phd computer science eligibility

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PhD Admissions

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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:

• Applicants from institutions outside of the United States must hold the equivalent of a United States Bachelor's degree from a college or University of recognized good standing. See detailed information by region on  Stanford Graduate Admissions website. 
• Area of undergraduate study . While we do not require a specific undergraduate coursework, it is important that applicants have strong quantitative and analytical skills; a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science is not required.

Any questions about the admissions eligibility should be directed to  [email protected] .

Application Checklist

An completed online application must be submitted by the CS Department application deadline and can be found  here .

Application Deadlines

The online application can be found here  and we will only one admissions cycle for the PhD program per respective academic term.

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Doctoral Programs in Computational Science and Engineering

Application & admission information.

The Center for Computational Science and Engineering (CCSE) offers two doctoral programs in computational science and engineering (CSE) – one leading to a standalone PhD degree in CSE offered entirely by CCSE ( CSE PhD ) and the other leading to an interdisciplinary PhD degree offered jointly with participating departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science ( Dept-CSE PhD ).

While both programs enable students to specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related field via focused coursework and a thesis, they differ in essential ways. 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 intended for students who are interested in computation in the context of a specific engineering or science discipline. For this reason, this degree is offered jointly with participating departments across the Institute; the interdisciplinary degree is awarded in a specially crafted thesis field that recognizes the student’s specialization in computation within the chosen engineering or science discipline.

Applicants to the standalone CSE PhD program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in CSE, applied mathematics, or another field that prepares them for an advanced degree in CSE. Applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program should have an undergraduate degree in a related core disciplinary area as well as a strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, or related fields. When completing the MIT CSE graduate application , students are expected to declare which of the two programs they are interested in. Admissions decisions will take into account these declared interests, along with each applicant’s academic background, preparation, and fit to the program they have selected.  All applicants are asked to specify MIT CCSE-affiliated faculty that best match their research interests; applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program also select the home department(s) that best match. At the discretion of the admissions committee, Dept-CSE PhD applications might also be shared with a home department beyond those designated in the application. CSE PhD admissions decisions are at the sole discretion of CCSE; Dept-CSE PhD admission decisions are conducted jointly between CCSE and the home departments.

Please note: These are both doctoral programs in Computational Science and Engineering; applicants interested in Computer Science must apply to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science .

Important Dates

September 15: Application Opens December 1: Deadline to apply for admission* December – March: Application review period January – March: Decisions released on rolling basis

*All supplemental materials (e.g., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) must also be received by December 1. Application review begins on that date, and incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of this hard deadline, as we do not make exceptions. We also do not allow students to upload/submit material beyond what is required, such as degree certificates, extra recommendations, publications, etc.

A complete electronic CSE application includes the following:

• Three letters of recommendation ;
• Students admitted to the program will be required to supply official transcripts. Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts may result in the revocation of the admission offer.
• Statement of objectives (limited to approximately one page) and responses to department-specific prompts for Dept-CSE PhD applicants;
• Official GRE General Test score report , sent to MIT by ETS via institute code 3514 GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 ;
• Official IELTS score report sent to MIT by IELTS†  (international applicants from non-English speaking countries only; see below for more information)
• Resume or CV , uploaded in PDF format;
• MIT graduate application fee of $75‡.

‡Application Fee

The MIT graduate application fee of $75.00 is a mandatory requirement set by the Institute payable by credit card. Please visit the MIT Graduate Admission Application Fee Waiver page for information about fee waiver eligibility and instructions.

Please note: CCSE cannot issue fee waivers; email requests for fee waivers sent to [email protected] will not receive a response.

Admissions Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

► Current MIT CSE SM Students: Please see the page for Current MIT Graduate Students .

GRE Requirement

GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Aptitude Test. The MIT code for submitting GRE score reports is 3514 (you do not need to list a department code). GRE scores must current; ETS considers scores valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested.

†English Language Proficiency Requirement

The CSE PhD program requires international applicants from non-English speaking countries to take the academic  version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).  The IELTS exam measures one’s ability to communicate in English in four major skill areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  A minimum IELTS score of 7 is required for admission.  For more information about the IELTS, and to find out where and how to take the exam, please visit the IELTS web site .

While we will also accept the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language), we strongly prefer the IELTS. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 100.

This requirement is waived for those who can demonstrate that one or more of the following are true:

• English is/was the language of instruction in your four-year undergraduate program,
• English is the language of your employer/workplace for at least the last four years,
• English was your language of instruction in both primary and secondary schools.

Degree Requirements for Admission

To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before they enroll at MIT.

Applicants without an SM degree may apply to the CSE PhD program, however, the Departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Mechanical Engineering nominally require the completion of an SM degree before a student is considered a doctoral candidate. As a result, applicants to those departments holding only a bachelor’s degree are asked in the application to indicate whether they prefer to complete the CSE SM program or an SM through the home department.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment.  To read MIT’s most up-to-date nondiscrimination policy, please visit the Reference Publication Office’s nondiscrimination statement page .

Additional Information

For more details, as well as answers to most commonly asked questions regarding the admissions process to individual participating Dept-CSE PhD departments including details on financial support, applicants are referred to the website of the participating department of interest.

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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• Northwestern Engineering

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.

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Request More Information

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

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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

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Computer Science, Ph.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program Requirements

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

Program Details

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

Sample Plan of Study

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Computer Science

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Computer Science is an area of study within the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Prospective students apply through Harvard Griffin GSAS; in the online application, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Computer Science" in the Area of Study menu.

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, data-management systems, intelligent interfaces, operating systems, computer graphics, computational linguistics, robotics, networks, architectures, program languages, and visualization.

You will be involved with researchers in several interdisciplinary initiatives across the University, such as the Center for Research on Computation and Society, the Institute for Applied Computational Science, the Data Science Initiative, and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society.

Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include leveraging machine learning to solve real-world sequential decision-making problems and using artificial intelligence to help conservation and anti-poaching efforts around the world.

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies like Riot Games as game director and Lead Scientist at Raytheon. Others have positions in academia at University of Pittsburgh, Columbia, and Stony Brook.

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GRE General:  Not Accepted

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Computer Science Ph.D. Program

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The Cornell Ph.D. program in computer science is consistently ranked among the top six departments in the country, with world-class research covering all of computer science. Our computer science program is distinguished by the excellence of the faculty, by a long tradition of pioneering research, and by the breadth of its Ph.D. program. Faculty and Ph.D. students are located both in Ithaca and in New York City at the Cornell Tech campus . The Field of Computer Science also includes faculty members from other departments (Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Applied Math, Mathematics, Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computational Biology, and Architecture) who can supervise a student's Ph.D. thesis research in computer science.

Over the past years we've increased our strength in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, systems, security, machine learning, and digital libraries, while maintaining our depth in traditional areas such as theory, programming languages and scientific computing.  You can find out more about our research here . 

The department provides an exceptionally open and friendly atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas across all areas. 

