Timelines, Programs, and Resources for Computer Science Students
Computer science is a burgeoning academic and career space. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of Ph.D. graduates in computer science more than doubled between 1995 and 2011. An online doctoral-level degree path is designed to afford graduates flexibility both in their academic and career pursuits. Learn more about the online Ph.D. in computer science, what to expect during the application process, how degree programs are structured.
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Best Online Ph.D.'s in Computer Science Degrees
Our Methodology
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 online bachelor's degree in subject area
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of online program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.
Although computer science is one of the most popular degree areas, not every university and computer science department is created equal. It is important to understand what differentiates each online Ph.D. program in computer science. Our rankings are a helpful jumping-off point in the decision-making process.
#1 Best Online PhD in Computer Science
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mississippi State University supports three online doctoral programs from its main campus in Mississippi State, Mississippi. Doctoral students in the doctor of philosophy in computer science program complete research, coursework, and comprehensive exams, preparing them for the demands of a career. Students benefit from rigorous coursework, comprehensive exams, and research, gaining relevant skills.
The program's flexibility enables candidates to learn at their own pace or work full time while pursuing study. Doctoral candidates can expect to complete their studies in 4-6 years. The program requires that candidates complete a dissertation and contribute original research to the field.
Mississippi State University at a Glance:
Location: Mississippi State, Mississippi
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 54%
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $23,840
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,316
Average Price After Aid: $16,471
#2 Best Online PhD in Computer Science
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Professionals seeking advanced remote study in computer science should consider Nova Southeastern University's Ph.D. in computer science. The program equips learners with advanced skills and industry knowledge, applicable to careers in academia, research, and management. Typically, a doctorate is the field's highest education level attainable.
Based on their scheduling needs, online doctoral candidates can pursue full-time or part-time study. The average time from enrollment to degree completion is 4-6 years. The program requires that candidates complete a dissertation and contribute original research to the field.
Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 80%
Graduate Tuition In State: $19,665
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,665
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 100%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#3 Best Online PhD in Computer Science
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of South Carolina-Columbia supports 10 online doctoral programs from its main campus in Columbia, South Carolina. The Ph.D. in computer science program equips learners with transferrable knowledge and skills suitable for positions in academia, research, and management. Upon graduation, candidates possess the highest level of education available in the computer science field.
Working professionals benefit from the program's flexible online format. Candidates can expect to earn their degree in 4-6 years, depending on enrollment status. Degree-holders contribute original research to the computer science field, especially through their dissertation.
University of South Carolina-Columbia at a Glance:
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
School Type: Public
Admission Rate: 69%
Graduate Tuition In State: $13,737
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,760
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 95%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,282
Average Price After Aid: $21,787
#4 Best Online PhD in Computer Science
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Southern California's online Ph.D. in computer science offers students a world-class education, preparing them for an advanced career in the field. Typically, doctoral candidates are trained for careers in academia, research, and management. Upon graduation, candidates possess the field's highest level of education.
The online modality allows doctoral candidates flexibility in learning. Candidates can complete their degree in 4-6 years, with the option for extended study with further funding. Enrollees complete a dissertation by the end of their studies, contributing original research to their field.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Location: Los Angeles, California
School Type: Private
Admission Rate: 11%
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
Percent of Students Awarded Financial Aid: 69%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
The Online Computer Science Ph.D. Timeline
A Ph.D. in computer science does not limit students to careers solely in academia. It is a credential that is in growing demand in both public and private spheres, which may be why more people are pursuing this doctoral-level degree. Find out more about what it takes to earn a Ph.D. in computer science.
Popular Programs
- Northcentral University
PHD - Computer Science - Walden University
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - Information Systems Management - University of the Southwest
Doctorate of Business Administration - Self-Design
Application Process
Generally speaking, there are limited openings in computer science Ph.D. programs each year, as more and more qualified applicants attempt to enter the field. It is a competitive space, which means prospective students should have a firm understanding of the admission requirements prior to applying to graduate programs for computer science.
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Minimum GPA Requirements
Students must meet minimum GPA requirements for admission into a Ph.D. in computer science program, with many programs listing a 3.5 out of a 4.0 scale as a competitive GPA.
