely ability to succeed in original research. Hence the committee pays significant attention to the applicant's statement of purpose and to letters of recommendation that highlight the applicant's contributions to research. Links to research publications written or co-authored by the applicant are helpful. (Copies of publications should NOT be submitted.) There are no explicit requirements for grades or GRE scores. All applicants to the PhD program are expected to have outstanding grades and excellent GRE scores, as well as a demonstrated command of written English. The letters of recommendation should provide confirmation of the applicant's originality and creativity in research.

Financial support of PhD students

All full-time Computer Science PhD students in good standing receive financial support, including a nine-month stipend during the academic year, payment of tuition and fees, and health insurance. For some students, this support is provided through the GSAS MacCracken Fellowship program. Information about the MacCracken program can be found on the GSAS page for Fellowships and Assistantships by clicking the link for "MacCracken Program Guidelines."

More than half of Computer Science PhD students receive support from research assistantships associated with external grants received by their research advisors. There are also opportunities for MacCracken fellows to receive additional compensation separate from their MacCracken award by serving as instructional assistants.

Prospective PhD students are strongly encouraged to apply for external fellowships. In addition to the prestige associated with external support,the department's policy is to pay the student, whenever possible, a "supplement" that produces a 9-month stipend (during September-May)that is 25% higher than the standard departmental 9-month stipend. For more information see the links below:

• External Fellowships for Doctoral Students (CS Department)
• External Fellowships (GSAS)

Where to Get Further Information

For general admissions inquiries for the PhD program, including troubleshooting the online application:

• [email protected]

For admissions inquiries specific to the PhD program in Computer Science:

• [email protected]

For information regarding open houses for prospective PhD students

• GSAS Graduate Fairs and Open Houses

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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.

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Academics   /   Graduate PhD in Computer Science

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

Joining a Track

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

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Computer Engineering

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

Learn more about computer science research areas

Curriculum and Requirements

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

CS PhD Manual Apply now

Request More Information

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

Request info about the PhD degree

Opportunities for PhD Students

Cognitive science certificate.

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

The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

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

Management for Scientists and Engineers Certificate Program

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

Career Paths

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

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

Industry & Research Labs

• Adobe Research
• Narrative Science
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory

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What Students Are Saying

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

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

— Brian Suchy, PhD Candidate, Computer Systems

What Alumni Are Saying

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

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

Read an alumni profile of Yiding Feng

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

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

Read an alumni profile of Maxwell Crouse

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

— Vaidehi Srinivas, PhD Candidate, CS Theory

Doctoral Degree in Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon's Ph.D. in Computer Science is, above all, a research degree. When the faculty award a Ph.D., they certify that the student has a broad foundation and awareness of core concepts in computer science, has advanced the field by performing significant original research and has reported that work in a scholarly fashion.

When you begin our Ph.D. program, you’ll take the Introductory Course for Doctoral Students — an intense two week program that orients you to the department, introduces you to research and education topics our faculty are interested in, helps you find a faculty advisor and familiarizes you with Carnegie Mellon’s resources. Next, you’ll gain a broad understanding of fundamental research issues in major areas of computer science through coursework and original research. Finally, you’ll write and orally defend a thesis that guarantees you understand the area well enough to advance the state of knowledge in the field.

During the first two years of the program, you’ll gain the foundation of knowledge that will allow you to become an expert researcher in computer science, primarily by

Mastering a body of graduate material, achieved by passing 96 university units worth of graduate courses (equivalent to eight full-time courses).

Learning how to organize and begin to carry out original research, achieved by participating in directed research.

You will also serve as a teaching assistant, hone your writing and speaking skills and maintain your programming prowess. You’ll also receive periodic evaluation of your progress, and must make satisfactory progress to continue in the program.

Time Commitment:

As a Ph.D. student in computer science at CMU, you'll spend roughly five years acquiring a body of technical knowledge that includes a familiarity with the breadth of the field, as well as a deep understanding of your research area. From your second month in the program, you'll work closely with your faculty advisor, who is charged with guiding your education and monitoring your progress through the program. You'll take courses, teach and perform directed research — all to ensure that you leave Carnegie Mellon as an expert in your field. For a complete breakdown of our program requirements, read our Ph.D. Handbook .

Financial Information:

The Computer Science Department offers all Ph.D. students full financial support while they are in good academic standing in their respective programs. To learn more about Ph.D. funding, visit the SCS  Doctoral Programs  webpage.

Graduate Tuition: https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/tuition/graduate/scs.html

Student Fees: https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/tuition/fees/index.html

Carnegie Mellon Graduate Student Financial Aid: https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/financial-aid/graduate/index.html

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Graduate Admissions in Computer Science ​

To apply to our M.S. or Ph.D. program in Computer Science for Spring 2024 or Fall 2024, please use this  application link .     

• Applications for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 are currently available and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time on the correlating application deadline.
• Late application is not possible.
• Domestic student applications for Spring 2024 will be accepted until December 01, 2023.
• There is no application fee for domestic applicants to the Ph.D. or M.S. programs in Computer Science.

