PhD in Computer Science

Clarkson University

Develop Your Expertise to Create a Bold New Future

A PhD in Computer Science from Clarkson University can help you become a lead researcher in academia, government agencies, the tech sector and other growing industries. Become an expert in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, virtual reality, quantum computing and other innovative developments in computing. Devote your studies to developing original, innovative research that can propel the field forward. This is the opportunity to make an impact on society through computer technology. Coursework can be completed on our Potsdam campus or online.

Why Earn an PhD in Computer Science From Clarkson University?

Considered one of the best graduate computer science programs by U.S. News & World Report, our curriculum is rigorous, interdisciplinary and portfolio-centered. At Clarkson University, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a community of ambitious peers that will help take your research to new levels.

The program is offered jointly by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science. Our smalls department are collegial, and we encourage collaboration among peers who might have different academic backgrounds. Our faculty mentors will offer personalized guidance as you dig deeper into your area of focus.

The departments have a particular strength in the general area of artificial intelligence, including automated reasoning, computer vision, machine learning, virtual reality, robotics, human-robot interaction and the social implications of AI. Other areas of expertise include cybersecurity, virtualization, natural language processing, human-computer interaction, quantum computing and computational complexity.

Through our corporate partnerships, Clarkson has cultivated strong industry connections, which helps open the door to career opportunities for our students. Our program is also well-regarded in academia and by other research centers.

What You'll Learn

The program consists of a minimum of 90 credit hours earned from graduate courses. The credit hours are distributed as follows:

• 36 credit hours of classroom and instructional laboratory coursework.
• Four foundation courses.
• Four research-oriented courses.

One course per group:

• Group A – Theory and Algorithms.
• Group B – Computer Systems and Networks.
• Group C – Languages and Software Development.
• Group D – Artificial Intelligence and Applications.

36 credit hours of electives.

You will also take six semesters of seminar courses and prepare a portfolio consisting of a written statement of research interest and representative work to advance to candidacy. Once this has been approved, you will complete your degree with a dissertation and defense.