Accelerated Ph.D in computer science programs are graduate study programs that are shorter in duration than traditional doctorate degree programs.
These online programs require students to accomplish the same amount of work in a shorter time frame, but they intend to provide them with the same amount of knowledge at a lesser cost. They enable students to waive one to two years of schooling to be ready for the job market more quickly.
Accelerated Ph.D in computer science programs online are designed for students who want to take a shorter route toward a PhD or doctorate degree.
Regular doctorate degree programs require six to eight years to complete, but the shortest online programs in our ranking can be completed in four to five years!
The best accelerated online computer science doctorates open up career advancement opportunities in a wide range of fields, from computer science to business. Most businesses need computer science professionals in various capacities, from computer programmers, data analysts, software engineers, database administrators, and even entrepreneurs!
An online accelerated computer science doctorate is convenient for working professionals and out-of-state students because of the opportunity to learn anywhere with a stable Internet connection (i.e., online learning formats), the flexible schedules (i.e., asynchronous courses), and the weekly assignments contribute to a good work-life balance.
But it must also be emphasized that every accelerated online doctorate in computer science program features a rigorous curriculum that demands a significant commitment in time, energy, and effort! In addition to the coursework, doctoral students must also tackle the rigorous requirements in research and dissertation, teaching and graduate assistantships, and seminars.
Online accelerated doctorate degrees in computer science are not only a significant commitment of time and energy, but they are also a significant monetary investment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), average college tuition is $10,949 per academic year.
Be sure to also consider the non-tuition costs including but not limited to books and supplies, traveling expenses for in-person activities, and technology requirements, as well as incidental expenses. Accredited online doctorate in computer science degrees will allow students to apply for financial aid if needed. Many doctorate programs also offer assistanship opportunities.
With such significant investments, it’s of crucial importance to choose the right online doctorate in computer science program that will align with your needs and wants! You must consider its accreditation, tuition, and financial aid options, schedule flexibility and online learning format, and student support and career advancement services.
In this article, we will look at both the on-campus and online programs that offer Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. This way, you will have a wider range of options. There are merits to on-campus and hybrid programs, too.
Bottom Line: An accelerated doctorate in computer science degree can help busy working professionals earn an advanced degree as quickly as possible, while still allowing them to maintain their employment and manage other commitments.
Every computer science program has its unique set and sequence of online courses that its doctoral students must complete. But every curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and advanced knowledge of computer science suitable for research-related work. Note that a PhD degree has a strong research emphasis with an approved doctoral dissertation, which contributes to the existing body of knowledge in computer science, as its final degree requirement.
The best accelerated PhD in Computer Science degree programs offer courses in:
Online computer science degree programs also have elective course requirements that allow students to broaden their education based on their professional interests. Choices include computer graphics, bioinformatics, robotics, and data science.
Graduates of online doctorate programs are among the most qualified for leadership positions in the computer and information technology fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected job growth rate for these fields is 15% over the next decade, which is much faster than average. And with a median annual wage of $97,430, this degree offers a higher than average salary as well.
These professionals work in colleges and universities, private companies, public agencies, and research institutions. Their duties include performing cutting-edge research that contributes to advancements in the field of computer science.
Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, performing research, publishing scholarly articles, and speaking at conferences are among the typical duties of university professors.
These computer science professionals design and develop advanced software systems and lead software development projects.
Data scientists enjoy high demand in diverse industries, so there is no lack of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for these professionals! Their primary duties include extracting information from large data sets, providing information for data-driven decision-making, and developing models for machine learning.
Earning a PhD in computer science degree can also be an excellent stepping stone toward becoming a successful entrepreneur, thanks to your ability to perform research to find innovative ideas, or even fill a market need.
Key Point: These are just a few examples of career paths that graduates of computer science degree programs can follow! In the end, the opportunity to leverage your PhD degree to your advantage is in your hands.
As early as their first year in computer science programs, doctoral students can look into possible memberships in professional organizations. Membership in these professional organizations means access to resources, support, and networking opportunities that will contribute to better practice of computer science as a professional.
The best computer science professional organizations include:
Key Point: Many of these professional organizations offer opportunities for scholarships, scholarly publications, and professional development, too.
Accreditation is essential in choosing the best Ph.D in computer science degree program because it’s an assurance of academic quality, industry, and employer recognition, and federal and state financial aid eligibility, among others. There are two types of accreditation that prospective students should look for.
Bottom Line: While the speed of the fastest online psychology degree programs is important, finding an online program that is regionally accredited and programmatic accreditation will ensure that you will receive a quality education.
