best university to do phd in computer science

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

Top 10 Best PhD in Computer Science Programs

Are you looking to further your studies in computer science? Perfect! I’ve researched and put together these ten computer science PhD programs, so keep reading to find your next course!

As you know, PhD in computer science holders are sought-after specialists, with current demand far outstripping supply. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics , jobs for computer and information research scientists are estimated to grow by an impressive 22% between 2020 and 2030. You might score similar positions with a PhD in mathematics , too. But a PhD in computer science can open doors to some of the most lucrative jobs in the industry.

Let’s explore some of the best computer science PhD courses in the US!

Table of Contents

Best Computer Science PhD Programs and Universities

Stanford university.

PhD in Computer Science

Stanford University is one of the most famous research institutions in the world, and its Computer Science programs have been ranked second  in the USA. This PhD program involves a research rotation scheme where students participate in different research groups during the first year. This exposes them to different subjects and lets them know the faculty and fellow students.

• Courses : Analysis of algorithms, programming languages, and computer network & security.
• Credits : 135 course units
• Duration : 5-6 years
• Delivery : On-campus
• Tuition : Refer tuition page  (full funding available)
• Financial aid : Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and grants
• Acceptance rate:  5.2%
• Location : Stanford, California

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering

MIT is known as the best technical institution in the world, and its computer science programs were ranked first  in the country by the US & News report. Students can work with all schools and departments throughout their studies.

• Courses : Software & computation for simulation, process data analytics & machine learning, and numerical computing & interactive software.
• Credits : 60
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and veteran benefits
• Acceptance rate:  7.3%
• Location : Cambridge, Massachusetts

Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Sciences

CMU is a globally acclaimed private research university, home to conducting cutting-edge technology research across its seven prestigious schools. This is one of the few PhD programs in computer science with an optional dual degree arrangement enabling you to study programs with one of seven Portuguese universities.

• Courses : Algorithms & complexity, artificial intelligence, and software systems.
• Credits : 96 university units
• Tuition : $48,250 per year
• Financial aid:  Full funding, fellowships, and scholarships
• Acceptance rate : 17.3%
• Location : Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Harvard University, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Harvard University is a world-renowned research institution that aims to achieve the perfect mix of scholarship and innovation. Across the university, every PhD student is given a field advisor right from the beginning of the program. Then, the student identifies a research area and a potential research advisor in their first two semesters. Upon qualifying, the research advisor nominates a research committee to assist the student throughout their graduate career.

• Courses : Algorithms & their limitations, data structures & algorithms, and cryptography.
• Credits : 16 half-courses
• Duration : 2 years minimum
• Financial aid : Full funding, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships
• Acceptance rate:  5%

Duke University, The Graduate School

Duke University is an internationally acclaimed private research university known for its inclusivity. Its Center for Exemplary Mentoring aims to increase the number of PhD graduates from underrepresented and minority communities. Its PhD of Computer Science program is flexible and allows students to choose between a coursework-only option of 30 credits or a thesis.

• Courses : Programming & problem solving, computational microeconomics, and software design & implementation.
• Credits : 8 courses
• Duration : 5 years
• Tuition : $4,325  per semester
• Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships
• Acceptance rate : 7.7%
• Location : Durham, North Carolina

The University of California Berkeley, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS)

The University of California Berkeley is a prestigious university committed to student diversity and has a dedicated Office for Graduate Diversity to support students from all backgrounds. This PhD program offers research opportunities in biosystems and computational biology, cyber-physical systems and design automation (CPSDA), and computer architecture and engineering.

• Courses : Combinatorial algorithms & data structures, design of programming languages, and implementation of database systems.
• Credits : 24 units minimum
• Duration : 5.5 – 6 years
• Tuition : $6,132 per semester
• Financial aid : Fellowships, scholarships, grants, research stipends, loans, and work-study
• Acceptance rate : 17%
• Location : Berkeley, California

California Institute of Technology, Computing & Mathematical Sciences Department

The California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech, is one of the most renowned technology institutions in the world despite its comparatively small size. This PhD program allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of and conduct research in areas related to mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computer science.

• Courses : Quantum cryptography, information theory, and network control systems.
• Credits : 135 units
• Duration : 6 years
• Tuition : $63,063  per year
• Financial aid : Fellowships, assistantships, loans, stipends, scholarships, and work-study
• Acceptance rate : 6.7%
• Location : Pasadena, California

Cornell University, Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

Cornell University is home to several famous technology schools, such as Cornell Tech, which conducts cutting-edge research to find solutions to the challenges of our modern, digital world. In this PhD program, students choose a minor from one of the 90 available fields outside of computer science to widen their knowledge base.

• Courses : Parallel computing, programming environments, and natural language processing.
• Duration : 12 semesters
• Tuition : $24,800  per year
• Financial aid:  Assistantships, fellowships, loans, and stipends
• Acceptance rate : 10.7%
• Location : Ithaca, New York

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Grainger College of Engineering

The Grainger College of Engineering focuses on research to improve quality of life through innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement. In this flexible PhD program, students are assigned three committee members during the first semester. The student can then consult with these mentors to plan their studies to meet their career goals.

• Courses : Programming language semantics, machine learning for signals, and learning-based robotics.
• Credits : 96, or 64 if you already have an MS
• Duration : 5-7 years
• Financial aid : Grants, fellowships, waivers, loans, and employment
• Acceptance rate : 63.3%
• Location : Urbana, Illinois

Princeton University, The Graduate School

Princeton University is one of the top universities in the country in computer science doctorate programs. This PhD program involves studying six courses, including one each from the three main areas of Artificial Intelligence, Systems, and Theory, which form the program’s core.

• Courses : Programming languages, advanced computer systems, and information theory & applications.
• Credits : 6 courses
• Tuition : $62,860  per year
• Financial aid : Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships
• Acceptance rate : 5.6%
• Location : Princeton, New Jersey

What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Computer Science?

For most programs, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field; however, exact eligibility requirements vary depending on the school. To earn your PhD, you’ll typically need to complete coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation.

What to Consider When Choosing a Computer Science PhD Program

Several US schools and universities offer PhD in computer science programs — choosing the right program for you can feel overwhelming. So, take your time and research the curriculum and specialties for different programs to make sure they match your areas of interest.

If you’re unsure about the areas you want to specialize in, I advise you to read research papers across different fields and discuss career opportunities with people in the industry. It’s also a good idea to look up the faculty from the programs you’re interested in and review their recent papers.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a computer science PhD:

• Curriculum and specialties offered
• The program’s reputation
• Faculty, their specialties, and reputation
• Cost of tuition and other fees
• Delivery mode: on-campus, online, or hybrid
• Funding options

Related Reading:  Top 10 Best Online PhDs in Computer Science

Why Get a Doctor of Computer Science Degree?

A doctorate in computer science will equip you to become a leading researcher in today’s digital technologies. You’ll also be eligible for senior academic positions with a PhD in the field.

Furthermore, a PhD in computer science allows you to work in various respectable roles. Here are some of the top jobs and average yearly salaries for computer science PhD holders:

• Data Scientist – $99,710
• Chief Data Scientist –  $211,702
• Software Architect – $136,541
• Software Development Manager – $133,534
• Senior Researcher – $107,657

Approximately 2,000 students earn a computer science PhD from US universities each year. The industry demand is much greater than the supply. Furthermore, many PhD candidates are international students who return home after graduation. Therefore, graduates with a PhD in computer science are in high demand in the US.

PhD in Computer Science: Key Facts

How much does a phd in computer science cost.

Tuition varies depending on the program but generally falls between $15,000 and $60,000 per year. Besides the tuition fees, you will also need to factor in additional costs like academic fees, books, other educational resources, and living expenses.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Computer Science?

A PhD in computer science usually takes 3-7 years to complete.

What Skills Do You Gain from Doing a PhD in Computer Science?

A PhD in computer science allows students to develop leadership, problem-solving, and research skills related to complex topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.

Key Takeaways

A PhD in computer science is one of the most in-demand qualifications in today’s hyper-digital world. It can equip you with specialized skills and knowledge to address modern tech problems with innovative solutions.

If you found this article helpful, take a look at our other guides, including the best Master’s in Computer Science programs , the top online PhD programs , and the highest paying PhDs .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a phd in computer science like.

A PhD in computer science typically involves research, coursework, thesis preparation, teaching, and seminars related to computer science subjects. Individual programs may have other requirements.

Can You Get a PhD in Computer Science?

Yes, many universities offer computer science PhD programs . You’ll usually need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in computer science or a related field to apply.