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Bachelor's Degree
Students should have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with preparatory coursework in computer science and related fields.
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Graduate Record Examination Scores
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical sections are required for doctoral-level computer science programs. Most programs have a score threshold, such as 304 and 3.5 or higher on analytical writing.
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TOEFL Scores (International Students)
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test is required for Ph.D. level computer science applicants who have either not studied in the United States for at least one school year or whose native language is not English.
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5
Letters of Recommendation
Applications should include three letters of recommendation, including two from former professors familiar with the student's academic background.
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Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose expresses the student's academic plans and interests in computer science and explains why the student is a strong Ph.D. candidate.
Year 1 Milestones
The first year of an online Ph.D. in computer science program establishes the student's program of study and sets the foundation for the next 3-4 years of doctoral study. During the first year, students are integrated into the research activities of the department and become oriented to being a doctoral student.
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Select Ph.D. Advisor
During the first year, computer science Ph.D. students should identify research interest areas, such as data management and analysis, graphics and visualization or robotics, and find a research advisor from that study area.
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Design and Submit a Plan of Study
Working with a graduate advisor, each doctoral-level computer science student will create a plan of study for coursework and future research by the end of the first term of study. Common areas of study include computing systems, theory of computation, and artificial intelligence.
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3
Introduction to Graduate Study
Computer science Ph.D. students spend the first year engaged with core computer science coursework in topics such as computer systems, intelligent systems, and computer science theory.
Year 2 Milestones
Year two consists of accomplishing three major milestones: completing core course requirements for the computer science Ph.D., transitioning into formal Ph.D. candidacy and preparing for independent dissertation research. During this time, students learn the basics of becoming a researcher.
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Form Advisory Committee
In the second year, each doctoral-level computer science student is required to assemble an advisory committee consisting of three faculty members, including one from another department. This committee administers the qualifying examination.
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Complete Breadth and Depth of Study Coursework
Computer science Ph.D. students must complete the required coursework that demonstrates that they have the ability to analyze and understand the technical aspects of the field.
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Take Qualifying Examination
After completing their core coursework, students take a qualifying computer science Ph.D. examination. This examination has an oral and written component that assesses the students' knowledge of their academic specializations.
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Year 3 Milestones
The third year of a computer science Ph.D. program revolves around elective coursework on the student's academic track and starting the process for writing a formal dissertation. Students will also formally apply for Ph.D. candidacy.
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Apply for Ph.D. Candidacy
Upon completion of coursework and a qualifying examination, computer science students have met the criteria to apply for Ph.D. candidacy. The application consists of a portfolio of work, such as exams, classwork, and research written under the supervision of the study's research advisor. Typically, these are technical papers or a research paper that can be submitted to a peer-review journal.
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Form Research Committee
After being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy, computer science students may form a dissertation research committee of 3-4 faculty members. The dissertation committee guides the research and dissertation writing process.
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Submit Thesis Proposal
After completing the qualifying examination and achieving candidacy, computer science Ph.D. students may write and submit a written research proposal for their dissertation. Students must defend their proposal through an oral examination with their research committee.
Year 4 Milestones
The fourth year of the online Ph.D. in computer science program is dedicated to scholarly research and work on the student's dissertation. This year culminates in preparing to submit and defend the dissertation.
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Start Dissertation Research
After completing coursework, examinations, and a thesis proposal, computer science Ph.D. students can start their dissertation research under the guidance of the research committee.
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Scholarly Communication Activities
As they start work on their dissertation research, doctoral-level computer science students actively present their research to internal (departmental) and external audiences through doctoral research seminars and conferences.
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3
Complete Computing Project
In some programs, computer science Ph.D. students must demonstrate their technical skills by writing a piece of software. This project requirement can be satisfied through independent research, a class project, or an internship.
Year 5 Milestones
The final year of an online Ph.D. in computer science program is dedicated to completing, submitting, and defending the dissertation.
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Dissertation Defense
The Ph.D. student must present original research to the research committee and schedule an oral defense. Typically, the defense is open to the public and includes a thorough set of questions that ask the student to demonstrate the significance of the research.
