Computer Science, Ph.D.

The computer science Ph.D. program at UNC Greensboro is one of only six such doctoral programs in North Carolina. UNCG’s nationally recognized Computer Science Department offers an ideal setting for students pursuing advanced study in this in-demand field.

Students have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty experts. Research specialties include algorithms, artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning, database systems, extended reality, image processing, networking, and security.

Build the knowledge and skills for a strong career in research, teaching, or industry while you prepare to perform ethical and responsible research in computer science.

PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• Faculty have received more than $800,000 in new research grants over the 2020-2021 academic year from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes for Standards and Technology, Department of Defense, and more. 
• UNCG’s computer science graduate program is ranked 4th in the state by C.S. Rankings.
• UNCG is one of only seven North Carolina public universities accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
• The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching regularly reviews and classifies all educational institutions in the U.S., and has designated UNCG as a “High Research Activity” doctoral university. Currently, UNCG is one of only 50 doctoral universities in the country classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having both “higher research activity” as well as a deep, broad, and sustained commitment to community engagement.

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Students generally work on large interdisciplinary research projects originating from the domains of health care, biology, social sciences, geography, and many others.
• The department includes state-of-the-art laboratories with the latest equipment to conduct cutting-edge research.

AFTER GRADUATION

• Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and/or industry.
• Careers in industry frequently include:
  • Software Developer
  • Senior Database Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Computer System Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect
• UNCG’s computer science graduates are frequently hired by Fortune 500 companies and top technology industries.
• Labor market data project a 20.6 percent increase in demand for computer scientist doctorates in North Carolina between 2019 and 2029, with median earnings of $88,200 per year.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must have a previous degree in computer science (B.S. or M.S. degree), or a closely-related field such as computer engineering or software engineering.
• Students looking to enter computer science without a prior degree are encouraged to apply to the M.S. program.
• Applicants are expected to have a strong quantitative-computational background and a good overall GPA (at least 3.0).
• As a minority-serving institution, we highly encourage women and other minority applicants to apply to the Ph.D. program.
• Application fee waivers are available to qualified candidates.