Is a PhD in Computer Science Worth It?

While a PhD in computer science requires considerable financial investment, it is a valuable qualification in today’s tech-forward world. Plenty of job opportunities and high remuneration levels await a computer science PhD graduate, with the average annual salary of $133,000 per year.

What Does a PhD in Computer Science Do?

A qualified PhD computer science graduate may conduct research in complex computer systems, design and develop programs and applications, or study human-computer interaction to find innovative solutions for society. They may also work in academics, either in teaching, research, or both.

What Can I Do with a PhD in Computer Science?

With a PhD in Computer Science on your resume, you’ll be hired for roles like data scientist, software architect, researcher, or academic professor and build a prestigious, high-paid career.

Which Subject is Best for a PhD in Computer Science?

A wide range of subjects will qualify you to apply for a doctoral degree in computer science. Popular topics include data structures and algorithms, computer systems and organization, and discrete computer science mathematics. The best subject for you depends on your interests and career ambitions.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

How To Prep Your Resume For Success (When You’ve No Work Experience)

Best neuroscience phd programs: careers, and more [2024], related posts.

• Grad Trends: Interest in Artificial Intelligence Surges

• Applying to Big Tech This Year? Here’s How to Ace It.

73% of job seekers believe a degree is needed for a well-paying role–but is it?

Tech Talent Crunch: Cities with More Jobs Than Workers

The Most Under-Rated Career Advancement Tip for 2024

Top 5 Best Psychology PhD Programs in 2024

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• Breaking Records: Yale Sees Most Selective Grad Admissions Season Yet
• 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]

© 2023 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

Departments

• Applied Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Center for Urban Science and Progress
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Urban Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Finance and Risk Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Technology, Culture and Society
• Technology Management and Innovation

Degrees & Programs

• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Digital Learning
• Certificate Programs
• NYU Tandon Bridge
• Undergraduate
• Records & Registration
• Digital Learning Services
• Teaching Innovation
• Explore NYU Tandon
• Year in Review
• Strategic Plan
• Diversity & Inclusion

News & Events

• Social Media

Looking for News or Events ?

Computer Science, Ph.D.

• Request Information

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.

Quick Links

• Graduate Admissions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Pre-Fall 2015 Ph.D. Curriculum

Program Admissions Chair

Justin Cappos

Program director.

Rachel Greenstadt

Periwinkle Doerfler

Nektarios Tsoutsos

Computer Science

Share this page.

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.

Standardized Tests

GRE General:  Not Accepted

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

• Values of Inclusion
• 2020 Antiracism Task Force
• 2022 DEI Report
• Research News

Department Life

• Listed by Recipient
• Listed by Category
• Oral History of Cornell CS
• CS 40th Anniversary Booklet
• ABC Book for Computer Science at Cornell by David Gries
• Books by Author
• Books Chronologically
• The 60's
• The 70's
• The 80's
• The 90's
• The 00's
• The 2010's
• Faculty Positions: Ithaca
• Faculty Positions: New York City
• Lecturer Position: Ithaca
• Post-doc Position: Ithaca
• Staff/Technical Positions
• Ugrad Course Staff
• Ithaca Info
• Internal info
• Graduation Information
• Cornell Learning Machines Seminar
• Student Colloquium
• Spring 2024 Colloquium
• Conway-Walker Lecture Series
• Salton 2023 Lecture Series
• Spring 2024 Artificial Intelligence Seminar
• Spring 2024 Robotics Seminar
• Spring 2024 Theory Seminar
• Big Red Hacks
• Cornell University - High School Programming Contests 2024
• Game Design Initiative
• CSMore: The Rising Sophomore Summer Program in Computer Science
• Explore CS Research
• ACSU Research Night
• Cornell Junior Theorists' Workshop 2023
• Researchers
• Ph.D. Students
• M.Eng. Students
• M.S. Students
• Ph.D. Alumni
• List of Courses
• Course and Room Roster
• CS Advanced Standing Exam
• Architecture
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Biology
• Database Systems
• Human Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Programming Languages
• Scientific Computing
• Software Engineering
• Systems and Networking
• Theory of Computing
• Contact Academic Advisor
• Your First CS Course
• Technical Electives
• CS with Other Majors/Areas
• Transfer Credits
• CS Honors Program
• CPT for International CS Undergrads
• Graduation Requirements
• Useful Forms
• Becoming a CS Major
• Requirements
• Game Design Minor
• Co-op Program
• Cornell Bowers CIS Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE)
• Independent Research (CS 4999)
• Student Groups
• UGrad Events
• Undergraduate Learning Center
• UGrad Course Staff Info
• The Review Process
• Early M.Eng Credit Approval
• Financial Aid
• Prerequisites
• The Application Process
• The Project
• Pre-approved Electives
• Degree Requirements
• The Course Enrollment Process
• Advising Tips
• Entrepreneurship
• Cornell Tech Programs
• Professional Development
• Contact MEng Office
• Career Success
• Applicant FAQ
• Computer Science Graduate Office Hours
• Exam Scheduling Guidelines
• Graduate TA Handbook
• MS Degree Checklist
• MS Student Financial Support
• Special Committee Selection
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Contact MS Office
• Ph.D. Applicant FAQ
• Graduate Housing
• Non-Degree Application Guidelines
• Ph. D. Visit Day
• Business Card Policy
• Cornell Tech
• Curricular Practical Training
• Fellowship Opportunities
• Field of Computer Science Ph.D. Student Handbook
• Field A Exam Summary Form
• Graduate School Forms
• Instructor / TA Application
• Ph.D. Requirements
• Ph.D. Student Financial Support
• Travel Funding Opportunities
• Travel Reimbursement Guide
• The Outside Minor Requirement
• CS Graduate Minor
• Outreach Opportunities
• Parental Accommodation Policy
• Special Masters
• Student Spotlights
• Contact PhD Office

Search form

Computer Science Ph.D. Program

You are here.

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.

Doctoral Degree in Computer Science

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

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

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

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

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

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

Time Commitment:

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

Financial Information:

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

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

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

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

• Bachelor's Programs
• Master's Programs
• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• Ph.D. in ACO
• Doctoral - How to Apply
• Degrees Conferred
• Other SCS Doctoral Programs
• Student Resources

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

Academics | PhD Program

Main navigation.

The PhD degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. A broad Computer Science, Engineering, Science background, intensive study, and research experience in a specialized area are the necessary requisites.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is conferred on candidates who have demonstrated to the satisfaction of our Department in the following areas:

• high attainment in a particular field of knowledge, and
• the ability to do independent investigation and present the results of such research.

They must satisfy the general requirements for advanced degrees, and the program requirements specified by our Department.

Program Requirements

On average, the program is completed in five to six years, depending on the student’s research and progress.

Progress Guidelines

Students should consider the progress guidelines to ensure that they are making reasonable progress.

Monitoring Progress

Annual reviews only apply to PhD students in their second year or later; yearly meetings are held for all PhD students.

• Research & Faculty
• Offices & Services
• Information for:
• Faculty & Staff
• News & Events
• Contact & Visit
• About the Department
• Message from the Chair
• Computer Science Major (BS/BA)
• Computer Science Minor
• Data Science and Engineering Minor
• Combined BS (or BA)/MS Degree Program
• Intro Courses
• Special Programs & Opportunities
• Student Groups & Organizations
• Undergraduate Programs
• Undergraduate Research
• Senior Thesis
• Peer Mentors
• Curriculum & Requirements
• MS in Computer Science
• PhD in Computer Science
• Admissions FAQ
• Financial Aid
• Graduate Programs
• Courses Collapse Courses Submenu
• Research Overview
• Research Areas
• Systems and Networking
• Security and Privacy
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Vision and Graphics
• Groups & Labs
• Affiliated Centers & Institutes
• Industry Partnerships
• Adobe Research Partnership
• Center for Advancing Safety of Machine Intelligence
• Submit a Tech Report
• Tech Reports
• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Faculty of Instruction
• Affiliated Faculty
• Adjunct Faculty
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• PhD Students
• Outgoing PhDs and Postdocs
• Visiting Scholars
• News Archive
• Weekly Bulletin
• Monthly Student Newsletter
• All Public Events
• Seminars, Workshops, & Talks
• Distinguished Lecture Series
• CS Colloquium Series
• CS + X Events
• Tech Talk Series
• Honors & Awards
• External Faculty Awards
• University Awards
• Department Awards
• Student Resources
• Undergraduate Student Resources
• MS Student Resources
• PhD Student Resources
• Student Organization Resources
• Faculty Resources
• Postdoc Resources
• Staff Resources
• Purchasing, Procurement and Vendor Payment
• Expense Reimbursements
• Department Operations and Facilities
• Initiatives
• Student Groups
• CS Faculty Diversity Committee
• Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Plan
• 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.

