Ph.D. in Computer Science

A PhD degree can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding educational experiences. You work closely with a faculty mentor, performing original research, and tackling challenging and unsolved problems.

GMU is an excellent place to pursue a Ph.D. Our program is nationally ranked. We have a strong faculty in a diverse set of computer science areas. Additionally, George Mason University is located in the center of one of the largest computer science and information technology corridors in the nation, and is in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., a major center for science and engineering research and funding. This makes the area a rich source for Ph.D. research opportunities. Our Ph.D. graduates have been highly successful both in academic and industrial positions.

Applying to the Program

For more information on how to apply to the program, see the Ph.D. Admissions page .

Important Deadlines (for Fall admission)

• International applicants - January 15
• Applicants who request financial assistance - January 15
• All other applicants - March 15

Admissions Requirements

Doctoral students in Computer Science are selected on the basis of scholarship and research potential from among applicants with appropriate degrees. The minimum requirements for admissions are as follows:

• A four-year baccalaureate degree. The difficulty of the baccalaureate degree and the applicant's work experience are considered while evaluating the application.
• The applicant's prior academic work must include a strong academic background in Computer Science at the graduate or undergraduate level.
• GREs. The General GRE is required. The GRE in the Computer Science subject area is not required, but recommended.
• Three letters of recommendation. Letters that offer direct knowledge of your academic achievements and research skills or potential are most useful.
• A statement of career goals and aspirations.
• TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English, and who have not received a degree from a university in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand.

Admission to the Ph.D. program is competitive and satisfying the minimum requirements listed above does not guarantee admission.

More Questions? See the Ph.D. Admissions FAQ for answers to frequently answered questions.

Financial Support

The GMU CS department typically has about 35 Teaching Assistantship positions and significantly more Research Assistantship positions available. Ph.D. students are given strong preference for these positions, and at present most Ph.D. students in need of an assistantship are being funded. Additionally, the Ph.D. program offers one Presidential Graduate Fellowship per year.

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Computer Science requires coursework, qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation that is first proposed and eventually defended.

The general doctoral requirements of the University apply to this program. For more information on degree requirements, go here.