Your application requires all of the following:

• A Statement of Purpose, describing your interests and motivation to pursue a graduate degree.
• A Resume or CV, describing your work experience, academic projects, and areas of expertise.
• Three recommendation letters, from academia or industry. All recommendation letters should be submitted online . For Ph.D. applicants in Computer Science, we highly recommend that a majority of the letters be from academia.
• Scanned transcripts, please upload clear and legible scans of your transcript(s) or your application will not be reviewed by the admissions committee.  In addition, if transfer credits were used to complete a post-secondary degree, we require an uploaded copy of the official transcript from the academic institution where the transfer credit originated.
• ​Domestic MS/PhD Applicants :  The GRE is not required for United States citizens or Permanent Residents (i.e. Green Card holders). 
• PhD Applicants :  For all PhD applicants, the GRE is not required.
• MS Applicants : An official  GRE score, from ETS , is required for international MS applicants unless they have a post-secondary degree from the United States or Canada.  
• Official GRE scores must be sent to Stony Brook University (institution code: 2548), by the application deadline, using ETS . In addition, if a GRE score is self-reported in the online application, the official score must be sent to Stony Brook University by the application deadline for Graduate Admissions Committee Review.
• Language Proficiency for Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 :  In the online application, there is a Language Proficiency survey.  Please read the instructions carefully.  If an applicants answer to the survey determines that a language proficiency score is required, then a language proficiency exam score must be entered in the "Test Scores" section of the online application. In this case, please have ETS send your official TOEFL score to Stony Brook University (institution code: 2548). Or, if you took IELTS or Duolingo instead of TOEFL, please upload a clear and legible copy of your scorecard using the 'Upload Materials' feature in your checklist. On the other hand, if an applicants answer to the survey determines that a language proficiency score is not required, do not enter a language proficiency score in the "Test Scores" section and do not upload a language proficiency score sheet into the online application. 

Do not send any official electronic/paper transcripts (or IELTS/Duolingo if applicable) until you receive a specific request. After admission decisions are released, admitted students will be asked to have their official transcripts  and  official IELTS/Duolingo score (if applicable) sent to the  Graduate and Health Sciences Admissions  office by postal or official electronic delivery service. Please do not send any official transcripts (or IELTS/Duolingo scores) until you receive such a request, as paper documents tend to obstruct admissions processes and will likely delay the processing of your file.

Applicants to the CS graduate program are eligible for admission only if they do not already have a graduate degree of the same or higher level in Computer Science.

For additional information, please check our FAQ and the Graduate School's admission web pages.

We will waive the application fees for a limited number of PhD applicants who have difficulty in paying the fees. If you wish to be considered for this waiver, you must  first fully complete your graduate admission application online, but do not submit it. Then, submit a separate fee waiver application via this form   (Deadline: Jan 5, 2024 for the Fall'24 application cycle). We will get back to you very promptly with our decision about the waiver and any subsequent instructions (by Jan 8, 2024 for the Fall'24 admission cycle). Unfortunately, we cannot waive or refund fees already paid. For any questions, reach out to us at [email protected] .  

All students admitted on a full-time basis to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science are offered attractive financial support in the form of teaching or research assistantships and fellowships, together with tuition and fee scholarships.

Students admitted to the M.S. program in Computer Science are generally not offered financial support at the time of admission, but upon arrival some M.S. students do find some form of teaching or research assistantships in the CS or another department on campus. Information regarding tuition, fees, and other costs can be found here . 

Admission to the graduate program requires a bachelor’s degree.  For MS  in Computer Science,  we prefer students with CS or related degrees.  Applicants with exceptional promise who lack CS preparation in one or more core areas may be admitted to the program, but will be required to take additional CS courses as specified in their offer letter.  For PhD  in Computer Science, we mainly consider an applicant’s potential for first-class research, and expect the applicants to have sufficient academic preparation and strength to succeed in PhD qualifiers.

The Department of Computer Science values diversity and makes admission decisions based on individual merit. Stony Brook University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic predisposition, criminal conviction, domestic violence victim status, veteran status and/or military status and all other protected classes and groups in the administration of its policies, programs, activities, or other Stony Brook University-administered programs or employment. For additional information regarding Stony Brook University’s Policy on non-discrimination, please see: the Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Policy  

10 Most Affordable PhD in Computer Science Programs Online 2024

Find your perfect school.

Author: Josh Davidson Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson Reading Level: Grade 9 Reading Time: 11 minutes, 37 seconds Original Publication Date: February 2019 Updates: 2

Pursuing an affordable online PhD in computer science opens up exciting possibilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Educational Attainment in the United States 2017” report, less than 3% in the US have a doctorate. Obtaining your Ph.D. can elevate you to the top of your field. If you want to be a cut above the rest, have opportunities in the newest technologies, and use your expert abilities to grow and work in the field you love, completing a Ph.D. in computer science online is right for you.

There are many areas of specialty in the computer sciences. One of the newest and trending is in artificial intelligence. With a doctorate in CS, there is an opportunity to work in this field to ensure the safest and most reliable research and development. If you desire to teach computer science at the college level, obtaining this Ph.D. is often required, and you can get a job in almost any technological school. With an online doctorate of CS, you will be researching the most advanced topics in the field. Many US Ph.D. in computer science degrees are taken online due to the independence it allows working professionals. The programs are comparable to the courses taken at a brick-and-mortar college, and you leave with a Ph.D. from the college providing online learning.

Featured Programs

Degrees Included in This Ranking:

Online Ph.D. in Information Systems

Ph.d. in computer science online, online doctor of philosophy (ph.d.) in technology.

• Online Computer and Information Science Ph.D
• Online Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
• Ph.D. Online in Computer Science and Engineering
• Online Ph.D. in Information Technology

Ranking the 10 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhD Programs

This list comprises the 10 Most Affordable Ph.D. in Computer Science Programs Online. Colleges are listed by tuition. Tuition numbers were taken from the NCES College Navigator tool. Only universities with a PhD in Computer Science with an online option were considered. Consider the following online PhD programs in computer science:

Note: This ranking was originally published in February 2019 and was last updated in September 2023. The 2023 updates may affect the ranking order, but the list has not been re-ordered.

#10 University of South Carolina

Columbia, sc.

Tuition : $13,374

The College of Engineering and Computing was established in 1961 and offers many degrees in many different technological facets. Graduates can have careers in many sectors. Some go on to be entrepreneurs, others work in cyber-security, while others work with artificial intelligence, and the list goes on. Many of the projects and research performed in this Ph.D. course are supported by government agencies or are collaborative efforts with local industries. The University of South Carolina is one of the top 25 graduate programs according to national publications such as US News and World Report.