Cornell is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This beautiful area provides many opportunities for recreational activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, both downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and brewery/cider/wine-tasting. In fact, Cornell offers courses in all of these activities.

The Cornell Tech campus in New York City is located on Roosevelt Island.  Cornell Tech  is a graduate school conceived and implemented expressly to integrate the study of technology with business, law, and design. There are now over a half-dozen masters programs on offer as well as doctoral studies.

FAQ with more information about the two campuses .

Ph.D. Program Structure

Each year, about 30-40 new Ph.D. students join the department. During the first two semesters, students become familiar with the faculty members and their areas of research by taking graduate courses, attending research seminars, and participating in research projects. By the end of the first year, each student selects a specific area and forms a committee based on the student's research interests. This “Special Committee” of three or more faculty members will guide the student through to a Ph.D. dissertation. Ph.D. students that decide to work with a faculty member based at Cornell Tech typically move to New York City after a year in Ithaca.

The Field believes that certain areas are so fundamental to Computer Science that all students should be competent in them. Ph.D. candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in four areas of computer science at the high undergraduate level: theory, programming languages, systems, and artificial intelligence.

Each student then focuses on a specific topic of research and begins a preliminary investigation of that topic. The initial results are presented during a comprehensive oral evaluation, which is administered by the members of the student's Special Committee. The objective of this examination, usually taken in the third year, is to evaluate a student's ability to undertake original research at the Ph.D. level.

The final oral examination, a public defense of the dissertation, is taken before the Special Committee.

To encourage students to explore areas other than Computer Science, the department requires that students complete an outside minor. Cornell offers almost 90 fields from which a minor can be chosen. Some students elect to minor in related fields such as Applied Mathematics, Information Science, Electrical Engineering, or Operations Research. Others use this opportunity to pursue interests as diverse as Music, Theater, Psychology, Women's Studies, Philosophy, and Finance.

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 full tuition plus a stipend for their services.

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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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 collaborate with our faculty on cutting-edge research . You will also acquire strong independent research skills and begin to develop your own reputation as a member of the research community.

Because the advisor-graduate relationship is the cornerstone of a successful PhD experience, all new PhD candidates are carefully matched with faculty advisors based on mutual research interests. In addition, an active three-person PhD committee is created for each PhD student to provide cogent advice throughout your degree program.

You will find the work here challenging and personally rewarding. Students who complete our PhD program are well-prepared for careers in academia, research, government, and industry. Please visit the Graduate Admissions information page  for application requirements, deadlines, and other important information.

Application Deadlines:

• The PhD deadline for fall is December 15th. (No recruiting for spring admissions.)
• The application will be available for submission on or around August 15.

To learn more about the PhD admissions process, please visit our PhD Admissions FAQ page .

Apply today

Learn more about the graduate admissions process and start your application.

For Current Students

Policies, resources, forms, course information, FAQs, and services for graduate students.

How to apply

All prospective graduate students to our Ph.D., M.E., S.M., and A.B./S.M. programs apply to the School of Engineering through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) .

Students interested in the Master in Design Engineering with the Harvard Graduate School of Design will find information about applying to that program  here .

Students interested in the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences program offered jointly with Harvard Business School will find information about applying to that program  here. Students with bachelor's degrees in the natural or quantitative sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering are invited to apply.

All students begin graduate study in the fall term only. 

What does the application require?

• Completed  application form  submitted by the appropriate application deadline (Dec.1st for masters applicants;  December 15th for Ph.D. applicants)
• Statement of Purpose: describe your future research interests, how they relate to your classroom and/or research experience, and which labs at SEAS you're most excited about.  Your statement should be no longer than 1,000 words.
• Personal Statement:Please share how your experiences or activities will advance our mission and commitment to sustain a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment  (full text of prompt can be found in the application).  No longer than 500 words.
• Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically
• Transcripts; please upload copies of all transcripts to the Academic Background section of the online application; unofficial copies are acceptable. 
• C.V. or Resume
• SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our Ph.D. programs.  Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials.  
• SEAS does not accept General GRE scores nor Subject Test GRE scores for applicants to our masters degree programs in Computational Science & Engineering and Data Science.   Applicants to these programs should not submit official or unofficial GRE scores to us nor mention them anywhere in their application materials.  
• Either the GRE or GMAT is required for applicants applying to the Master of Design Engineering or the MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences programs.   The applications for these programs are available via the Graduate School of Design or Harvard Business School, respectively. 
• If required, an official  TOEFL  or  IELTS  score report. The school code to use to submit your TOEFL score is 3451.  *TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for applicants whose native language is other than English and who do not hold a Bachelor degree or its equivalent from an institution at which English is the language of instruction.  The score must be valid at the time of entry into the program.   Note that a masters degree from an English-speaking institution does not meet this requirement.   
• The application fee of $105.00. Should you want to request a fee waiver from Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, you may do so in the fee section of the application.

Please list only SEAS ladder faculty on the application.  "Affiliate faculty" cannot admit PhD students.  There are many SEAS ladder faculty with formal joint appointments in other Harvard Griffin GSAS departments, like Physics and Earth and Planetary Sciences.  These faculty can serve as primary research advisors to SEAS students.   A complete list of the SEAS ladder faculty can be found  here - filter for "primary graduate advisors" once you're on this page. 

We do not require an interview as part of the application process and we cannot offer applicants the opportunity for an in-person interview with the admissions staff.  Attending a Ph.D. or Masters Programs admissions information session is the best way to have your questions answered.   More information about our information sessions that will be held in the Fall can be found  here.

We require electronic submission of the entire application, including letters of recommendation and transcripts.  Please do not send us any hard copy materials.

Admissions Timeline for Ph.D., M.E., S.M., and A.B./S.M. Programs  (Note: The  Master in Design Engineering  and the  MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences  have different deadlines and timetables.) Please note:   The application deadline for applicants to our masters programs (S.M., M.E., and AB-SM) is earlier than the application deadline for applicants to our Ph.D. program.    Applicants to our S.M., M.E., and AB-SM masters programs must apply by December 1, 2023.  Applicants to our Ph.D. program   must apply by December 15, 2023 .   We do not accept late applications to any of our programs.

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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.

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Computer Science & Engineering

Doctoral Programs in Computer Science and Engineering

Updated January 2023

PhD Program Overview

The following requirements are for students who entered the program starting Fall 2018 or later. If you entered Doctoral Program  prior to Fall 2018  see our  Former Curriculum Requirements .

CSE offers Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Computer Science and in Computer Engineering, providing a research-oriented education in preparation for a research, industrial, or entrepreneurial career. These programs explore both the fundamental aspects and application of computation, spanning theory, software, hardware, and applications.

The 37-unit coursework requirement is intended to ensure that students are exposed to (1) fundamental concepts and tools, (2) advanced, up-to-date views in topics outside their area (the breadth requirement), and (3) a deep, up-to-date view of their research area (the elective requirement). Doctoral students are expected to complete the breadth and elective requirements within the first three years of the program. All required coursework must be taken for a letter grade, with the exception of CSE 292 (Faculty Research Seminar), which is only offered S/U.

