Computer Science (Ph.D.)

Basic Degree Information/Description

The Department of Computer Science offers advanced coursework and research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science. The program provides cutting edge research experience as well as expertise in advanced computer science subjects, aiming at educating future leaders in academia and industry. Successful Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of computer science and must deliver an original contribution to the field.

Why pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

• The Department of Computer Science offers comprehensive programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with approximately 400 undergraduates, 80 M.S. students and 70 Ph.D. Students.
• The program offers opportunities for students to do advanced research in many fields in computer science. The research activities and experimental facilities have been well-supported by various federal research and infrastructure grants.
• Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships, and teaching assistantship and research assistantships.  Support for a typical Ph.D. student offers financial compensation of $18,000 or more per year (12 months) in addition to covering tuition and fees.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Admission to the program is limited and competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Competitive applicants often exceed minimum requirements.

For more specific requirements, please visit the Online Graduate Catalog.

All applicants must submit the following material for evaluation:

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all institutions attended. All international transcripts must be recorded in English or officially translated to English.

Graduate School Application: Yes

Test Scores: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores from a recent (no more than five years old) administration of the examination.

Resume: Professional Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.

Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are required from academic or professional sources familiar with the applicant’s background, attesting to the student’s academic and personal attributes for success in the program and potential for contributing substantially to a field of study related to the degree.

Statement of Purpose:Yes, a written personal statement/essay describing research experience and interest.

Evaluation of Foreign Credentials: All applicants including non-U.S. citizens (International), U.S. citizens (Domestic), or permanent residents who have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions are required to submit an evaluation from an approved Foreign Credential Agency of transcripts from all foreign institutions attended. If official transcripts are used in the foreign credential evaluation, the official transcript requirement will be considered met. However, if unofficial documents are used in the foreign credential evaluation, final official transcripts must be sent to UTSA.

• An approved evaluation requires a detailed course-by-course evaluation. Summaries will not be accepted.

• The Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA) is a private corporation that provides evaluations of foreign school credentials. The application is available at: Application for Credentials Evaluation.

International Applicants:

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5.
• TOEFL: Minimum scores of 79 or 60 for Internet or paper versions, respectively.

Additional Requirements: A degree seeking applicant must meet international graduate student admission requirements.

Career Options Available for a Computer Science Graduate

Our Ph.D. graduates are working in various faculty positions (such as, in Texas State University, Southern Arkansas University, University of Wisconsin at Stout), post-doctoral positions (such as in UT Health Science Center), and industrial research positions (such as at Southwest Research Institute, Free scale Semiconductor, and Kodak Research).

Research taking place in the Computer Science program

Our 21 faculty members are conducting research in a variety of areas including algorithms, bioinformatics, computer and information security, computer architecture, computer networks, databases, high performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, programming languages and compilers, and software engineering among others. The research in the Department of Computer Science is supported by more than $10M in active research grants and contracts from various external funding agencies. Ph.D. students conduct innovative research in cooperation with and under the supervision of department faculty. Activities of research assistants include implementing prototype systems, developing and proving new theories, conducting experiments, attending international conferences, and publishing their results in scientific journals.