CS PhD Manual Apply now

Request More Information

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

Request info about the PhD degree

Opportunities for PhD Students

Cognitive science certificate.

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

The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

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

Management for Scientists and Engineers Certificate Program

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

Career Paths

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

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

Industry & Research Labs

• Adobe Research
• Narrative Science
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory

More in this section

• Engineering Home
• CS Department

Related Links

• The Graduate School
• Graduate Funding
• International Office
• Graduate Housing
• Meet Our Faculty

Contact Info

Admissions Questions

Help for Current PhD Students

Director of Graduate Studies for PhD Program

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

Best Global Universities for Computer Science in the United States

These are the top universities in the United States for computer science, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for computer science in the United States

Stanford university, massachusetts institute of technology (mit), carnegie mellon university, university of california berkeley, university of washington seattle, harvard university, university of illinois urbana-champaign, georgia institute of technology, cornell university, university of maryland college park.

See the full rankings

• Clear Filters

• # 2 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 3 in Best Global Universities

Stanford University was founded in 1885 and is located in California’s Bay Area, around 30 miles south of San Francisco... Read More

• # 3 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 2 in Best Global Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, founded in 1861, is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Boston. Around... Read More

• # 4 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 118 in Best Global Universities

• # 5 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 4 in Best Global Universities

The University of California—Berkeley is situated roughly 15 miles from San Francisco in what is known as the Bay Area... Read More

• # 14 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 6 in Best Global Universities

The University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. The school's oldest and largest campus in... Read More

• # 17 in Best Universities for Computer Science  (tie)
• # 1 in Best Global Universities

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is the oldest higher education institution in the U.S. The bulk of Harvard's... Read More

• # 21 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 74 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 22 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 51 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

• # 23 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 21 in Best Global Universities

Cornell University is a private institution that was founded in 1865. The Ivy League school is located in Ithaca, New... Read More

• # 24 in Best Universities for Computer Science
• # 57 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

• Menu  Close 
• Search 

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.

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Ph.d. program requirements.

The PhD degree requires 72 graduate-level credits, including:

• no 5000-level CS courses
• these credits traditionally cannot be transferred in, you must actually take at least 6 credits of coursework at UVA to get a UVA PhD
• CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction) cannot be used to satisfy this 24-credit requirement (but see below)
• at least 12 credits in any combination of CS 8897 and CS 9897 (Graduate Teaching Instruction), corresponding to two semesters as a full-time, 20 hour per week TA (see Chapter 3.2)
• Completion of the Qualifying Examination (see Chapter 5)
• Completion of the PhD Proposal (see Chapter 6.3)
• Completion of the Oral Defense of the written Dissertation (see Chapter 6.4)
• Finally, complete the “ Graduate Student Leave Request ” form (see Section 2.5) to leave the program.

These requirements have significant overlap with the MCS and MS degree requirements; many students choose to earn one of those Master’s degrees as part of their PhD studies.

Application Requirements

Computer science background requirements.

The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science. A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:

• Data Structures
• Discrete Mathematics
• Assembly Language and Computer Organization
• Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.

Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:

• Operating Systems
• Programming Languages
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Networks
• Automata and Formal Languages
• Software Engineering

A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.

Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.

GRE scores are optional. 

Letters of Reference

If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving.

TOEFL/IELTS Scores

• If you are a permanent resident of the U.S., TOEFL is not required
• If you received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.), TOEFL/IELTS is not required.
• If you received a 4-year degree at a non -English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is required. 
• Note that if you have a solid command of written and spoken English, TOEFL/IELTS waivers are possible! Contact via email,  [email protected] , explaining why you believe TOEFL/IELTS can be waived (include evidence such as verification of duties as a Teaching Assistant that required significant interactions in English, copies of expired TOEFL/IELTS scores, presentations at conferences in English, etc.). 

It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. Scores can be sent electronically to UVa at institution code B875. Some students with lower scores may be required to complete the UVA Summer English for Academic Purposes Program prior to admission.

Application Evaluation

Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• Background in Computer Science (including project work)
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Letters of reference
• Personal statement
• TOEFL/IELTS scores

Applications are evaluated in their entirety. A weakness in one factor might be mitigated by strength in another.

Financial Aid / Tuition 

Occasionally, the school of Engineering offers Master Fellowships. More information can be found on the Engineering Cost Aid webpage: https://engineering.virginia.edu/future-grads/graduate-admissions/cost-aid , and you can learn more about UVA Fellowships here: https://citizenscholars.virginia.edu/fellowships  

PhD students are usually admitted with a financial aid package in the form of a First-Year Research Assistantship that allows students to explore research with various faculty members and find their best match. It is expected that students will join a research group by the end of their first year and then be supported as a Research Assistant (RA). This financial aid package includes a competitive stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance coverage. Details of this award are given at the time of your notification of acceptance into the Computer Science PhD program.  

You are encouraged to apply to outside sources for fellowships or you can apply for federal assistance by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

The UVA Tuition and Fees page includes the costs per academic year by school. 

CS Admissions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do i apply.

Please visit this Web page to apply.

When is the application deadline?

See details in the section above (Admissions).

How much does it cost to apply? Can this fee be waived?

Visit this UVA Engineering FAQ page for details on the cost to apply, and learn if your fee can be waived.

Is the TOEFL/IELTS required?

International students must have an outstanding command of the English language in order to enroll at the University of Virginia. The TOEFL/IELTS exam is required of all applicants if the language first learned and spoken in the home is not English, and they are not permanent residents. However, TOEFL/IELTS is not required if the applicant has received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.). (If the applicant has a 4-year degree from a non-English-speaking institution and a Master's degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL/IELTS is still required.) It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90 / IELTS below 6.5. 

I scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Can I still apply?

We review all applications thoroughly, along a number of dimensions. It is unusual that we offer admission to an applicant with an overall TOEFL score below 90/ IELTS score of 6.5.

Where do I send my GRE and/or TOEFL/IELTS scores?

The Institution code for School of Engineering and Applied Science of the University of Virginia for the GRE is 5820. The code for TOEFL is  B875. There is not a specific code for the Department of Computer Science.

I'm taking TOEFL/IELTS or GRE after your deadline (Dec 15). If I apply will these scores make it into my application and be seen by the admissions committee?

We will start evaluating applications soon after the Dec 15 deadline. Applicants should submit the most complete application they can, based on the information they have at the time (e.g., current test scores, even if new test scores are anticipated).Those applications that are complete will be considered first. We will continue to evaluate applications into early next year, until we have completed our offers. As we are reviewing applications, we will certainly consider updated scores as the arrive at the University of Virginia. There is no need to email us to tell us that new scores are being sent.

Should I mail or should I upload my materials with my application?

We strongly discourage applicants from mailing in any items that can be uploaded to avoid delays in your application review, and we ask that you not send duplicate copies of previously uploaded documents. If you still need to mail documents to our office, please send them to: For US Postal: Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions P.O. Box 401103 Charlottesville, VA 22904 For UPS/FEDEX:      Graduate School of Engineering and Applied Science Admissions      1001 Emmet Street North      Room 209B Carruthers Hall      Charlottesville, VA 22903

I’ve submitted my application and all supporting materials. Why does my application status still show as incomplete?

We will fully review your application with unofficial test scores and unofficial transcripts. Your application will only show as "complete" when your application has been submitted, your official scores and transcripts have been received and all three letters of recommendations have been received. An application is complete for review with unofficial transcripts and self-reported scores, though the checklist will still show incomplete. Please note that all official transcripts are received in our main admissions office and scanned or entered into our system manually. If you feel that your materials should have been received by now, but are NOT showing up when you login to your account, please note that the Graduate Admissions Office processes a very large number of applications and it may take longer than expected for your documents/information to appear online (in your account). It is very likely that your materials have been received, but have not been loaded into our application system yet.

If I email you my information (e.g., GPA, GRE scores, etc.) before I apply, can you tell me the chance of being accepted?

The graduate admissions committee considers many factors in an application, including more than just GPA and test scores. In particular, letters of reference and your personal statement are extremely important. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to provide any information before the committee considers your full application.

I still have other questions. Is there anyone available to help me?

Yes! For program/degree specific questions, please send an email to [email protected]. For application support and specific questions regarding the application process, please contact: Central Graduate Admissions [email protected] 434-243-0209

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

Computer Science, PhD

Whiting school of engineering.

