Table of Contents
- Best Computer Science PhD Programs and Universities
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Sciences
- Harvard University, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Duke University, The Graduate School
- The University of California Berkeley, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS)
- California Institute of Technology, Computing & Mathematical Sciences Department
- Cornell University, Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Grainger College of Engineering
- Princeton University, The Graduate School
- What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Computer Science?
- What to Consider When Choosing a Computer Science PhD Program
- Why Get a Doctor of Computer Science Degree?
- PhD in Computer Science: Key Facts
- Key Takeaways
- PhD in Computer Science FAQs
PhD in computer science holders are sought-after specialists, with current demand far outstripping supply. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, jobs for computer and information research scientists are estimated to grow by an impressive 22% between 2020 and 2030. You might score similar jobs with a PhD in mathematics, too. But a PhD in computer science can open doors to some of the most lucrative jobs in the industry.
Let’s explore some of the best computer science PhDs in the US!
Best Computer Science PhD Programs and Universities
Stanford University
Stanford University is one of the most famous research institutions in the world, and its Computer Science programs have been ranked second in the USA. This PhD program involves a research rotation scheme where students participate in different research groups during the first year. This exposes them to different subjects and lets them know the faculty and fellow students.
- Courses: Analysis of algorithms, programming languages, and computer network & security.
- Credits: 135 course units
- Duration: 5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page (full funding available)
- Financial aid: Research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and grants
- Acceptance rate: 5.2%
- Location: Stanford, California
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
MIT is known as the best technical institution in the world, and its computer science programs were ranked first in the country by the US & News report. Students can work with all schools and departments throughout their studies.
- Courses: Software & computation for simulation, process data analytics & machine learning, and numerical computing & interactive software.
- Credits: 60
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Scholarships, federal work-study, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and veteran benefits
- Acceptance rate: 7.3%
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Carnegie Mellon University, School of Computer Sciences
CMU is a globally acclaimed private research university, home to conducting cutting-edge technology research across its seven prestigious schools. This is one of the few PhD programs in computer science with an optional dual degree arrangement enabling you to study programs with one of seven Portuguese universities.
- Courses: Algorithms & complexity, artificial intelligence, and software systems.
- Credits: 96 university units
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $46,400 per year
- Financial aid: Full funding, fellowships, and scholarships
- Acceptance rate: 17.3%
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Harvard University, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Harvard University is a world-renowned research institution that aims to achieve the perfect mix of scholarship and innovation. Across the university, every PhD student is given a field advisor right from the beginning of the program. Then, the student identifies a research area and a potential research advisor in their first two semesters. Upon qualifying, the research advisor nominates a research committee who will assist the student throughout their graduate career.
- Courses: Algorithms & their limitations, data structures & algorithms, and cryptography.
- Credits: 16 half-courses
- Delivery: On-campus
- Duration: 2 years minimum
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Full funding, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships
- Acceptance rate: 5%
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Duke University, The Graduate School
Duke University is an internationally acclaimed private research university known for its inclusivity. Its Center for Exemplary Mentoring aims to increase the number of PhD graduates from underrepresented and minority communities. Its PhD of Computer Science program is flexible and offers students the freedom to choose between a coursework-only option of 30 credits or a thesis.
- Courses: Programming & problem solving, computational microeconomics, and software design & implementation.
- Credits: 8 courses
- Duration: 5 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $4,160 per semester
- Financial aid: Grants, fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships
- Acceptance rate: 7.7%
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
The University of California Berkeley, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS)
The University of California Berkeley is a prestigious university committed to student diversity and has a dedicated Office for Graduate Diversity to support students from all backgrounds. This PhD program offers research opportunities in biosystems and computational biology, cyber-physical systems and design automation (CPSDA), and computer architecture and engineering.
- Courses: Combinatorial algorithms & data structures, design of programming languages, and implementation of database systems.
- Credits: 24 units minimum
- Duration: 5.5 – 6 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $5,721 per semester
- Financial aid: Fellowships, scholarships, grants, research stipends, loans, and work-study
- Acceptance rate: 17%
- Location: Berkeley, California
California Institute of Technology, Computing & Mathematical Sciences Department
The California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech, is one of the most renowned technology institutions in the world despite its comparatively small size. This PhD program allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of and conduct research in areas related to mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computer science.
- Courses: Quantum cryptography, information theory, and network control systems.
- Credits: 135 units
- Duration: 6 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $56,364 per year
- Financial aid: Fellowships, assistantships, loans, stipends, scholarships, and work-study
- Acceptance rate: 6.7%
- Location: Pasadena, California
Cornell University, Bowers College of Computing and Information Science
Cornell University is home to several famous technology schools conducting cutting-edge research to find solutions to the challenges of our modern, digital world. In this PhD program, students choose a minor from one of the 90 available fields outside of computer science to widen their knowledge base.
- Courses: Parallel computing, programming environments, and natural language processing.
