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Ph.D. in Computer Science

Gain vital expertise to lead and innovate with the help of invaluable "practice experience" in a fast-paced, real-world environment.

Through critical and logical thinking, you’ll gain the essential knowledge and experience needed to become highly proficient in the use of today’s leading computing platforms and techniques.

Program type:
Doctoral Degree
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
90 (approved bachelor's degree); 60 (approved master's degree)

Why earn a Ph.D. in computer science?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Scientists and engineers in every industry rely on high-performance technology and large data sets, requiring experts that can help harness the latest sophisticated computing power to solve real-world problems.

With this graduate program, you'll:

  • Get essential "practice experience" to help solve real-world problems and challenges through computational technology
  • Develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare you to lead or support research in any technical career that relies on computer science.
  • Develop your logic and critical-thinking skills to help solve today's most pressing scientific and engineering challenges.
  • Choose from computation clusters focused on specialized computing system or methods, and application clusters for exposure to specific scientific disciplines.
  • Work with practitioners in a variety of disciplines served by computer science.

On-Campus or Online Ph.D. in Computer Science

  • Benefit from strong departmental proficiencies in artificial intelligence, compiler design, database, networks, operating systems, graphics, simulation, software engineering, and theoretical computer science.

  • Shape the future of transportation. UND’s Transportation Technology Research Initiative is using autonomous systems to develop and maintain a modern transportation system.

  • Advance your technology skills with a curriculum that encourages a formal, abstract, theoretical and practical approach to the study of computer science.

  • Gain access to on-campus computer power: two computer labs, a set of diverse servers and a high-performance computing (HPC) system. The supercomputer at UND runs on the HPE Apollo 6500 Gen10 system, purpose-built for HPC and a leading platform for deep learning. 

  • UND is a leader in big data expertise. We are the lead institution in a multi-university project for digital agriculture, funded by the National Science Foundation. And we  co-lead another NSF project to determine industry and academic computational needs in the Midwest.

  • Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in computer science?

26%

Projected job outlook for computer and information research scientists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

145k

Median annual salary for computer and information research scientists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates of the Computer Science Ph.D. program have dynamic career paths with titles such as: 

  • Software engineer and developer
  • Computational scientist
  • Data science engineer
  • Research scientists (technology companies and universities)

Because technology systems are so essential today, UND graduates can expect career opportunities across a range of industries. A small sampling of top industries needing advanced scientific computing skills include:

  • Aerospace
  • Atmospheric science
  • Bioinformatics
  • Communications
  • Engineering and science
  • High tech (hardware)
  • Renewable energy
  • Scientific and medical research (private and university-level)
  • Software engineering and design

Ph.D. in Computer Science Courses

CSCI 515. Data Engineering and Management. 3 Credits.

This course studies theoretical and applied research issues related to data engineering, management, and science. Topics will reflect state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice activities in the field. The course focuses on well-defined theoretical results and empirical studies that have potential impact on data acquisition, analysis, indexing, management, mining, retrieval, and storage. Prerequisite: CSCI 513. S, even years.

CSCI 543. Machine Learning. 3 Credits.

An introductory course in machine learning for data science. Topics include the learning algorithms of a Bayesian network, neural network, parametric/non-parametric methods, kernel machine, support-vector machine, etc. for regression, classification, clustering, dimensionality reduction, etc. Prerequisite: CSCI 365 or CSCI 384. F, odd years.

CSCI 567. Secure Software Engineering. 3 Credits.

This course covers software engineering principles and techniques used in the development life-cycle of cyber secure systems. Topics covered include, the characteristics of secure software, the role of security in the development life-cycle, designing secure software, and best-practices in secure programming and testing. Study includes review of industrial standards for secure software system engineering. Prerequisite: EE 601, EE 602, and admission to the MS Cyber Security Program. SS.

CSCI 554. Applications in AI/Computational Intelligence. 3 Credits.

A continuous study of the computational paradigms of Soft Computing in the field of Computational Intelligence. The topics include the applications of the various soft computing techniques in Computational Intelligence as well as more evolutionary algorithms in Swarm Intelligence. Prerequisite: CSCI 544. F, even years.

CSCI 555. Computer Networks. 3 Credits.

A study of new and developing network architectures and communication protocols. Broadband technologies will be considered including BISDN, ATM networks, and other high-speed networks. Prerequisite: CSCI 327.

CSCI 557. Computer Forensics. 3 Credits.

An overview of the techniques to detect and assess the level of penetration of a security breach. Topics include forensic science in the cyber domain, laws and ethics of forensic activities, digital evidence, methods of forensic investigation, and forensic procedures in a variety of operating systems and network configurations. Prerequisite: EE 602, or approval of the department, and admission to the MS program in Cyber Security. S.

Online Computer Science Ph.D.

2#

best online graduate programs

EDsmart

1#

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Online Computer Science Ph.D.

UND's online Ph.D. in Computer Science is fully online. You never have to come to campus. You'll take a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online computer science courses. 

Affordable Online Colleges

UND is one of the most affordable online colleges in the region. For this program, we offer the same online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Top-Tier Online Computer Science Ph.D.

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders in Computer Science

As a leader of Big Data, UND's goal is to make things more efficient, more effective and safer for North Dakotans.

Explore More Options

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

Department Contact
Emanuel Grant
Graduate Director
P 701.777.4133
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