Online Ph.D. in Computer Science Program Guide
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The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) is generally recognized as the highest academic credential a computer scientist can earn. Online computer science Ph.D. programs give graduates advanced qualifications that can have a profound impact on their career prospects.
Is the online computer science Ph.D. path right for you, and is it worth the investment of time, effort, and financial resources? Find out with the information in this degree profile and guide.
What Is a Ph.D. in Computer Science?
60-90 credits
Required Credits
3-7 years
Program Length
A Ph.D. in computer science is the terminal degree in the field. It can prepare you to pursue roles in leadership, research, and academia. In this program, you’ll take advanced computer science coursework, conduct original research, and specialize in a subfield such as:
- Computer engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Database systems
- Human-computer interaction
- Information security
- Machine learning
This program usually requires 72-90 credits beyond a bachelor’s degree or 60 credits more than a master’s degree.
A Ph.D. in computer science typically includes a mix of traditional coursework, a research course sequence, and a final research project (usually a dissertation). A dissertation often comprises 12-18 credits, must make an original contribution to the field, and requires approval from faculty.
A professional or practice-based program may require you to investigate an applied research problem, whereas a traditional program may emphasize computer science theory.
This degree is available in online, hybrid, and residential formats, though in-person programs are most common.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Computer Science?
A doctoral degree in computer science can make you stand out in a competitive job market and attract attention from employers.
An online computer science Ph.D. can also open doors to careers that may not be as readily available to candidates with lower-level degrees. Two key examples include college-level computer science professors and computer and information research scientists. Both paths appear headed for strong near-term job growth.
College Professor
Computer science professors teach undergraduate and graduate courses. In addition, they evaluate students’ work, design and perform research projects, serve as academic advisors and mentors, and assist with administration. Some also develop academic programming and contribute to long-term departmental planning.
No particular doctoral-level concentration is best for aspiring computer science professors. Instead, choose a focus area closely aligned with your research interests. You can then explore relevant interests in your dissertation and lay the foundations for your future research as a tenured academic.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and information research scientists experiment with computer technologies, seeking and developing new functional models and uses. They also seek solutions to established problems in computer science.
While computer and information research scientists work in many domains, some specializations tend to attract more attention — and funding — than others. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are two popular and timely examples, but others include cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, and systems architecture.
You can also focus on computer science theory, a versatile and adaptable field you can apply to new technologies as they emerge.
How Much Can I Make With a Ph.D. in Computer Science?
$98,000
Average salary for BS in CS graduates
$114,000
Average salary for MS in CS graduates
$139,000
Average salary for Ph.D. in CS graduates
According to Payscale data as of October 2025, an online computer science Ph.D. can propel you to significantly higher earnings. Aggregated salary data shows that professionals with a doctoral degree out-earn bachelor’s and master’s degree-holders by 42% and 22%, respectively.
However, you should also consider the time investment a doctoral program demands. If you study full time, you will probably need to step away from the labor force for at least three years. You can recoup those lost wages over time, but it may take several years.
How Much Does a Ph.D. in Computer Science Cost?
Average Annual Tuition for a Ph.D. in Computer Science
$23,096
Public
$35,117
Private nonprofit
Note: The above averages are based on 2019-2020 tuition and fees for full-time Ph.D. students studying computer and information sciences.
The cost of an online computer science Ph.D. is another important angle to consider. Using the National Center for Education Statistics data quoted above and assuming a three-year study period, the average cost of a Ph.D. ranges from around $69,000 at public institutions to over $105,000 at private schools.
Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and tuition waivers, if available, can help reduce your costs. However, note that the stipends and funding commonly offered to doctoral students in research-oriented programs may not be as readily available to online learners. Schools tend to reserve these resources for campus-based doctoral students.
How to Get Into an Online Computer Science Ph.D. Program
Admission standards for Ph.D. programs can depend on factors like the school’s mission and mandate, the program’s reputation, and the number of applicants it attracts. In general, you can expect to encounter the following requirements:
- A master’s degree in computer science or a directly related field
- A strong academic record, including a GPA in the 3.00-3.50 range for your computer science coursework
- A statement of purpose outlining your research and learning interests, and your reasons for applying to the program
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- 2-3 letters of recommendation or academic or professional references
Some schools consider applicants who hold only a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, such candidates usually need to provide compelling evidence of their suitability for doctoral studies in the form of an exceptional academic and/or professional record.
How to Choose an Online Computer Science Ph.D
- 1
Identify your goals.
An online computer science Ph.D. may support your learning, research, and professional interests — but so could a lower-level degree. As an initial step, identify specific long-term educational and career goals, then assess whether a doctoral degree will help you reach them in a direct, tangible way.
Doctoral programs are intensive, demanding, time-consuming, and they require a significant financial investment. You should only make this investment if you are fully committed to the program.
- 2
Check for accreditation.
Only consider online doctoral programs that are offered at accredited colleges and universities. Institutional accreditation ensures academic quality and access to federal financial aid.
If you attend an unaccredited school, then you will be ineligible for federal aid, and employers may not recognize your doctorate as a valid credential.
- 3
Review curriculum requirements.
Perform a complete analytical review of the program’s curriculum plan. Note the balance of required and elective courses, and evaluate the level of control you will have over your learning focus.
For example, some programs have extensive core requirements and offer only limited levels of self-direction until the dissertation stage. Others offer more flexibility throughout the program, allowing students to essentially design their own degree plans.
Again, seek a match aligned with your learning goals.
- 4
Connect with faculty and alumni.
Review faculty profiles, and reach out in advance to the professors you will work with if you enroll in the program. At this stage, you want to ensure your research interests match those of the faculty members you will study under.
Also, connect with program alumni. See what they have to say about their student experience, the faculty, the school’s research resources, and whether they felt they got adequate value from attending.
- 5
Compare costs and financial aid.
Assuming all other elements of the program are equal, your out-of-pocket costs could end up being a determining factor. Consider not only tuition rates, but also the amount of non-repayable financial aid you stand to receive.
If you get multiple offers of admission, repeat this process for every school. Aim to strike the right balance between affordability and your academic ambitions.
Beyond the Doctorate
After completing your online computer science Ph.D., you can pursue additional credentials and professional development pathways. Examples include:
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: These are advanced, individualized research pathways for candidates who hold doctoral degrees. You can use them to build on your dissertation and extend your studies into new areas.
- Seek Publication Opportunities: Try to get your original research published in computer science journals. This can support your entry to academia and professorships.
You can also seek out professional opportunities as a highly credentialed job candidate.