PhD in Computer Science
The PhD in Computer Science will prepare you with the advanced coursework and groundbreaking research experience you need to contribute at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-growing fields. In this program, you’ll produce and defend original research while building expertise in five core areas: artificial intelligence and data science, human–computer interaction, software, systems and security, and theory.
Become a top leader in the field
Career prospects across industry and academia
Our computer science PhD graduates have found prestigious positions across industry and academia:
- Tenure-track faculty (Michigan, Indiana, UC Irvine, UMass Boston)
- Postdoctoral research scientists (Harvard, UCLA, University of Paris)
- Senior software engineers and industry leaders (Akamai, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla)
Research with world-class faculty
Collaborate with world-class researchers in state-of-the-art facilities as you produce and defend original research in your chosen area.
Internships with industry leaders
You can gain industry exposure, build important connections, and form new perspectives on the impact of your work through internship opportunities at forward-thinking companies like:
- JP Morgan
- Inria
- Illumio
- Meta
- Microscoft Research
- NASA
Graduate assistantships and fellowships
Northeastern University and Khoury College of Computer Sciences offer a number ways to help finance your PhD education, including funding packages and fellowships. Financial support varies based on program and research funding availability.
Learning outcomes
Students graduating with a PhD in Computer Science will:
- Understand computer science fundamentals spanning a substantial portion of the five core areas.
- Communicate research results orally and in writing.
- Gain significant expertise in at least one computing research area.
- Produce and defend original computer science research.
Stories from our students
PhD student Sarah Szvetecz talks about the excitement of realizing she could apply her love of math in fields she hadn’t previously considered, and what has made her Khoury experience “the perfect match.”
Campus location
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Boston
Located in the heart of Boston, Northeastern’s oldest campus is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and faculty working across disciplines to build a better world through CS.
Applications and admissions
Deadline: December 15 for fall admission
Virtual information sessions
The Khoury PhD Admissions Committee will hold virtual information sessions in fall 2025. Six sessions focus on specific research areas, and faculty presenters will discuss research opportunities in those areas. One session will focus on Khoury College’s efforts to support applicants from underrepresented groups in computing, broadly defined. These sessions allow applicants to share their concerns about the application process and get connected to resources and support. Attendees will also be provided a special code that waives the program application fee.
Advance registration is required.
How to apply
Our PhD Apply page has everything you need to know about applying to the PhD in Computer Science program at Khoury College, including:
- Admissions requirements
- Deadlines
- Resources and contact information
Advanced entry
If you have already completed an MS in Computer Science or have a master’s degree in a related field, you may petition for advanced entry. Advanced entry petitions are reviewed by the program administration on a case-by-case basis.
Have questions?
Contact the graduate admissions team
Meet our faculty
Get to know the engaged, experienced professors who are here to support you every step of the way.
Amal Ahmed
Amal Ahmed is a professor at Khoury College. Her programming languages research has touched on semantics, type systems, secure compilation, gradual typing, and software contracts.
Institutes and Centers
Where engaged students, expert faculty, experienced research scientists, and industry and government partners work together to solve big challenges.
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