CBMF 4761
All COMS 42xx courses CSOR 4246
CSOR 4231
Further details about doctoral course requirements are posted here .
In addition to the four distribution courses, doctoral students must complete six elective graduate lecture courses approved by the student’s advisor. Additional courses from the approved lists, beyond the four needed to satisfy the distribution requirement, may be taken as electives. Most other graduate lecture courses offered by the Computer Science Department (or offered by Computer Science jointly with other departments) may be taken as electives, including 4995 and 6998 topics courses. At most two of the six electives may be graduate lecture courses offered by other departments besides Computer Science. Further details about course requirements are posted here .
All DES students and most PhD students arrange a research advisor during the admissions process prior to enrollment, and work closely with him or her on directed research from their first day in the program. Some doctoral students have two or more co-advisors. Almost all doctoral research advisors are tenured or tenure-track faculty members in the Computer Science Department. But in rare cases a PhD student’s research may be advised by a research scientist or an affiliated faculty member from another department, in which case the PhD student must also have a departmental advisor who is a tenured or tenure-track faculty member in Computer Science. The departmental advisor is responsible for tracking the student’s progress through doctoral program milestones, but is not responsible for the student’s research or funding. Both advisors are expected to represent their students at the Semi-Annual Review of all doctoral students held near the end of the fall and spring semesters. Further details on the department’s advising policy and Semi-Annual Review are posted here .
The primary focus of our doctoral program is research, with the philosophy that students learn best by doing – beginning as apprentices and becoming junior colleagues working with faculty on scholarly research projects. All PhD and DES students are required to conduct productive research under the direction of their advisor throughout the program. For PhD students, this should be half-time until completion of the coursework, teaching and candidacy exam requirements, and thereafter full-time until distribution of the dissertation. PhD s tudents are also expected to participate in departmental and laboratory activities throughout all fall and spring semesters of the program. The policy on outside activities by PhD students is here .
The directed research requirement is indeed a requirement , never waived, regardless of funding source, including employer-supported DES students. Insufficient or inadequate research progress is deemed unsatisfactory progress: the doctoral student is normally placed on probation and can be immediately dismissed from the program. However, on appeal of the student’s advisor, one semester’s grace can be granted by the full faculty.
The candidacy exam is an oral exam based on a syllabus prepared jointly by the student and his/her candidacy committee. Admission to candidacy (i.e., passing the exam) certifies that the student has demonstrated a depth of scholarship in the literature and the methods of the student’s chosen area of research, and has demonstrated a facility with the scholarly skills of critical evaluation and verbal expression. The candidacy exam should be completed by the end of the sixth semester or earlier, typically the semester after completing all courses, and must be completed prior to the thesis proposal. More detailed information, including the permitted composition of the candidacy committee, is here .
Doctoral students are required to register at least two weeks in advance for their Candidacy Exam using the department’s Doctoral Program Milestones Registration Form . Contact the PhD Program Administrator with any questions about the registration form.
In the thesis proposal, the student lays out his or her intended course of research for the dissertation. If the student passes the written and oral components of the proposal, the thesis proposal committee signs a form to recommend that the candidate proceed. The proposal should be completed by the end of the eighth semester. The university’s permitted composition of the dissertation prospectus committee and other requirements for the proposal are specified here . Additional department-specific requirements are here .
Doctoral students are required to register at least two weeks in advance for their Thesis Proposal using the department’s Doctoral Program Milestones Registration Form . Contact the PhD Program Administrator with any questions about the registration form.
The doctoral dissertation and defense is typically completed during the fifth or sixth year in the program. Some very highly motivated students, particularly in theoretical areas, may finish in less time.
Various forms and instructions for filling out the forms, composition of the dissertation committee, handling of remote participants in the defense, revision and deposit of the dissertation, and many other topics, are available from the GSAS Dissertation Office . Dissertation formatting requirements, including a latex template, are here . It’s particularly important for both the student and the advisor to review the university’s detailed requirements here about forming the dissertation committee, distributing the dissertation, and scheduling the defense.