• Top-ranked university
• Robust tech support for online learners
• Affordable tuition
• Less reputable computer science department
• Less diverse student body

#9 University of Rhode Island

Kingston, ri.

Tuition : $14,822

URI’s Ph.D. in computer science department serves undergraduates and postgraduates, including PhDs. The Ph.D. in computer science online is a research degree that provides the opportunity to complete a major research project that enhances the field of computer science. Their curriculum provides the expertise needed for a career in research-based innovation. Graduate courses are offered at convenient times for professionals. Students in the Ph.D. program typically conduct a major research project with one of the university’s research groups to produce new intellectual contributions to the computer science field.

• Highly ranked graduate programs in computer science
• Scheduling flexibility
• 24/7 tech support for distance learners

#8 University of California, Berkeley

Online phd computer science, berkeley, ca.

Tuition : $11,700

The University of California was founded in 1868. It has an impressive list of academic achievements and rankings. In the new rankings, Berkeley’s graduate programs placed first in the world from US News and World Report, including their Ph.D. program in computer science. Berkeley graduates have gone on to achieve high endeavors such as 20 Nobel Prizes, 30 recipients of the National Medal of Science and over 250 founders of companies. Graduate students represent 92 countries and all 50 states.

Berkeley’s EECS graduate programs have been ranked first and second in the US for excellence.

Berkeley’s graduates are highly satisfied with their education, and as a result, rank them very high on rating scale:

• 90% overall (and 85% of those who pursued non-academic careers) say they were well prepared for their careers by Berkeley
• 95% overall (and 93% of those who pursued non-academic careers) would pursue a doctoral degree again
• 86% would select the same field of study
• 95% would choose graduate study at Berkeley if they could start again
• High student satisfaction rates
• Top-ranked graduation programs
• Prestigious university
• More competitive

#7 Capitol Technical University

Tuition : $11,340

Capitol Technology University is a STEM-focused institution of higher education providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, information sciences, and technology leadership. CTU’s degrees offer flexibility with opportunities to grow and adapt to emerging workforce needs.

Capitol Technical University has three Ph.D. programs focusing on technology. Cybersecurity (DSc), technology Ph.D., and a technology combination program MS/Ph.D. (a unique program that offers a combination of a Ph.D. in technology and a master of science in research methods.)

Graduates will be positioned to contribute significantly to their fields by creating new knowledge and ideas. They’ll learn a skill set that will give them the tools to easily research and publish findings and present them in an accurate and professional manner.

Students work with Capitol Technical University first, then work independently on a research topic of publishable quality. They will gain knowledge in legal, political ethics and social aspects of their field. Some of CTU’s graduates are employed at government agencies and large corporations. Others have started their own tech companies. Out of hundreds of top-notch employers, a few standouts are the Department of Defense, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin.

• Dual degree programs available
• Flexible curriculum
• Lower graduation rate
• Less prestigious university

#6 Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, in.

Tuition : $10,033

Maybe you immediately think of Hoosiers and basketball when you hear Indiana University. Along with that notoriety, Indiana University boasts of many other diverse achievements. Crest toothpaste was developed by three IU researchers. Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz came from IU, as did Nobel prize winners Mark Cuban (American businessman and owner of the Mavericks basketball team), a dozen pro-sports players, and actors and actresses like Oscar-winning actor Steve Tesich.

This University has a computer department that is very competitive with other universities. Indiana University has a world-class faculty with expertise in foundations such as algorithms, programming languages, parallel and distributed systems, cloud computing, networks, hardware, data mining, machine learning, intelligent systems, and security. The cross-disciplinary approach exposes you not only to the latest research in high-performance computing, data and search, artificial intelligence, and computer security, but also gives you the opportunity to apply those insights to real-world problems, from controlling pandemic disease to tracking the effects of climate change on polar ice.

• Affordability
• High graduation rate
• Less diverse

#5 National University

San diego, ca.

Tuition : $15,912

Northcentral University’s Ph.D. in technology and innovation management, specializing in computer science, is a 100% online program. Its specialization in teaching how a computer functions from the inside out, giving the inside track to understand the foundational technology in any information system fully. The NCU Ph.D. program students are mentored by PhDs who are specialists in the field because they are 100% doctoral faculty. Students also receive practical experience by being in the online classroom with exposure to the research community and, in turn, receive chances to present at conferences and seminars.

This is one of the most flexible universities we reviewed, offering weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around a student’s personal and professional obligations. There is not a requirement to start at the beginning of a semester. North Central University does not require students to be on campus at all. This makes it easy for working professionals, as well as for military personnel and international students who will not have to relocate. North Central’s programs provide students with the opportunity to partner with a member of their 100% doctoral faculty in each of the courses. During the online Ph.D. in the computer science program, the student focuses their research on contributing new knowledge and theory to the body of knowledge in their field. North Central University offers two programs in computer science. They have an applied doctorate program where the student will focus their research on the practical application of knowledge and theory that already exists within their field. If a student is considering continuing their work in their field of choice by implementing their research in the field, the applied doctorate might be the right choice. If the student plans to contribute to their field through research and analysis, the Ph.D. program seems like the right choice.

• Top-ranked graduate programs in information technology
• 100% doctoral faculty
• More diverse

#4 Mississippi State University

Mississippi state, ms.

Website Tuition: $9,398

Mississippi State ranks among the top 50 best colleges in the South in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” 2017 listing.

MSU is in the top 9 schools in the U.S. to hold all three of the National Security Agency’s centers of academic excellence awards. They are working closely with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and their researchers are using big-data analytics and high-performance computing to solve some of the nation’s top cybersecurity problems. Fixed on defeating the full spectrum of cyber attacks, Mississippi State’s National Science Foundation CyberCorps program is the 3rd largest in the country. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering has a strong presence in computing. The Miss. State Ph.D. specializes in research in traditional areas of computer science, cross-specialty areas, and interdisciplinary projects.

