Best Online PhD Programs in Computer Science

At Southern Methodist University, Lyle School, students are provided with an extensive doctoral degree program in computer science. This institution focuses on engineering and technology which gives students the most current and comprehensive PhD curricula to advance their research and professional application of the field. With small class sizes, faculty are able to give specialized attention to individuals. Virtual classrooms are also widely offered which allows students to partake in the program through interactive online platforms and digitally-recorded instruction. Scholarships and financial aid are also available for eligible students.

Nova Southeastern University’s prestigious doctoral program in computer science allows students to receive their PhD through a minimum of 64 credit hours. NSU’s “cluster format” for courses gives students the opportunity to complete their program through online courses and four in-person sessions. Graduates of the program will learn the skills necessary to research, analyze, understand and advance their comprehensive knowledge in computer science. To help students achieve their academic goals, NSU provides updated computer labs and research facilities including laboratories and libraries. NSU also encourages doctoral students to participate in hands-on internships to apply their academics in a professional setting.

Columbia University in the City of New York offers doctoral students a choice of a PhD in computer science or Doctor of Engineering Science (DES) degree. Graduate students begin as apprentices and junior colleagues and spend at least half of their studies as active participants in mentored research. During the first two years of the program, students are expected to perform community service within the department. Prerequisite requirements include completion of the foundation course, Analysis of Algorithms. The breadth requirements include coursework in areas of artificial intelligence and applications, systems, and theory.

University of California-Berkeley, founded in 1868, has more than 170 academic departments today offering degree programs. Over 10,455 attend UC Berkeley graduate degree programs. The Berkeley PhD from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) combines coursework with requirements to conduct original research. With full-time studies, students can complete the PhD in 5-6 years if starting with a bachelor degree or in 3-5 years when starting with a Master's. Applications are accepted in December, with the program beginning the following fall. Students may benefit from the proximity of the university to Bay Area and Silicon Valley engineering companies.

The PhD in computer science program at the University of Minnesota will give students the opportunity to improve their knowledge and understanding of the field while building prestigious credentials that will help them advance their careers and conduct scholarly research and application. Applying to this programs requires all students to demonstrate academic interest which ensures an academically challenging and motivating environment surrounded by like-minded peers. Students are also encouraged to build their professional and networking skills by getting involved with computer science related professional organizations such as Women in Computer Science, Computer Science Graduate Student Organization and the Association of Computing Machinery.

University of North Texas is located in Denton, just over 30 miles from Dallas/Ft. Worth. It is home to more than 30 doctoral programs in the arts and sciences. Offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the PhD in Computer Science degree program requires completion of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor degree or 42 credit hours beyond the master's. In addition to undertaking the credit hours of coursework, PhD students are required to pass an oral exam on their research topic and complete a scholarly research dissertation to complete the degree.

Syracuse University offered its first engineering courses in 1877. The university established the Center for Advanced Technology in Computer Applications and Software Engineering in 1984 and the Center for Information and Systems Assurance and Trust (CISAT) in 2010. The PhD degree in Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) requires completion of 52 credit hours beyond the BS degree. Students sit for the written qualifying exam at the end of the first year, with the oral exam scheduled in the second year. They must pass a proposal defense by the end of the fourth year and the defense of their dissertation within four more years.

Graduate students interested in furthering their education may be interested in considering Mississippi State University’s online computational engineering doctoral program. The distance learning programs offered at MSU allow students with busy schedules to find time for academic advancement. Financial aid is available to MSU student in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans. MSU offers a number of student services—including academic advising, tutoring, and career help—to ensure students are on track to achieve their life goals. MSU is an active community and is proud to host over 100 student-operated clubs and organizations.

Students attending Pennsylvania State University may earn their doctoral degree in computer science and engineer. Like many of Penn State’s programs, this degree track allows for hybrid course scheduling, with both online and on-campus classes. Paying for college is made easy at Penn State with the thousands of dollars in scholarships, grants, and financial aid that is awarded to students every year. All of Penn State’s campuses feature modern and comfortable student housing and dining facilities. On-campus activities include intramural and club sports, arts performances, and participation in one of Penn State’s many student-run organizations.

Once accepted into the University of Southern California PhD program, students will learn the necessary skills to pursue a career in advanced computer science. This prestigious program allows students to work and network alongside professors and scholars in this field. Students can earn funding towards their degree through USC-approved fellowships Resources for this program include scholarly writing assistance through their American Language Institute where peers edit scholarly writing specifically for the PhD students. With many award-winning alumni, USC seeks to prepare students to excel in their career paths through expert education, networking, fellowships and leadership.