At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 90Minimum Credit Hours
- 30Research Credits Required
- 4Core CS Areas Required
- 27Graded Coursework Credits Required
- Blacksburg & Greater Washington DC Metro AreaCampuses
The Computer Science Ph.D. program at Virginia Tech is designed to provide advanced coursework and intensive research experience. The program is available at both the Blacksburg campus and the Alexandria campus, located near Washington, D.C. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, industry, and research organizations. The curriculum involves in-depth study in various computer science areas, close collaboration with faculty advisors and research committees, and the completion of original research culminating in a dissertation. Students must fulfill a minimum credit hour requirement, including a significant portion dedicated to research. The program also mandates coursework across at least four distinct computer science areas, with specific requirements for graduate-level courses and those at the 6000 level. Key milestones include passing qualification exams, preliminary exams, and research defenses. The program offers opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of faculty experts. The dual campus locations provide flexibility and access to diverse research environments and networking opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
- To apply, you need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and three letters of recommendation. For English proficiency, the minimum requirement is a TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 overall (with sub-scores of 4.5 in each section) or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. GRE scores are not required.
- How long does the Computer Science Ph.D. program take to complete?
- The program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. Specific duration is not stated, but it involves intensive coursework and research leading to a dissertation.
- What is the tuition and fee structure for international students?
- Tuition and fee rates vary by term and are updated regularly. International students should refer to the Bursar's Office website for current and upcoming term tuition and fee rates.
- What are the application deadlines for the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
- Prospective students should refer to the department's website for specific application deadlines for the Fall intake. Required documents include academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
- The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in academia, industry, and research organizations. Graduates gain the theoretical knowledge and practical research skills needed for significant contributions to the field.
- Does the program have specific curriculum requirements?
- Yes, the Ph.D. requires a minimum of 90 credit hours, including 30 research credits and 27 graded graduate-level credit hours. Students must cover at least four distinct areas of computer science, including specific core courses and at least two 6000-level CS graduate courses.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate GPAMinimum 3.0
Letters of Recommendation3 required
TOEFL iBTOverall 4.5 (with sub-scores of 4.5 in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing)
IELTSOverall 6.5
GRE is not required.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the Bursar's Office for current and upcoming term tuition and fee rates. Specific amounts for international students are available on their website.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the Bursar's Office for current and upcoming term tuition and fee rates. Specific amounts for domestic students are available on their website.
LivingGraduate Cost of Attendance (COA) information is available, which includes estimated living expenses.
Tuition and fee rates vary by term and are updated regularly. The Cost of Attendance (COA) provides an estimate of total expenses.
How to apply
1. Visit Application DeadlinesReview the specific admission application deadlines for the Fall intake at: https://website.cs.vt.edu/academic/graduate/future-grads/ApplicationDeadlines.html
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather required documents including transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS scores).
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the Virginia Tech graduate admissions portal. The institution code is 5859.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
+
To apply, you need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and three letters of recommendation. For English proficiency, the minimum requirement is a TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 overall (with sub-scores of 4.5 in each section) or an IELTS overall score of 6.5. GRE scores are not required.
How long does the Computer Science Ph.D. program take to complete?
+
The program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours. Specific duration is not stated, but it involves intensive coursework and research leading to a dissertation.
What is the tuition and fee structure for international students?
+
Tuition and fee rates vary by term and are updated regularly. International students should refer to the Bursar's Office website for current and upcoming term tuition and fee rates.
What are the application deadlines for the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
+
Prospective students should refer to the department's website for specific application deadlines for the Fall intake. Required documents include academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency test scores.
What are the career prospects after completing the Computer Science Ph.D. program?
+
The program prepares graduates for advanced roles in academia, industry, and research organizations. Graduates gain the theoretical knowledge and practical research skills needed for significant contributions to the field.
Does the program have specific curriculum requirements?
+
Yes, the Ph.D. requires a minimum of 90 credit hours, including 30 research credits and 27 graded graduate-level credit hours. Students must cover at least four distinct areas of computer science, including specific core courses and at least two 6000-level CS graduate courses.