Ph.D. in Computer Science
The Computer Science Department will be conducting a normal admissions cycle for Fall 2027 matriculation, consistent with our approach to Ph.D. admissions in previous cycles. This includes a full review of all submitted applications and a commitment to the financial aid described below.
Application deadlines
Priority Deadline: December 15
Final Deadline: January 15
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Academic Background
Applicants to the Doctor of Philosophy program must have a strong academic background and hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution in computer science, computer engineering, information systems, electrical engineering, or a closely related field.
Candidates must have taken courses in data structures, computer hardware, algorithms, and mathematics, such as discrete structures, calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Ideally, applicants will have conducted and published research through experiences at work or in undergraduate or graduate studies.
Cognitive Science Concentration
Students applying to our Ph.D. program can apply simultaneously to the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Cognitive Science program. This program is designed to enable Ph.D. students in Psychology, Linguistics, Philosophy, Neuroscience, and Computer Science to pursue a concentration in Cognitive Science. Students accepted to the Cognitive Science concentration take courses and create an advisory committee of faculty members from multiple departments at the University, which can include the Departments of Psychology, Linguistics, Computer Science, Philosophy, Neurology, Biology, and/or Spanish and Portuguese. Students will graduate with a Ph.D. from their home department with a Concentration in Cognitive Science.
Career Outcomes
Our Computer Science Ph.D. program prepares you for professional advancement, whether you want to work in industry, government, or academia.
Where our graduates work: Consulting (DeLoitte, McKinsey), Finance (Bloomberg, Wall Street firms), Government (NASA, NSA, MITRE), Technology (Google, Pinterest, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Oracle)
Common job titles: Full-stack engineer, Product engineer, Research analyst, Senior software engineer, Software developer, System developer
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Our Students
We are a student-centric department focused on offering a rich education and a wide range of job prospects. Cohorts are usually between 15-25 students, providing meaningful opportunities to engage with faculty and peers. Our student community is vibrant, participating in weekly tea times, graduate student presentation days, teaching and research assistantships, clubs, tutoring opportunities and much more.
Our Ph.D. in Computer Science students come from various backgrounds, including some directly from undergrad and some with professional experience. Washington Monthly ranked Georgetown as the second-best university for women in computer science, demonstrating our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Dive Into Your Interests
Research is a core area in the Department of Computer Science. While studying here, you might discover an interest or passion you want to explore further. You can work with other students and faculty to engage in initiatives and centers to further enhance your computer science knowledge.
Research centers and initiatives:
Tech and Society Initiative
The Massive Data Institute
The Security and Software Engineering Research Center
The Center for Security and Emerging Technology
The Center for Digital Ethics