To access the CSE PhD Program Course Planner worksheet:   click here

Units obtained from a single course cannot count towards both the breadth and the elective requirements; they may only be applied towards one or the other. Doctoral students who have taken similar courses elsewhere may petition for a waiver of the required courses or for substitution by alternative courses.

The breadth requirement ensures that doctoral students share knowledge of fundamental concepts and tools from across broad areas of computer science and computer engineering. Each doctoral student must take each of these courses for a letter grade and maintain an overall breadth course GPA of 3.3 (except for CSE 292, for which a letter grade is not assigned). A student will typically complete all breadth courses within the first two years of graduate study.  Breadth courses are categorized into ten areas and are listed here alphabetically:

• Artificial Intelligence 
• Bioinformatics
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Systems & Security
• Database Systems
• Graphics & Vision
• Human-computer Interaction 
• Programming Languages, Compilers, and Software Engineering
• Theoretical Computer Science

To fulfill the breadth requirement, students will select four out of the ten areas and take a single course from each of these four areas.

For courses approved to fulfill the breadth requirement, please see the CSE Graduate Course Structure for PhD Students.

Additionally, students are required to take CSE 292, a 1-unit Faculty Researcher Seminar, where CSE faculty present one-hour seminars of their current research work in their areas of interest.  This course is only taught in Fall quarters and offered for S/U grade only.

The elective requirement ensures that doctoral students acquire some depth of knowledge in a general research area early in their career, but it also does not preclude them from pursuing a breadth of topics, if it serves their research interests. The elective requirement is designed to be flexible and nimble enough to respond to the rapidly and constantly evolving dynamic disciplines of computer science and computer engineering. 

The elective requirement is also designed with heavy faculty mentorship in mind.  Students will consult with their faculty advisors to develop an academic plan that will include four courses from the aforementioned four separate breadth areas and five elective courses that may be selected from an approved set of courses featured in the  CSE Graduate Course Structure for PhD Students.

Units obtained in the CSE 209 series, 229 series, 239 series, 249 series, 259 series, 269 series, 279 series, 289 series, 219, 290, 292, 293, 294, 298, 299, 500, and 599 do not count toward the elective requirement.

The research exam in the first milestone in the Ph.D. program.  It has three goals:

• Depth . The research exam verifies the student's ability to identify challenges and open problems in a focused area.  The exam should teach students how to navigate, acquire depth of knowledge, and perform critical analysis in a given research area; the exam should verify such abilities.
• Communication . The research exam will verify the student's ability to communicate past and proposed research, orally and in writing.
• Provide diverse feedback . The research exam provides the student with feedback on their research synthesis, analysis, and communication skills from CSE faculty beyond their advisor and outside their immediate research area.

As part of the exam, the student prepares and makes a presentation to their research exam committee.  The presentation can present results of their research and must also place that work in the context of related work in the field.

The exam committee comprises three faculty members (not including the student’s advisor), and the committee evaluates the student based on the goals above.

Student should complete the exam before the end of their second year of study.

Teaching is an important part of a doctoral student’s training. All students enrolled in the doctoral program must have one quarter of training as a teaching assistant. This is a formal degree requirement and must be completed before the student is permitted to graduate. The requirement is met by serving as a 50 percent teaching assistant and taking CSE 500 (Teaching Assistantship). CSE 599 (Teaching Methods in Computer Science) examines theoretical and practical communication and teaching techniques particularly appropriate to computer science, and students usually take it prior to or concurrent with the teaching assistantship.

The qualifying examination is a requirement for advancement to candidacy. Prior to taking the qualifying examination, a student must have satisfied the departmental course and research exam requirements and must have been accepted by a CSE faculty member as a doctoral thesis candidate. All doctoral students are expected to advance to candidacy by the end of their third year, and advancement is mandatory by the end of the fourth year. The examination is administered by a doctoral committee appointed by the dean of the Graduate Division and consists of faculty from CSE and other departments. More information on the composition of the committee can be obtained from the CSE graduate office. The examination is taken after the student and his or her adviser have identified a topic for the dissertation and an initial demonstration of feasible progress has been made. The candidate is expected to describe his or her accomplishments to date as well as future work.

The dissertation defense is the final doctoral examination. A candidate for the doctoral degree is expected to write a dissertation and defend it in an oral examination conducted by the doctoral committee. 

Students must be advanced to candidacy by the end of four years. Total university support cannot exceed seven years. Total registered time at UC San Diego cannot exceed eight years.

PhD students may obtain an MS Degree along the way or a terminal MS degree by completing the PhD coursework requirements (see details in the section “Doctoral Degree Program”); AND completing four units of CSE 299/298/293 OR an additional 4-unit, letter-graded, approved course from the CSE Graduate Course Structure; AND passing the PhD Research Exam.  Please note that completion of CSE 292 is not required for PhD students to earn the MS along the way or a terminal MS.

Financial support is available to qualified graduate students in the form of fellowships, loans, and assistantships. For questions about financial support, please see our website: http://cse.ucsd.edu/graduate/financial-opportunities .

Computer Science

Undergraduate

The concentration in Computer Science is designed to teach students skills and ideas they will use immediately and in the future. Because information technology affects every aspect of society, graduates with computer science degrees have open to them an enormous variety of careers—engineering, teaching, medicine, law, basic science, entertainment, management, and countless others. Students are also eligible to apply for an A.B./S.M. degree program.

The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time.

A graduate degree in computer science equips you to stay ahead of the curve and meet the computing challenges of today and tomorrow. In our rigorous master’s degree program, you’ll focus on advanced computer science theories and applications. Learning from expert faculty from Harvard and industry, you’ll acquire the skills to design, develop, and maintain complex computer and software systems.

Harvard School of Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Computer Science, conferred through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. In addition to the Ph.D. in Computer Science, the Harvard School of Engineering also offers master’s degrees in Computational Science and Engineering as well as in Data Science. Computer scientists at Harvard pursue work in a wide range of areas including theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence, economics and computer science, privacy and security, data-management systems, intelligent interfaces, operating systems, computer graphics, computational linguistics, robotics, networks, architectures, program languages, machine learning, and visualization.

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For Prospective Graduate Students:

Welcome ! Thank you for your interest in the Computer Science Department at Princeton. This site is designed to give information on our graduate study program and the requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) . Candidates may apply directly to the Ph.D. program after completion of a bachelor's degree; a master's degree is not required for admission.

Admission to Princeton is for the fall semester only. We do not offer evening, weekend, or summer courses. We do not have a distance learning program. Normally a student admitted for graduate study is expected to have completed a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, science, or mathematics; a degree in computer science is not required.

The application deadline for Fall 2024 is December 15, 2023  for all applicants. It is important that all materials reach the University by the deadline dates.

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For more information, see the  frequently asked questions . You can also contact our Graduate Coordinator at [email protected].

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

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

Research skills training

Practical work

Research report of no more than 10,000 words

Attendance at a research workshops and research seminars

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

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

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

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

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

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

Key Information

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

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

Michaelmas 2024 (Closed)

Funding deadlines.

