Computer Science, PhD
Collaborate with professional faculty to conduct original research in high-impact areas such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics and big data. You'll be prepared for leadership careers in academia, industry and government.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Computer Science, PhD description
In the Doctor of Philosophy program in computer science, you conduct original research that advances the theories, algorithms and systems that define the future of computing.
This research-intensive program prepares you to advance the frontiers of computing through original, independent scholarship.
Working closely with world-class faculty, you pursue research across a wide variety of areas, including:
- artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical modeling
- big data and data mining
- computational biology
- computer architecture and nonvolatile memory computing
- computer security, cybersecurity and cryptography
- cyber-physical systems, IoT and robotics
- distributed computing and consensus protocols
- networking and operating systems
- novel computing paradigms, including biocomputing and quantum computing
- social computing
- theory, algorithms and optimization
- visualization and graphics
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core Areas (9 credit hours) Depth (3 credit hours) Research (18 credit hours) Electives and Additional Research (42 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Eighteen credit hours of CSE 792 Research are required, and up to 54 credit hours are allowed on the plan of study. Students with research credit hours in excess of 18 add these credit hours to their electives and additional research. Electives include: When approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. A maximum of three credit hours of 400-level coursework may be applied to the plan of study.
applications (3)
foundations (3)
systems (3)
three additional credit hours in one core area (3)
CSE 792 Research (18)
CSE 799 Dissertation (12)
Courses that are used to satisfy the core area requirement cannot be used to satisfy electives or other requirements. A grade of "B" or higher is required for core courses.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, computer engineering or a closely related area. Most applicants should have earned a master's degree, but exceptional undergraduate applicants may be admitted directly into the doctoral program. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Submission of GRE scores is optional and not required as part of the application. Students taking the GRE should note that ASU does not accept the GRE General Test at home edition. Students must have two semesters or six credit hours of calculus, equivalent to Calculus I and II and discrete math with a grade of ''C'' or higher (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') prior to admission. Students assigned any additional coursework upon admission must complete those classes with a grade of "C" or higher (scale is 4.00 = "A") within two semesters of admission to the program. Additional courses commonly taken include: CSE 230 Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming The applicant's undergraduate GPA and depth of preparation in computer science and engineering are the primary factors affecting admission.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency by scoring at least 4.5 on the internet-based TOEFL iBT® or a score of 90 (taken in a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026; 7 on the IELTS; or 115 on the Duolingo English test.
CSE 310 Data Structures and Algorithms
CSE 330 Operating Systems
CSE 340 Principles of Programming Languages or CSE 355 Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this computer science doctoral degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared to lead cutting-edge research in academia, industry or government, and to contribute transformative innovations that shape the future of computing.
Career examples include:
- computer science professor or researcher
- data scientist or engineer
- machine learning, AI or computer vision scientist or engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Computer Science and Engineering Program
|
CTRPT 105
SCAI.Grad.Admission@asu.edu
480-965-3199
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