The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in the Department of Computer Science is to prepare first-rate scholars in computer science. Successful graduates may assume significant positions in academia, research institutes, industry, or government laboratories.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science are reviewed by a faculty committee. Although specific criteria isn’t rigid, all students admitted must exhibit exceptional intellectual achievements and promise. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, and (for international applicants) TOEFL/IELTS scores. Visit https://engineering.jhu.edu/graduate-admissions/ for more information on the application process.

For details regarding CS Ph.D. program requirements and policies, please visit the Advising Manual on our departmental website.

Financial Aid

All full-time CS Ph.D. students are fully-funded for the duration of their Ph.D. career while in a fulltime, resident status- either in the form of a Research Assistantship directed by members of the faculty, a Teaching Assistantship (at least one semester of TA is required), or a fellowship.  Support includes full tuition and annual health insurance coverage, as well as a monthly living-stipend during the fall and spring academic semesters (9 months).  Students who wish to continue working with their advisor and remain researching/working towards their degree full-time with the University during the summer months will continue to receive their stipend for June, July, and August (as opposed to doing an external internship, etc.).

Program Requirements

University residency.

Two consecutive semesters of residence as a full-time graduate student are required.

Seminar Attendance

All Ph.D. degree candidates are required to maintain satisfactory attendance in the Computer Science Seminar each semester for the duration of their enrollment in the program.  Although seminar attendance is required, the seminar may not be counted toward the qualifying course requirement. Enrollment in the Computer Science Seminar EN.601.801 is required for first and second year students only.

Responsible Conduct of Research and Academic Ethics

All doctoral students are required to take AS.360.625 Responsible Conduct of Research . Students are expected to complete the course by the end of their first year. Failure to do so may result in a loss of funding. Additional information regarding this requirement can be found here: https://engineering.jhu.edu/research/resources-policies-forms/responsible-conduct-of-research-training-for-students-and-postdoctoral-fellows-revised-spring-2020/ . In addition, all doctoral students must complete the course EN.500.603 Graduate Orientation and Academic Ethics .

Qualifying Course Requirements

The Department of Computer Science classifies its courses into five core distribution areas: Applications, Reasoning, Software, Systems and Theory.  Ph.D. candidates must complete eight courses total (3 class hours/credits each), and at least five of those eight courses must be taught in the Department of Computer Science.  Of those courses, four out of the five core distribution areas must be satisfied.  A current  l isting of courses with area designators   is provided on the departmental website. The areas are also encoded as POS (program of study) tags in SIS. Ph.D. students may complete remaining elective graduate courses (chosen from any CS area or from closely related departments such as Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics and Statistics) for a total of eight courses. Computer Science graduate students may count 600-level and above graduate courses. The coursework program must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor. The overall grade point average for these eight courses must be at least equivalent to a B+. No course with a grade of less than C- may be counted toward this Ph.D. qualifying course requirement. Other than independent study courses, no courses with grades of P or S can be counted toward the coursework requirement. Courses with grades of P or S will not be included in the grade point average calculation. One of the courses required for the degree, but only one, may be replaced by 3 credits from comparable short courses. With approval of the student’s faculty advisor, up to two courses can be transferred from graduate programs of other institutions; more than two such courses can be transferred with approval of the department. It is the obligation of the student to provide all necessary documentation to the Department of Computer Science regarding the course(s) for which transfer credit is being requested. Students are expected to complete the course requirements by the end of their second year as a Ph.D. candidate. 

Qualifying Project Requirements

A Ph.D. student must complete two projects, each under the supervision and written agreement of a different faculty member. One project must be under the supervision of a faculty member with an appointment in the Department of Computer Science (Professor, Research Professor, Visiting or Joint appointment). The second project can be supervised by a different tenure-track or research faculty member in any division of Johns Hopkins, or with advance approval from the department, by any outside researcher.  Upon conclusion of each project, the student must write a “Project Report” describing the project in detail. This report will be a public document and will be kept on file in the department office. The supervising faculty member must approve the project report. Students are expected to complete the qualifying projects by the end of their third year as a Ph.D. candidate. 

Upon completion of the Ph.D. qualifying course requirements and the first qualifying project, students are ordinarily eligible to receive a master of science in engineering degree. The degree will be awarded upon student request.

Graduate Board Oral Examination (GBO)

This examination is a university requirement, ideally taken in the student's third year. The oral exam is administered by a committee consisting 5 members.  Students must select two members from inside the department and two members from outside the department, plus a 5th member who is either inside or outside the department.  The exam seeks to establish the student’s readiness to conduct original research in the area of their “Preliminary Research Proposal,” which should be distributed to the examiners in advance and presented by the student at the start of the exam.

Part-Time Ph.D.

Two consecutive semesters of residence as a full-time graduate student are required by the university. Attempting to obtain a Ph.D. is a major commitment and involves close coordination with a faculty advisor in the department. Part-time students must be able to establish and maintain these close links, therefore part-time study is by advanced and special permission only.

Departmental Seminar

Ph.D. students must give an official departmental seminar on their research area. This is to be done after the GBO and prior to the dissertation defense, or as part of the dissertation defense.

Dissertation and Defense

Ph.D. students must write a dissertation consisting of original research in their chosen area. They must deliver a public presentation of the dissertation before a dissertation committee consisting of the faculty advisor, a second faculty member in the Department of Computer Science (who must have a primary tenure-track appointment in the Department if the advisor does not), and one or more other members with Ph.D. degrees. In conformity with University requirements, the members of the dissertation committee must submit a referee’s letter to the Graduate Board recommending that the dissertation be accepted. Completed dissertations will be formatted and submitted to the Milton S. Eisenhower Library for electronic publication .

Teaching Requirement

All Ph.D. students are required to serve as a Teaching Assistant at least one semester during their program of study. As part of the requirement, the supervising course instructor must give the TA an opportunity to be in front of a group of students at least once during the course. Students are required to sign-up for the course EN.601.807 Teaching Practicum  during the semester in which the requirement is being fulfilled, and at the end of the semester their performance will be evaluated by the course instructor.

Student Progress Review

Ph.D. students are reviewed annually by their advisor(s) and the department, and notified in writing as to their standing in the program. Students deemed to not be making satisfactory progress may be placed on probation.

Secondary Menu

Phd program, find your passion for research.

Duke Computer Science gives incoming students an opportunity to investigate a range of topics, research problems, and research groups before committing to an advisor in the first year. Funding from the department and Duke makes it possible to attend group meetings, seminars, classes and colloquia. Students may work on multiple problems simultaneously while finding the topic that will motivate them through their first project. Sharing this time of learning and investigation with others in the cohort helps create lasting collaborators and friends.

Write a research proposal the first year and finish the research the second under the supervision of the chosen advisor and committee; present the research results to the committee and peers. Many students turn their RIP work into a conference paper and travel to present it.

Course work requirements are written to support the department's research philosophy. Pass up to four of the required six courses in the first two years to give time and space for immersing oneself in the chosen area.

Years three through five continue as the students go deeper and deeper into a research area and their intellectual community broadens to include collaborators from around the world. Starting in year three, the advisor funds the student's work, usually through research grants. The Preliminary exam that year is the opportunity for the student to present their research to date, to share work done by others on the topic, and to get feedback and direction for the Ph.D. from the committee, other faculty, and peers.

Most Ph.D students defend in years five and six. While Duke and the department guarantee funding through the fifth year, advisors and the department work with students to continue support for work that takes longer.

Teaching is a vital part of the Ph.D. experience. Students are required to TA for two semesters, although faculty are ready to work with students who want more involvement. The Graduate School's Certificate in College Teaching offers coursework, peer review, and evaluation of a teaching portfolio for those who want to teach. In addition, the Department awards a Certificates of Distinction in Teaching for graduating PhD students who have demonstrated excellence in and commitment to teaching and mentoring.

