20 Best Computer Science / Information Science / Computer Engineering Graduate Schools
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Doctorates in Computer Science, Information Science, and Computer Engineering provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamentals of computing and how to leverage technology to solve complex, real-world problems.
According to BLS, bachelor’s degree holders working as computer and information research scientists and computer engineers have median annual wages of $136,620 and $132,360, respectively. With a doctorate, you can expect significantly higher wages.
Aside from its potential financial benefits, these computer tech- and engineering-focused specializations offer professionals the opportunity to make the world a better place through your profession’s impact on a wide range of industry types, from corporate businesses to disaster preparedness. You will also find a broad variety of specializations.
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Computer-related positions are plentiful… Do your research to see which option is best for you!
METHODOLOGY
Many, if not most, of the programs featured have valid accreditation from the ABET or Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. All of the colleges and universities, furthermore, have valid accreditation from a regional accreditation agency recognized by the US Department of Education.
We also considered other equally important factors, including:
- A selective admission process combined with a rigorous curriculum,
- Excellent institutional reputation, student support services, and graduate outcomes,
- Advanced research components.
20 Best Ph.D. In Computer Science/Information Science/Computer Engineering Graduate Schools
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| Tuition: | $756 per unit |
| Credit Hours: | 96 |
| Duration: | Five years |
CMU’s PhD in Computer Science allows learners to work with their faculty advisors as early as their second month! Due to its competitive nature, students are advised to enroll full-time to earn the degree within the estimated time.
The PhD program begins with an Introductory Course, followed by coursework, original research, and a thesis. Over the first two years, students master graduate material, organize original research, serve as teaching assistants, and receive periodic evaluations.
Stanford University
Stanford, California
| Tuition: | $1,304-$1,337 per unit |
| Credit Hours: | 135 |
| Duration: | 5-6 years |
Stanford has a strong computer science reputation, making their PhD among the best! Students gain more depth and breadth of knowledge than in many other Ph.D. programs partly because of the emphasis on original research.
Students must complete the Breadth Requirement in Computer Systems, Mathematical Foundations, and Artificial Intelligence and Applications, choose two sub-areas, find faculty advisors, complete all requirements, and complete teaching requirements at any time.
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, California
PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
| Tuition: | $6,132 per semester |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | 5.5-6 years |
The required credit hours for UC Berkeley’s PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences vary depending on the applicant’s educational and professional background, research interest, and specialization. Nevertheless, the minimum number of courses must be equivalent to 24 units, which includes 12 units in a major field and six units each in a major field in and out of EECS.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, Illinois
| Tuition: | $824 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 64-96 |
| Duration: | 5-6 years |
Illinois’ PhD in Computer Science is designed to be flexible and accessible to working professionals. One unique feature of this program is that it gives those with only a bachelor’s degree an opportunity to pursue a doctorate. The coursework consists of computer courses, seminars, independent study, and thesis research.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, Massachusetts
PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
| Tuition: | $29,875 per term |
| Credit Hours: | 162 |
| Duration: | 5-6 years |
Students in MIT’s PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science are expected to contribute to the university’s significant contributions to the world of computing. Students report that, indeed, it’s fairly easy to do so because of the above-par support provided by MIT through fellowships and assistantships.
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York
| Tuition: | $24,800 per term |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | Five years |
Cornell’s PhD in Computer Science features an interdisciplinary approach to the field, with faculty members from Applied Math, Architecture, and Computational Biology pitching in during research. The annual cohort consists of 30-40 students, and thus, small class sizes are the norm and contribute to more personalized mentoring.
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
| Tuition: | Funded for four years |
| Credit Hours: | 90 |
| Duration: | Five years |
Qualified applicants for UW’s PhD in Computer Science and Engineering are funded through fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, and departmental support. However, to receive funding, students must demonstrate excellent progress throughout the program.
Student performance is measured during several milestones, from qualifying and general exams to candidacy. The latter includes preparing (i.e., proposal, research, and writing) and dissertation defense.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, Georgia
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $586 per credit hour (in-state) $1,215 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
| Credit Hours: | 43 |
| Duration: | 7 years |
Georgia Tech’s PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering only accepts candidates with at least four years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. The program comprises 18-hour core courses, 14-hour electives, nine-hour minor subjects, and a one-hour professional communications seminar and training on responsible conduct of research. The latter has two components – online training and a face-to-face class.
It’s a highly individualized program that places great emphasis on the quality and impact of independent research. Students become advocates for advancing knowledge in digital signal processing, microsystems, and telecommunications, among others.
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, California
| Tuition: | $63,402 per year |
| Credit Hours: | 135 |
| Duration: | 5 years |
CalTech’s PhD in Computer Science allows students to gain specialized knowledge by pursuing a concentration in their independent research projects. If you are yet to earn your master’s degree, this program may be for you.
It’s an integrated MS-to-PhD program where students who complete the first two-year phase receive a master’s degree and then proceed to the PhD phase. At least three academic years as a resident student is required of PhD students.
Columbia University
New York, New York
| Tuition: | $26,788 per Residence Unit |
| Credit Hours: | 122 |
| Duration: | 5 years |
Columbia has a unique tuition structure for its PhD program in Computer Science. The Residence Unit, which requires full-time registration for a semester, serves as the basis for tuition charges, regardless of whether the student is taking individual courses. Students must pick a field of study in computer science, such as computer vision, natural language processing, and combinatorial optimization.
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
| Tuition: | $7,411 per term |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | 4-5 years |
The PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at UMich has a stronger focus on research, particularly on contributing new ideas and innovations to the field. Pre-candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn a master’s degree after completing academic requirements, with a recommended time-to-completion of five years.
Applicants will be considered based on their exceptional research aptitude and prior research experience. Thus, students entering the PhD program with a master’s degree are well-advised to submit a master’s thesis.
