UNC Greensboro | Degrees & Programs | PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Computer Science

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The Ph.D. in Computer Science program prepares students to impact the future of an in-demand field with countless applications for practical problem solving and innovation. UNC Greensboro is one of only six such doctoral programs in North Carolina. Our nationally recognized Computer Science Department offers an ideal setting for students pursuing advanced study in this high-tech and ever-changing 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.

phd in Computer Science PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

UNCG’s computer science doctoral program is accredited and run by distinguished faculty who conduct research with real-world applications.

  • UNCG is one of only seven North Carolina public universities accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
  • Faculty receive research grants from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes for Standards and Technology, Department of Defense, and more. 
  • 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.
Work with Experts to Develop Everyday Solutions

Assistant Professor YinCheng Sun is using his PhD in computer science to mitigate some of AI’s errors by leveraging the strengths of both humans and technology, a field known as human-centered AI.

Read More About Yincheng Sun
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Computer Science PHD STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Computer science Ph.D. students generally work on large interdisciplinary research projects originating from the domains of healthcare, biology, social sciences, geography, and many others. The department includes state-of-the-art laboratories with the latest equipment to conduct cutting-edge research.

Year 1

Research:
Select your broad research area and your research advisor. Discuss with your advisor to narrow down the research area. Enroll for research credit hours under the supervision of your advisor. Select members of the advisory committee with help from the advisor. 

Coursework:
Take core courses and electives. Prepare for the written part of the qualifying exam.  Attend research colloquia and seminars.

Prepare for an annual report outlining the progress you have made towards your PhD¹

Year 2

Research:
Work on your research with a goal to publish at good venues (journals, conferences, and workshops). 

Coursework:
Continue coursework and hopefully complete coursework by the end of Year 2. Prepare for the written part of the qualifying exam.  Attend research colloquia and seminars.

Prepare year 2 annual report.

Year 3

Research:
Prepare for your qualifying exam Part I (deadline May). If unsuccessful, you have one more (and final chance) to pass the exam in early Fall. Prepare for your research aptitude (qualifying Part II) in consultation with your advisor. Continue working on your research and aim to publish your efforts. 

Complete the dissertation proposal and pass the Qualifying exam.  Do good research towards the dissertation and publish in quality conferences and journals.Attend research colloquia and seminars.

Prepare year 3 annual report.

Year 4

Research:
Defend your qualifying exam Part II (research aptitude), a written proposal for dissertation and an oral examination in Spring (or Summer). If successful, start working on the path towards your dissertation. Continue with the publication efforts. Attend research colloquia and seminars. 

Prepare year 4 annual report.

Year 5

Research:
Defend and submit your dissertation/thesis in Fall. 

Years 6-7

Students are expected to complete the Ph.D. in five years. If you are late, complete your thesis and any other requirements as soon as possible. If your advisor has no grant support for you, you will not receive a stipend after five years.

¹ Courses taken, research seminars attended or given, publications, conference/workshop presentations, and overall progress in your Ph.D. Program.

AFTER GRADUATIng with a phd in Computer Science

Labor market data projects a 20 percent increase in demand for computer scientists over the next 10 years. UNCG computer science doctoral graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and/or industry and are frequently hired by Fortune 500 companies and top technology industries.

Industry careers include:

  • Software Developer
  • Senior Database Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Computer System Analyst
  • Computer Network Architect

Computer Science PhD 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.)

Other application considerations include:

  • 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 offered for Ronald McNair (including TRIO) Scholars, MARC U-STAR Scholars, RISE Network participants, STAMPS STEM students, Mellon Mays UG Fellows, and full-time UNCG employees only.

See Catalog for more details on Requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions by Computer Science phd applicants

Before Admission

Students 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 and then transition to the Ph.D. program.

You will need to provide official transcripts for all post-secondary education, TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers, a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, and at least three letters of recommendation.  GRE scores are optional, not required. More details can be found in the Catalog’s Requirements section.

Applications received before February 1st will be considered for acceptance with financial aid, while applications received after February 1st and before April 1st will be considered but with no guarantee of financial support.

In the statement of purpose, you may describe specific research interests or a faculty member that you are interested in working with.

Most Ph.D. students in this program will be full-time but there might be a few part-time students. Please contact the Graduate Program Director for more information.

After Admission

54 credit hours are required for students entering with an M.S. degree in computer science while 72 credit hours are required for students entering without an M.S. degree in computer science. See more details in the Catalog’s Requirements section.

Ideally, you should select your advisor after careful consideration of research interests and alignment. However, if your interests change, you can change your advisor before your qualifying exams. Do consider this may delay your timeline to graduation. 

Yes, any tenure-track or tenured member of the computer science faculty can be advisors. Full-time assistant, associate or full professor from other closely aligned departments (for example, Mathematics and Statistics, Biology, Information Systems, etc.) can be co-advisors. 

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Program Details

Degree Type: Doctoral

College/School: College of Arts and Sciences

Program Type: Majors & Concentrations

Class Type: In Person

Catalog Name: Computer Science, Ph.D.

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Learn More About Computer Science

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Contact Us

Dr. Shan Suthaharan
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Computer Science
s_suthah@uncg.edu

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