• CS 50th Anniversary
• Computing Resources
• Event Archive
• Location & Directions
• AI for Social Good
• Computational Social Choice
• Computer Vision
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)
• Reinforcement Learning
• Search and Optimization
• Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design
• Computational Genomics
• Computational Imaging
• DNA and Molecular Computing
• Algorithmic Game Theory
• Social Choice
• Computational Journalism
• Broadening Participation in Computing
• CS1/CS2 Learning, Pedagogy, and Curricula
• Education Technology
• Practical and Ethical Approaches to Software and Computing
• Interdisciplinary Research in Data Science
• Security & Privacy
• Architecture
• Computer Networks
• Distributed Systems
• High Performance Computing
• Operating Systems
• Quantum Computing
• Approximation and Online Algorithms
• Coding and Information Theory
• Computational Complexity
• Geometric Computing
• Graph Algorithms
• Numerical Analysis
• Programming Languages
• Why Duke Computer Science?
• BS Concentration in Software Systems
• BS Concentration in Data Science
• BS Concentration in AI and Machine Learning
• BA Requirements
• Minors in Computer Science
• 4+1 Program for Duke Undergraduates
• IDM in Math + CS on Data Science
• IDM in Linguistics + CS
• IDM in Statistics + CS on Data Science
• IDM in Visual & Media Studies (VMS) + CS
• Graduation with Distinction
• Independent Study
• Identity in Computing Research
• CS+ Summer Program
• CS Related Student Organizations
• Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) Information
• Your Background
• Schedule a Visit
• All Prospective CS Undergrads
• Admitted or Declared 1st Majors
• First Course in CS
• Duties and Commitment
• Compensation
• Trinity Ambassadors
• Mentoring for CS Graduate Students
• MSEC Requirements
• Master's Options
• Financial Support
• MS Requirements
• Concurrent Master's for Non-CS PhDs
• Admission & Enrollment Statistics
• PhD Course Requirements
• Conference Travel
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Additional Graduate Student Resources
• Graduate Awards
• Undergraduate Courses
• Graduate Courses
• Spring 2024 Classes
• Fall 2023 Classes
• Spring 2023 Classes
• Course Substitutions for Majors & Minors
• Course Bulletin
• Course Registration Logistics
• Assisting Duke Students
• For Current Students
• Alumni Lectures - Spring 2024
• News - Alumni
• Primary Faculty
• Secondary Faculty
• Adjunct and Visiting Faculty
• Emeriti - In Memoriam
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Ph.D. Program
• Masters in Computer Science
• Masters in Economics and Computation
• Affiliated Graduate Students

PhD in Computer Science

Ranked among the top 25 programs in the United States, our PhD program features world-renowned faculty, interdisciplinary research, and a spirit of collaboration.

Master of Science/Doctor of Philosophy (MS/PhD)

Most computer science graduate students are admitted into the MS/PhD track. That means they are intending to work toward a PhD, but will acquire a master’s degree along the way. During the first stage of a student’s graduate career, he or she will be simultaneously working toward the MS degree and compiling a portfolio, both of which are requirements of the PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Students admitted into the PhD-only program usually arrive at UMass having already earned an MS degree at an accredited university.

Application information & deadlines

December 15, 2023, computer science.

The College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) offers a world-class curriculum in support of advanced degrees.

Global footer

• ©2024 University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Site policies
• Non-discrimination notice
• Accessibility
• Terms of use

2024 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America

• Direct Admissions
• College Quiz
• Best colleges
• Best student life
• Top party schools
• Best academics
• Best professors
• Hardest to get into

Best programs

• Accounting/finance
• Agricultural sciences
• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Communications
• Computer science
• Criminal justice
• Culinary arts
• Engineering
• Engineering technician
• Environmental science
• Film/photography
• Global studies
• Health care management
• Information technology
• International relations
• Kinesiology/therapy
• Performing arts
• Political science
• Public health
• Public policy
• Religious studies
• Sports management
• Most diverse
• Most liberal
• Most conservative

Social scene

• Best greek life
• Best campuses
• Best college dorms
• Best college food
• Best locations
• Safest campuses
• College athletics
• Best for student athletes

1-25 of 2,204 results

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, MA •

• • Rating 4.16 out of 5   661 reviews

Sophomore: Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them ... Read 661 reviews

• grade  A+ Overall Niche Grade

Acceptance rate 4%

Net price $20,232

SAT range 1530-1580

#1 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

CAMBRIDGE, MA ,

661 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Great place to be challenged, learn, and grow. A safe environment to fall and fail. Lots of support and resources available but you need to take the initiative to reach out about them .

Read 661 reviews.

Overall Niche Grade : A+ ,

Acceptance Rate : 4% ,

Net Price : $20,232 ,

SAT Range : 1530-1580 ,

Stanford University

Stanford, CA •

• • Rating 4.1 out of 5   1,283 reviews

Freshman: I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to apply for things or cold email people. You just need to have the personal drive. Also, I love the area, its quiet, so if you're into big massive part vibes, it may not be the place for you. I love how they have options for weekends for people who don't party. Very accommodating! ... Read 1,283 reviews

Net price $18,279

SAT range 1500-1580

#2 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

STANFORD, CA ,

1283 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I honestly really like it here! It was my dream school and genuinely there are so many opportunities that you have access to. That said, its heat you make of it. No one will force you or push you to... .

Read 1283 reviews.

Net Price : $18,279 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1580 ,

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA •

• • Rating 3.71 out of 5   1,483 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :). ... Read 1,483 reviews

Acceptance rate 11%

Net price $33,499

SAT range 1490-1570

#3 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

Blue checkmark.

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

1483 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated,... .

Read 1483 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 11% ,

Net Price : $33,499 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1570 ,

Grinnell College

GRINNELL, IA

• • Rating 3.73 out of 5   453

University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, KY

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   4,020

Mt. San Antonio College

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   1,977

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA •

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   134 reviews

Other: I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . ... Read 134 reviews

Acceptance rate 3%

Net price $20,755

SAT range —

#4 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

PASADENA, CA ,

134 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I like the campus most , students activities , diverse programs of alumni and dorms and libraries . overall experiences are very good . .

Read 134 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 3% ,

Net Price : $20,755 ,

Harvard University

• • Rating 4.15 out of 5   850 reviews

Alum: Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned faculty, challenged me to think critically and pursue my interests. Harvard's commitment to diversity enriched my experience, and the vibrant location in Cambridge provided endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Harvard College offered an unparalleled experience that has left an indelible mark on my life. ... Read 850 reviews

Net price $19,491

SAT range 1490-1580

#5 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

850 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned... .

Read 850 reviews.

Net Price : $19,491 ,

SAT Range : 1490-1580 ,

Columbia University

New York, NY •

• • Rating 3.82 out of 5   1,366 reviews

Alum: As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This interdisciplinary approach enriched my understanding and fostered critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my communication skills and deepened my commitment to public health. Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre performances to Wallach Art Gallery exhibitions, provided a rich cultural balance to my studies. Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. ... Read 1,366 reviews

Net price $22,058

#6 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

NEW YORK, NY ,

1366 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As a biochemistry student at Columbia University, my experience was extraordinary. The Core Curriculum was a highlight, exposing me to literature, philosophy, art history, and music. This... Beyond academics, I loved engaging with the community through Peer Health Exchange (now S-HEAL), where I educated high school students on health and wellness. This experience enhanced my... Writing for The Spectator allowed me to make scientific concepts accessible, improving my ability to articulate ideas clearly. Additionally, Columbia’s vibrant arts scene, from Miller Theatre... Overall, Columbia offered a holistic education, blending rigorous science, arts, and community involvement, preparing me well for the future. .

Read 1366 reviews.

Net Price : $22,058 ,

• Will you get in? Understand your chances of getting accepted into any college in the country, and it's completely free

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ •

• • Rating 3.97 out of 5   470 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from academics, to finances, to extracurriculars. I feel that I am completely thriving here in a way that I was never able to before. Classes are suburb with professors who really care about not only about what we learn but also how we grow as individuals. Dining is amazing and we have the sweetest dining staff ever. There are so many options for clubs that you are never bored and can always find something for you. Overall, I feel like there is no better place for me than Princeton :). ... Read 470 reviews

Acceptance rate 6%

Net price $18,698

#7 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

PRINCETON, NJ ,

470 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I am currently a first-year here at Princeton University and my experiences here have single-handedly changed my life. The school has offered me so much support in every facet of my life -- from... .

Read 470 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 6% ,

Net Price : $18,698 ,

Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   2,217 reviews

Graduate Student: I have never felt so welcomed to a program and culture to where I knew without a doubt GA Tech was the place for me. If you choose to join this program, it will truly be a transformative journey that you can embark on with more confidence knowing there is an entire community invested in your success as much as you are! Post-graduation I am confident knowing I will be equipped with the experiences, tools, business knowledge, and network from one of the best programs in the country to take on any challenge and future role, so I have plans to broaden the scope of my working experience to another industry as well as searching for new opportunities in different geographical locations. I feel like GA Tech places such an emphasis on culture and diversity which makes for one of the best programs in the state and the nation! This emphasis on authenticity not only sets GA Tech apart but also creates an environment where individuals can thrive and truly be themselves. ... Read 2,217 reviews

Acceptance rate 17%

Net price $17,402

SAT range 1370-1550

#8 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

ATLANTA, GA ,

2217 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says I have never felt so welcomed to a program and culture to where I knew without a doubt GA Tech was the place for me. If you choose to join this program, it will truly be a transformative journey that... .