Recent graduates hold jobs at places like:

• Microsoft Research
• Palo Alto Research Center
• Verari Systems Software
• Fairmont State University
• Jackson State University
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Tennessee Tech University
• Smaller class sizes
• Limited tech support

#3 Aspen University

Denver, colorado.

Website Tuition: $3,900

Aspen’s Doctor of Science in Computer Science offers a responsibly priced distance Ph.D. in computer science. The program builds an understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications of computer science in the context of advanced research and analysis methods relating to computer architecture and software design. Aspen also offers a special series of courses designed to aid them in developing, researching, and writing the doctoral dissertation.

Aspen offers tuition rates low enough that most of their students can afford to pay their tuition in cash or through a monthly payment plan, enabling their students to gain a financially responsible Ph.D.

• Highly affordable
• More diverse student body
• Less prestigious computer science programs

#2 University of Utah

Salt lake city, utah.

Website Tuition: $7,353

Dozens of University of Utah’s academic programs, including computer science, rank in the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report. About 50 students a year enter the Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. This University offers eight different tracks of computer science. These are:

• Computer Engineering
• Data Management and Analysis
• Graphics and Visualization
• Human-centered Computing (HCC) Track
• Image Analysis
• Networked Systems
• Scientific Computing

At least 50 hours of graduate coursework is required for the Ph.D. degree in computer science. This must comprise at least 27 hours of regular graduate coursework and at least 14 semester hours of dissertation research. Independent study and seminars cannot be used as part of the required 50 hours. Of the required 27 semester hours of regular courses, up to six hours may be graduate-level courses outside of the School of Computing.

• Numerous specializations
• Robust tech support

#1 Dakota State University

Madison, sd.

Tuition: $5,999

Dakota State University specializes in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs. DSU started in 1881 as a school for teacher education, and it makes sure to keep that as a central focus, along with many other offerings now as well.

DSU offers three doctorates: a doctor of philosophy in cyber operations a doctor of philosophy in information systems, and a doctor of philosophy in computer science. There is an online option available through Dakota State University. Their distance Ph.D. in computer science allows students to take online courses. Students use various resources like DSU’s course management system and Desire2Learn to get assignments, lecture notes, and exams. Students schedule and work with their classmates in a virtual classroom.

Through these advanced graduate courses, Dakota State University students learn about:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Programming Languages
• Mobile Applications
• Computer Networks
• Cybersecurity
• Information Assurance
• Office Automation
• Bioinformatics
• Software Development
• Data Mining
• Database Management Systems

Graduate coursework in operations research is offered and may be used to provide an operations research concentration to the Ph.D. program. Admissions to the Graduate College is a selective process based on those who are outstanding among recipients of baccalaureate degrees.

A distance Ph.D. in computer science from DSU is a great investment and is billed hourly. That means you’ll always only pay for the number of classes you can take.

• Very affordable

Earning Your Online Ph.D. in Computer Science FAQ:

What are my opportunities for a career with a computer science ph.d. online.

• Contract R&D organizations
• Government laboratories
• Lockheed-Martin, Pfizer, and Ford have high-tech or internal R&D sections that do PhD-level computer science work
• Professor in any major tech university
• Startup companies and consulting firms
• Finance companies and hedge funds
• Secure the teaching faculty position in some reputable institution
• Postdoc research and publish papers and research articles
• Dynamic organization working in the field of hardware and software development
• Own a software house and explore the new and innovative software ideas
• Organization working in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence
• Google, Inc., Apple Computer, Inc., Microsoft Corp
• Software engineer
• Research scientist
• Senior data scientist
• Staff software engineer
• Computer scientist
• Principal software engineer

What can I expect to earn annually?

Expect to earn salaries of at least $105,000, potentially earning up to $150,000 and beyond.

How long will it take to complete my Ph.D. in computer science online?

The average time it will take for your Ph.D. is between 5–7 years. You should be able to do it in 3–4 years. 10 years is the maximum number of years most schools will allow you to complete a Ph.D. Time will vary depending on students’ schedules, their field requirements, and their chosen school.

• NCES: College Navigator

Related Resources

• Highest Paying PhD
• Affordable Colleges for a STEM Degree
• What is the Difference Between an Information Tech and a Computer Science Degree?
• PhD Computer and Information Systems Security Online
• PhD Management Information Systems Online

This concludes our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable Online Ph.D. in Computer Science Programs.

PhD in Computer Science

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

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

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

Tenure-track faculty:

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

Postdoc research scientists:

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

Senior software engineers and industry leaders:

Students graduating with a PhD in Computer Science will:

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

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

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Graduate Programs

Our graduate programs, ph.d. in computer science.

The Ph.D. degree culminates with the student writing and defending a dissertation based on the result of independent, original research that makes a significant scholarly contribution to the student's field of study.

M.S. in Computer Science

The M.S. degree requires course work plus a formal thesis.

Master of Computer Science

The M.C.S. degree is based on courses, but students have the option and indeed are encouraged to conduct a substantial project.

Computer Engineering Graduate Programs

We also offer graduate degrees in computer engineering in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science.

Graduate Certificate in Cyber-Physical Systems

The graduate certificate in cyber-physical systems (CPS) is designed to recognize the acquisition of CPS knowledge and skills through the completion of targeted courses. The graduate certificate in CPS is available to current graduate students in UVA's School of Engineering and Applied Science and will be awarded at the time of degree conferral. 

Resources for Current Students

Uva engineering graduate student resources.

Explore our resources for graduate students, including professional development support and ways to get involved at UVA Engineering.

Academic Planning

Find timelines, forms and guidance for completing your degree on schedule.

Current CS Graduate Students

Find information for new graduate students, program requirements and the graduate student handbook.

Upcoming Events

Uva engineering undergraduate open house, 2024 cps rising stars workshop, our research & faculty .