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

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PhD Computer Science: Course, Admission 2024, Eligibility, Syllabus, Fees, Career

PhD Computer Science is a three to a five-year-long full-time research degree programme that instructs students in computer science and associated fields. Algorithms, machine learning, bioinformatics, network administration protection, database management systems, data mining, distributed algorithms, and computer science topics are taught in the PhD Computer Science programme.

Highlights: Ph.D Computer Science

Eligibility criteria for ph.d computer science, admission process for ph.d computer science, top ph.d computer science entrance exams, cutoff for top colleges, skills required for ph.d computer science, syllabus for ph,d computer science, fee structure of ph.d computer science, scope of ph.d in computer science, career options after ph.d computer science, benefits of studying ph.d in computer science, salary after ph.d computer science, list of top 10 ph.d in computer science colleges in india with fees, top private ph.d computer science colleges in india with fees, top government ph.d computer science colleges in india with fees.

The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD , is the highest level of an academic programme that can be achieved. The study of computers and computation, encompassing their conceptual and mathematical principles, hardware and software, and applications for processing data, is known as computer science.

Applicants wishing to pursue a Ph.D Computer Science course must satisfy some eligibility requirements. These eligibility requirements play a very important role in providing the admission to the students in Ph.D Computer Science course at their desired institute. The average salary of a Computer Science Engineer in India Rs. 17 LPA, the average salary varies depending on the company.

Several private as well as government institutes offer Ph.D Computer Science courses, candidates can check the admission details by either visiting the college physically or on the official website of the same. Students after completing the course can pursue various job roles such as Software Developer, Computer System Engineer, Software Engineer, and Web Developer.

Students wishing to appear for the Ph.D Computer Science course must meet certain eligibility requirements of the course before applying for the admissions. Eligibility criteria for the Ph.D Computer Science course may vary depending on the institute but the general eligibility requirements remain the same for most of the engineering institutes.

• Applicants must have a Master’s degree in the field of Computer Science or related discipline with valid aggregate marks as specified by the institute.
• Students must pass the entrance examinations. Some of the top entrance exams in the Ph.D Computer Science field are UGC NET and CSIR UGC NET exams.
• Students must meet the cut-off specified by the institute to be eligible for admissions to the Ph.D Computer Science course.

The admission criteria for admission to a Ph,D Computer Science course vary depending on the institute. The admission is based on the recent qualifying marks and master’s degree results, students get admitted to their desired institute. Many institutes prefer students who have already completed research projects and received recommendation letters.

• Candidates have to apply for PhD Computer Science admission at the higher education institution directly by visiting there, filling out the request form, and providing the required documents.
• Candidates can also apply by going to the college's website, filling out the online PhD Computer Science degree application, and mailing in the relevant documents.
• They can also apply directly to the UGC NET exam, and based on their rank they can choose the most suitable institute for them.

UGC NET: University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test popularly known as UGC NET is a national-level entrance examination for many courses related to lectureship and doctorate. The examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) twice a year. The exam is conducted in various languages and is conducted in online mode.

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CSIR NET : CSIR UGC Test for JRF and Eligibility for Lectureship or CSIR UGC NET is a national-level entrance examination administered by National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various courses in the Lectureship such as Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences, the exam is conducted in Online mode in English and Hindi languages.

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A PhD Computer Science cut-off is a group of criteria for judging an applicant's merit or entrance exam score. Admission to the college is granted to those who score below the cut-off percentage, rank, or grades. The number of candidates and difficulty level of the entrance exam decide the PhD Computer Science cutoff for each college.

Those interested in applying for a PhD in Computer Science degree must have a diverse skill set in order to comprehend ideas and improve their academic experience. These skills are also necessary for future work and a successful career. Some of the skills required in the field of Ph.D Computer Science course are listed below:

• Interest and Aptitude for Computer and Technology
• Researching Skills and abilities
• Decision-Making skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Critical Thinking

The syllabus for a Ph.D Computer Science course depends on the institute, some of the important subjects included in the course curriculum of Ph.D in Computer Science are Research Methodology, Review of Literature and Computer Applications. In the table below, we have mentioned the syllabus of Ravenshaw University for their Ph.D Computer Science course.

• Paper- 1 Research Methodology and Computer Applications
• Paper- 2 Elective Courses (from Research Topics)
• Paper- 3 Research and Publication Ethics
• Paper- 4 Review of Literature

The fee structure of Ph.D in Computer Science depends on the institute, fee varies depending on the institute, type of the institute, and its location. Students can check the fee details on the website of the college or they can visit their preferred institute and know in detail about the course including the fee details of Ph.D Computer Science. The fee generally ranges from Rs. 83,690 to Rs. 2.11 Lakhs.

Computer science is one of the fastest-growing careers in the world today, because of advancements in technologies and the increasing use of automation. Individuals who can manage complicated networks and handle problems on the go are needed by a huge number of firms as they want to place their products and services into the digital arena.

After earning a Ph.D., you will have a plethora of job options. It varies on whether they want to pursue academics, perform in a corporation, or simply continue with existing research initiatives. Some of the career options in the field of Ph.D Computer Science are Teacher, Professor, Software Developer, and Web Developer.

Several Indian firms are looking for Ph.D Computer Science students; the graduates' career and work options are determined by their educational achievements, talents, and the job profile chosen by the institute. The following are some of the job opportunities for PhD Computer Science graduates.

Software Developer : A software developer is a person who is in charge of creating and maintaining software that is used for various purposes. During the development of software, a software developer handles requirements analysis, prototype development, product development, testing, and maintenance.

Computer Systems Engineer : A computer systems engineer is a person who is in charge of determining how technology is being used to meet the personal and professional needs of users by applying their knowledge of programming, computer science, and mathematical principles. The software and hardware programmes in a computer system are then modified, updated, installed, and evaluated by a computer system engineer.

Computer Hardware Engineer : A computer hardware engineer is a professional who inspects and reviews technical specifications, accuracy, and design conformity. A computer hardware engineer is in charge of conducting technical investigations into media material as well as designing and building equipment like servers, network circuits, electrical components, and microprocessors.

Web Developer : A web developer is a person who is in charge of creating a website from the ground up. A web developer creates a website using several programming languages and platforms for a variety of purposes, including instructional websites, e-commerce, online interaction platforms, social networking, and more. Django, HTML, CSS, and JAVA are some of the most popular web development languages.

Top Recruiters:

A Ph.D in Computer Science degree provides the students with the required knowledge and expertise to make their careers in the field of Computer Science or Academics. Students can work in companies and understand the practical applications of Computer Science which will be very useful in their careers as a professor or a lecturer.

Students who have received the doctorate degree in the field of Computer Science must know the salaries associated with the in-demand career options. The salary can vary depending on the location of the company, job profile applied by the candidate, and the skills and expertise of the graduates. Mentioned in the following table are the popular career options along with their salaries.