Doctoral students in every accredited online PhD in Computer Science degree program in our ranking have several financial aid options available. These options are intended to result in significant reductions in tuition, but it must also be noted that financial aid can have strict eligibility requirements and application deadlines.
You must research your financial aid options and consider your current and future finances even before enrolling in a doctoral program.
Yes, accelerated online computer science doctorates are real—and highly sought-after—degrees! Since it’s the highest academic degree in the field of computer science, employers consider them of high value toward the achievement of organizational goals.
Yes, there are PhDs in software engineering programs that provide students with a more concentrated perspective of computer science! Students explore advanced topics in software project management including its design and testing, architecture, maintenance, evolution, and analytics. There’s a strong emphasis on independent and original research, too, among students that result in an approved dissertation.
Every PhD in Computer Science online program has a specific timeline and program structure, from completion of coursework to publication of the dissertation. As a result, the time-to-degree varies between doctoral programs. There are also other factors to consider, such as your individual progress and personal situation (e.g., finances, work and family obligations).
On average, nonetheless, earning a PhD in Computer Science degree can take between four and seven years. Five to six years is considered a good pace among doctoral students, particularly during the dissertation phase.
The typical doctoral programs adopt the following year-to-year timeline:
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
97%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1515/34
Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $65,524
PhD in Computer Science
Columbia University, an Ivy League private research university, welcomes students with a keen interest in research into computer science to its PhD in Computer Science program. Students engage in research projects during the entirety of their stay and progress from being apprentices to junior colleagues of their professors.
The on-campus, full-time PhD program requires students to engage in full-time research after completion of coursework and other preliminary requirements, and submit an approved dissertation based on their original research.
There are no teaching assistantships, but students enjoy full funding through research assistantships and internal and external fellowships. Summer internships outside of the doctoral program are also encouraged.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: Not stated
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Per Credit Hour Cost: $26,788 (Less than or equal to 20 points)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
93%
Student body
43K
Median SAT/ACT
1420/32
University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of California-Berkeley
Tuition + fees: $14,226
PhD in Computer Science
UC Berkeley, a public research university, offers a world-class, on-campus PhD in Computer Science program where students tackle rigorous coursework in computer science and research methods. Students must complete original research work under the guidance of the best faculty advisors and, in the process, prepare for successful careers as computer science professors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
Aside from the completion of core and breadth courses, students must also complete an oral exam where faculty feedback is provided and a qualifying exam that tracks their progress. Students must also make a public presentation of their dissertation.
The program’s popularity stems from its strong interdisciplinary emphasis, credentialed faculty members engaged in cutting-edge research, and access to 60 state-of-the-art centers and labs.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 24 units
Average Time-to-Degree: 5.5-6 years
Annual Tuition: $10,552 (Resident); $18,103 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
6%
Graduation
96%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1515/34
University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $63,452
Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science
UPenn, also an Ivy League private research university, welcomes motivated individuals to its challenging Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science program where technical and transferable skills are equally emphasized. Students must possess the intellectual skills to keep up with the demanding program of study, as well as follow through on their dissertation until completion.
The research opportunities in the computer science degree program are among the most diverse, from theories and applications in databases, artificial intelligence and machine language, and software engineering, among others. There’s a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaborations, too, with disciplines as diverse as biology and linguistics.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 21 credits (With a master’s degree) or 33 credits (Without a master’s degree)
Average Time-to-Degree: 5-6 years
Tuition and Fees: $46,998
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
8%
Graduation
95%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1515/35
Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $60,480
PhD in Computer Science
Johns Hopkins, a private research university located in Baltimore, takes pride in its on-campus PhD in Computer Science program, thanks to its excellent academic quality, student and graduate outcomes, and cutting-edge research projects.
Students can focus their time and energy on their coursework and research, thanks to significant funding support. Teaching and research fellowships are available for qualified students, and there’s an intensive matching process between PhD candidates and their faculty advisors to ensure successful research outcomes.
The computer science degree program emphasizes both research and teaching skills, thus, the required teaching practicum. Students must also comply with independent research-related requirements including didactic courses, two qualifying projects, and dissertation.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: Minimum of 24 credits (Eight required courses)
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Total Direct Costs: $63,802 per academic year
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1435/32
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Southern California
Tuition + fees: $64,726
PhD in Computer Science
The faculty members of the PhD in Computer Science program at USC are engaged in cutting-edge research that contributes to notable research and development projects in the field of computer science. Students thrive in a conducive environment where excellence, innovation, and collaboration are emphasized.
