PhD Computer Science at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Our computer science program will teach you how to develop products that are present in all areas of our lives, from desktop computers to cars and appliances. As a modern computer scientist, you will be able to pursue a career in any domain of human endeavor, including financial, health care, gaming and research. Our flexible program offers intriguing projects that capture students' imagination and is fully financially supported by the department.

Faculty: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing | Department: Computer Science and Engineering | Duration: 13 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Some of the most popular courses in our program include Big Data Analytics, Digital Image Processing, Pattern Recognition and Classification, and Computational Structural Biology. Our students have access to extensive high-performance computing platforms, including a partnership with IBM's Quantum Computing Hub.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Software Developer, Computer Science Professor, Systems Manager, Computer Programmer, Information Researcher, Web Designer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Requirements for admission to all graduate degree programs in computer science and engineering include the general admission requirements of The Graduate School as well as more stringent departmental requirements, as described below. In general, the admission process is highly competitive. Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the applicant’s previous university-level academic work, letters of recommendation, and other evidence of past accomplishments. For admission to the Ph.D. program , applicants normally hold the B.S. degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. Applicants should have completed courses in algorithmic design, data structures, computer organization, analysis of algorithms, operating systems, discrete mathematics, and calculus. Applicants not having courses in all of these subjects may be admitted conditionally while they take the...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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