Source: AmbitionBox

Several educational institutions throughout India offer PhD programmes in computer science and in various different specialisations, entrance to these institutes is based on prior academic achievements and admission exam score. The following is a list of India's top private and government institutes offering Ph.D in Computer Science courses.

PhD Computer Science programmes are available at a number of private academic universities and colleges across India. The admission to these institutes is based on prior academic achievements as well as the marks scored in the entrance examination. In the following table we have listed some of the top private Ph.D Computer Science colleges.

Many government institutes in India offer Ph.D Computer Science courses, government institutes are slightly less expensive than a private institute and often charge affordable fees while providing quality education. In the table below we have mentioned the top government institutes offering Ph.D. in Computer Science degree programmes in India:

Ph.D in Computer Science is an excellent course for those who want to learn Computer Science at an advanced level. There are many career options available after graduating with a Ph.D in Computer Science course such as Web Developer, Software Developer, Computer Software Engineer, and Computer Hardware Engineer.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

For most students, pursuing the field of Computer Science is a challenging and time-consuming task. Most students, however, can acquire the discipline and pursue good careers in Computer Science fields if they are prepared to invest the time and learn significant time management skills.

Studying Computer Programming or Computer Science necessitates a significant amount of arithmetic, which is not required in the domain.

Depending on the type of institution, a PhD Computer Science programme costs between Rs. 83,690 to Rs. 2.11 Lakhs.

For a PhD in Computer Science, students must get a master's degree in Computer Science from a recognised university.

For PhD Computer Science, students must complete a 10+2 exam from a recognised board.

The PhD Computer Science is a three to five-year-long programme.

To gain knowledge and improve their learning experience, students need a wide range of abilities. Computer and Technology Knowledge, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Creativity, Software Development, Technical Skills are only a few examples.

Several colleges offer Ph.D Computer Science courses such as GITAM Institute of Technology, VIT Pune, Christ University Bangalore, NIMS University, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IISc Bangalore, and NIT Goa.

There are various career options after a PhD Computer Science degree. Some of the careers are Teacher, Professor, Software Developer, Computer Systems Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Web Developer.

Some of the top organizations that hire PhD Computer Science graduates include Google, Amazon, Flipkart, Netflix, Facebook, TCS, Infosys, Accenture, Cognizant, Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Cisco, Tech Mahindra, Snapdeal, Delhi University, Jamia Millia, Islamia University, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

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10 August, 2023 | Pilani

Dr. Manjula Devi visited IISC Bangalore for a coll...

“fp7-people-irses msnano network”, which is be..., recently department of physics has started its own..., international project on msnano of european commis..., international workshop on data analytics & app....

3 August, 2023 | Pilani

INDO – CHILE Workshop on BIG Data

Workshop on blockchain technology and applications, congratulations to dr. mamta devi sharma for her s....

1 August, 2023 | Pilani

Congratulations to Dr. Bintu Kumar for his success...

Welcome dr. nitika grover in the department of che..., congratulations to dr. jyothi yadav for her succes..., congratulations to dr. chikkagundagal k. mahesha f..., congratulations to dr. amol prakash pawar for his ..., heartiest congratulation to manisha for receiving ..., congratulation to prof. indresh kumar for receivin..., one jrf/project associate-i position is available ..., applications are invited from highly motivated and..., chemistry department seminar are held on every thu..., aspects of effective teaching.

22 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

Convocation 2023

20 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

The Indian Mathematical Society (IMS)-2023

19 July, 2023 | Hyderabad

13 June, 2023 | Pilani

Learn more about BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academ...

9 June, 2023 | Pilani

BITS Pilani invites applications to register for P...

11 May, 2023 | Pilani

Admission to Ph.D Programmes

2 May, 2023 | Hyderabad

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

20 April, 2023 | Pilani

President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan, In...

28 March, 2023 | President Droupadi Murmu confers Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, to our Chancellor Dr. Kumar Mangalam Birla at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

BITS Law School, Mumbai Campus

9 March, 2023 | Mumbai

26 January, 2023 | Pilani

74th Republic Day Celebrations at BITS Pilani K K ...

26 January, 2023 | K K Birla Goa

Floral Tribute to Shri G D Birlaji on 71st Founder...

National startup investor day celebrated by bits p....

18 January, 2023 | K K Birla Goa

National Symposium on Convergence of Chemistry �...

3 January, 2023 | Hyderabad

2 Day National Workshop on Challenges in Welding a...

Chancellor’s medal winners 2022.

2 January, 2023 | Dubai

International conference on ‘Aggregation-Induced...

24 December, 2022 | K K Birla Goa

BPDC Wins The BEST ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY – ...

19 December, 2022 | Dubai

Heartiest congratulation to sumit for receiving th...

16 December, 2022 | Pilani

BPDC’s Wall Street Club Secures the Top Posi...

16 December, 2022 | Dubai

Utilizing microbiome science to improve host healt...

26 November, 2022 | Pilani

AUTO Ltd. SCHOLARSHIP Announcement

24 November, 2022 | Pilani

FDP on Sustainability in Civil Engineering begins ...

21 November, 2022 | Pilani

Programmable DNA nanodevices to instruct biologica...

19 November, 2022 | Pilani

SPARKS 2022

31 October, 2022 | Dubai

Identifying risk predictors for Cardiovascular Dis...

31 October, 2022 | Pilani

GANDHI JAYANTI

28 October, 2022 | Dubai

Studying the mechanisms underlying anti-inflammati...

26 October, 2022 | Pilani

Chemistry department has organized DST-STUTI works...

15 October, 2022 | Pilani

Innate immune recognition of bacterial toxins

14 October, 2022 | Pilani

Cell Counting As A Part Of The Animal Cell Technol...

27 September, 2022 | Pilani

5 September, 2022 | Pilani

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

30 August, 2022 | Pilani

ICON-BITS-2023

25 August, 2022 | Pilani

22 August, 2022 | Pilani

Convocation 2022, Pilani Campus

Independence day celebration- 2022.

15 August, 2022 | Pilani

Drosophila eye model to study patterning and dise...

2 May, 2022 | Pilani

Informatics-Driven Advances in Biological Sciences

2 March, 2022 | Pilani

Lung cancer and Lung cancer screening

8 February, 2022 | Pilani

Sleep modulation by glial transporters in Drosophi...

23 October, 2021 | Pilani

Applications of Synthetic Biology in Metabolic Eng...

Engineering analysis of living systems.

15 June, 2021 | Pilani

Genesis issue

24 April, 2021 | Pilani

The joys and sorrows of any life in science

6 March, 2021 | Pilani

Deeper exploration of cellular heterogeneity with ...

22 February, 2021 | Pilani

Biomolecular interactions measurement using Thermo...

12 February, 2021 | Pilani

A Demo on ‘FPLC’

29 January, 2021 | Pilani

Indian Workshop on Applied Deep Learning (IWADL201...

15 December, 2019 | Pilani

One day Workshop on Blockchain Technology and Appl...

10 November, 2019 | Pilani

International conference on Intelligent Human Comp...

