PhD

Computer Science

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 25.6 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 25.6 k / Year(s) Deadline: Dec 15, 2024
117 place StudyQA ranking:3466 Duration:

As digital computers and networked systems have become ubiquitous, the need to understand the nature of computation, both in its fundamental theoretical capabilities and limitations, as well as in the design, implementation and application of practical systems, has become increasingly important. Our Computer Science Department provides opportunities, through PhD and Masters degree programs, for students to engage in research across this spectrum, and indeed, to make substantial contributions to the overall body of knowledge in computer science. To be prepared to join in this research, students must have a solid background in computer science and be motivated to explore frontiers of knowledge. Of course, with a field as dynamic as computer science, our instructional program continually strikes a balance between the incorporation of current innovations and the established foundations of computer science knowledge.

The spectrum of research opportunities available through our graduate programs includes wireless sensor networks, cyber-physical systems, real-time systems, programming languages and environments,  compilers, critical systems and survivability, computer architecture, electronic commerce, system security, cryptography, machine learning, algorithms, software engineering, program repair, distributed and cloud computing, computer graphics and vision, parallel computing, bioinformatics, mobile wireless health, and computational science and medicine. An emphasis in many of these areas is in empirical research framed by solid theoretical analysis and collaborative multi-disciplinary research. The department has a number of highly visible research projects that are building innovative, cutting-edge systems with national exposure. The department’s computer core infrastructure includes a state-of-the-art mix of hardware and software systems, connected with high-bandwidth networks, as well as high-quality software engineering tools, including commercial development and debugging tools for a variety of programming environments.

The department offers a Doctor of Philosophy of Computer Science degree, along with Master of Science and Master of Computer Science degrees at the graduate level  Regardless of the degree track all graduate students engage in substantial research. To this end, the department keeps its graduate classes small and fosters a one-to-one relationship with the faculty.

  • at least 24 credits of graded graduate-level coursework, containing
    • one graded graduate-level mathematics course (may be satisfied by transfer credit), MATH and APMA courses are acceptable, “Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Mining” (CS 6501) is acceptable and other non-CS graduate courses with a significant mathematical component can also satisfy this requirement with the prior written approval of the graduate program director
    • no more than 6 credits from 5000-level courses, none of which are from the CS department
    • at least 6 credits of graded graduate-level coursework in excess of that required for the Master’s degree (if possessing or obtaining a Master’s degree)
    • The remaining 48 graduate-level credits are typically satisfied via graduate teaching and research hours such as CS 9999.
  • Completion of the Qualifying Examination
  • Completion of the PhD Proposal
  • Completion of the Oral Defense of the written Dissertation
  • Finally, complete the “Graduate Student Leave Request” form to leave the program.
  • These requirements have significant overlap with the MCS and MS degree requirements;
    • many students choose to earn one of those Master’s degrees as part of their PhD studies.
    • SEAS does not limit PhD transfer credit, but all transfer credits must be approved by the student’s PhD committee. Students should not assume that transfer courses will be accepted prior to curriculum committee approval.
    • Students may take additional courses beyond those required for graduation.

Courses

  • CS 5010 - Programming and Systems for Data Science
  • CS 5012 - Foundations of Computer Science
  • CS 5014 - Computation as a Research Tool
  • CS 5487 - Real-Time Systems
  • CS 5501 - Selected Topics in Computer Science
  • CS 5787 - Security in Information Systems
  • CS 6160 - Theory of Computation
  • CS 6161 - Design and Analysis of Algorithms
  • CS 6190 - Computer Science Perspectives
  • CS 6240 - Software Engineering
  • CS 6316 - Machine Learning
  • CS 6354 - Computer Architecture
  • CS 6415 - Performance Analysis of Communication Networks
  • CS 6444 - Introduction to Parallel Computing
  • CS 6456 - Operating Systems
  • CS 6501 - Special Topics in Computer Science
  • CS 6610 - Programming Languages
  • CS 6620 - Compilers
  • CS 6750 - Database Systems
  • CS 6840 - Computer Graphics
  • CS 6993 - Independent Study
  • CS 7457 - Computer Networks
  • CS 7501 - Selected Topics in Computer Science
  • CS 7620 - Advanced Compilers
  • CS 7993 - Independent Study
  • CS 7995 - Supervised Project Research
  • CS 8501 - Special Topics in Computer Science
  • CS 8524 - Topics in Software Engineering
  • CS 8535 - Topics in Computer Architecture
  • CS 8561 - Topics in Programming Languages
  • CS 8575 - Topics in Database Systems
  • CS 8897 - Graduate Teaching Instruction
  • CS 8999 - Thesis
  • CS 9897 - Graduate Teaching Instruction
  • CS 9999 - Dissertation

Background in Computer Science

The Department of Computer Science does not require that applicants hold a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. However, applicants are expected to have a strong background in Computer Science.

