PhD 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 PhD in computer science. We have a strong faculty in a diverse set of computer science areas and our program is nationally ranked. 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 PhD research opportunities. Our PhD graduates have been highly successful both in academic and industrial positions.

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, as well as a form describing your research interests .
• TOEFL or IELTS 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 PhD program is competitive and satisfying the minimum requirements listed above does not guarantee admission.

Applying to the Program

Important Deadlines (for Fall admission)

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

Late applications are placed on a waiting list and are considered if space is available, only after all on-time applications have been evaluated. Foreign students are urged to submit applications early, because their processing takes longer than for US applicants. GRE examinations must be taken by December, in order for the scores to arrive before admissions decisions are made.

Applicants who meet the January 15 deadline will be notified of their admission status approximately in mid-March (for Fall admission).

Admission can rarely be deferred. Applicants must indicate the semester in which they wish to begin the program. If an applicant does not enroll in the semester admitted, and does not contact the Graduate Admissions office before the start of the semester, the offer of admission is voided. If an applicant decides to enter the program at a later time, a new application must be submitted.

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

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements of the PhD in Computer Science include coursework, qualifying and comprehensive examinations, and a doctoral dissertation that is first proposed and eventually defended.

Financial Support

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