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
| Tuition: | $18,136 per year (residents) $33,238 per year (non-residents) |
| Credit Hours: | 180 |
| Duration: | 6 years |
UCLA, being the creator of the Internet’s foundation, offers a competitive PhD in Computer Science with several sub-disciplines. The curriculum includes specialization choices in artificial intelligence, software systems, and computer system architecture.
University of Texas Austin
Austin, Texas
PhD in Software Engineering and Systems
| Tuition: | $10,732 per semester |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | 5 years |
UT Austin’s PhD in Software Engineering and Systems is one of eight academic tracks offered as specializations in computer science. Students focus on the advanced theories and applications of engineering software systems, as well as their study and research.
Applicants without a master’s degree in electrical and Computer Engineering may be admitted to the program. Students with only a bachelor’s degree can receive their master’s degree along their PhD journey.
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
| Tuition: | $54,032 full tuition for the first two years |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | 4-5 years |
Harvard’s PhD in Computer Science is an interdisciplinary program that teaches students advanced computational interactions, algorithm-related skills, and new theories and systems. The program offers Fellowships & Writing Center to help its graduates have a far-reaching impact beyond graduate school.
Graduate students pay a declining tuition structure with each stay in the program. PhD students receive fellowships and grants that will cover most, if not all, of the tuition and fees.
George Washington University
Washington, DC
| Tuition: | $2,075 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 54 |
| Duration: | 4 years |
The PhD in Computer Engineering at GWU is designed for practicing professionals. Students work with their faculty advisors to create their customized curriculum plan, choose a dissertation focus, and complete their dissertation.
Students complete seminar and colloquium requirements to earn the degree aside from the minimum number of credits and dissertation requirements. At least one seminar and five colloquia must be completed.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, New York
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | $2,370 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 66 |
| Duration: | 3 years |
Although tuition seems high upfront, PhD students typically receive funding, which covers a stipend for the academic year. This PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering is among the most customizable PhDs where students can pursue numerous electives, including Advanced Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, and Analytical Topics in Computer Engineering.
Students work closely with faculty in discovering new solutions and introducing innovations in the tech and engineering areas. Among these areas are machine learning and artificial intelligence, architectures, and devices for computing, and cyber-physical and embedded systems.
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
| Tuition: | $1,725 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 48 |
| Duration: | 3-5 years |
Northeastern’s PhD in Computer Engineering program provides resources to help students pursue innovative research. While part-time enrollment is allowed, students are expected to comply with the academic requirements outlined in their study program.
Many courses are available in in-class and streaming formats. Students can also pursue the Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate.
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
PhD in Information and Library Science
| Tuition: | $12,327 (residents) $33,100 (non-residents) |
| Credit Hours: | 63 |
| Duration: | 3-5 years |
UNC’s PhD in Information and Library Science is a unique PhD program that seeks applicants with leadership potential who view information and library science as interdisciplinary. Full-time and part-time enrollment are allowed, but students are advised to be in residence either during the entirety of their stay or during the dissertation phase.
Princeton University
Princeton, New Jersey
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
| Tuition: | Full Support |
| Credit Hours: | Varies |
| Duration: | 5 years |
Princeton’s PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of its largest and most funded programs. It offers full financial support for the entirety of your stay if you maintain satisfactory progress.
Most students are accepted with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, physics, electrical engineering, or related disciplines. Successful candidates earn two degrees in the program: a master’s degree and a PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
| Tuition: | $5,655 per semester |
| Credit Hours: | 72 |
| Duration: | 4-5 years |
If you can prove your exceptional research skills and are looking for a flexible online degree, you can consider UB’s PhD in Information Science. Although the program accepts applicants with diverse backgrounds, most of its students are working in libraries and other knowledge management organizations.
There’s a one-week residency requirement to be completed every academic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you expect from a Doctorate in a Computer Science program?
Doctorates in computer science programs are typically Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs, aiming for career advancement in academia and research. These programs typically have the following features:
- Minimum requirements include a master’s degree, GRE scores, and STEM skills.
- Learners typically spend four to five years meeting academic and dissertation requirements, earning 72-90 credits.
- Specializations in human-computer interaction, computational biology, robotics, and machine learning are available.
- Graduates have numerous career opportunities in computer networking systems, database systems, and advanced business intelligence.
What is a typical Doctorate in an Information Science program like?
Learners gain the knowledge and skills vital in tech-driven careers in information science through a combination of didactic coursework and dissertations. Many programs are designed to expand the breadth of understanding of the broad range of interdisciplinary research and the depth of expertise in finding solutions for cutting-edge issues. Graduates can then engage in advanced and applied research in information science.
The curriculum covers data and information science, human-centered computing, and research methods, including statistics. The dissertation demonstrates the learner’s competence in a chosen specialization and the applicable research methods while also adding to the body of knowledge.
Most programs are designed for completion between four and five years, but it can be longer depending on the dissertation’s progress. Note that there’s a cap or a limit on the number of years a learner can complete the dissertation requirements, usually seven years.
What’s the best choice for a Doctorate for me?
Like all professional decisions, this one’s on you! However, there are several questions that you can ask when choosing between a doctorate in computer science, information science, or Computer Engineering.
- What are your specific interests and career goals?
- What contributions do you want to make to your profession?
- What are your plans when you earn the doctorate?
How will earning a Doctoral degree in a computer-related field help me advance in my career?
Earning a doctoral degree in a computer-related field can help you advance your career by giving you expertise in both the technical and theoretical aspects of the field. With a doctoral degree, you can become an expert in the field, allowing you to understand new approaches to problem-solving and design better solutions.
Many employers prefer to hire applicants with a doctoral degree, as it indicates a dedication to the industry and a commitment to pursuing excellence.