The computer science department at the University of Virginia attracts federal research support in excess of $6 million annually, with total external research funding of more than $7 million each year. In addition to excelling in traditional research areas within computer science, we believe that many important research challenges lie at the boundary of computer science and other disciplines. With exceptional strength in experimental systems and applied research, our researchers are blazing new trails. d

UVAccelerate

Current UVA undergraduate students can apply to a Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.), or Master of Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) degree program in the third year of their undergraduate studies.

Graduate Program Contacts

Matthew b. dwyer .

Matthew B. Dwyer is the Robert Thomson Distinguished Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia.

Jack W. Davidson 

Jack W. Davidson is a Professor of Computer Science at UVA. He joined in 1981 after receiving his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Arizona. His research interests include compilers, computer security, programming languages, computer architecture, and embedded systems. He is the principal investigator on several ongoing grants.

How to Apply

In addition to fulfilling the Graduate Division requirements for admission, the Department of Computer Science requires a bachelor's degree in some discipline of science, engineering, or mathematics.

Please see the information below for additional points to consider as you prepare your PhD application. For questions related to the online application, don't forget to check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provided by the UCSB Graduate Division. The department receives thousands of applications every year and the review process starts very quickly after the application deadline. Therefore,  all required application materials must be  received  by the admission deadline in order for the application to be considered complete for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online Application

Applications to the UCSB Computer Science MS and PhD programs are accepted once per year. All applications should be submitted through the Graduate Division’s on-line application .

If you're from an underrepresented or marginalized background in CS, take advantage of our new  PhD Application Support Program , designed to guide and refine your application materials with insights from trained mentors.

Minimum Requirements for All Graduate Applications

Grade-point Average

• A minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in undergraduate study. During the review process, we re-calculate GPAs into context on a per-school basis for institutions that do not use a 4.0 GPA scale.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

• The department does not currently require the GRE for any applicants.  Because the GRE is not a requirement, we are prohibited from reviewing test scores for all applicants. Do not attempt to upload GRE scores to your application as they will not be reviewed. Further information is listed on the  Graduate Division FAQ page .   

Non-native English Speakers (or ESL Students)

• Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo English Test (DET). The department requires a  higher  minimum score on certain tests than the University minimum score requirements; the department minimums are listed on the  Graduate Division CS Department webpage . 
• Further information on the type of English language exams UCSB accepts is listed on the  Graduate Division FAQ page  and  Graduate Division How to Apply page .
• Exemptions from the English language exam requirement are permitted for applicants who have completed an undergraduate (bachelor's or equivalent) or graduate (master's, doctoral, or equivalent) degree at an institution where the verified sole official language of instruction is English. Further information on how exemptions are verified after the application deadline and during the review process is listed on the  Graduate Division FAQ page .  

Additional Information Specific to PhD Admissions

• Students may apply directly to the PhD program without a Master's degree. 
• Applicants to the PhD program generally have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 in their undergraduate study.
• Students entering this program should be committed to completing a PhD. The department discourages students petitioning to switch to the Master's program; such petitions are approved only under exceptional circumstances.

Current UCSB Graduate Students

• To switch to or add a Computer Science Masters of Science (MS) degree objective, please submit the Graduate Student Petition available on the Graduate Division website and supporting materials to the Computer Science Department Staff Advisor via email by the annual December 15 deadline. Do not complete the on-line application. Petitions & materials are reviewed along with the other graduate school applications received. Our department asks that you complete 3 of our CS graduate courses before applying to our MS program. CS graduate courses may only be added through approval codes by non-CS majors.
• To switch to or add a Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree objective, please complete the on-line application by the annual December 15 deadline. Do not complete the Graduate Division Graduate Student Petition. Only PhD applications and materials received via the on-line application portal will be reviewed. 

Financial Support

All PhD applicants are considered for campus and departmental fellowships, including but not limited to, the Doctoral Scholar Fellowship, Chancellor's Fellowship, Regents Fellowship, and the Eugene Cota Robles Fellowship.

Admitted PhD students are typically offered financial support consisting of student employment, based on meeting all of the necessary eligibility criteria including academic good standing and department program requirements. PhD students may be funded by a combination of Fellowship awards, Graduate Student Researcher employment positions (GSRs), and/or Teaching Assistant employment positions (TAs).

MS students may apply for TA positions each quarter and may be employed as GSRs upon availability with a faculty member.

Teaching Assistants (TAs)

The department accepts applications for Teaching Assistants (TAs) each quarter. The application website is available approximately 2 months prior to the start of a quarter. Priority for employment is given to first and second-year CS PhD students. TAs receive partial fee remission through their employment, along with a salary for their job duties. In addition, the department will pay Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition (NRST) for PhD students who are international students or domestic non-California resident students for the first year. Domestic PhD students MUST secure California residency prior to their second year. MS students who are TAs are responsible for paying their own NRST fees by the fee payment deadline. The department does not pay for the cost of housing or living expenses for any students.

Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs)

It is anticipated that CS PhD students will transition to Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) positions during their second year. Students are hired by their research advisors to conduct research in the lab. GSRs receive either partial or full fee remission through their employment based on the percentage of their appointment. 

Fellowships

There are several fellowships for which the department annually nominates students. These fellowships include the Microsoft Research Fellowship, the Google PhD Fellowship, the IBM PhD fellowship, and a number of centrally administered university fellowships. Students interested in being considered for these awards should talk to their research advisors about a nomination. The Graduate Division offers a number of fellowships for which students may apply after their first year at UCSB. These fellowships include research fellowship awards and a dissertation year fellowship. Information about funding opportunities can be found at the  Graduate Division website . 

Computer Science and Engineering

College of Engineering and Applied Science » Academics » Departments » Computer Science » Majors & Programs » Ph.D in Computer Science & Engineering Ph.D. Degree

Why study Computer Science and Engineering?