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Submit Dissertation
After being reviewed by the research committee, a doctoral level computer science student makes revisions to the dissertation and submits it for final approval. Once approved, the student may apply for graduation.
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Apply for Graduation
The student receives a Ph.D. in computer science once the completed dissertation is filed with the university's graduate school. Typically, the application to graduate and final dissertation must be filed at least 30 days prior to graduation.
Graduation Requirements
The goal of online doctoral programs in computer science is to produce well-rounded graduates who demonstrate a depth of understanding in their specialized area of study. Although these programs are flexible and allow for a great level of independence, students must complete several requirements to graduate.
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Core Course Credits
Ph.D.-level computer science students must complete 30-36 credits from standard (non-seminar) graduate classes. Of that number, 15-18 must be courses in computer science. Topics of study include algorithms, computing systems, and artificial intelligence.
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Seminar Class Credits
Between 3-5 credits must come from Ph.D.-level computer science research seminars (700 level courses and above). These courses include oral presentations on the student's in-depth research. Example topics of study include theoretical research, computing systems research, and applied computing research.
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Research Credits
Approximately 24 of a computer science student's credits must be in doctoral research courses.
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Residency Requirements
Some online Ph.D. programs in computer science have a residency requirement, where students have to complete on-campus coursework or attend on-campus program sessions.
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Teaching Requirements
During their course of study, Ph.D.-level computer science students may also spend at least one semester as a teacher or teaching assistant. Students typically teach a 1-2 credit undergraduate computer science course.
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Qualifying Examinations and Dissertation
Computer science Ph.D. students must successfully complete qualifying examinations and defend an original dissertation in a computer science research area to graduate.
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Core Principles and Skills Learned in an Online Computer Science Ph.D. Program
The primary goal of online Ph.D. in computer science programs is to graduate students who are prepared for computation-based careers in the public and the private sector. Graduate students develop analytical skills, programming languages, and technical tools.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
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Broad computer science research styles
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the three different value systems of the three Ph.D. level computer science research styles that differ in how they evaluate and validate research results. The three different research styles are theory, systems, and applications.
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Depth of computing competency
Computer science Ph.D. students gain an understanding of the core areas of computing science, including programming languages, computation theory, and computing systems and applications. They have an ability to craft critical solutions to challenging computing solutions and apply advanced mathematical concepts to computing application and software development.
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Advanced mathematical foundations
Ph.D. students develop the ability to use a variety of mathematical concepts, such as discrete mathematics, to drive new thinking in computer science. By leveraging advanced mathematical tools, computer science Ph.D. graduates can develop original approaches to programming and build upon existing technical theories to create new solutions to problems in arenas ranging from automation to software development.
Master's in Computer Science
Bachelor's in Computer Science
What To Do With a Ph.D. in Computer Science
There is only one way to describe career prospects in computer science: growing. Ph.D. graduates can pursue career opportunities across academia, private industry, and government. Explore four potential employment avenues a Ph.D. in computer science could lead to in the table below.
Computer scientists use their programming and analytical skills to solve problems in nearly every field. They may write algorithms to mine financial data, design robots to tackle manufacturing issues, or write new software used by a navigation system in a vehicle.
Job Growth (2020-2030): 22 %
Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $126,830
Using skills in data modeling and knowledge of computing systems, computer systems analysts design efficient and effective computing information systems for universities, K-12 schools, government organizations, and private organizations.
Job Growth (2020-2030): 7%
Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $93,730
Computer science professors conduct original research into specialized fields, such as robotics or artificial intelligence. In this role, they also teach undergraduate and graduate courses to prepare the next generation of developers, programmers, and computer scientists.
Job Growth (2020-2030): 9 %
Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $85,540
Network architects are the people who design, developer and build data communication networks. These might include the networks businesses use for internet and intranets, data connections between multiple companies and locations, or cloud infrastructures that serve a multitude of users.
Job Growth (2020-2030): 5%
Median Annual Salary (October 2021): $116,780
Additional Resources
Computer science is a dynamic field with numerous educational and career choices to consider. Prior to enrolling in a graduate program, students may want to use the resources below to learn more about the field, networking opportunities, or professional paths after graduation.
AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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