Our PhD program prepares graduates for research positions in academia or industry. Research is led by our graduate faculty, who have interests in bioinformatics, machine intelligence and data analytics, networks, cybersecurity, web science and digital libraries, data science, parallel algorithms and computing, scientific computing, and stochastic modeling.
Program Highlights
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Work with faculty who are internationally-known researchers
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Potential for collaboration with scientists at NASA, Jefferson Lab, VMASC, EVMS
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Part-time and full-time study is available
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Full-time students usually complete their degrees in 3-5 years
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Computer Systems Analysts
Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems. Analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Software Developers, Applications
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.
Alumni Careers
Requirements
Full requirements are described on our PhD Graduate Programs website. A candidate for the doctoral degree in computer science must meet all of the following requirements in addition to the University requirements outlined in the .
- Complete a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree and 48 credit hours beyond the master’s degree.
- Pass the candidacy examination process.
- Attend at least 10 colloquiums – see  Colloquium Activities for more information.
- Successfully defend the dissertation.
The above must be completed within 8 years after admission to the PhD program. Note that students with a degree in a discipline outside of computer science will be required to take prerequisite undergraduate courses that will not be counted towards the 78 credit hours requirement.
Featured Courses
Cost of Attendance
We believe in providing students with transparent and accessible information about the cost of attendance.Â
Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Entering Student Funding
Newly admitted PhD students are guaranteed to be funded either by a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA), Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA), or a half-time GTA/half-time GRA combination. If research funding is available, your major advisor may provide a summer stipend. During the first year, most PhD students are guaranteed $20,000 with a 100% tuition waiver.
Summer Funding
All PhD students are expected to obtain GRA positions during the summer, working for their major advisor. Summer GRA stipends vary, but are typically between $3,000-$6,000. Full tuition exemption is included.
Dominion Graduate Scholar
A competitive award for newly admitted graduate students which carries a $20,000 stipend for 12 months.
Additional Ways to Save
See our department's Scholarships & Financial Aid page for more information.
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