The Computer Science and Engineering doctoral program has excellent research and teaching facilities including research laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment in the areas of computer science, software systems, artificial intelligence, neural networks, and more. Every graduate laboratory has a mix of computers running the latest versions of Solaris, Linux, or Windows.

There are five possible research groups.

• The Data and Knowledge Management group studies the storage, retrieval, and mining of data in databases.
• The Experimental Computer Systems group studies computer systems perspective, including operation systems, compilers, computer architecture, networking, and wireless communications.
• The Intelligent Systems group focuses on designing and analyzing an intelligent algorithm or system using any of the theoretical formalisms.
• The Internet Computing and Information Science group examines technologies for computing and communication across Internet or any other networked system, and the Quantum Computing group studies the growing field of Quantum Computing.

Admission Requirements

• GRE - Required of all international students; GRE is exempt for students that earned a degree from an ABET    accredited university (or equivalent   accreditation) in the USA with a GPA of 3.0+
• Transcript(s) and Degree Certificates (unofficial transcripts are used for admissions review, only admitted applicants submit official transcripts)
• GPA minimum 3.0 or equivalent
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• International students - English Proficiency Test: TOEFL (minimum 92) or IELTS (minimum 6.5)
• Guide: Computer Science and Engineering PhD

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

Application deadlines and additional application information can be found at the CEAS Office of Graduate Studies .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Computers & Technology
• Engineering

Program Code: 20DOC-CSE-PHD

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PhD in Computer Science

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The PhD is designed to prepare students for academic careers and careers in government and industry research labs. Computer science is a vigorous and exciting field of research and study that continues to grow in importance.

Departmental research strengths include:

• Artificial Intelligence (machine learning, multiagent systems, planning and problem solving),
• Bioinformatics,
• Computational Theory (computational learning theory, design and analysis of algorithms, computability theory),
• Compiler Optimization and Compilation for Parallel Machines,
• Natural-Language Processing, (discourse and dialogue, generation, information extraction, summarization),
• Systems (parallel and distributed computing, grid and volunteer computing, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism),
• Networks (distributed computing, transport layer protocols, mobile and wireless networks, algorithm and architecture design for massive parallelism, networks management, security performance modeling, simulation),
• Graphics and Computer Vision,
• Rehabilitation Engineering (augmentative communication, speech recognition and enhancement),
• Software Engineering (program analysis and testing),
• Symbolic Mathematical Computation (algebraic algorithms, parallelization), and

The CIS graduate program provides a solid foundation in the fundamental areas of computer science and provides numerous advanced courses and seminars to acquaint the student with current computer science research.

Degree Requirements

In addition to satisfying the general requirements of the University, candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must satisfy several departmental requirements. One objective of these requirements is to provide flexibility in designing an appropriate plan of study. The PhD is an individualistic degree. As soon as possible in the program, each candidate should find a faculty member to act as adviser and be in charge of the candidate’s research.

The candidate and advisor design a plan of study that satisfies the University and Department requirements. The Department requirements as listed below specify a minimum amount of necessary work. It is expected that additional course work will normally be required by the adviser. A minimum set of requirements provides a large degree of flexibility for each individual candidate.

A. Departmental General Requirements

• A minimum grade average of 3.0 is required in the graduate courses used to satisfy the degree requirements. The University also requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses taken including any not used towards the degree requirements. Students are encouraged to explore graduate courses (600 level or higher) in other areas such as electrical engineering, mathematics, linguistics, statistics, and business and economics. Graduate courses outside of Computer and Information Sciences to be used towards meeting degree requirements require written approval of the Graduate Committee.
• Each semester all graduate students must explicitly register for CISC 890 – Colloquium and sign up and satisfactorily participate in one of the Department’s special research interest groups. One faculty member for each group will be responsible for overseeing satisfactory participation for each student on an individual basis (e.g., simply attending, giving a presentation) and will assign a pass/fail grade accordingly.

The Department requires the following:

• Each candidate must complete all requirements of a University of Delaware MS degree in Computer and Information Sciences. A candidate with a master’s degree in a related field (e.g., EE, Math) must put together a program that meets the CIS Graduate Committee’s approval. Using courses taken for the related graduate degree plus courses taken at Delaware, the candidate must satisfy the Computer Science course requirements for the MS degree, and show the equivalent of the 30 credit MS degree offered by the CIS Department.
• Each candidate is required to complete a minimum of 6 additional credits beyond the master’s degree. At least 3 of the 6 additional credits must be in 800-level CISC courses. The 6 additional credits do not include the following courses: CISC 666, CISC 866, CISC 868, CISC 969. Normally, in meeting the University’s requirement for a major area, a candidate will be required by the adviser to complete more than 6 credits. (Note that the University requires a candidate to complete 9 credits of CISC969 after admission to candidacy.)
• Research Ability . PhD candidates are strongly encouraged to get involved in research as early as possible in their program. As part of the process of finding an adviser, and as early as possible, candidates must demonstrate the potential to perform research. Demonstration may be in the form of independent study ( CISC 666 , CISC 866 ), research ( CISC 868 ), working as a research assistant, or writing an MS thesis.
• Preliminary Requirements . These requirements ensure that each Ph.D. candidate (1) has significant breadth of knowledge in core areas of computer science, and (2) has demonstrated the ability to perform research in a specific computer science area. The breadth requirement is met by taking 5 breadth courses, which may include the 4 breadth courses from the breadth requirement of the MS degree, and obtaining a minimum 3.5 GPA on these breadth courses. See Prelim Course Selection Process for detail. The research requirement is met by working with a committee of 2 CIS faculty members on a research project, culminating in a written report and presentation/oral exam. A pass or fail decision for the preliminary exam will be made by the faculty in a faculty meeting that will take place after the end of each semester. Candidates must fulfill the Preliminary Requirements within 2 years, counted from the date the student enters the graduate program. Candidates may request an extension in exceptional circumstances (such as serious illness or injury) subject to approval by the Faculty. The student will be dismissed from the Ph.D. program if the Preliminary Requirements are not satisfied within the allowed time period. ( further information )
• Advisory Committee . Each candidate, with the advice of the PhD advisor, needs to establish an advisory committee (usually following the successful completion of the preliminary exam). In accordance with the University requirements, the committee consists of 4-6 members nominated and approved by the CIS Department faculty. The committee chair is the candidate’s PhD advisor in charge of the candidate’s research and dissertation and must be a member of the CIS faculty. The candidate may have a co- advisor who must be a UD faculty, possibly from another department. A co-advisor is a member of the advisory committee. At least two members represent the area of proposed research. The committee must also include at least one member of the CIS faculty working outside the main area of the proposed research. At least one member must be from outside the CIS Department. The proposed advisory committee must be submitted to the Graduate Committee for approval. It must then be approved by the CIS faculty. In the above, CIS faculty means tenure-track faculty whose primary appointment is in the CIS Department or who have a joint appointment in CIS, but not including continuing track faculty, research faculty, affiliated faculty, visiting faculty, secondary faculty, or adjunct faculty.
• Qualifying Examination . Each candidate must pass a qualifying exam. The advisory committee prepares an examination (oral and/or written) testing a candidate’s knowledge in the area of proposed research. Part of the examination includes an oral presentation of a candidate’s proposed dissertation research. A student passes the qualifying exam as long as there is no more than one negative vote. Prior to taking the qualifying exam, candidates must submit a dissertation proposal and a written plan describing their background and research interests. The proposal and plan are submitted to the advisory committee and are considered as input to the qualifying examination. Copies of “Discussion on PhD Thesis Proposals in Computing Science” are available in the CIS Department Office. The qualifying exam is normally taken one year after passing the preliminary exam. During this year a student should actively investigate research possibilities and select a dissertation topic.
• Dissertation . Each candidate must complete a dissertation demonstrating results of original and significant research written in a scholarly and competent manner worthy of publication. Upon completion of the dissertation, a final oral public examination must be passed, consisting of a defense of the dissertation and a test of the mastery of a candidate’s research area. The final oral examination is directed and evaluated by the student’s advisory committee.
• Facility of Expression in English . As part of satisfying the University’s requirement that PhD graduates demonstrate an ability to orally express themselves clearly and forcefully, each candidate must present his or her research results in a departmental colloquium, or one of the Department’s special research interest groups within six months of the defense.
• Foreign Language . There is no foreign language requirement.

Graduate Recruitment Contacts

Li Liao Email: cis [email protected] Phone : 302-831-2783

Chiamesha Carey Graduate Academic Advisor II Email: [email protected] Phone : 302-831-4467

UD Graduate Admissions Email : [email protected] Phone : 302-831-2129

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Ph.D Computer Science

Updated on - Jul 13, 2023

PhD in Computer Science is a 3-5 year doctorate course that aims to guide students to conduct advanced research and bring new approaches related to programming languages, computer systems, and algorithms. The course focuses on imparting knowledge regarding literature review, research methods, data analysis technics, etc., required to conduct research in the area.

Ph.D Computer Science Course Details

About phd in computer science course.

PhD Computer Science full form is a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science that falls under the umbrella degree of PhD . It is a doctorate-level degree that deals with the study and research in the computer science field including areas like security, database systems, computational theory, etc. The PhD Computer Science duration is three years , which can be maximum extended to 5 years.

PhD Computer Science Admission 2023 requires students to have a minimum of 55% in postgraduate degree and should qualify for the entrance exams such as UGC-NET, RET, DET, etc, as an additional criterion by colleges. PhD Computer Science syllabus covers a range of topics such as computer architecture, data field, and structures, research methodology, literature review, etc.

PhD in Computer Science doctorates has a vast range of career opportunities in the area of research, education, the IT & service industry, government departments, etc. The average salary of a Ph.D. Computer Science graduate is in the range of INR 5-12 LPA.

Table of Contents

Why Choose the PhD Computer Science Course?

Phd in computer science eligibility criteria, phd in computer science admission 2023, popular entrance exams for phd in computer science, phd in computer science fees details, top phd in computer science colleges in india, phd computer science syllabus and subjects, career options after doctor of philosophy in computer science course.

The demand for Ph.D. Computer Science is high among educational institutions and IT firms in both private and public sectors. Below listed are detailed points regarding why one should PhD in Computer Science course:

• Graduates of the PhD Computer Science degree in India pursue rewarding careers in IT firms, banking, educational institutions, research and development, and many more.
• As per BLS report the demand for professionals having expertise in computer science and research scientist in the field is predicted at a rate of 21% from 2021-31.
• The demand for data scientists is projected to higher demand by 36% between the years 2021-31 , as per the reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• As the IT and Business services market is projected at US$ 19.93 billion by 2025, the demand for skilled professionals will be high in demand.
• After completion of the course, students can work in prominent colleges and companies like IITs, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc.
• For students who want to build their career in developing apps for mobile devices, and develop websites the PhD Computer Science course is beneficial.

Who Should Pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science Course?

Below listed are points regarding who should pursue a PhD Computer Science course:

• Individuals who want to pursue a career in academia, research institutions, or industry can enroll in the course.
• Students who want to excel in topics like computer science theories, methodologies, and algorithms can pursue this course.
• Students having skills like problem-solving, research skills, and analytical skills can pursue PhD Computer Science courses.

Read More: PhD Computer Science Job Opportunities & Scope

The eligibility for PhD in Computer Science course may differ based on the college requirements but certain standard criteria need to be fulfilled by the students as mentioned below:

• The candidate should have passed a Master's degree in a related field with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university.
• The OBC/ST/ST candidates are given a relaxation of 5-10% marks as per the college policy.
• There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.
• The candidate needs to clear the entrance exams such as UGC NET, SET, DET, etc.

