Computer science
Doctor of Philosophy
Where code meets curiosity
If you're interested in driving innovation in the tech industry or pursuing a future in academic research, this program offers the foundation to push the boundaries of computer science.
As a graduate student, you’ll explore how computing can be used to tackle complex real-world challenges while also recognizing its limitations. You’ll engage in research alongside experienced faculty and dive into advanced subjects like computational biology, secure networks, system architecture and network infrastructure.
Overview
Byte into big ideas
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Have a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science
- Want to conduct research in the field
- Like to solve complicated puzzles
- Have a strong work ethic
- Work well independently and as part of a team
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,771 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Software Developers
$96,034 - Postsecondary Computer Science Teachers
$48,689 - Computer and Information Systems Managers
$120,119 - Computer User Support Specialists
$42,900 - Computer Systems Analysts
$73,333
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
- CyberCorps®: Scholarship for Service — graduate recipients receive a $34,000 stipend. All tuition and degree-related fees are paid through this National Science Foundation grant open to computer science and computer engineering students.
- Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master’s and doctoral students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- Cyber Defense Club
- CyberForce Competition Team
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Polymorphic Games Studio
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in computer science must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
Prerequisites: To enter the Computer Science master's program, competence in the following areas must be demonstrated:
- knowledge of a structured, high-level language (CS1120)
- algorithms and data structures (CS1121)
- a full year of calculus
If prerequisite requirements are met, a student who does not have an adequate coursework background in computer science may be admitted with deficiencies in:
- computer organization and architecture (CS1550)
- computer languages (CS2100)
- computer operating systems (CS2240)
- software engineering (CS3383)
- analysis of algorithms (CS3195)
- or theory of computation (CS3185)
- Other requirements: Statement of purpose
- In the SOP, include a paragraph detailing at most three possible topic areas you would like to do your Ph.D. on and identify at most three faculty members in order of preference whom you would like to choose as your possible major professor. To increase your chances of a proper match with the proposed faculty members, visit their web pages, and propose a research problem you would like to tackle with your proposed major professor(s).
- Ph.D. applicants are encouraged to include a research proposal in the SOP and justify why a specific faculty is chosen as the proposed major professor.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.