Computer Science, Ph.D.

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Computer Science has the following requirements:

1. A baccalaureate or master’s degree in computer science or its equivalent. While we welcome capable students with non-computer science degrees, they may need some foundation courses.
2. A statement of background and goals.
3. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s potential for Ph.D. work in computer science.
4. Minimum GPA 3.0/4.0.

Foundation Course Requirements      

We welcome students from all backgrounds. However, applicants are expected to have completed certain computer science foundation courses with a grade of B or higher in each. Please refer to the current Graduate Catalog for a list of foundation courses. If you did not take all of these courses but the admission committee thinks you are talented, you will be asked to take the missing foundation courses during the first semester of enrollment at Georgia State, before starting your M.S. or Ph.D. coursework. Typically, we recommend that non-CS majors complete the CSC 1000–3000 level courses with a grade of B or higher before applying to our graduate program. You may also consider Georgia State’s post-baccalaureate program.

We also require the TOEFL/IELTS for international students. Please be aware that English proficiency is not the only evaluation metric.

The following courses are required:

• Foundation coursework in computer science with a grade of B or higher in 7 courses.
• 48 hours of Ph.D. coursework. This includes 12 hours of core coursework, 12 hours of breadth coursework and 23 hours of elective courses.
• 1 hour research training course to be taken in the first semester.

In addition, students must go through a qualifying process, form a dissertation committee, and pass a candidacy examination. Finally, each student must complete and defend a dissertation.

Students in the Bioinformatics Concentration must complete three bioinformatics courses, three biology courses, one chemistry course and a biostatistics course.

Funding

We consider all accepted students for financial aid at the time of admission; top students will be admitted with funding support. Once we receive your completed application, our graduate admission committee will review your application. Top candidates may receive funding (with a tuition waiver) such as fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and office assistantships in our department, as well as on-campus jobs at our university. More details will be provided once an admitted student shows up on campus.

Competitive financial aid is available for full-time Ph.D. students, along with tuition waivers.

The Computer Science Ph.D. program provides students with advanced training in the fundamental principles, processes and applications of information and computational technologies and data science.