Find information about applying to PhD programs at Khoury College, including virtual info sessions, timelines, admissions requirements, and who to contact if you have questions.

Virtual information sessions

The Khoury PhD Admissions Committee holds virtual information sessions each Fall prior to the application deadline. These sessions are an opportunity for interested applicants to meet with faculty conducting research in those areas, to ask questions about the application process, and to connect with resources and support. Session dates are posted when available, and advanced registration is required.

General admissions requirements

GRE not required

PhD applicants may apply with or without GRE test results. You will not be required by the university to supply GRE test results, although you may include unofficial copies of GRE scores voluntarily.

Transcript requirements

Transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary education institutions are required. For applicants who have graduated from any post-secondary education program(s), degree certificate(s) are also required. If transcript(s) and/or degree certificate(s) are issued in a language other than English, an English translation must accompany the native language documents. An English translation only will not be deemed sufficient. For applicants who are pursuing or have completed a four-year undergraduate degree program, a minimum of six semesters of courses, grades and credits must be reflected in uploaded documentation (for three-year undergraduate degree programs, a minimum of four semesters must be present).

For applicants who have obtained credentials from India, semester mark sheets and degree certificate(s)/provisional certificate(s) are required in addition to the consolidated transcript. If semester mark sheets are unavailable, an official communication on institutional letterhead must accompany the consolidated transcript indicating any retakes/backlogs associated with the program.

For applicants who have obtained credentials from China, the degree certificate and graduation certificate are required.

Please include the reverse side of the transcript(s) when uploading your documentation; specifically any grading scale information, legend, or university instructions included on the reverse side of the transcript(s) should also be included in the scanned copy.

English proficiency tests

An English language test score is required to apply to a PhD program. There is no minimum score required, but most successful applicants have a minimum score of 100 on TOEFL or 7.5 on IELTS.

**An exception can be made to the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if the student has received a bachelor’s degree, master’s, or PhD in a country where English is the official language.

Application and enrollment deposit fees

The application fee for Khoury PhD programs is $100. The enrollment deposit fee is $100, which is paid toward student fees.

Program admissions requirements

PhD in Computer Science or Cybersecurity

To apply for admission to the computer science or cybersecurity  PhD programs, you must submit an online application that includes:

  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended after you have been admitted to a particular program and submit your enrollment)
  • Statement of purpose that includes career goals and expected outcomes/benefits from the program
  • Recent professional resume listing detailed position responsibilities
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation
  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial language examination scores from international students only (you will need to submit official scores after you have been admitted to a particular program and submit your enrollment)
Khoury faculty member Daniel Wichs, right, looks at a computer screen while sitting at a desk next to a student, who is also looking at the screen. Three students stand behind them.

If you are admitted, please send official scores directly from ETS with the appropriate codes.

  • Institutional Code: 3679
  • TOEFL Department Code: 78

An admissions committee consisting of computer science/cybersecurity faculty members evaluates all applications for admission to each program.

For fall semester admission, your application is due December 15. There is no spring admission. 

PhD in Personal Health Informatics

To apply for admission to the personal health informatics PhD program, you must submit an online application that includes:

  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial undergraduate/graduate transcripts (you can submit official transcripts from colleges/universities attended after you have been admitted to a particular program and submit your enrollment)
  • Research statement (see below)
  • Three confidential letters of recommendation
  • PDF or scanned copies of unofficial language examination scores from international students only (you will need to submit official scores after you have been admitted to a particular program and submit your enrollment)
Khoury faculty member Tim Bickmore, right, smiles as a Khoury researcher holding a video game controller demonstrates how to control a white, humanoid robot

A research statement should describe your background, experience, and interest in graduate school and research. It should also include:

  • Why you wish to pursue a degree in personal health informatics versus another field
  • Your technical experience, strengths, and areas that will need improvement
  • Your previous work in health and wellness and how you anticipate that experience impacting your work at Northeastern
  • Evidence of prior research experience

If you are admitted, please send official scores directly from ETS with the appropriate code.

  • Institutional Code: 3629

An admissions committee consisting of personal health informatics faculty members evaluates all applications for admission to the program.
The application deadline is December 15. Applications should be submitted through the application portal. There is no spring admission.

PhD in Network Science

A hand rests on a large computer monitor that is showing an info graphic that contains a world map with several bright red lines leading to red dots.

The application deadline is December 15. Applications should be submitted through the application portal. More information can be found on the Network Science Apply page and the Network Science Institute website.

Additional resources

Have questions?

Contact the Khoury Graduate Admissions Team. We’re here to help!