Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

Computer Science is an exciting, challenging, and growing field that impacts everyday life in countless ways. Computer scientists are involved in creating technology and systems that are used in a wide range of industries, including medicine, communications, entertainment, manufacturing, business and science. The Department of Computer Science at Lyle offers students the ability to study a broad range of topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, software design and many more. We offer doctoral, master's and bachelor's degrees.

Students will gain real-world experience with the theory and practice of Computer Science as they explore algorithms, programming languages and operating systems. Students interested in research can seek out opportunities with faculty members, develop independent projects and pursue research-driven, relevant coursework. Career paths in the field range from web development to cybersecurity and information technology, with jobs available in data science, software engineering, application development and numerous other areas.

Students in Lyle's Ph.D. in Computer Science program engage with faculty experts whose research covers each dynamic element of the Computer Science field and opportunities for the future. Doctoral students are expected to achieve and demonstrate a mastery of the discipline and to significantly advance the state of knowledge through an original research effort.

Applicants are required to satisfy the following:

An M.S. degree in computer science or a related field, including computer engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics or physics, from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, or completion of an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. master's degree from a college or university of recognized standing. In the case of direct admission without a previous M.S. degree, the baccalaureate degree must be conferred prior to the time the student begins classes as a graduate student, and the student will fulfill the requirements for and obtain an M.S. degree and then continue working toward the Ph.D. Also, the student's GPA must be at least 3.400 on a 4.000 scale in the student's junior and senior years.
Excellent academic performance in all completed coursework, with a GPA of at least 3.000 on a 4.000 scale.
A reasonable level of mathematical maturity.
Submission of a complete application, including a statement of purpose, official transcripts for all previous undergraduate and graduate studies and payment of appropriate application fee.
Submission of official GRE graduate school admission test scores.
Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the applicant's potential success as a doctoral student.
Submission of a notarized financial certification form (graduates from foreign countries only). Before being considered for admission, all international students whose native language is not English and who have not graduated from an American university must submit a minimum TOEFL English language proficiency exam score as follows:
550 paper-based examination.
213 computer-based examination.
80 Internet-based examination.
Applicants who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in engineering, mathematics or the sciences from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association, or who have completed an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing, will be considered for admission to the Graduate Division of the Lyle School of Engineering for the purpose of pursuing work leading to an advanced degree in engineering or applied science. Each case is considered on an individual basis, and due to the wide variations in student education, past performance, age, experience and academic objective, individualized graduate-program requirements for each student may be anticipated.

Applicants for admission to the Graduate Division must have a minimum GPA of 3.000 on a 4.000 scale for all previous undergraduate and graduate studies. Three letters of recommendation are required for all doctoral applicants and for all applicants requesting financial aid.

TOEFL
550 paper-based examination.
213 computer-based examination.
80 Internet-based examination overall score

A score of 6.5 on the IELTS English language proficiency examination is acceptable in place of the above scores for the TOEFL examination.