Read 2217 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 17% ,

Net Price : $17,402 ,

SAT Range : 1370-1550 ,

Yale University

New Haven, CT •

• • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,054 reviews

Freshman: Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and creates a sense of community! Yale also has the perfect balance of academics, extracurriculars, and social life, or as we like to think about it, the 8/8/8 rule: 8 hours of studying, 8 of sleep, and 8 of social life. ... Read 1,054 reviews

Acceptance rate 5%

Net price $18,647

#9 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

NEW HAVEN, CT ,

1054 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says Yale is amazing overall! Campus is full of activities and there's always something to do. New Haven may not be the greatest city in America, but that just makes students be more active on campus and... .

Read 1054 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 5% ,

Net Price : $18,647 ,

Brown University

Providence, RI •

• • Rating 3.84 out of 5   1,083 reviews

Junior: My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules. ... Read 1,083 reviews

Net price $26,723

#10 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

PROVIDENCE, RI ,

1083 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements... .

Read 1083 reviews.

Net Price : $26,723 ,

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY •

• • Rating 3.79 out of 5   2,081 reviews

Alum: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with our peers through group papers, presentation, and problem sets. In addition, my peers were often happy and excited to work together. Outside of the PAM department, I was heavily involved with the Einhorn Center for Community-Engagement. Through my role at the Center, I really learned how to integrate community-engagement within my classes and professional work. I found that Cornell had many opportunities for students to engage with the Greater Ithaca community. ... Read 2,081 reviews

Acceptance rate 7%

Net price $26,060

SAT range 1470-1570

#11 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

ITHACA, NY ,

2081 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with... .

Read 2081 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 7% ,

Net Price : $26,060 ,

SAT Range : 1470-1570 ,

Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, CA •

• • Rating 3.77 out of 5   154 reviews

Other: I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current students as well as the professors are extremely kind, humble, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. ... Read 154 reviews

Acceptance rate 13%

Net price $39,850

SAT range 1480-1560

#12 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

CLAREMONT, CA ,

154 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Other says I'm an incoming freshman! I was accepted to the Class of 2028 and I'll likely be studying either engineering or math+compsci. I attended Admitted Student Day 2 weeks ago on campus and the current... .

Read 154 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 13% ,

Net Price : $39,850 ,

SAT Range : 1480-1560 ,

• Sponsored Find Student Loan Options
• 4 Ways to Pay for College
• 2024 Best Colleges for Physics

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA •

• • Rating 3.9 out of 5   1,360 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them. ... Read 1,360 reviews

Net price $26,123

SAT range 1500-1570

#13 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

PHILADELPHIA, PA ,

1360 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be... .

Read 1360 reviews.

Net Price : $26,123 ,

SAT Range : 1500-1570 ,

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN •

• • Rating 4.02 out of 5   1,349 reviews

Graduate Student: My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in the success of their students, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance. The campus itself is beautiful, with a vibrant campus life offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of extracurricular activities available, from student clubs to research initiatives. What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the accessibility of certain resources, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Enhancing financial aid and support services for these students would further enhance the University. ... Read 1,349 reviews

Net price $25,606

#14 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

NASHVILLE, TN ,

1349 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only... What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the... .

Read 1349 reviews.

Net Price : $25,606 ,

Rice University

Houston, TX •

• • Rating 4.09 out of 5   1,121 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston ... Read 1,121 reviews

Acceptance rate 9%

Net price $19,902

#15 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

HOUSTON, TX ,

1121 Niche users give it an average review of 4.1 stars.

Featured Review: Graduate Student says Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best... Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition... Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a... .

Read 1121 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 9% ,

Net Price : $19,902 ,

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI •

• • Rating 3.96 out of 5   4,718 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college. ... Read 4,718 reviews

Acceptance rate 18%

Net price $19,318

SAT range 1350-1530

#16 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

4718 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance... .

Read 4718 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 18% ,

Net Price : $19,318 ,

SAT Range : 1350-1530 ,

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA •

• • Rating 3.99 out of 5   4,045 reviews

Freshman: I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because there is so much to do on campus! So much food and places for you to go to, I love the campus so much. Go to USC you won’t regret it. Also, the connections you will make, even in your first year, are amazing, trust me! ... Read 4,045 reviews

Acceptance rate 12%

Net price $36,808

SAT range 1450-1550

#17 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

4045 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I loved campus life and the academics are amazing! I didn’t get out as much so I can’t tell you much about party life or life outside of the university. However, I didn’t think I needed to because... .

Read 4045 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 12% ,

Net Price : $36,808 ,

SAT Range : 1450-1550 ,

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH •

• • Rating 3.88 out of 5   746 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and campus life is lively and welcoming. The university is not perfect and the frat culture is very big here, but it is a wonderful place to be. ... Read 746 reviews

Net price $19,208

#18 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

HANOVER, NH ,

746 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says My experience at Dartmouth has been great so far. The education is high quality and so are the professors. There are great opportunities for practical work and research. And the student body and... .

Read 746 reviews.

Net Price : $19,208 ,

Duke University

Durham, NC •

• • Rating 3.93 out of 5   1,208 reviews

Junior: Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people are incredibly smart and down-to-earth. I chose Duke over some other great schools and I can't recommend it enough! ... Read 1,208 reviews

Net price $23,694

#19 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

DURHAM, NC ,

1208 Niche users give it an average review of 3.9 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people... .

Read 1208 reviews.

Net Price : $23,694 ,

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL •

• • Rating 3.81 out of 5   1,297 reviews

Sophomore: Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and found my place at the college. UChicago academics have impressed me, even with the required core classes. The professors I have met so far all appear to be enthusiastic about their specific fields, and they can be especially helpful outside of class. Given that our campus is located within a neighborhood, there are plenty of community activities and restaurants that students can hang out at, such as a Mexican-Korean restaurant called Seoul Taco. There are multiple dormitory buildings on campus, and the southern one is especially convenient as it has a dining hall, gym, and a small store all in one general place. There are also plenty of clubs, called RSOs, ranging from many types of activities like boxing or Japanese drum practice (Taiko). I would like more transportation options to explore. ... Read 1,297 reviews

Net price $36,991

#20 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

CHICAGO, IL ,

1297 Niche users give it an average review of 3.8 stars.

Featured Review: Sophomore says Starting out at this university was not easy for me since I had to face many challenges on my own, away from family and friends I had back home. However, I had adjusted to the quarter system and... .

Read 1297 reviews.

Net Price : $36,991 ,

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL •

• • Rating 3.7 out of 5   1,493 reviews

Freshman: There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different things and some uncommon ones like design classes. Performing arts are abundant on campus, so there is always something to see on the weekends! ... Read 1,493 reviews

Net price $22,095

#21 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

EVANSTON, IL ,

1493 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says There is a wealth of awesome student communities to join which really contributed to my experience. Classes are challenging but Northwestern offers many unique opportunities to explore different... .

Read 1493 reviews.

Net Price : $22,095 ,

University of California - Los Angeles

• • Rating 3.98 out of 5   5,589 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget! ... Read 5,589 reviews

Net price $16,999

#22 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

5589 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat... .

Read 5589 reviews.

Net Price : $16,999 ,

University of Texas - Austin

Austin, TX •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   6,775 reviews

Freshman: I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and programs, as well as student organizations that are available for all to join. However, I’ve had a slightly difficult time realizing that because UT is so large, it’s extremely easy to sink into the cracks, and figuring your own stuff out is essential. No one is going to hold your hand through course registration or career decisions, but I think- despite the inconvenience- it teaches students how to be an adult much more effectively than a gentler approach. Overall, I love UT and Austin and can’t recommend it enough! ... Read 6,775 reviews

Acceptance rate 31%

Net price $17,434

SAT range 1230-1500

#23 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

AUSTIN, TX ,

6775 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Freshman says I love that UT has a sense of community, especially in the sporting department. Being able to witness school spirit is an aspect I love about this school. I also enjoy the vast number of majors and... .

Read 6775 reviews.

