About PhD Program,
Baylor’s PhD in Computer Science is designed for students who want to learn how to do research, and intend to continue doing research in the academy, industry, or other positions. As a student in the program, you will learn to do research through faculty mentorship (in the classroom, on projects, and in independent study). This research is built upon a breadth of knowledge of the field, provided by coursework.
Applicants should have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in computer science or a closely related field. We do expect successful applicants to have the equivalent training of a B.S. degree in computer science from Baylor University. In particular, that means knowledge of fundamental theory (math, algorithms, data structures), computer systems (operating systems, network, databases), software engineering, as well as programming. Master’s level coursework can be considered for credit upon entrance into the PhD program, however it is not required.
Most students finish their doctoral program within 5 years, and nearly all incoming doctoral students receive full tuition support, subsidized health insurance, and a multi-year stipend assistantship by working as a Graduate Assistant (Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant position).
Baylor’s Computer Science Graduate Program is a small, focused, and practical program where graduate students get the time, attention, resources, support, and opportunities to launch themselves as computer science professionals.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
A total of 69 hours post-Bachelor’s degree are required, including dissertation hours. The course requirements for the doctoral degree include:
- 27 hours of graduate coursework (including all area courses required for a Master of Science in Computer Science degree; see the M.S.C.S. Degree Requirements page for more details)
- 18 additional hours of 5000 or 6000-level course work, and
- 24 additional hours of 6000-level course work, of which at least 12 hours must be 6V99 (Dissertation).
A student entering the program with graduate-level work or a master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field may apply up to twenty-seven (27) semester hours of approved courses toward the Ph.D.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Nearly all incoming Ph.D. students receive full tuition remission, a multi-year research or teaching assistantship, and an 80% subsidy for student health insurance. Stipend levels are highly competitive, and with Waco’s low cost of living, roughly two-thirds of Ph.D. graduates accrue no student loan debt during their doctoral program.
Masters programs offer varying levels of support, ranging from a partial tuition waiver to full tuition remission with a stipend. Please contact your program of interest for details. Professional programs typically do not provide funding support.
Application Requirement,
- Application: Complete your application by the deadline. The application deadlines for financial aid are February 15 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. We do not run a regular admission cycle for the summer semester.
- Academic Transcripts: Upload all unofficial transcripts. If admitted, applicants must submit official transcripts to the Baylor University Graduate School before enrollment can occur. The graduate school requires transcripts from each university that you have attended, whether as an undergraduate or a graduate student.
- GRE Test Scores: The submission of GRE scores is optional for PhD applicants, but you are highly recommended to submit the scores if you already have them. The submission of GRE scores is required for Master’s applicants’ admission. GRE scores must be from within the past five years, but no Computer Science Subject Test is required.
- Statement of Purpose: Please provide a statement of purpose and explain how the PhD/MS in Computer Science will facilitate your academic and professional objectives and which research area you are interested in. You can highlight any evidence of your research experience here as well.
- Contact information for three recommenders: You will want to make sure at least two of these recommenders are qualified to comment on your strengths in areas relevant to computer science. It is also important to seek recommendations from individuals who can make specific comments about evidence of your potential or to conduct independent research. The online application process will require you to give contact information for three recommenders. These individuals will be contacted automatically.
- Resume
- Writing Sample: we expect to see one (or more) of your technical writing samples such as a published paper you (co)-authored if there is any. (Optional for Master’s applicants)
- International Students
- English Proficiency: International applicants must submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores unless you have a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English. [CLICK HERE for information on TOEFL and IELTS tests.]
- Official Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts will suffice for the application review process. [CLICK HERE for information on required documents.]
If you have any further question regarding the graduate degrees in Computer Science program, please contact our Graduate Program Director: Dr. Eunjee Song
Application Deadline,
February 15 2025
Application Fee,
Baylor University Graduate School charges a $50 application fee that is required. Programs using a professional organization’s common application system (CAS) will have additional costs from the CAS. The $50 Baylor fee is waived for active or retired U.S. military and McNair Scholars.
