Program Overview

Introduction to the Ph.D. in Computer Science

The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Miami University is a collaborative program offered by the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering and the Department of Physics. This research-intensive program prepares scholars to tackle society's most pressing technological challenges, from cybersecurity and quantum technologies to AI-driven healthcare breakthroughs.

Curriculum and Concentrations

The Ph.D. in Computer Science is a 90-hour program designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Each student's journey includes a combination of advanced coursework, regular research seminars, and a dissertation that demonstrates meaningful societal impact. Students can specialize in a focus area of their choice, such as:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Quantum Computing
• Cybersecurity
• Applied Physics

Example courses include:

• CSE 533 Deep Learning
• CSE 543 High Performance Computing and Parallel Programming
• QTM 562 Advanced Quantum Computing Applications
• CSE 544 Applied Cryptography
• CSE 588 Image Processing and Computer Vision
• PSY 691 Modern Quantum Physics

Quick Facts

• 4-5 Years Expected Program Duration (full-time)
• Curriculum: Minimum 60 hours (with M.S.), or 90 hours (with B.S.) with a minimum of 18 hours of coursework and 10 hours of seminar; no written qualifying exam is required.
• Application Deadlines:
  • Feb. 1 for Fall semester
• Students must write and successfully defend a dissertation in their research area as part of their degree requirements.

Facts and Stats

• 54% of Computer Science Ph.D. recipients went on to fulfill industry (vs. traditional academic) roles
• 26% Job Growth: Projections for computer and information research scientists
• Miami University is ranked No. 1 in Ohio: Best Colleges for Future Leaders

Admission Requirements

• Admission requires either a bachelor's degree, with a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 GPA U.S. Scale) (or equivalent), or a master's degree, with a minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 GPA U.S. Scale) (or equivalent), in computer science, physics, or a closely-related field.
• The Graduate Record Exam is recommended, but not required.
• Prior coursework must include college-level Calculus 1, Calculus 2, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, Statistics, Computer Programming (e.g., C++, Python, Java), Data Structures and Algorithms.
• Students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum score of 80 for TOEFL, 6.5 for IELTS, 54 for PTE, or 110 for Duolingo.

Related Programs

Miami University offers a Ph.D. in Engineering as well as Master of Science degrees in a number of engineering, computer science, and physics disciplines. For students earning a master's degree in engineering, physics, or computer science at Miami University, all graded coursework taken toward the master's also counts toward the Ph.D. graded coursework requirement, but is not factored into the 60 hours required beyond the master's degree.

Computer Science Ph.D. Related Careers

The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Miami University is structured not only to train students for academic positions but also for industry and non-profit roles, including:

• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Data Scientist
• Software Developer

Additional Opportunities

Teacher-Scholar Model

Ph.D. students in Computer Science complete a Teaching Development course that blends research-based pedagogy with AI tools for grading, feedback, and adaptive learningwhile exploring innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching computer science.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

A co-curricular experience, supported by Miami's top-ranked entrepreneurship program, empowers Ph.D. students to drive innovation, translate research into real-world impact, and lead in emerging technology fields.

Computing Resources

The program is strengthened by a Cleveland Clinic partnership in quantum computing, a $494K NSF-funded Talon GPU cluster, and access to the Ohio Supercomputer Centeroffering Ph.D. students robust computing power and opportunities for advanced research.

Improving the Future of Global Society

The overarching objective of the Ph.D. in Computer Science program is to equip and empower students to use their knowledge and skills with integrity and compassion to improve the future of our global society. For this reason, all Ph.D. dissertations in Computer Science will be required to demonstrate broader impact in serving a societal need.