Computer Science PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 11.0701
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-3021; 15-1111; 15-1131; 15-1132

About the Program

The Ph.D. in Computer Science offers students an opportunity to make significant novel contributions to the field of computer science through creative scholarship and research. The program is designed to provide students with both a breadth and depth of knowledge across fundamental areas of computer science, and most importantly, to build on one or more specific areas by conducting state-of-the-art research in partnership with our world-class faculty. The program prepares students for leadership careers in research and education in computer science and in the many areas of interdisciplinary work related to computer science.

Students in the PhD program move through several milestones on their way to completion of the degree: (1) qualifying requirements in which the student takes courses to ensure breadth and depth of knowledge across areas of computer science; (2) a candidacy exam in which the student performs an in-depth study of a particular area of research; (3) a thesis proposal in which the student provides a detailed overview of their planned dissertation work; and finally (4) a thesis defense in which the student presents their completed dissertation work. Upon entering the PhD program, students work with a Graduate Advisor to develop a plan of study (filed no later than the end of the first term); this plan can be revised and brought up-to-date when necessary, and serves as a blueprint for planning out the timely and successful completion of all milestones.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the School of Computer and Information Sciences

Admission Requirements

Same as Drexel admission requirements.

Degree Requirements

Students in the Ph.D. program move through several milestones on their way to completion of the degree: (1) qualifying requirements in which the student takes courses to ensure knowledge across areas of computer science; (2) a candidacy exam in which the student performs an in-depth study of a particular area of research; (3) a thesis proposal in which the student provides a detailed overview of their planned dissertation work; and finally (4) a thesis defense in which the student presents their completed dissertation work. Upon entering the PhD program, students work with a Graduate Advisor to develop a plan of study (filed no later than the end of the first term); this plan can be revised and brought up-to-date when necessary, and serves as a blueprint for planning out the timely and successful completion of all milestones.

Ph.D. Students Admitted with Post-Master's Status: Students entering with a Master's degree in computer science or a closely related field will be considered a post-Master's Ph.D. student and will follow the second set of requirements below, in accordance with University policy. Courses are to be chosen in consultation with the CS department. A post-Master's  Ph.D. student must meet the candidacy exam, thesis proposal, and thesis defense milestones described above.

Post-Bachelor's Requirements

Post-Master's Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

• Conduct independent, original research that makes a substantial contribution to the field of computer science, disseminated in part through peer-reviewed publications and culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive mastery of core computer science principles across the foundational domains of theory, systems, and applications.
• Execute advanced problem-solving within a specialized sub-discipline, exhibiting the technical depth required to innovate and address complex computational challenges.
• Communicate technical findings effectively to both expert and interdisciplinary audiences, preparing them for leadership roles in academic, industrial, or governmental research environments.