Defenses are typically accompanied by a public seminar. In CS, we always hold that public seminar immediately before the defense. When a student schedules their “defense”, they should schedule enough time (~2 hours) for both that public seminar and the official defense. The department’s Doctoral Program Milestones Registration Form and the university’s Application for the Dissertation Defense form for PhD ( Application for the degree of Doctor of Engineering Science for DES) must be submitted by the student to the department’s PhD Program Administrator at least six weeks in advance of the anticipated defense date.
All doctoral students are required to fulfill two “teaching units”, ideally approximately the total workload of half-time for one semester, but the actual workload may vary widely. Both teaching units must be for courses approved by the department’s Academic Committee as Computer Science courses, where the CS department is responsible for staffing ( assigning Instruction assistants ), and occur during a regular academic semester while the student is enrolled in the doctoral program. Most students complete their teaching units during their second or third year, but there are no timing restrictions on which semesters (prior to MPhil ) students can do their teaching units. When students complete their teaching units is determined by their advisor. More detailed information is here .
The Department of Computer Science takes pride in maintaining a well-developed sense of community, and sees as an essential part of its doctoral program the preparation of its students for this important aspect of their future careers. It therefore strongly encourages students to contribute a year of service to the department’s professional, operational, or social needs, preferably during their second and/or third year in the program. A list of community service positions normally held by doctoral students is available in mice .
The en-course degree of Master of Philosophy is conferred upon a PhD student who has satisfactorily fulfilled all milestones except the proposal and dissertation. This includes all courses, teaching, and candidacy exam. The MPhil also requires completion of six Residency Units (RUs) and sixty graduate points beyond the undergraduate degree. Two RUs and thirty points of advanced standing are granted for completing the masters degree. See the university requirements for the MPhil .
Last updated August 16, 2024.
Find open faculty positions here .
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Press mentions, dean boyce's statement on amicus brief filed by president bollinger.
President Bollinger announced that Columbia University along with many other academic institutions (sixteen, including all Ivy League universities) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging the Executive Order regarding immigrants from seven designated countries and refugees. Among other things, the brief asserts that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”
This recent action provides a moment for us to collectively reflect on our community within Columbia Engineering and the importance of our commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming community for all students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff. As a School of Engineering and Applied Science, we are fortunate to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, from across the country, and from around the world. It is a great benefit to be able to gather engineers and scientists of so many different perspectives and talents – all with a commitment to learning, a focus on pushing the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and with a passion for translating our work to impact humanity.
I am proud of our community, and wish to take this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to maintaining an open and collegial environment. We are fortunate to have the privilege to learn from one another, and to study, work, and live together in such a dynamic and vibrant place as Columbia.
Mary C. Boyce Dean of Engineering Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor
Take the next step in your journey to become an effective leader, innovator, entrepreneur or educator in your community and the world.
The PhD program in computer science prepares students to undertake fundamental and applied research in computer science. The program is available for those of high ability who seek to develop and implement their own research studies.
Students pursuing the doctorate in computer science learn to analyze, understand and apply key theories and algorithms used in the field and to generate and evaluate new theories, algorithms and software modules that can advance the field of computer science.
The program provides students with research opportunities in a wide variety of areas, including:
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) applications (3) foundations (3) systems (3)
Depth (3 credit hours) three additional credit hours in one core area (3)
Research (18 credit hours) CSE 792 Research (18)
Electives and Additional Research (42 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) CSE 799 Dissertation (12)
Additional Curriculum Information Courses that are used to satisfy the core area requirement cannot be used to satisfy electives or other requirements. A grade of "B" or better is required for core courses.
Eighteen credit hours of CSE 792 Research are required, and up to 54 credit hours are allowed on the plan of study. Students with research credit hours in excess of 18 add these credit hours to their electives and additional research.
Electives include:
When approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree.
A maximum of three credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied to the plan of study.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area. Most applicants should have earned a master's degree, but exceptional undergraduate applicants may be admitted directly into the doctoral program.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or they must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Submission of GRE scores is optional.
Students assigned any deficiency coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") within two semesters of admission to the program. Deficiency courses commonly taken include:
CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms CSE 330 Operating Systems CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Final |
Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Final |
Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in research and education, including academia, government and industry.
Career examples include:
Computer Science and Engineering Program | CTRPT 105 [email protected] 480-965-3199
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.
