PhD in Computer Science at Boston University

Programme overview

A PhD in Computer Science enables students to become experts in a technical subfield of computer science. It provides students with tools for performing effective and meaningful original research that advances the state of the art in that subfield. Most PhD students gain practical experience in teaching undergraduate and graduate students.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts & Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Boston, MA, United States

What you will study

Sixteen term-long courses (64 units) approved for graduate study are required. Students that have taken graduate courses elsewhere may be able to transfer course units, subject to approval. For details, see the GRS Transfer of Units policy. In addition, 6 out of the 16 courses must come from the following list of breadth courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The remaining courses will provide a reasonable breadth of background in computer science as well as mastery of the basic tools relevant to the research area selected. A minimum grade of B− is required in all courses. The GPA in the six breadth courses must be 3.5 or higher.

USD 73,024 a year (2026-27). Full-time tuition by enrollment (12-18 credits) for Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD & MFA students for 2026-27 ($36,512 per semester; $73,024 for the academic year), as stated on the CAS PhD & MFA cost of attendance page. Tuition only: excludes stu Source

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD and MFA applicants can only apply for the fall semester.

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences PhD Fall 2027 application deadlines fall between December 1 and January 15 depending on the programme (for example Biostatistics and Computer Science December 1; Biology and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry December 2; Chemistry, Physics, Economics, History, Linguistics and Political Science December 15; English and Mathematics January 11; Classical Studies, Philosophy, Earth & Environment and History of Art & Architecture January 15). Applications close at 11:59pm Boston time on the deadline.

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