Doctoral Program
The primary focus of the doctoral program is research, with the philosophy that students learn best by doing—beginning as apprentices and becoming junior colleagues working with faculty on scholarly research projects. The faculty in the department conduct research in all areas of computer science. The doctoral degree requires a dissertation based on the candidate’s original research, which is supervised by a faculty member, and all students in the doctioral program are actively engaged in research throughout the program.
The PhD is the Computer Science Department’s primary doctoral program. PhD students are expected to be full-time on-campus during every fall and spring academic semester from initial enrollment until the dissertation has been distributed to their defense committee, except during leaves of absence approved by the university. PhD students spend at least half of their time on research under the direction of their faculty adviser from their first day in the program and devote themselves full time to research after coursework and other preliminaries have been completed. PhD students are also expected to participate in departmental and laboratory activities full time throughout the program, except possibly for summer internships elsewhere, and the department does not consider admission of part-time PhD students. The policy on outside activities by PhD students is here .
DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS
- Program Requirements
- MS leading to PhD
- Milestones Chart
- Milestones Registration Form: Candidacy, Thesis Proposal, Thesis Defense
- Doctoral Course Import Forms
- Doctoral Algorithms Prerequisite Form
- Data Science Specialization Option (further details here )
SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY INFORMATION FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS
- Registration
- SEAS Doctoral Fieldwork (CPT) Policy
- Time-Off Policy for Doctoral Students on Appointment in the Sciences and Related Research Fields
GENERAL DOCTORAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE
- CAREER Club
- Computer Science Open Data
- Computer Science Graduate Job and Interview Guide
- Background in case you ever need to teach online with two days notice
- The Definitive ‘what do I ask/look for’ in a PhD Advisor Guide
- The Thesis Whisperer
- Prem Devanbu’s Review Anti-Patterns
- Computer Science Rankings
- Michael Ernst’s Compilation of Great Advice
- Productivity Tips for PhD Students
- Getting Admitted to a Top PhD Program
- Tips on the Interview Process
- Networking on the network
- Advice on research and writing
- More advice on writing
- Corporate Lab or Academic Department, Which Fits?
- How To Survive A Thesis Defense
- 10 easy ways to fail a PhD
- Dealing with plagiarism
- Academic job site
- Computing Research Association
- IEEE Computer Society
(link suggestions appreciated; send email to [email protected] )
Last updated on July 11, 2024.
Find open faculty positions here .
Computer Science at Columbia University
Upcoming events, employer informational session: regrello.
Friday 10:00 am
Academic Holiday
Wednesday 9:00 am
Thanksgiving - University Holiday
Thursday 9:00 am
University Holiday
Friday 9:00 am
In the News
Press mentions, dean boyce's statement on amicus brief filed by president bollinger.
President Bollinger announced that Columbia University along with many other academic institutions (sixteen, including all Ivy League universities) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging the Executive Order regarding immigrants from seven designated countries and refugees. Among other things, the brief asserts that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”
This recent action provides a moment for us to collectively reflect on our community within Columbia Engineering and the importance of our commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming community for all students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff. As a School of Engineering and Applied Science, we are fortunate to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, from across the country, and from around the world. It is a great benefit to be able to gather engineers and scientists of so many different perspectives and talents – all with a commitment to learning, a focus on pushing the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and with a passion for translating our work to impact humanity.
I am proud of our community, and wish to take this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to maintaining an open and collegial environment. We are fortunate to have the privilege to learn from one another, and to study, work, and live together in such a dynamic and vibrant place as Columbia.
Mary C. Boyce Dean of Engineering Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor
{{title}} {{fullname}}
Courses This Semester
- {{title}} ({{dept}} {{prefix}}{{course_num}}-{{section}})
Academics | PhD Program
Main navigation.
The PhD degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching. A broad Computer Science, Engineering, Science background, intensive study, and research experience in a specialized area are the necessary requisites.
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is conferred on candidates who have demonstrated to the satisfaction of our Department in the following areas:
- high attainment in a particular field of knowledge, and
- the ability to do independent investigation and present the results of such research.
They must satisfy the general requirements for advanced degrees, and the program requirements specified by our Department.
Program Requirements
On average, the program is completed in five to six years, depending on the student’s research and progress.
Progress Guidelines
Students should consider the progress guidelines to ensure that they are making reasonable progress.
Monitoring Progress
Annual reviews only apply to PhD students in their second year or later; yearly meetings are held for all PhD students.
IMAGES
VIDEO