A suitable background would include courses in the following core areas:

  • Data Structures
  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Assembly Language and Computer Organization
  • Programming in a procedural language such as C, C#, C++, or Java.

Applicants are also expected to have taken several (but not necessarily all) courses in specialized areas:

  • Operating Systems
  • Programming Languages
  • Algorithms
  • Compilers
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Networks
  • Automata and Formal Languages
  • Software Engineering

A year of college-level Calculus is also required. In general, experience gained working is not considered equivalent to successful completion of the courses listed above.

Grade Point Average

There is no minimum GPA required for admission. However, most applicants who are offered admission to our program have a GPA of at least 3.2 (out of 4.0). The grades in Computer Science, mathematics and related courses are more important than the overall GPA.

GRE Scores

GRE scores are required. The CS subject test GRE is not required (it is no longer even offered).

GRE Scores Taken on or after August 1, 2011 - Average Scores of Successful Applicants

Verbal 156 on a scale of 130 - 170
Quantitative 160 on a scale of 130 - 170
Analytical Writing 3.5 on a scale of 0 - 6

Letters of Reference

If possible, letters of references should be written by faculty at a university previously attended. Letters of reference from Computer Science faculty are preferred, but references from employers are welcome. References should pay particular attention to academic achievements and evidence of independent, creative problem solving. 

TOEFL Scores

  • If you received a 4-year degree at an English-speaking institution (whether or not the institution is in the U.S.), TOEFL is not required.
  • If you received a 4-year degree at a non-English-speaking institution and a Masters degree from an English-speaking institution, TOEFL is required.

A score of at least 90 on the TOEFL iBT is preferred. It is rare that we offer admission to an applicant who scored less than 22 on the Speaking section of TOEFL. Scores can be sent electronically to UVa at institution code 5820. Some students with lower scores may be required to complete the UVA Summer English for Academic Purposes Program prior to admission.

Scholarships

The U.Va. School of Engineering and Applied Science offers financial support to graduate students through assistantships and fellowships ordinarily consisting of a stipend and payment of all tuition and fees including health insurance. Most superior students in research degree programs (Master of Science and Ph.D.) can expect to receive aid of some kind for up to five years, though support will vary by department and funding source. Students must be nominated by their department to be considered for a fellowship or assistantship. Students receiving financial aid from the School of Engineering and Applied Science must be registered as full-time graduate students during the period of the award, defined as at least 12 credits of lecture-laboratory courses and/or research during the academic year, must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and must also maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree. Graduate research assistants must register for a minimum of 6 credits of research during the summer term. Students receiving financial aid are not permitted to have other employment without approval of the Office of Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Students are awarded financial assistance to enable them to devote maximum effort to graduate studies. Financial aid for graduate students is available in several forms:

Graduate Research Assistantships

Graduate Research Assistants are assigned to work with a faculty member on a specific research project which should culminate in a project report, thesis, or dissertation. Full-time graduate research assistants may not carry a load of more than 9 credits of lecture-laboratory courses but must register each semester for enough additional credits of teaching/research to maintain full-time student status.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistants are assigned to assist a faculty member teaching a specific lecture/laboratory course. The assigned duties will depend on the course and instructor. Graduate teaching assistants may not carry a load of more than 9 credits of lecture-laboratory courses but must register each semester for enough teaching/research credit to maintain full-time student status.

Fellowships

Fellowships are intended to allow graduate students to devote full time to learning opportunities in the classroom and laboratory. No work duties, in a pay for service sense, are required, but good academic progress, including research for the thesis or dissertation, is essential. Some programs, during fellowship support, will include research and teaching duties as part of the usual academic requirements for the degree. Stipends are competitive with those offered by other universities.

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