About PhD Program,
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is conferred in recognition of a candidate’s highest level of scholarly competence and demonstrated capability to independently conduct and report significant research in computer science and engineering. This achievement requires more than an accumulation of course credits over a stated period of residence. Scholarly competence is achieved through systematic study and investigation in the chosen discipline at an advanced level.
The major professor and at least two committee members will be from the Computer Science and Engineering department. Research capability is developed during the course of study and is achieved through the completion of significant and independent research. The results of this research must be formally presented in a written dissertation and successfully defended before an examining committee. The dissertation must demonstrate the significance of the research as well as the candidate’s ability to organize and present her/his results in a professional manner.
Major Research Areas:
An excellent selection of courses and laboratories support graduate studies in algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, computer architecture, graphics, networks, computer vision, distributed systems, embedded systems, expert systems, formal verification, image processing, pattern recognition, robotics, databases, software engineering, computer security, compilers, programming languages, VLSI design, and CAD.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- An undergraduate teaching assistant must be a USF CSE degree-seeking student enrolled in credit-bearing coursework taken during the semester they TA.
- You must be able to fulfill the TA duties in-person, on campus.
- Must have overall USF GPA of at least 3.5.
- CS/CpE students must have completed Data Structures (COP4530) with grade A- or better.
- IT/CyS students must have completed Data Structures and Algorithms for IT (COP4538) with grade A- or better.
- Must have no history of academic misconduct with the CSE department and College of Engineering.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The USF Presidential Doctoral Fellowship is available to new doctoral students with exceptional academic credentials (e.g., evidence of experience in the field; research productivity, awards, honors, and professional contributions and achievements to the field).
- Students must be accepted into USF doctoral program but have not yet started taking classes at USF
- Provides a $22,500 fellowship plus tuition/fees for up to five (5) years (contingent upon academic progress)
- Students do not apply, the Department will nominate
- Other fellowships and funding opportunities at USF
- Other Office of Graduate Studies Fellowships
- USF Financial Aid Office
Please direct all queries regarding the Graduate Program to the Graduate Program Director.
Application Requirement,
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- PDF of unofficial or official transcripts
- PDF of English proficiency, if needed
- Applicants typically have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, a related field, or a STEM field, broadly construed, with a GPA well above 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants are encouraged to have basic knowledge of programming, data structures, logic design, computer architecture, operating systems, and algorithms.
- The GRE is suggested but not required. Applicants may provide a PDF of unofficial GRE scores.
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
Individuals who make application for admission to USF shall pay a non-
refundable Application Fee of $30.00.
