PhD in Computer Science Overview

Whether you're planning on an industrial or academic career, UMass Lowell's Ph.D. in Computer Science will provide you with a challenging research environment and the opportunity to tackle theoretical or applied projects of major scope, depth, and originality.

The Ph.D. in Computer Science program requires 42 credits, including dissertation research. Two options are offered:

  • General Option
  • Computational Mathematics Option

For a complete list of academic requirements and courses, please visit the Academic Catalog.

Research

The Richard A. Miner School of Computer & Information Sciences has active research programs and close ties with regional and national high-tech companies and research labs/institutes, who employ our current students and alumni.

Meet Our Faculty

Funding Opportunities

For current students, we offer a limited number of teaching assistantships and research assistantships.

Admissions

Admission into the Doctor of Philosophy degree program requires a Master’s degree in Computer Science. If the student does not already have an M.S. in Computer Science, they may be admitted into the M.S./Ph.D. program; in this program, students must complete the required coursework for the M.S. in Computer Science as well as degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Computer Science.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (maximum 2 pages).
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required. We do not accept opened, photocopied, emailed PDFs or faxed official transcripts.
  • Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are only required for the following programs:
    • Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science,
    • Medical Physics and Radiological Sciences.
    • Some programs will waive the test score requirements under certain conditions.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Chemistry and Polymer Science Ph.D. Applicants

All required documents are due to the Office of Graduate Admissions by February 15 for full Fall consideration. Applications received after this date will be reviewed for the next semester.

International Applicants

A transcript evaluation is required for the M.S. in Biological Sciences and Ph.D. in Applied Biology.

International transcripts must indicate completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree (equivalent of an American bachelor's degree) before an application will be processed. The Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credentials evaluated.  Baccalaureate verification may be obtained for a fee from:

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu