Ph.D. in Computer and Information Sciences
The Ph.D. program in Computer and Information Sciences offers an opportunity for exceptional students to pursue substantial research in the computer sciences and related areas. The program is highly selective and is purposefully kept small so that each Ph.D. student can receive substantial advising and mentoring from CDM faculty. To earn a Ph.D. degree, a student must demonstrate breadth of knowledge in at least two research areas and significant depth in a chosen dissertation area. In addition, the student must conceive, write and defend a Ph.D. dissertation representing a significant and original contribution to current academic research as demonstrated by a public dissertation defense and publication in established peer-reviewed academic conferences and/or journals.
In keeping with the CDM philosophy of blending academic and professional pursuits, full-time employed students will be considered for admission as part-time doctoral students. However, these applicants must have sufficiently flexible work schedules to allow them to attend required meetings and academic seminars that occur during daytime working hours throughout their degree program. In addition, many working students will find that they must take a leave of absence or cut back to part-time employment for some time period during the research and candidacy phases of the degree program.
The Ph.D. Admissions Committee determines which applicants will be admitted to the program. Because CDM admits only a limited number of students to the Ph.D. program, meeting the admission standards does not guarantee acceptance.
It is recommended that applications and all supporting documents be submitted as early as possible, but not later than:
- January 15 for Autumn Quarter
- October 1 for Winter Quarter
In order to be considered for admission to the doctoral program, students must:
- Submit official transcripts confirming award of bachelor's degree and master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. The master’s degree must be in Computer Science, Information Systems or an allied field.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Show definite promise for completing the program.
- Submit a written statement describing their accomplishments, goals and interests.
- Submit a completed application form.
- Submit an official score report of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general examination.
- Applicants educated outside of the United States must demonstrate English
proficiency with a TOEFL score of 580 or greater.
Credentials must be complete prior to an admission review. When important pieces of information such as transcripts are lacking, the College is compelled by University regulations to withdraw the application for consideration for admission. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all materials are submitted on time.
Please note that GRE and TOEFL scores MUST be official copies sent directly to CDM Graduate Admission Office by ETS. Photocopies CANNOT be accepted.
- The Institution Code for the GRE is 1165
- The Department Code for the GRE is 0402
- The Institution Code for the TOEFL is 5968
The Ph.D. Admissions Committee determines which applicants will be admitted to the program. Because the School admits only a limited number of students to the Ph.D. program, meeting the admission standards does not guarantee acceptance.
Students employed outside of the University can be admitted as part-time doctoral students. Students who can devote themselves full time to their doctoral studies can be admitted as full-time doctoral students.
The College has a limited number of scholarships available to fund full-time PhD students. Only full-time students will be considered for substantial financial aid stipends.
Students without a master’s degree in computer science or an allied field may be considered for conditional admission to the doctoral program. These students must have an exceptional undergraduate record. A conditionally admitted student will be required to complete a doctoral prerequisite phase consisting of a set of courses determined to be appropriate for the student by the Ph.D. committee. These courses will include the core courses from the Master’s of Science in Computer Science program. Upon completion of the prerequisite phase, the Ph.D. committee will conduct an evaluation of the student's progress. Assuming such progress is satisfactory, the student will then be formally admitted into the doctoral program. Note: It is not the policy of the School to award a master’s degree to a student enrolled in the Ph.D. program.
Learn more about PhD stipends.