Doctor of philosophy in computer science students follow the course requirements, qualifying exam structure, and thesis process specific to one of five tracks :
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
Recent graduates of the computer science PhD program are pursuing careers in industry & research labs, academia, and startups.
Admissions Questions
Help for Current PhD Students
Director of Graduate Studies for PhD Program
"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
"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
Computer science.
The Doctor of Philosophy, the highest degree offered by the University, is conferred in recognition of marked scholarship in a broad field of knowledge as well as distinguished critical or creative achievement within a special area of the general field (the special area being the subject of the doctoral dissertation). The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science program in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) is designed to meet the traditional high standards for such programs. The PhD in Computer Science is administered by the division of Computer Science in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Some aspects of the program are delegated to the CEAS Graduate Office.
The program is flexible, allowing the student to develop a plan of studies tailored to meet individual needs. Evaluation of the study plan is based on its appropriateness as a computer science program, the availability within the University of appropriate course offerings, and the availability within the division of Computer Science of a faculty member who is qualified to serve as the student’s major professor.
The PhD degree requires a minimum of 66 credits beyond the baccalaureate, including a dissertation. The student must also satisfy a residence requirement.
Many of the courses leading toward graduate degrees in CEAS are offered in the late afternoon or evening. So, students can complete much of their coursework on a part-time basis.
Credits and courses, additional requirements, application deadlines.
Application deadlines vary by program, please review the application deadline chart for specific programs. Other important dates and deadlines can be found by using the One Stop calendars .
An applicant must meet Graduate School requirements plus these program requirements to be considered for admission to the program:
A student who receives a master’s degree at UWM must formally apply for admission to the Graduate School as a doctoral student before continuing studies that will be credited toward the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.
The minimum degree requirement is 66 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree. The minimum credit distribution of coursework to be undertaken must be as follows depending on the option selected.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select 21 credits in the major area of concentration | 21 | |
Select 9 credits in an approved minor area | 9 | |
Select 6 credits in mathematics and/or quantitative methods | 6 | |
Take for total of 18 credits: | 18 | |
Doctoral Thesis | ||
Select 9 credits of electives | 9 | |
Effective Academic Writing | 1 | |
Preparing Future Engineering Faculty & Professionals | 2 | |
Total Credits | 66 |
The 6-credit requirement in mathematics and/or quantitative methods may be met by satisfactorily completing certain courses specified by the Department or by taking the minor in mathematics. When such courses also count for either the major or the minor area, the remaining credits may be taken as approved electives.
The student must achieve a 3.0 GPA separately in each of the following areas: the major area, the minor area, and the quantitative methods area.
The minor is normally in another area offered in the College or in the physical sciences or mathematics or in management sciences. Consideration of any other area as a minor requires the prior approval of the Department.
A minimum of 26 credits, excluding doctoral thesis, must be at the 700 level or higher.
The Graduate School requires that the student must have a major professor to advise, supervise, and approve the program of study before registering for courses. The incoming student will be assigned to an initial Program Advisor at the time of admission. Prior to the completion of 12 credits (9 credits for part-time students), the student must select a major professor who will be the student’s thesis advisor. The student, in consultation with the major professor, develops a proposed program of studies which is submitted for approval. For subsequent changes, the student must file a revised program of study for approval.
There is no foreign language requirement for the degree.
The program residence requirement is satisfied either by completing 8 or more graduate credits in two consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions, or by completing 6 or more graduate credits in each of three consecutive semesters, exclusive of summer sessions.
Each student in the program must take and pass a Qualifying Examination to demonstrate that the student is qualified for doctoral-level work. The Qualifying Examination is a written exam and is structured in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. The examination is offered twice a year during the regular academic year.
Students entering with only a bachelor’s degree or with a master’s degree in an area unrelated to their major may take the Qualifying Examination for the first time after earning 12 credits of graduate work at UWM and must successfully pass the exam before earning 30 credits of graduate work at UWM.
Students admitted after completing an appropriate master’s degree must take this examination no later than the semester immediately after 18 credits of graduate work have been earned at UWM.