Acceptance Rate : 31% ,

Net Price : $17,434 ,

SAT Range : 1230-1500 ,

Northeastern University

Boston, MA •

• • Rating 3.75 out of 5   3,754 reviews

Alum: Northeastern's co-op program was a launchpad for my career. I didn't just graduate with a degree - I gained invaluable real-world experience and a built-in network through my co-op placements. As a health science student, the location couldn't have been better. Imagine being surrounded by top research hospitals like MGH, BWH, Beth Israel, and Boston Children's! Finding mentors and internships was a breeze and I had a plethora of opportunities to choose from. The heart of Boston became my campus too. With museums, a vast array of restaurants and bars, and endless activities on my doorstep, weekends were anything but dull. Whether exploring on campus or venturing into the city, there was always something new to discover. ... Read 3,754 reviews

Net price $35,827

SAT range 1440-1550

#24 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

BOSTON, MA ,

3754 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Alum says Northeastern's co-op program was a launchpad for my career. I didn't just graduate with a degree - I gained invaluable real-world experience and a built-in network through my co-op placements. As a... .

Read 3754 reviews.

Net Price : $35,827 ,

SAT Range : 1440-1550 ,

University of California - Berkeley

Berkeley, CA •

• • Rating 3.72 out of 5   4,489 reviews

Junior: Attending UC Berkeley has been an amazing experience. The university provides a wide range of resources for students, from state-of-the-art research facilities to extensive libraries and diverse student organizations catering to almost every interest. The professors are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their student's success, offering valuable mentorship and opportunities for academic and professional growth. However, some areas could be improved. While the campus is diverse, more initiatives are needed to foster a more inclusive environment, particularly in terms of support and representation for underrepresented groups. Additionally, the bureaucracy can sometimes be overwhelming, making it difficult for students to navigate administrative processes efficiently. More streamlined systems and increased support for student mental health and well-being would significantly enhance the overall experience. ... Read 4,489 reviews

Net price $19,257

#25 Best Colleges for Computer Science in America .

BERKELEY, CA ,

4489 Niche users give it an average review of 3.7 stars.

Featured Review: Junior says Attending UC Berkeley has been an amazing experience. The university provides a wide range of resources for students, from state-of-the-art research facilities to extensive libraries and diverse... However, some areas could be improved. While the campus is diverse, more initiatives are needed to foster a more inclusive environment, particularly in terms of support and representation for... .

Read 4489 reviews.

Net Price : $19,257 ,

Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA

• • Rating 3.76 out of 5   1,196

Dakota State University

MADISON, SD

• • Rating 3.64 out of 5   300

Forsyth Technical Community College

WINSTON-SALEM, NC

• • Rating 3.83 out of 5   477

Showing results 1 through 25 of 2,204

The Best Colleges for Computer Science

Is it your dream to have an exciting, well-paying job in the technology field? Earning a computer science degree is your first step toward making the dream a reality. Computer science graduates design the technology that powers our connected world while looking ahead to what tomorrow might bring.

What Is Computer Science?

Computer science looks at the power of computing—how computers work, what they can do now, and what they might do in the future. Computer science researchers have created the top developments of our age, from cybersecurity to artificial intelligence.

Those innovations have real-world applications across industries. Every software application and system automation can trace itself back to computer scientists, and the work is ongoing. It's an ideal field for students with analytical minds.

Majoring in Computer Science: What to Expect

Computer science students begin with math and foundational computing courses. You can expect to take calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. You'll also study introductory technical concepts like algorithm design and data organization.

Once you understand the foundations of computer science, you'll go on to explore more advanced concepts. Junior and senior-level students learn to design databases and write programs in multiple computer languages. They study how to build complex systems and deepen their understanding of computing's potential.

Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science

There are two types of bachelor's degrees in computer science—Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Both degrees are equally valid and offer similar earning potential. The difference is the amount of technical coursework, but both prepare you to land a tech job.

A B.A. track is best for students who want to balance their technical studies with liberal arts courses like psychology, history, foreign language, and literature. During your B.A. program, you will gain additional skills, like writing and public speaking, while studying computer technology. It's a great track if you want to develop general career skills and explore multiple aspects of computing.

A B.S. program goes more deeply into the technical aspects of the field. Instead of taking humanities electives, you'll dive more deeply into computer science theory and practice.

B.S. programs offer specializations in certain aspects of computer science. If you have your eye on a particular aspect of computing—blockchain, anyone?—a B.S. track might be perfect for you. It's also a great track for students who want to have their studies mapped out for them.

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Whether you graduate with a B.A. or B.S., you'll have multiple career options as a computer science graduate. Many students go into programming-related fields, becoming software or web developers and computer programmers.

But programming isn't the only career path available to you. Computer science majors can go on to secure some of today's hottest jobs in tech, including these job titles:

• Systems analyst
• Cybersecurity analyst
• Data scientist
• Machine learning engineer
• User interface designer

You can earn an advanced degree, a master’s or doctorate level degree, and become a computer science researcher, delving into the problems that will shape our future.

Finding Your Computer Science Degree

At Niche, we understand the importance of a bachelor's degree in computer science, so we've put together this list of the top schools for computer science majors. It includes world-renowned heavy hitters like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT) , plus hidden gems like Rice University  and Harvey Mudd College .

Go ahead and explore—your dream school might be here.

Study Postgraduate

Phd in computer science (2024 entry).

Course code

30 September 2024

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

Computer Science

University of Warwick

Find out more about our PhD in Computer Science.

The PhD in Computer Science offers exciting opportunities to do cutting-edge research in an internationally renowned environment. The results of the 2021 REF rank Warwick Computer Science 4th out of 90 UK Computer Science departments. This cements our position as one of the top Computer Science departments in the UK, a position we have held for some time under different assessment methodologies.

Course overview

The PhD program is suitable for skilled and highly-motivated students to do research at the frontiers of Computer Science in a broad range of theoretical and applied topics. The program is meant to train students for high-profile jobs in both Academia and Industry.

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and preferably an MSc in a related subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research themes.

The current research themes include:

• Artificial Intelligence and Human-Centred Computing
• Applied Computing
• Data Science, Systems and Security
• Theory and Foundations

Full details on our current research is available on the Computer Science website. Link opens in a new window

Find a supervisor

Before you make a formal application, your proposal is emailed to a potential supervisor for their consideration. You may not be considered for a research degree if you do not have (and we could not identify) an academic willing to supervise your research.

Explore the research interests of our academic staff. Link opens in a new window

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor. Link opens in a new window

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Computer Science Funding Opportunities

Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available in our department.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Computer Science at Warwick

What are computers capable of? How do we use them to solve major world problems? What are their limitations?

Computer Science at Warwick offers you a community of excellence across the breadth of computer science. Join like-minded thinkers and friends who relish the challenges of shaping future technology.

You will study the theoretical foundation in established areas of the discipline. You will then apply your learning to industrially relevant problems, developing technical and transferable skills which will position you excellently for your future career.

Find out more about us on our website.

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Computer Science (MSc)
• Data Analytics (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• Computer Science (MSc by Research)
• Computer Science (PhD)

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted Events Link opens in a new window

Postgraduate fairs.

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.

Connect with us

Learn more about Postgraduate study at the University of Warwick.

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2024) Link opens in a new window

67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) Link opens in a new window

6th most targeted university by the UK's top 100 graduate employers Link opens in a new window

(The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd. Link opens in a new window )

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2024 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

Welcome to Harvard Online

Harvard Online presents curated online courses that combine faculty and disciplines from across the University, connecting learners around the globe with the world’s most urgent issues.

Outsmarting Implicit Bias

Designed for individuals and teams, this Harvard Online course taught by preeminent Harvard Professor Mahzarin Banaji teaches the science of implicit bias and strategies to counter the impact of bias in the workplace.

What are you interested in?

Health care leadership.

Deepen perspectives and advance insights into the strategic issues facing health care organizations today.

Harvard on Digital

Approach new digital and data strategies with an eye toward people, mindsets, and systems.

Leadership, Communication, Transformation

What kind of leader will you be?

Law in Practice

Keep up on moral, ethical, and legal arguments and continue your education beyond the classroom.

Explore Learning Paths

Benefit and Discount Programs for Organizations and Individuals

Experience Harvard Online by utilizing our wide variety of discount programs for individuals and groups. 

Past participant discounts.

Learners who have enrolled in at least one qualifying Harvard Online program hosted on the HBS Online platform are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course, regardless of completion or certificate status in the first purchased program. Past-Participant Discounts are automatically applied to the Program Fee upon time of payment.  Learn more here .

Learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the  edX platform  are eligible to receive a 30% discount on this course using a discount code. Discounts are not available after you've submitted payment, so if you think you are eligible for a discount on a registration, please check your email for a code or contact us .