12 December, 2016 | Pilani

Department of Physics, BITS Pilani has successfull...

5 November, 2015 | Pilani

“International Conference on Soft Materials&...

6 October, 2014 | Pilani

Indo-Chile Workshop on Big Data 2014 (ICWBD)

4 June, 2014 | Pilani

The Department of Physics, BITS Pilani, Pilani Cam...

23 March, 2014 | Pilani

Department of Physics, BITS Pilani organized a wor...

7 March, 2014 | Pilani

“Proton acceleration by circularly polarized...

8 July, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar taught a course on General...

1 July, 2013 | Pilani

“Thermal studies on materials: A case study...

20 June, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar visited the Department of ...

10 June, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Navin Singh has delivered an invited lecture o...

30 March, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Anshuman Dalvi has delivered an invited lectu...

Research paper titled “conformational and or....

25 March, 2013 | Pilani

26 February, 2013 | Pilani

“Program on CP Violation in elementary parti...

19 February, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered Colloqu...

Dr. jayendra n bandyopadhyay has delivered prestig....

18 February, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered an ivi...

25 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Madhukar Mishra has recently given a talk on &...

18 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Jayendra N Bandyopadhyay has delivered an invi...

6 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr Subhashis Gangopadhyay presented a paper title...

3 January, 2013 | Pilani

Dr. Tapomoy Guha Sarkar participated in the ASTRON...

19 December, 2012 | Pilani

Workshop on Introduction to Graphs and Geometric A...

22 January, 2009 | Pilani

Pilani, K K Birla Goa, Hyderabad

The Department of Computer Science was established in the year 1971 and is one of the earliest Computer Science & Engineering departments in the country. Currently, it has 22 faculty members and over 800 students working towards their Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees. In addition, it actively participates in select off-campus programmes.

In the past, the department has attracted unrestricted research grants as well as competitive research grants from several sources including national funding agencies (DST, DEITY-MCIT, DEC, UGC, ATB and CAIR), International funding agencies (European Commission, MFA-Government of France) as well as from corporate research laboratories (Microsoft Research (Redmond), Microsoft Research (India), IBM, CISCO, TCS, Digital Think amongst others).

Research Areas

The department offers a full time Ph.D. programme in the following thrust areas of its research. 

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning & Data Mining
• Computer Architecture, Embedded Systems & Robotics
• Data Warehousing, Databases & Advanced Databases
• High Performance Computing & Distributed Systems
• Image Processing &Multimedia
• Networking, Mobile Computing, Pervasive & Wearable Computing
• Algorithms & Theoretical Computer Science
• Software Engineering, Software Architecture and Testing

Part Time Ph D

A person working in reputed research organizations, academic Institutes and industries, situated preferably in the close vicinity of one of the campuses of BITS Pilani, can be admitted on part time basis provided

• the candidate is working in an organization which encourages and facilitates research
• candidate meets the requisite minimum qualification for admission to Ph. D programme of BITS Pilani
• candidate has minimum of one year work experience in related field, and (iv) candidate furnishes a "consent & no objection certificate" from his/her parent organization.

Ph D Aspirant scheme

Industries and R & D Organizations collaborating with BITS can sponsor candidates to work for Ph.D under the Ph.D Aspirants Scheme. Under this Scheme such Employed professionals working in Industries and R&D Organizations having long experience and proven competence aspiring for Ph.D. programme will be considered and will be allowed to pursue their research at their own locations of work. They will choose one BITS faculty as supervisor and or as co-supervisor.

Minimum Academic qualification:

• M.E/M.Pharm./MBA/ M.Phil of BITS or its equivalent with a minimum of 60% aggregate.
• Candidate with an M Sc/B.E or an equivalent with a minimum of 60% will also be considered for provisional admission to the Ph D programme. For Ph D programme in languages and humanities, candidates with an M.Phil/M A and with a minimum of 55% aggregate may also be considered. Such candidates have to undergo a minimum of two semester course work prescribed by DRC.
• The rare and special case of a person of high professional standing and proven competence who is deemed to have acquired mastery over all or substantial part of the course work of a higher degree of the Institute through long professional experience.
• Admission to the Ph D programme is made in both the semesters against the advertisement, which can be checked at www.bitsadmission.com, the candidates have to apply along with details required in the application form.
• A candidate is normally admitted to the Ph.D. programme after passing his/her Ph.D. qualifying examination. A few candidates may be admitted to the programme as provisional candidates before passing the Ph.D. qualifying examination. This provision is applicable to full time research scholars on the campus.

Assistant Professor

Theoretical Computer Science

Abhishek Mishra

Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

Computational Complexity, Algorithms

Aditya Challa

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Akanksha Bharadwaj

Assistant professor (Off Campus), Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani

Akshaya Ganesan

Assistant Professor (Off Campus), Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani

Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus

smart grid, Ad hoc networks, Game Theory, Network Security

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Data Science

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Back to Academic Programs

The MS in Data Science is designed for those who want to elevate their career, grow their earning potential, and position themselves for advanced data science roles. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in data science, pivot from another career, or begin your professional journey, the University of Denver’s MS in Data Science will equip you with the skills and knowledge to achieve your career goals.

Combine technical expertise with responsible data practices across the data lifecycle. Hone your data modeling, analytical, and decision-making expertise as you develop a portfolio of projects of your choosing. Translate data into insights and effectively communicate storylines that drive organizational strategy and success.

We provide online and on-campus program tracks to fit your lifestyle and learning preferences. Find out more about the  Python prerequisite  and start your application today.

Start Dates : Online: Jan. / Apr. / June / or Sept.; or In-Person: Sept.

Curriculum : 12 Courses for 48 Credit Hours

Program Length : 18-24 Months 

Request Information

15 Avg. class size for our online program

3,717 data science jobs in colorado (higher than national average), $105k avg. salary of du ms data science graduates post-graduation, master's of science in data science, our data science curriculum.

Learn From Leaders

MS in Data Science courses are taught by experienced faculty who are academics, data science leaders, innovators and executives across a range of industries. You will access their wealth of wisdom and professional mentorship throughout this program.

Industry-Aligned and Applied Content

Courses and content align with in-demand skills.  What you learn in class applies in real-world scenarios and projects throughout the curriculum, which will deepen your experience, expand your skills and sharpen your expertise. 

Personalized Student Support

Your trusted academic advisor will help craft your career-focused academic plan with you, offering support and assistance with academic and administrative matters throughout your journey.

Experiential Learning

Explore our Data Science Program's distinctive feature—an optional for-credit data science internship. Gain real-world experience and valuable professional connections with organizations such as McKesson Health Solutions, Xcel Energy, Jefferson County (Colorado), American Family Insurance, Nike and Charles Schwab.  

Career Focus

We offer a robust array of services to help support and accelerate your career, including coaching, job search support, networking opportunities and workshops.

Diverse and Inclusive Community

You’ll benefit from a diverse community of faculty and learners deeply committed to equity, inclusion, diversity and justice and representing a wide array of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

Request for Information

Ready to connect?

