Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Studying computer science at Colorado School of Mines can transform your future and prepare you for an evolving and exciting job market. With skills applicable to every industry, computer science professionals are in demand today more than theyve ever been.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and information technology jobs to grow 12 percent between 2018 and 2028much faster than the average for all occupations. With a diversity of career options ranging from machine learning engineer to business data scientist, a graduate degree in computer science empowers you to shape your future.
This doctoral program requires 72 hours of coursework and research credits and starts with five core courses in algorithms, operating systems, theory of computation, advanced computer architecture and research ethics. Candidates must also pass a PhD qualifying exam and successfully defend a thesis.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, or equivalent, from an accredited institution with a grade-point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
Students are expected to have completed the following coursework at Mines or equivalent at another institution: 1) CSCI200 FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS & DESIGN: Foundational Programming Concepts and Design, 2) CSCI220: Data Structures and Algorithms, 3) CSCI306: Software Engineering, 4) CSCI341: Computer Organization, 5) CSCI358: Discrete Mathematics. It is strongly suggested applicants also have completed a course in Algorithms and Operating Systems. The CS graduate admissions committee will require that students who do not meet this expectation demonstrate competency or take remedial coursework. Such coursework will not count toward the graduate degree. The committee will decide whether to recommend regular or provisional admission.
Competitive Graduate Record Examination scores (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing), with a minimum quantitative reasoning score of 151 or higher (or 650 on the old scale). Applicants who have graduated with a math, engineering, or science degree from Mines within the past five years are not required to submit GRE scores.
TOEFL score of 79 or higher (or 550 for the paper-based test or 213 for the computer-based test) for applicants whose native language is not English. In lieu of a TOEFL score, and IELTS score of 6.5 or higher will be accepted.
Bachelor's degree: Required
GRE: Not required. Scores may be used as additional supporting materials if you choose to submit them.
Letters of Recommendation: Required three letters. No letters of recommendation are required for current Mines students or Mines alumni.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Not Required
Statement of Purpose: Required
Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
Supporting Materials: Optional. Up to 2 additional supporting materials (e.g., project reports, published papers, GRE scores, etc) may be submitted.
TOFEL IBT-(Reading- 20, Listening 21, Writing 17, Speaking- 21) Score- 79
IELTS Minimum overall band of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.