Program Overview

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Overview

The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Fordham University is designed to educate the next generation of researchers, faculty, and industry leaders in a critical discipline that delivers constant innovation and development, while promoting ethically informed public interest technological research.

At a Glance

• Degree type: PhD
• Credit hours: 70
• Cost per credit: $1,688
• Duration: 60 months
• Classes begin: August 2026
• Applications due: January 9, 2026
• Location/Modality: Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, NY, and our Lincoln Center campus in New York City
• Is there an accelerated option? No
• Full-time

Program Highlights

• With guaranteed support for five years, accepted students will have the opportunity to find their focus area while building a strong foundation across computer science fields and becoming grounded in computer science pedagogy.
• The curriculum requires 70 credits of course and research work.
• Research training takes place within the first two years of the program.
• Classes are offered at our Rose Hill campus in the Bronx, NY, and our Lincoln Center campus in New York City.
• The program can only be entered on a full-time basis.
• Candidates must demonstrate mastery of breadth coursework requirements and complete a research initiation project within 24 months of matriculation in the program.
• Students are required to complete qualification examinations; present and defend successfully a dissertation prospectus proposal; and complete the depth course work requirements within 36 months of matriculation in the program.
• Students will research, write, and defend successfully a Ph.D. dissertation within 60 months of matriculation in the program.

Study in New York City

With thousands of multinational corporations, New York offers unparalleled opportunities for you to expand your applied practical knowledge and learning horizons. You can explore a wide range of interests, with practitioners available nearby to discuss research ideas and an array of industries willing to grant access to their corporate data, all while having access to Fordham's state-of-the-art research lab.

STEM Designation

The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a registered STEM designated program, which permits a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total eligibility of up to 36 months.

Career Opportunities

As a newly-minted Ph.D., you'll be in high demand both inside and outside academia. Fordham's Ph.D. in computer science will set you up as an in-demand candidate for jobs including:

• Computer and information research scientist
• Computer science professor
• Computer and information manager
• Computer network architect
• Information security analyst

Courses of Study

In Fordham's computer science Ph.D. program, research training takes place within the first two years of the program. You'll have the chance to study topics like:

• Machine learning and AI/robotics
• Big data analytics and informatics
• Data and information fusion
• Information and cyber security
• Software engineering and systems And you'll take foundational and advanced courses like:
• Computer Language Theory
• Computer Algorithms
• Cryptography
• Internet of Things
• Ensemble Methods
• Robotics
• Computer Vision/Image Recognition