Email Stuart at [email protected] or schedule an appointment via Calendly.  

Data Science Program Info

Program at a glance.

• Online or In-Person Tracks
• 12 Courses–Finish in 18-24 Months. 
• Industry-Aligned Courses and Projects. 
• Start Dates: Online Jan., April, June, or Sept.; or In-Person: Sept. 
• Top-Ranked University

Ready to Shape your Future in Data Science?

Submit a resume via the application status page listing your current employer(s) and professional experiences. 

A regionally accredited baccalaureate degree is required for admission. You may submit an unofficial transcript with your initial application.    Upon acceptance, you will need to have one official transcript from each college or university. This includes transcripts for credit earned for transfer work and study abroad. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to  [email protected]  through a secure third party. Official transcripts may also be sent via postal mail in an unopened envelope that has been sealed by the issuing university.

Official transcripts can be sent to:


University College University of Denver Attn: Admission 2211 South Josephine Street Denver, CO 80208

Two (2) letters of recommendation are required but three (3) are preferred. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application. 

A personal statement of at least 300 words is required. Your statement should provide a response to the following questions: 

What is your motivation for pursuing data science at this time and why are you interested in pursuing this study at the University of Denver? Please be specific. 

How has your academic training, work experience, and/or self-directed learning prepared you for graduate work in data science? 

What do you expect will be the most challenging aspects of participating in the data science graduate program for you personally? What preparations can you take to overcome these challenges? 

What do you want to accomplish in the future as a data scientist? 

Applicants must meet the program’s Python prerequisite prior to matriculation. The prerequisite can be met either through a college-level, credit-bearing, computer programming course in Python (completed within the past two years) or by taking the University of Denver’s COMP4401, Introduction to Python for Data Scientists. In either case, a grade of ‘B’ or higher is required for prerequisite approval. Applicants who meet the prerequisite with a prior Python programming class may be asked to submit the course description and/or syllabus for review and approval. 

If you wish to study on an F1 or J1 visa, please  review the admission requirements  for international applicants. 

Application Information

Admission Steps In-Person Track

Admission steps online track.

Financial Aid

Start Your Application

Advance your career with a Master of Science in Data Science

Courses and Curriculum

The curriculum prepares students to design tools that collect, evaluate and interpret data to inform critical decisions. Through rigorous, mathematically based coursework, learners master advanced concepts for a strong foundation for professional success and self-direction. 

Python Software Development (COMP 3006)

In this advanced Python programming course, you will design custom classes to accomplish data science tasks. You will also develop facility with Python's standard library as well as important data processing packages.

Data Science Math I & II   (COMP 3007/3008)

In this set of courses you will develop and refine your knowledge of calculus, linear algebra, basic probability, and discrete math to master computational processes and problems in machine learning and statistics.

Database Organization & Management   (COMP 3421)

This course will enable you to design, diagram, and query relational and non-relational database management systems. Particular focus will be given to SQL scripting and embedded programming.

Machine Learning   (COMP 4432)

In this course you will acquire industry-ready skills for predictive modeling and data mining based contemporary machine learning algorithms and techniques.

Data Visualization (COMP 4433)

In this course you will investigate and apply a range of visualization strategies and methods for data exploration, analysis, and communication.

Probability & Statistics for Data Science  (COMP 4441/4442)

In this set of courses you will use the R programming language to apply inferential concepts and applications. Linking theory and practice, you will deepen your understanding of parametric and nonparametric statistics for data analysis as well as key steps in model selection, testing and evaluation. You will also apply these skills to complete an independent project based on real world data. 

Deep Learning (COMP 4531)

In this course you will learn how to design, train, and evaluate complex multi-layer neural networks in Python. You will also add to your data science portfolio by completing a culminating project of your own design.

Algorithms for Data Science  (COMP 4581)

In this course you will design, analyze, and code algorithms for computational efficiency and problem-solving. Including the processing of large data sets.

Internship (COMP 3904)

This course allows you to receive credit toward graduation for participating in a paid data science internship. You will also receive mentoring from an an academic advisor of your choice.

Parallel & Distributed Computing   (COMP 4334)

This course will enable you to work with machine learning algorithms and big data at scale. Along the way, you will learn industry practices for implementing these technqiues as well as insight into the architectures that support them.

Data Science Tools I & II   (COMP 4447/4448)

These courses are designed to strengthen your coding and data acquisition skills as well as familiarize you with a broad range of data science methods. You will also refine skills for data-centric project development and collaboration that are prerequisites to professional practice. 

Capstone  (COMP 4449)

In this course you will learn to design, develop, test and present 'full-cycle' data science products or services. And assess their value in relation to real world situations and needs.

Our world needs you. Discover your future today.

If you’re ready to unlock your full potential with a Data Science Degree from the University of Denver’s Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science, begin your application today. Your future awaits. 

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Pigman College of Engineering

• Computer Engineering

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Hank Dietz, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

453 F. Paul Anderson Tower

Lexington, KY 40506-0046

(859) 257-8042

Other programs from the Pigman College of Engineering:

• Aerospace Engineering

Lean Systems Engineering Technology

Computer engineering technology, biomedical engineering, mining engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering.

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science

Civil Engineering

Chemical engineering, biosystems engineering.

Computer engineers design computer systems, both hardware and software, to create new technologies and meet the ever-changing needs of society. The field of computer engineering covers a wide range of topics including computer architecture, operating systems, communications, computer networks, robotics, artificial intelligence, supercomputers, computer-aided design and neural nets. Whether designing and developing new products or improving manufacturing processes, computer engineers work at the frontier of technology.  

Program Your Future

Computer engineers understand how to design and make the hardware that helps our newest “intelligent” tools and machines — and houses and cars – get smarter, smaller, cheaper, faster and safer. Students who enroll as Computer Engineering majors at UK study at Kentucky’s flagship research institution, meaning you’ll be learning from top faculty looking to make the next big breakthrough in their field. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering faculty are readily accessible both inside and outside the classroom and students have every opportunity necessary to grow personally and professionally.

Courses cover all the essentials: circuits, software, semiconductors, embedded systems, computer architecture and others. The undergraduate degree culminates in the capstone design courses where seniors work in teams to handle real-world problems outside the classroom and get a taste of real world engineering work. Undergraduate certificates are also available in power and energy as well as nanoscale engineering.

Industries Looking for You 

• Personal computing
• Computer hardwire
• Communications
• Manufacturing

2019 Computer Engineering Graduate

Schedule a visit with the Pigman College of Engineering

Admission requirements .

The Pigman College of Engineering offers multiple pathways to undergraduate admission -- both as an incoming freshman or transfer student.

Admission requirements for incoming freshmen can be accessed  here .

Admission requirements for transfer students can be accessed  here .

Engineering Standing

All incoming freshmen and transfer students admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering have their major listed as "Pre-Aerospace Engineering", "Pre-Biomedical Engineering", etc. on their admission letter and in our academic system, myUK. Engineering Standing will be achieved, and the pre- designation will be dropped from the major name, once the student achieves a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum GPA in select courses. You may view the select courses in the  University Bulletin .