A student may take the Qualifying Examination twice. On the first attempt, the student must attempt both Part 1 and Part 2 of the examination.
A student who fails the qualifying exam twice is subject to dismissal from the PhD in Computer Science program. A student may appeal the failure and dismissal within 30 days of being notified of the failure. If the student does not appeal or the appeal is not granted, the College will recommend to the Graduate School that the student be dismissed. A student who is dismissed from the PhD in Computer Science program because of failing the qualifying exam may not be enrolled in the PhD in Computer Science program for a complete calendar year. This does not preclude the student from being enrolled in any other degree program offered by the University. A student who wishes to re-enroll in the program after a calendar year has passed must apply as any other student would, including payment of fees. A student readmitted after having failed the qualifying exam twice must take the qualifying exam in the first semester of matriculation and this will count as the student’s first attempt at the exam. The student may appeal this requirement prior to the first scheduled day of classes. If the student fails the qualifying exam on this first attempt, the student is permitted the customary second attempt as described above. All appeals must be in writing and directed to the CEAS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
The Doctoral Program Committee is proposed by the major professor in consultation with the student and the department. The Committee must include at least five graduate faculty (three from major area, one from minor area, and one from any area, including the major and minor areas). The last member may be a person from outside the University (such as another university, a research laboratory, or a relevant industrial partner), provided that person meets Graduate School requirements. The Committee may have more than five members, provided that the majority of the Committee members are from the student’s major field.
A student is admitted to candidacy only after successful completion of the doctoral preliminary examination conducted by the Doctoral Program Committee. This examination, which normally is oral, must be taken before the completion of 48 credits of graduate work toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science and should be taken within the first seven years in the program. Prior to the examination, the student must present a proposal for a doctoral dissertation project. The examination may cover both graduate course material and items related to the proposed dissertation project.
The student must carry out a creative effort in the major area under the supervision of the major professor and report the results in an acceptable dissertation. The effort of the student and the major professor to produce the dissertation is reflected in the PhD in Computer Science program requirement that the student complete at least 18 credits of doctoral thesis.
After the student has successfully completed all degree requirements except the dissertation, the student may enter Dissertator Status. Achieving Dissertator Status requires successful completion of the Doctoral Preliminary Examination and prior approval of the student’s advisor, the Doctoral Program Committee, and the Computer Science GPR of a dissertation proposal that outlines the scope of the project, the research method, and the goals to be achieved. Any proposal that may involve a financial commitment by the University also must be approved by the Office of the Dean. After having achieved Dissertator Status, the student must continue to register for 3 credits of doctoral thesis per semester during the academic year until the dissertation is completed.
The final examination, which is oral, consists of a defense of the dissertation project. The doctoral defense examination may only be taken after all coursework and other requirements have been completed. The student must have Dissertator Status at the time of the defense.
All degree requirements must be completed within ten years from the date of initial enrollment in the doctoral program.
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All pages in the 2024-2025 Catalog.
The PhD program in computer science is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in computer science. Students will engage deeply with current research in computer science, and will learn to carry out original research and contribute to the expanding body of knowledge within their research area. Completion of the PhD degree requires 72 credits of formal coursework, including courses designed to deepen understanding of computer science fundamentals, electives courses aligned with students’ research interests, seminars on emerging topics and recent research, independent studies, and supervised thesis research. PhD candidates are required to author and publicly defend a dissertation describing the original research carried out during this program of study. We note that an MS is not required prior to enrolling in the PhD program in computer science.
The Allen School provides every student accepted to our Ph.D. program with full financial support in the form of teaching and research assistantships or fellowships, from program inception to degree. Students earn an integrated Master’s Degree on their path to the Ph.D. Key features of our program include:
Our students benefit from many collaborations and relationships that we have developed across the campus and in the region. In addition to being the headquarters of established technology leaders such as Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle is also home to an extensive (and ever-growing) list of engineering centers established by major industry players from outside the Pacific Northwest.
Admission to the Allen School’s Ph.D. program is competitive. Each year, we receive applications from approximately 2,500 prospective graduate students from around the globe for 50 - 60 positions. We accept applications once a year, for entrance in the following autumn quarter. Our application process opens on September 1, and all application materials are due December 15, or the next following business day, if the 15th falls on a weekend. The Allen School hosts its annual Grad Visit Days in March for applicants who have received an offer of admission. This event provides an opportunity for applicants to meet with faculty, get to know their prospective colleagues, and experience the Seattle area’s quality of life.
