Graduate students work on a computer with faculty members James Plank and Catherine Schuman

Computer Science, PhD

With our world becoming more and more technology driven, the need for computer scientists continues to grow. Computers influence almost every part of our lives, and it is constantly changing, creating a need for professionals that can adapt with the innovation. With endless career opportunities, a growing need in the field, and your love for problem solving, getting your PhD in computer science is the natural next step in your journey.

Program overview

As you study computer science in our program, you’ll gain invaluable research experience. Once you’ve connected with one of our highly skilled, internationally renowned faculty members, you’ll have the opportunity to perform comprehensive research in your area of interest under their direction. As you study for your PhD in Computer Science, you gain essential skills, build foundational networks, and obtain invaluable knowledge you’ll carry with you for the rest of your career.

Concentrations

In our Computer Science, PhD program, concentrations are optional. If you know you want to specialize in one of these areas, it would be beneficial to add it to your degree plan.

Data Analytics

Within computer science, data analytics is the process of collecting, transforming, and organizing data to make predictions, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions.

Intelligent Systems and Machine Learning

Learn how to work with technologically advanced machines that perceive and respond to the world around them through algorithms you create.

Computer science is integral to our society. Contributing to a dynamic, ever-growing field like this one allows you to create new technology for the betterment of humankind. In our program, you’ll continue to build on your educational foundation by getting involved in hands-on research under the guidance of accomplished faculty members. As an established department in the computer science field, you’ll have access to an invaluable network of industry employers for your future career.

What can you do with a PhD in Computer Science after graduation?

A PhD in computer science provides you with focused education for leadership in the technology field, business, or academia. You could work for a huge tech company, like Microsoft or Google, or you could do research for a national laboratory. Some of the job titles you could hold with a computer science PhD are:

Featured Courses

Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take. For a list of courses, visit the Graduate Catalog.

COSC 530 Computer Systems Organization

Explore the central issues in computer architecture, such as memory hierarchies and design, instruction set principles, and architecture modeling and simulation.

COSC 540 Advanced Software Engineering

This course covers software processes and technologies that can be used on large projects to help design, manage, maintain, and test software.

COSC 562 Operating Systems: Design and Implementation

Operating system structures, virtual memory, interrupts, exceptions, system calls, processes. Focuses on design and implementation of advanced concepts in file systems, memory management, mass storage devices, process management, and other operating system-related topics.

COSC 580 Foundations

Learn about the foundations of computer science, including Turing machines, computability and computational complexity.

Related Programs

Still trying to decide what program is right for you? Here are some similar programs to computer science:

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