PhD in Computer Science

The PhD program in computer science is designed to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in computer science.  Students will engage deeply with current research in computer science, and will learn to carry out original research and contribute to the expanding body of knowledge within their research area.  Completion of the PhD degree requires 72 credits of formal coursework, including courses designed to deepen understanding of computer science fundamentals, electives courses aligned with students’ research interests, seminars on emerging topics and recent research, independent studies, and supervised thesis research.   PhD candidates are required to author and publicly defend a dissertation describing the original research carried out during this program of study.  We note that an MS is not required prior to enrolling in the PhD program in computer science.