Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering*
Click here to download flyer.
The University of the District of Columbia is a public, historically black, land‐grant institution offering affordable programs from associate to doctoral degree level. With the Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) provides a continuous path for obtaining advanced education in various disciplines of computer science and engineering.
About the Program
The Ph.D. program has an interdisciplinary focus with emphasis on design thinking and the ability to solve complex problems.
Doctoral research will focus on the interface between computer science and engineering including additive manufacturing, biomedical engineering, mechatronics, underwater communication, nanotechnology, simulation, modeling, smart grids, rehabilitation engineering, cyber security, big data analysis, robotics, geo-transportation, environmental engineering, and urban engineering. Ph.D. research thesis results will be published in peer reviewed publications aligning thesis outcomes with research priorities supported by NSF, DOD, NIST, DOE, and NIH.
Admission Requirements
Program Code: CSE
Degree: Ph.D.
School: School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS)
General requirements:
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Transcript (s)
- TOEFL
Program Specific Requirements:
- Letter of Recommendations (3)
- Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
- CV/Resume
- Publications
Application Deadline:
- May 15 (Fall domestics)
- April 23 (Fall international)
Step‐by‐Step Guide to Applying
STEP 1: Complete Online Application
Complete the online graduate application.
View the Admissions Requirementsfor program-specific information, including deadlines and additional materials that must be submitted with your application. It is important that your complete application be submitted by the program deadline.
If you have international credentials or currently hold a visa, please visit the International Admissions section for more information.
Note: Once submitted, your application and associated materials become the property of the University of the District of Columbia. These materials will not be returned to you, nor will the materials be forwarded to another institution.
STEP 2: Identify and Contact References for Letters of Recommendation
While completing other parts of your application, identify and contact references who will provide a strong letter of recommendation for you. There are three letters of recommendation required.
Recommenders should be the applicant’s current or former professors, or other individuals who can speak to an applicant’s academic talents, work ethic, and intellectual strengths. The online application will ask applicants to provide their references’ names and email addresses.
The references will then be contacted via email with instructions on how to electronically submit a letter of recommendation. This process can begin prior to submission of the application.
STEP 3: Submit Transcripts
Applicants are asked to upload a scanned version of their transcript(s) issued by each institution attended (in English). Upon enrollment, you will need to have an official copy sent to the Graduate School by the institution.
STEP 4: Submit Test Scores
The University of the District of Columbia will only accept official test scores sent directly by the testing agencies. When you request scores to be sent to the University of the District of Columbia use the following institutional codes:
- GRE – 5929
- TOEFL – 5929
You will be required to submit TOEFL scores if you are a US citizen or permanent resident with international credentials whose native language is not English and who does not hold a degree from an institution in the US or one of the areas listed above. Although they are U.S. citizens, applicants from Puerto Rico with degrees from Puerto Rican institutions will also be required to submit a TOEFL score.
STEP 5: Pay Application Fee
You will be assessed a non-refundable $50 application processing fee for each program to which you apply. You are responsible for paying this fee whether or not you are offered admission or choose to enroll. You must pay your application fee online. Your application will not be processed until you pay your application fee and the payment is authorized.