- Duration: 12 semesters
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $29,500 per year
- Financial aid: Assistantships, fellowships, loans, and stipends
- Acceptance rate: 10.7%
- Location: Ithaca, New York
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Grainger College of Engineering
The Grainger College of Engineering focuses on research to improve quality of life through innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal engagement. In this flexible PhD program, each student is assigned three committee members during the first semester. The student can then consult with these mentors to plan their studies to meet their career goals.
- Courses: Programming language semantics, machine learning for signals, and learning-based robotics.
- Credits: 96, or 64 if you already have an MS
- Duration: 5-7 years
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: Refer tuition page
- Financial aid: Grants, fellowships, waivers, loans, and employment
- Acceptance rate: 63.3%
- Location: Urbana, Illinois
Princeton University, The Graduate School
Princeton University is one of the top universities in the country in computer science doctorate programs. This PhD program involves studying six courses, including one each from the three main areas of Artificial Intelligence, Systems, and Theory, which form the program’s core.
- Courses: Programming languages, advanced computer systems, and information theory & applications.
- Credits: 6 courses
- Delivery: On-campus
- Tuition: $56,010 per year
- Financial aid: Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships
- Acceptance rate: 5.6%
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey
What Do I Need to Get a PhD in Computer Science?
For most programs, you’ll need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field; however, exact eligibility requirements vary depending on the school. To earn your PhD, you’ll typically need to complete coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation.
What to Consider When Choosing a Computer Science PhD Program
Several US schools and universities offer PhD in computer science programs — choosing the right program for you can feel overwhelming. Take your time and research the curriculum and specialties for different programs to make sure they match your areas of interest.
If you’re not sure about the areas you want to specialize in, read research papers across different fields and discuss career opportunities with people in the industry. It’s also a good idea to look up the faculty from the programs you’re interested in and review their recent papers.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when choosing a computer science PhD:
- Curriculum and specialties offered
- The program’s reputation
- Faculty, their specialties, and reputation
- Cost of tuition and other fees
- Location
- Delivery mode: on-campus, online, or hybrid
- Funding options
Related Reading: Top 10 Best Online PhDs in Computer Science
Why Get a Doctor of Computer Science Degree?
A doctorate in computer science will equip you to become a leading researcher in today’s digital technologies. With a PhD in the field, you’ll also be eligible for senior academic positions.
A PhD in computer science allows you to work in various respectable roles. Here are some of the top jobs and average yearly salaries for computer science PhD holders:
- Data Scientist – $97,358
- Chief Data Scientist – $179,351
- Software Architect – $128,356
- Software Development Manager – $127,342
- Senior Researcher – $100,048
Approximately 2,000 students earn a computer science PhD from US universities each year. The industry demand is much greater than the supply. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of PhD candidates are international students, many of whom return home after graduation. Therefore, graduates with a PhD in computer science are in high demand in the US.
PhD in Computer Science: Key Facts
How Much Does a PhD in Computer Science Cost?
Tuition varies depending on the program but generally falls between $15,000 and $60,000 per year. You’ll need to consider additional costs like academic fees, books, other educational resources, and living expenses.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Computer Science?
A PhD in computer science usually takes 3-7 years to complete.
What Skills Do You Gain from Doing a PhD in Computer Science?
A PhD in computer science allows students to develop leadership, problem-solving, and research skills related to complex topics like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics.
Key Takeaways
A PhD in computer science is one of the most in-demand qualifications in today’s hyper-digital world. It can equip you with specialized skills and knowledge to address modern tech problems with innovative solutions.
If you found this article helpful, take a look at our other guides, including the best Master’s in Computer Science programs, the top online PhD programs, and the highest paying PhDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is a PhD in Computer Science Like?
A PhD in computer science typically involves research, coursework, thesis preparation, teaching, and seminars related to computer science subjects. Individual programs may have other requirements.
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Can You Get a PhD in Computer Science?
Yes, many universities offer computer science PhD programs. You’ll usually need a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in computer science or a related field to apply.
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Is a PhD in Computer Science Worth It?
A PhD in computer science is a valuable qualification in today’s tech-forward world. Plenty of job opportunities and high remuneration levels await a computer science PhD graduate, with the average annual salary averaging at $131,000.
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What Does a PhD in Computer Science Do?
A qualified PhD computer science graduate may conduct research in complex computer systems, design and develop programs and applications, or study human-computer interaction to find innovative solutions for society. They may also work in academics, either in teaching, research, or both.
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What Can I Do with a PhD in Computer Science?
With a PhD in Computer Science on your resume, you’ll be hired for roles like data scientist, software architect, researcher, or academic professor and build a prestigious, high-paid career.
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Which Subject is Best for a PhD in Computer Science?
A wide range of subjects will qualify you to apply for a doctoral degree in computer science. Popular topics include data structures and algorithms, computer systems and organization, and discrete computer science mathematics. The best subject for you depends on your interests and career ambitions.