First-Year Engineering Program

The smartest, most talented engineers around the world are devoting themselves to tackling immense global challenges. As a student in the UK Pigman College of Engineering, you get to join them!

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering identified 14 “Grand Challenges for Engineering in the 21 st  Century”—opportunities to greatly increase humanity’s sustainability, health, security and joy of living. Themes include making solar energy economical, enhancing virtual reality, reverse-engineering the brain, securing cyberspace, providing access to clean water and more.

These ambitious goals demand engineers roll up their sleeves and get to work, which is why we put them front and center during your first year as an engineering student. We have designed the  First-Year Engineering (FYE) program  to inspire you. We want you to discover your passion. We want you to explore where you might make your unique contribution. We want you to get your hands dirty and make stuff that might, one day, lead to a breakthrough.

Why wait until you’re taking upper-level classes to figure out what interests you? Through real engineering classes taught by top faculty and exposure to engineering’s greatest challenges, the FYE program gets you into the game from day one.

Degree Requirements 

The following curriculum meets the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, provided the student satisfies the graduation requirements of the Pigman College of Engineering

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Student Involvement

Learning also happens in student organizations, on field trips and on community service projects. UK computer engineering students often get involved with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Kentucky Organization of Robotics and Automation, Solar Car Team, Tau Beta Pi, Society of Women Engineers, and others.

The computer engineering program offers numerous opportunities to obtain hands-on experience through summer internships and co-operative education programs with many companies throughout the U.S. These experiences often lead to full-time engineering professional positions upon graduation. For those interested in research, the program offers numerous undergraduate research opportunities in each of the specialized areas of computer engineering. 

The Engineering Career and Co-op Center is a valuable resource for assisting you with developing job and co-op search skills; participating in education-abroad programs and participating in research endeavors and career network development so you can secure a rewarding career in your chosen field of study.

Career Prospects in Computer Engineering

Computer engineers understand how to design and make the hardware that helps our newest intelligent tools, machines, houses and cars get smarter, smaller, cheaper, faster and safer. Computer engineers work in a variety of industries: film and television, aerospace, automotive, business machines, professional and scientific equipment, computers and electronics, communications and medical technology to name a few. They work in public utilities, for NASA, at the National Institutes of Health, at the Department of Defense, for consumer electronics companies, and many more. As researchers, they study everything from fuel cells to nanotechnology.

Imagine Your Future

Computer hardware engineers.

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

10 Year Job Outlook

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Computer hardware engineers usually work in research laboratories that build and test various types of computer models. Most work in computer systems design services and in manufacturing.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computer Network Architects

Computer network architects design and implement data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

Most computer network architects work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Network architects work in a variety of industries, usually in an office setting.

Related Majors & Minors

The following are similar degrees programs and minors that have been generated from common keywords in curriculum, careers and academics.

Similar Majors:

• Computer Engineering - Graduate
• Advanced Materials Characterization (Graduate Certificate) - Online

Minors that are a good fit with this program:

• Computer Science - Minor
• Biomedical Engineering - Minor

Bachelor's Programs

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

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

B.S. in Computer Science

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

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

Requirements

Current Computer Science Undergraduate Curriculum  

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

How to Apply

Bachelor of Science in Music and Technology

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

• Bachelor's Admissions - How to Apply
• Minor and Additional Major in Computer Science
• Guidelines for Internal Transfer or Dual Degree
• Bachelor's Concentrations
• B.S. in CS Program Contacts
• Other SCS Undergraduate Programs
• Incoming Student Course Transfer
• Summer Research for International Students
• Master's Programs
• Doctoral Programs
• Student Resources

Computer-Science Majors Graduate Into a World of Fewer Opportunities

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking farther afield

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hand-delivered applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

NSF Awards Graduate Research Fellowships and Honors to Natural Sciences Students

Dozens of College of Natural Science students received recognition through the National Science Foundation program.

The National Science Foundation recently announced Graduate Research Fellowships (NSF GRFP) and honorable mentions for dozens of College of Natural Sciences graduate students and graduating undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin. 

The NSF GRFP is a prestigious and competitive fellowship that supports outstanding graduate research across the country. Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large. 

Fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 as well as a cost-of-education allowance of $16,000 to conduct research at any accredited U.S. graduate school. 

This spring, six Texas Science undergraduates and nine graduate students learned they had won fellowships. Additionally, two undergraduate students and 12 graduate students were awarded honorable mentions. Below are the recipients, their fields of study and their research focuses.

2024 Graduate Research Fellowship Recipients 

• Luisa Marie Velasco, Mathematics graduate student — Analysis
• Audrick Moses Pyronneau, Mathematics graduate student — Topology
• Shankar Padmanabhan, Mathematics undergraduate — Natural Language Processing
• Leo Orshansky, Computer Science undergraduate student — Unconventional Computing, Quantum Computing
• Sara Nixon, Chemistry graduate student — Chemistry of Life Processes
• Lacie Larschan Levy, Biology undergraduate student — Geosciences, Chemical Oceanography
• Alexandra Lee, Physics graduate student — Condensed Matter Physics
• Mathea Kurtz-Shaw, Marine Science graduate student — Geosciences, Arctic-Antarctic
• Stephane Hatgis-Kessell, Computer Science undergraduate student — Artificial Intelligence
• Jennie Elizabeth DeVore, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior graduate student — Animal Behavior 
• Hailey A. Currie, Physics undergraduate student — Physics of Living Systems
• Jason R. Boynewicz, Physics graduate student — Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Duaa N. Ansari, Chemistry undergraduate student — Chemistry of Life Processes
• Scott A. Wicker - Chemistry graduate student — Chemical Structure, Dynamics and Mechanism
• Hollis B. Akins, Astronomy graduate student — Astronomy and Astrophysics

2024 Honorable Mentions 

• Alexandra Boville, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior graduate student — Evolutionary Biology
• Tynan Gardner, Cell and Molecular Biology graduate student — Systems and Molecular Biology
• Ravi K. Koka, Physics undergraduate student — Nuclear Physics
• Zachary Lee, Mathematics graduate student — Mathematical Sciences
• Crystal B. Li, Human Development and Family Sciences graduate student — Human Development and Family Sciences
• Connor A. Painter, Astronomy graduate student — Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Livia Raulinaitis, Ecology, Evolution and Behavior graduate student — Ecology
• Abhishek Shivkumar, Mathematics graduate student — Topology
• Michael H. Updike, Physics undergraduate student — Theoretical Physics
• Arthur King Zhang, Computer Science graduate student — Robotics
• Elijah S. Garcia, Chemistry graduate student — Chemistry of Life Processes
• Jason Ho, Computer Sciences graduate student — Computer Architecture 
• Jacob L. Block, Computer Sciences graduate student — Machine Learning
• Tamara M. Rivera, Marine Science graduate student — Marine Biology

Adapted from a post by the Graduate School .

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