What Is It

The Ph.D. degree in Computer Science is a research-oriented degree. It is appropriate for students who want to learn how to do research, and intend to continue doing research in the academy, industry, or other positions. As a student in the program, you will learn to do research through faculty mentorship (in the classroom, on projects, and in independent study). This research is built upon a breadth of knowledge of the field, provided by coursework.

What Do You Do and Learn

As a student in the Ph.D. in Computer Science program, you will:

• take courses,
• fulfill a breadth requirement examination,
• form a research committee,
• propose a research topic,
• do research, and then
• defend their research in an oral examination

The coursework requirements differ depending on whether you start the program with the equivalent of a Baylor MSCS degree. If not, the coursework requirements of the Ph.D. begin with the coursework requirements of the MSCS degree plan, excluding the research and thesis or project courses (CSI 5V92, 5V96, 5V99). If you have an equivalent degree, during or after admission the faculty will determine the required set of courses, which would most likely exclude the majority of MSCS course requirements.

How To Apply

Briefly, you will need to supply:

• GRE Scores
• Academic transcripts
• A statement of purpose
• Three or more recommendation letters
• Evidence of research experience
• TOEFL or IELTS score (if you are an international student). Please see our page and graduate school page

For more information about admissions, please see our How to Apply page or Graduate School's Admissions page.