Non-profit, Government, Military, and Education Discounts

For this course we offer a 30% discount for learners who work in the nonprofit, government, military, or education fields. 

Eligibility is determined by a prospective learner’s email address, ending in .org, .gov, .mil, or .edu. Interested learners can apply below for the discount and, if eligible, will receive a promo code to enter when completing payment information to enroll in a Harvard Online program. Click here to apply for these discounts.

Gather your team to experience Harvard Online courses and to enjoy the benefits of learning together: 

• Single invoicing for groups of 10 or more
• Tiered discounts and pricing available with up to 50% off
• Growth reports on your team's progress
• Flexible course and partnership plans 

Learn more and enroll your team ! 

Trending Courses

Health care strategy.

Learn from HBS Professor Leemore Dafny how to align the principles of business strategy with the unique challenges and structures of health care organizations to capture value, define your mission, and lead your organization to success.

Big Data for Social Good

Using real-world data and policy interventions as applications, this course will teach core concepts in economics and statistics and equip you to tackle some of the most pressing social challenges of our time.

Innovations in Teamwork for Health Care

In this course, experts from Harvard Business School and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health teach learners to implement a strategy for organizational teamwork in health care.

Explore All Courses

Learner Testimonials

On Data Privacy and Technology

"The course was informative on both current and future data privacy and technological innovation trends—the need for data privacy without inhibiting innovation. The team and instructors prompt critical thinking while broadening the understanding of data privacy beyond the frontiers. At the end of the course, I concluded that there was a need for a mass cultural shift towards ethical use of technology."

Joanita Nagaba Co-founder, ANJ Data Management Solutions Africa Ltd.

On Health Care Economics

“This is an amazing course. The professor did a fantastic job dissecting the complexities of healthcare into chewable chunks." 

Howard H. Dinh, MD, FACC Medical Director, Cardiac Services, Greater Sacramento The Permanente Medical Group and Chief, Cardiology Kaiser Permanente, South Sacramento

"I love the way the course is structured with real-world examples and the critical thinking sessions. It forces us to reflect upon what is happening around us. People who have an interest in cybersecurity, as well as those that would like to gain more general knowledge, would greatly benefit from this course."

Anand Narayan Account Executive, Lenovo Canada

On Data Science Principles

"This is a topic that people in any industry should have at least basic knowledge of in order to create more efficient and competitive businesses, tools, and resources."

Carlos E. Sapene Chief Executive Officer

On Data Science For Business

"This course had an amazing instructor, amazing examples, and an amazing user interface that made it easy for me to grasp the material and learn simultaneously with others around the world."

Shawn Carrington, Jr. Senior Executive Officer Perspecta, Inc.

For students

• Current Students website
• Email web access
• Make a payment
• iExeter (students)
• Programme and module information
• Current staff website
• Room Bookings
• iExeter (staff)
• Finance Helpdesk
• IT Service Desk

Popular links

• Accommodation
• Job vacancies
• Temporary workers
• Future Leaders & Innovators Graduate Scheme

New and returning students

• New students website
• Returning Students Guide

Wellbeing, Inclusion and Culture

• Wellbeing services for students
• Wellbeing services for staff
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East
• Our departments
• Homepage challengers

Welcome to the University of Exeter

World class education and research in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK

Search for a course

US entry requirements

Virtual campus tours

Funding and Scholarships

Meet us in the USA

3 year Bachelors Go straight to your major

1 year Masters No GRE required

Rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Scholarships available

150+ countries on campus

92% of graduates in or due to start employment or further study fifteen months after graduation HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide & Complete University Guide 2024

Russell Group Research intensive university

Delivering Green Solutions

Find out about Exeter’s leading work on positive tipping points and new Global Tipping Points Report in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund.

Find out more »

Aerial view of the Streatham Campus, Exeter

Students working on Streatham Campus, Exeter

The Harbour Lights fish and chip shop in Falmouth

Interior of Exeter Cathedral

A traditional pub in Falmouth

The Forum, Streatham Campus, Exeter

Swanpool Beach in Falmouth

Reed Hall, Streatham Campus, Exeter

A lecture taking place in the Alumni Auditorium, Streatham Campus, Exeter

Rooftop bar in Exeter

Exeter Cathedral, built in 1133

Shopping in Princesshay, Exeter

One of many festivals that take place at Falmouth harbour

Paddleboarding and kayaking in Cornwall

 The University of Exeter Women's Rugby Club celebrate a win

World-famous St. Ives, a short drive from the Penryn Campus

Cross Keys Cafe on St Luke's Campus, Exeter

Brentor Church, Dartmoor, Devon

Aerial view of Penryn Campus and the coast

St. Luke's Fitness Centre

No Guts No Glory,  a lovely independent plant shop in Exeter

A student outside a local shop on Magdalen Road, near St Luke's Campus, Exeter

St Luke's Campus, Exeter

Stepcote Hill, Exeter

Independent shops on Fore Street, Exeter

Exeter Cathedral

Historic Exeter Quayside

The Cathedral Green, Exeter

The River Exe, Exeter

Traditional architecture in Exeter

Geology students in Cornwall

Physics students on the Streatham Campus, Exeter

Legendary Pizzas at Exeter's On the Waterfront restaurant

Latest News

Connect with us

Information for:

• Current students
• New students
• Alumni and supporters

Quick links

Streatham Campus

St Luke's Campus

Penryn Campus

Truro Campus

• Using our site
• Accessibility
• Freedom of Information
• Modern Slavery Act Statement
• Data Protection
• Copyright & disclaimer
• Privacy & cookies

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]

University of South Florida

College of Engineering

Main navigation, usf college of engineering news.

USF Computer Science & Engineering graduate student takes top prize in DoD's national cyber competition

• May 20, 2024

The Department of Defense challenged the country’s top cybersecurity minds to compete in a skills competition and USF Computer Science and Engineering student and CyberHerd team captain Waseem Albaba came out on top during the spring 2024 event.

The DoD’s Cyber Sentinel Skills Challenge invites any U.S. citizen 18 and older to apply for entry. Around 3,000 competitors, including seasoned industry veterans and university students, logged on for the 8-hour capture-the-flag (CTF) contest.

Taking a top prize – with a cash reward between $500 and $5,000 – puts winners in an elite class of cybersecurity pros.

For Albaba, it’s proof that educational opportunities paired with a dedication to the craft are a recipe for success.

"I am honored to have won the DOD Cyber Sentinel CTF and am deeply grateful for the support of my coaches and my school,” Albaba said, adding that a little luck never hurts. “The competition's focus on topics in which I tend to be good at played a significant role in my success.”

During the competition, participants are given real-world challenges that require in-demand skillsets. The DoD said the tests measure understanding of technical, analytical and strategic abilities in forensics, web security, reverse engineering, reconnaissance and malware analysis.

The DoD says “the competition is designed to identify individuals interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career with the DoD,” but it also highlights the agency’s focus on ongoing improvement of human cybersecurity skills.

While pursuing a master’s degree in computer science from the USF College of Engineering, Albaba is an offensive security engineer at Trace3 . His plans do not currently include employment at the DoD, but he sees the Department’s competitions as an ongoing opportunity to grow.

“I eagerly anticipate participating in more competitions like this in the future,” he said.

Another part of Albaba’s ongoing growth in cybersecurity skills is his leadership role in the CyberHerd competition team. Team coach and faculty member Marbin Pazos Revilla pointed out the everchanging landscape of cyber defense.

"The cybersecurity landscape has evolved very rapidly over the past several years, and the challenges we face as a nation and globally demand critical thinking and a broad set of cybersecurity skills,” Pazos Revilla said. “The DoD Cyber Sentinel Challenge demanded these skills as a clear representation of real-world scenarios, and I extremely proud that our USF CyberHerd Team Captain Waseem Albaba took home the First Place Award. This is also a very encouraging sign reflecting on the strategic decisions and investments our institution has placed in cybersecurity education."

Team faculty advisor and faculty member Sriram Chellapan added that the formation of the CyberHerd team was a response to the growing need for graduates to be seen as skilled cybersecurity professionals.

“The CyberHerd team was formed in 2023 August, specifically geared to improve the competitive mindset of our students to thrive in a high-risk high-reward field, impacting National and Global security. This accomplishment from Waseem demonstrates our strong commitment towards student success,” Chellapan said.

Return to article listing

Explore More Categories

• All Categories
• Alumni & Friends
• Civil Environmental

About Engineering News

News about engineering excellence by world class faculty, and outstanding students and alumni of the College of Engineering.