The Allen School's Ph.D. process consists of three components: coursework, research, and thesis preparation. At the beginning of the program, students will take graduate-level courses in an array of topics spanning theory, systems, programming, and applications. They will also develop and refine their research skills working with their faculty advisor and other collaborators. These skills include information analysis and synthesis as well as written and verbal presentation capabilities. Student progress is measured at multiple steps throughout the program: the Qualifying Evaluation (a.k.a. “quals”), the General Exam, and the Candidacy of Philosophy, leading to the preparation and defense of their dissertation to obtain their Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Students are required to complete approximately 90 credits on their way to obtaining a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science & Engineering from the Allen School, 60 of which must be earned at the University of Washington. Explore our online course guide to peruse available courses, teaching schedules, internship credit, and specialized degree tracks available to Ph.D. students.
Visit our online student handbook for essential information and advice about being a Ph.D. student in the Allen School, from available fellowships and travel grants, to navigating the annual review of progress, to mentoring undergraduate researchers. This section also contains practical information such as allocation of office space and obtaining health insurance, as well as the forms students will need to complete at various points throughout the program.
The Allen School's graduate advising team is here to guide prospective and current students as they navigate the application and registration process and help tailor the Allen School experience to their education and career goals.
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Computer science - phd, admission requirements.
Terms and Deadlines
Degree and GPA Requirements
Additional standards for non-native english speakers, additional standards for international applicants.
For the 2025-2026 academic year
See 2024-2025 requirements instead
Priority deadline: February 14, 2025
Final submission deadline: June 16, 2025
International submission deadline: May 5, 2025
Final submission deadline: November 4, 2025
International submission deadline: September 8, 2025
Final submission deadline: February 3, 2026
International submission deadline: December 8, 2025
Final submission deadline: May 4, 2026
International submission deadline: February 23, 2026
Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.
Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.
Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.
University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.
A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.
An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.
Prerequisite courses for the PhD include: COMP 1671 Introduction to Computer Science I, COMP 1672 Introduction to Computer Science II, COMP 2673 Introduction to Computer Science III, COMP 2300 Discrete Structures in Computer Science, COMP 2370 Introduction to Algorithms & Data Structures, and COMP 2691 Introduction to Computer Organization (or equivalent).
Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80
Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5
Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176
Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115
Additional Information:
Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.
Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.
Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.
Transcripts, letters of recommendation.
Required Essays and Statements
We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.
Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.
Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.
Personal statement instructions.
A personal statement of at least 300 words is required. Your statement should include information concerning your life, education, experiences, interests and reason for applying to DU.
The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.
Online Application
Start your application.
Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.
Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.
Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee
International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.
Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
Prepare your application, step 1 - eligibility.
Please note the application and funding deadlines .
Before you start your application confirm that you meet the Program Requirements and Emphasis Area Requirements for the emphasis you are applying to.
No application fee waivers are being issued at this time.
To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Applicants to all emphasis areas should have completed coursework in computer programming or be able to provide documented experience in programming.
Computational math science and engineering.
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in differential equations and linear algebra. (equivalent to MATH 333 and MATH 301 at Boise State)
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in data structures and algorithms. (equivalent to CS 321 and CS 421 at Boise State)
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in data structures and introductory systems programming. (equivalent to CS 321 and CS 253 at Boise State)
Upper-division undergraduate coursework in linear algebra and calculus-based statistics. (equivalent to MATH 301 and MATH 361 at Boise State)
Content on this page is provided as a quick reference for planning. All official degree requirements are published on the Graduate Catalog site .
Applicants to the computing Ph.D. program must submit all of the items listed. All materials will be collected via the online application system, but we recommend reviewing the information on this page and collecting everything before you begin the application process.
All Computing areas of emphasis and certificate programs require applicants to have programming experience and meet certain pre-requisite course requirements. It is not always clear how those requirements have been met just by looking at transcripts so these questions will provide important context for the Computing Admission Committee. Some questions will refer to specific courses at Boise State as examples, so please refer to the undergraduate course catalog as you complete the form. View the undergraduate course catalog .