PhD Computer Science admission is done on a merit and entrance exam basis . Listed below is the procedure to get admission for the PhD Computer Science course:

• Step 1:  The candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria for the course as set by colleges.
• Step 2: The student has to fill out the college application form in they wish to apply.
• Step 3: The students need to clear the entrance exam at the national or university level as per the college requirement.
• Step 4: After the student application form is assessed they need to present the research proposal if required by the university.
• Step 5: There are various colleagues that conduct the Personal interview process if the proposed route for selection is not followed.
• Step 6: Finally the candidate if selected needs to pay the fees and complete the document verification process.

For enrollment in the PhD Computer Science course, students must take a national, state, or college-level examination. The following are some of the most popular Ph.D. Computer Science entrance exams:

The average PhD in Computer Science course fees are in the range of INR 5,000-2 LPA. Below listed are some of the best colleges offering PhD Computer Science with the breakdown of their fees:

Types of PhD in Computer Science Courses

The course is available to students in full-time and part-time modes in various colleges. Below is the PhD Computer Science courses details:

PhD in Computer Science course is highly regarded and opted by students due to the vast demand for skilled professionals in academics and industry. The students can take admission to the PhD in CSE-related courses in prominent colleges in India through the entrance exams and merit scores.

Top PhD in Computer Science Government Colleges in India

The top government colleges in India offering a PhD Computer Science are shown in the table below:

Top PhD in Computer Science Private Colleges in India

Below is a list of private Ph.D. in Computer Science colleges in India:

Top PhD Computer Science Colleges by City

Top PhD in Computer Science Colleges by State

PhD in Computer Science syllabus focuses on the study of computer security, database systems, compilers, software engineering, and computational theory in addition to topics related to a Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Science. To know the detailed topics students can download PhD Computer Science syllabus PDF from the respective college's website.

Below listed are a few general PhD in Computer Science subjects:

• Database Systems
• Computer Networks
• Research Design and Methods
• Literature Review
• Advanced Mathematics and Statistics
• Advanced Algorithms for Graph and Combinatorial Optimization Problems
• Machine Learning: Theory and Practice

Read More: PhD in Computer Science Syllabus & Subjects

Integrated PhD in Computer Science Course Details

The integrated PhD in Computer Science and related field is offered by various colleges in India. The courses can be opted right after completion of a bachelor's degree with a duration of 5-6 years in total depending on the course combinations. Below is a list of a few integrated courses:

• M.Tech+ PhD Computer Science and Engineering
• MCA+ Ph.D. Computer Science
• M.Sc+ PhD Computer Science

Ph.D. Computer Science Course Comparison

PhD Computer Science course offers students great career prospects in terms of employment opportunities, development of skill sets, knowledge, etc. There are various other courses giving students similar benefits as mentioned below:

PhD Computer Science vs M.Sc Computer Science

The table below showcases the differences between PhD in Computer Science and M.Sc in Computer Science:

Read More: M.Sc Computer Science

Courses After PhD in Computer Science

PhD is one of the highest levels of qualification one can pursue, but candidates in order to be relevant in the industry and upgrade their skills sets can enroll in various certification courses as mentioned below:

• Post Doctoral Research
• Advanced Certification Course in Information Systems Security
• Specialization Course in Artificial Intelligence
• Education Development Programs

The career options for PhD Computer Science graduates are vast ranging from professors in universities to Data scientists in research centers. Students who earn a doctorate degree in computer science may pursue the following careers:

• Senior Developer and Architect
• Project Manager
• AI Researcher
• Consultants
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Senior Research Scientists

PhD in Computer Science Salary in India

PhD Computer Science graduates salary ranges between INR 5-12 LPA,  which can be increased as they acquire more skills and experience. The salary varies depending on the industry graduates decide to work such as academic institutions, research centers, the IT industry, etc.

Read More: PhD Computer Science Salary

Ph.D. in Computer Science Scholarships

Students who want to do a Ph.D. can get a number of scholarships in their field from government and private colleges based on their financial background, income, etc. Below is a list of a few scholarships available to students:

• IIT Roorkee Chemistry Department of Post-Doctoral Fellowship
• National Post Doctoral Fellowship 
• MOMA Scholarship 
• Tata Innovation Fellowship
• Post Matric Scholarship for Scheme for Minorities
• Swami Vivekananda Scholarship
• Aikyashree Scholarship 
• Maulana Azad Scholarship 
• DCE Scholarship
• National Overseas Scholarship for Scheduled Tribe Students
• WBMDFC Scholarship

Read More: PhD Scholarships

Skills to Excel as a PhD Computer Science Graduate

Graduates of the Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Science program should excel in fundamental learning and practical skills related to their professions in order to suceed in their careers. Below listed are a few skills required by a Ph.D. Computer Science graduate:

• Networking Skills
• Portfolio Building Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Interview Skills
• Collaboration Skills
• Listening Skills
• Communication Skills
• Data Analysis
• Mathematics
• Programming

What is PhD in Computer Science duration?

PhD in Computer Science is three years, which can be maximum extended to five years.

How to do PhD in Computer Science?

The PhD in Computer Science eligibility in India required the candidate to complete the master's degree with a minimum of 55% marks and pass the national, state, or university-level entrance exam.

What are the job opportunities after Ph.D in Computer Science?

After completion of PhD in CS (Computer Science), graduates can work as Assistant Professor, Software Engineer, Researcher, Data Scientist, etc.

What is the average Ph.D. in Computer Science graduate salary in India?

The average PhD in Computer Science graduate salary is in the range of INR 5-12 LPA.

Can I do PhD Computer Science after MCA?

Yes a PhD in Computer Science can be completed after MCA with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognized university.

Is there any entrance exam for PhD Computer Science?

Yes, a candidate should clear UGC-NET, SET, CSIR NET or any university-level exam such as BHU-RET, LPUNEST, etc.

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