Computer Science professionals at work.

Doctor of Philosophy in
Computer Science

Become a Leader in Computer Science Innovation

The PhD in Computer Science program at the University at Albany prepares you for a productive career in universities, research institutes, industries, and government agencies.

This program develops your ability to recognize and formulate significant research problems, express those problems using appropriate abstract models, apply theoretical and/or experimental techniques for your solutions, and share the results with the scientific community. It also provides training for a broad understanding of computer science and the versatility to enter emerging fields.

As a doctoral student, you will work closely with our research faculty members, who are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas of such as intelligent systems, cybersecurity, computer networks, software engineering, data science, and computing theory.

Program Overview

The PhD program generally requires four to five academic years of full-time study and research. Specifically, you must complete:

  • An oral doctoral qualifying examination in the field of the student's research interest. This examination should be completed before the student begins work on the dissertation.
  • An acceptable dissertation that represents a significant and original research contribution to computer science.
  • A minimum of 60 credits of graduate courses.

 

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact the Computer Science Department at [email protected] or 518-437-4950.

Program Highlights

FACULTY: Learn from renowned professors who provide a well-rounded and critical understanding of this dynamic discipline.

RESEARCH: Exciting opportunities to participate in a robust research agenda with our actively engaged faculty. Please visit our faculty websites to learn about ongoing research.

PREPARATION: A wide variety of courses and the ability to build your program of study to meet your career goals.

LOCATION: Live in proximity to New York’s Tech Valley and take advantage of numerous internship and job opportunities available within the public and private sectors of this innovative region. The campus is a short ride to Boston and New York City.

NETWORK: Gain access to an invaluable network of leading professionals in the field of computer science.

CAREER OUTLOOK: Recent graduates have gone on to rewarding and challenging positions in leading corporations, universities, research facilities, and government agencies.

program

“The UbiNET Lab at UAlbany conducts research in next generation mobile wireless networks. Having an extensive background in field-deployed research in rural Africa and the U.S., I take great joy in passing my knowledge and enthusiasm about communication networks to my students. Seeing some of them go on to pursue research in the field is the most rewarding part of teaching.”

- Mariya Zheleva, Assistant Professor, Computer Science

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: Not Available


 No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: April 1
  • Spring: October 1
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
Special Notes

This program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience in the course listing as an option to fulfill course requirements. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

PhD

Students will attain expert competence in at least three of the following areas:

  • Analysis of algorithms, including complexity, tractability, and computability.
  • Propositional logic, and the predicate calculus.
  • Artificial intelligence.
  • Principles of programming languages, and their design.
  • Operating systems and computer communication networks.
  • Scientific and high performance computing.
  • Principles of information retrieval, databases, and their theory.
  • Complexity and computability theory.
  • Students will publish papers/articles in peer-reviewed conferences and journals
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