Additionally, the Computing Admission Committee expects that the questionnaire responses will confirm that the applicant has actively communicated with potential faculty advisors prior to submitting an application.
Complete the Questionnaire
A Statement of Purpose is a statement of your research experience, interests, and goals.
The statement of purpose will be uploaded to a field in the application system.
Do not use templates. Instead, review these resources on how to write an effective statement of purpose, then begin writing your statement in a blank document.
The Computing Ph.D. Program has a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism, which includes using templates. Applications that are found to contain plagiarized material will be denied.
The Curriculum Vita (CV) should provide a detailed and comprehensive description of an applicants academic and professional credentials and achievements.
The CV will be uploaded to a field in the application system.
Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation.
We recommend requesting letters from a variety of sources including academic advisors, work supervisors or others who have served in a supervisory capacity.
Applicants will provide email addresses for each of their references via the application system, and references must electronically submit recommendation letters prior to the application deadline. Applications with fewer than three recommendation letters will not be eligible for review by the Computing Admission Committee.
View instructions for adding recommendation providers to your application.
For International Applicants Only:
Now that you have collected your materials you can begin the application submission process.
Need additional information? Refer to our Frequently Asked Questions page!
The Bachelor of Science program is the degree that most students pursue and addresses the more formal requirements for most Masters’ or Ph. D. Level programs. It provides the best all-around preparation for those intending to make a career in computing areas. View the BS Standard Track Flow Chart and full list of Computer Science Course Descriptions .
The learning outcomes of the program focus on the ability to;
You should have the basic college preparatory courses in high school. Courses that develop the ability to think logically, to organize and to analyze are especially recommended (e.g., algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus) if you plan to pursue this degree.
Those wishing to earn a BS degree typically start with the core computer science courses CSCI 160 and 161. For the most current and accurate degree requirements, please refer to the university catalog page. The major requires the courses from the following list;
: Computer Science I (fall and spring) Software Projects Capstone is typically taken during the last spring semester prior to degree completion and Social Implications of Computers is typically taken during the last fall semester prior to degree completion. |
: Basic Linear Algebra : Students need to take an additional of CSCI 300-400 electives that are not part of the core requirement as well. |
: Introduction to UNIX : Students need to take an additional of cybersecurity electives from Network Security, or Foundations of the Digital Enterprise |
: Basic Linear Algebra : Students need to take an additional of data science electives from Intelligent Agents, : Cloud Computing, Introduction to Data Mining, or Introduction to Geographic Information Systems |
: Basic Linear Algebra : Students need to take an additional of software engineering electives from : Cloud Computing, Foundations of the Digital Enterprise, or Human-Computer Interaction |
Additional university, college, and departmental requirements include;
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The Computer Science Department PhD program is a top-ranked research-oriented program, typically completed in 5-6 years. There are very few course requirements and the emphasis is on preparation for a career in Computer Science research. Eligibility. To be eligible for admission in a Stanford graduate program, applicants must meet: Degree level ...
The standalone CSE PhD program is intended for students who plan to pursue research in cross-cutting methodological aspects of computational science. The resulting doctoral degree in Computational Science and Engineering is awarded by CCSE via the the Schwarzman College of Computing. In contrast, the interdisciplinary Dept-CSE PhD program is ...
Why Get a Ph.D. in Computer Science? A Ph.D. program in computer science can prepare you for in-demand jobs: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology professions will grow much faster than average between 2022 and 2032, with about 377,500 projected job openings annually. The continued integration of technology into every facet of modern ...
The computer science Ph.D. program complies with the requirements of the Cornell Graduate School, which include requirements on residency, minimum grades, examinations, and dissertation. The Department also administers a very small 2-year Master of Science program (with thesis). Students in this program serve as teaching assistants and receive ...
CS PhD Course Guidelines. The following program guidelines (a.k.a model pogram) serve as a starting point for a discussion with the faculty about areas of interest. This description of the Computer Science PhD course guidelines augments the school-wide PhD course requirements. Students should make themselves familiar with both.
