Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science - Algorithms and Complexity

Computer Science encompasses both theoretical and practical aspects of design, analysis, and implementation of computer systems, as well as applications of computing to numerous other fields. Core research areas include: (1) artificial intelligence and machine learning, (2) bioinformatics, (3) computer architecture, (4) embedded systems, (5) graphics and computer vision, (6) database systems and information management, (7) multimedia and gaming, (8) networks and distributed systems, (9) programming languages and compilers, (10) security, privacy, and cryptography, (11) design and analysis of algorithms, and (12) scientific computing.

The dominant research theme in our group is algorithm design, studied from several diverse viewpoints: combinatorial optimization, approximation, online, randomized and parallel algorithms, graph algorithms, and algorithmic game theory. A second theme is computational complexity theory, with an emphasis on studying new complexity classes, such as those used for establishing intractability of economic and game-theoretic solution concepts. Other areas of theory studied include computational geometry, data structures, geometric graph theory, quantum computing, spectral graph theory, theory of deep learning, cryptography, and online and matching-based market design.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their prior academic record. Applicants for the M.S. are expected to have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Ph.D. applicants will additionally be evaluated in their potential for creative research and teaching in Information and Computer Sciences.

Applicants are expected to have (1) skills in computer programming at least equivalent to those obtained in college-level courses in programming and language development, (2) skills in mathematics equivalent to those obtained in complete college-level courses in logic and set theory, analysis, linear algebra and modern algebra, or probability and statistics, (3) data structures, analysis of algorithms, automata theory, or formal languages, and (4) computer architectures.

All applicants are evaluated on the materials submitted: letters of recommendation, official GRE test scores (optional for M.S./Ph.D. in Informatics, M.S./Ph.D. in Software Engineering, the Master of Human Computer Interaction and Design, and the Master of Software Engineering) official college transcripts, statement of purpose, and personal history statement.

An applicant to the M.S./Ph.D. in Informatics, M.S./Ph.D. in Software Engineering, the Master of Human Computer Interaction and Design, or the Master of Software Engineering is strongly encouraged to submit additional material that enriches their application and speaks to the applicant's strengths (e.g., design portfolio, link to GitHub profile, GRE test scores, scholarly papers submitted and/or published, writing samples).

TOEFL iBT minimum score of 80
IELTS - An overall minimum score of 7.0 for admission, with a score of no less than 6.0 on any individual module.
Have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0