This includes a cumulative list of requirements to be completed in order for students to confer their PhD degree in Computer Science. For any questions related to CS PhD milestone requirements, please email [email protected]. Form/s should be submitted as a PDF and emailed to [email protected].
Computer Science PhD Degree. In the Computer Science program, you will learn both the fundamentals of computation and computation's interaction with the world. Your work will involve a wide range of areas including theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, economics and computer science, privacy and security ...
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 ...
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).
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) offers two graduate programs in Computer Science: the Master of Science (MS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Master of Science (MS) The Master of Science (MS) emphasizes research preparation and experience and, for most students, is a chance to lay the groundwork for ...
The PhD is the Computer Science Department's primary doctoral program. PhD students are expected to be during every fall and spring academic semester from initial enrollment until the dissertation has been distributed to their defense committee, except during leaves of absence approved by the university. PhD students spend at least half of ...
Computer Science. Working with faculty who are leaders in the field, our Ph.D. students conduct cutting-edge research, earning prestigious fellowships and awards. After graduation, they contribute widely to science, learning, culture and their communities. Brown's Computer Science Ph.D. program offers one of the best environments for research ...
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.
Princeton University. Princeton, NJ. #10 in Computer Science (tie) Save. 4.4. Find the best graduate computer science program to fit your goals using the U.S. News rankings. Narrow your search ...
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 ...
PhD Program. We are proud of the quality of PhD students we attract and the training they receive. All of our students receive support, including an annual stipend, in the form of external and internal competitive fellowships, research fellowships, or teaching fellowships. As a PhD candidate, you will share in the excitement of discovery as you ...
Doctoral Program in Computer Science. Since the department's founding in 1968, faculty members have made pioneering contributions to fundamental and interdisciplinary fields of computing. Today, the department is a research and education leader in computation, information, and digital media, offering innovative environments for study and research.
Analysis of Algorithms is the core of Computer Science, which unites the many disparate subfields. All doctoral students are expected to complete an acceptable lecture course (graduate or upper-level undergraduate) in Analysis of Algorithms, with grade B+ or higher, prior to entering the program.
Degree awarded: PHD Computer Science. The PhD program in computer science prepares students to undertake fundamental and applied research in computer science. The program is available for those of high ability who seek to develop and implement their own research studies. Students pursuing the doctorate in computer science learn to analyze ...
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 ...
The PhD in Computer Science is administered by the division of Computer Science in the department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Some aspects of the program are delegated to the CEAS Graduate Office. The program is flexible, allowing the student to develop a plan of studies tailored to meet individual needs.
The PhD program in computer science is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in computer science. Students will engage deeply with current research in computer science, and will learn to carry out original research and contribute to the expanding body of knowledge within their research area. Completion of the PhD ...
The Ph.D. Process. The Allen School's Ph.D. process consists of three components: coursework, research, and thesis preparation. At the beginning of the program, students will take graduate-level courses in an array of topics spanning theory, systems, programming, and applications. They will also develop and refine their research skills working ...
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in our PhD program. GMU is an excellent place to pursue a PhD in computer science. We have a world-class faculty with research expertise in a diverse set of computer science areas, and our department ranks among the Top 50 Computer Science Departments in the US.Additionally, George Mason University is located in the center of one of the largest computer ...
Degrees and GPA Requirements Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution. University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:
How to write a statement of purpose for graduate school - The Princeton Review; 8 Tips for Writing a Statement of Purpose - AcademicPositions.com; The Computing Ph.D. Program has a zero-tolerance policy regarding plagiarism, which includes using templates. Applications that are found to contain plagiarized material will be denied.
The Flagship Program. The Bachelor of Science program is the degree that most students pursue and addresses the more formal requirements for most Masters' or Ph. D. Level programs. It provides the best all-around preparation for those intending to make a career in computing areas.
What is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program? The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited ...
The PhD in Marine and Coastal Management and Science in the Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary program that blends the social and physical sciences. It prepares students to address complex issues at the intersection of natural and built environments, particularly in coastal and near-shore areas.
Students seeking admission to the Genetics, Molecular & Cellular Biology program apply to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Most successful applicants have had significant research experience and completed courses in biology and related sciences in college.