The computer science doctorate program is also known for its emphasis on being the training ground for the industry’s future thought leaders. This is achieved through rigorous coursework, state-of-the-art original research projects, and an open environment. Students must also undergo an intensive review every fall and spring semesters to determine their satisfactory progress in the program.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 units
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Total Tuition and Fees: $94,976 for two semesters (Flat rate graduate)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
89%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1405/32
Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $62,360
PhD in Computer Science
Students in the PhD in Computer Science program perform crucial roles in Boston University’s computer science department. All students perform sponsored research alongside faculty members, serve as teaching assistants, and promote computer science as an academic discipline.
The foundation in the theories of computer science is strengthened by the practical learning and teaching experiences that students get during their stay in the computer science doctorate program. Students also make public presentations and attend seminars related to their research work. As a result, graduates are well-qualified for leadership positions in academia, government and business organizations.
PhD candidates must pass the two-stage process - first, the qualification stage with its didactic breadth coursework and qualifying depth and oral exams; and second, the dissertation stage including a public oral exam.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 64 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 4 years
Tuition and Fees: $64,712 per year
Featured Courses:
Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus
Tuition + fees: $18,898 (In-state)
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
Penn State, a top-ranked public research university, offers a world-class PhD in Computer Science and Engineering program with courses that prepare students for the challenging yet rewarding work in computer science, computer engineering, and related fields. While it’s a research-centric doctorate degree program, it has a strong emphasis on the practical applications of theoretical research in the diverse areas of computer science.
Graduate students engage in independent and original research in numerical analysis, network security, and computer vision, among other advanced topics.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 21 credits (With a master’s degree) or 33 credits (Without a master’s degree), minimum
Average Time-to-Degree: 4-5 years
Per Credit Hour Cost:
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
67%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/25
University of Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $10,287
PhD in Computer Science
Graduate students in Utah’s PhD in Computer Science program enjoy significant financial support through graduate assistantships, both teaching and research positions, and fellowships.
The program of study emphasizes the theories, systems, and hardware of computer science, meaning students must tackle rigorous coursework first. Students, however, are encouraged to explore their own interests and contribute to the field through original research.
Graduate students must also spend at least two consecutive semesters in on-campus, full-time academic work. This includes regular coursework and dissertation research. Students must also pass a two-part qualifying exam.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 50 credits, minimum
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Per Credit Hour Cost: $300.58 (Resident); $1,057.91 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
59%
Graduation
82%
Student body
22K
Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $60,135
PhD in Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, the PhD in Computer/Information Science and Engineering program trains the nation’s future thought leaders, researchers, and scientists in computer science and engineering. Students develop their knowledge and skills in conducting original research, evaluating ideas with intellectual skills, and communicating their ideas and conclusions to diverse audiences.
For this purpose, students in the computer science doctorate program must comply with the academic requirements including comprehensive exams and dissertation proposal and defense. The research topics cover computer science, computer engineering, and even electrical engineering with an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 52 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Total Tuition: $33,696 for one academic year
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
62%
Graduation
78%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
University of South Carolina’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Tuition + fees: $12,688
PhD in Computer Science
The online PhD in Computer Science program at the University of South Carolina has a strong research focus that prepares online students for leadership positions in higher education institutions, government agencies, and research organizations. The program of study involves intensive coursework in three core areas: Computer Architecture, Compiler Construction, and Analysis of Algorithms. Students in the online computer science degree program must also comply with the requirements of the Advances in Computing Seminar.
Elective courses in the online computer science program are intended to broaden the students’ intellectual horizons and enable them to gain specialized skills. The curriculum of the online PhD in Computer Science program also includes dissertation research with a proposal, a dissertation, and a defense, as well as qualifying and comprehensive exams. Research topics are in artificial intelligence, big data and data mining, quantum computing, and more.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 60 credits
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Tuition per Semester, Full-time: $6,867 (Resident); 14,880 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
82%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1350/31
Southern Methodist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $61,980
PhD in Computer Science
Students in the PhD in Computer Science program are assured of outstanding student support services that contribute to their success in and out of the classroom. The research-oriented program of study trains students to become exceptional problem solvers, decision makers, and logical thinkers that contribute to the advancement of computer science.
The program of study in the doctorate in computer science program has an organic progression starting with an initial advising session with faculty members. Students then engage in rigorous basic coursework followed by the dissertation phase.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 78 credits beyond bachelor’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Per Credit Hour Cost: $1,350
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
40%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1080/21
University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Arkansas – Little Rock
Tuition + fees: $8,366
PhD in Computer and Information Sciences
The online PhD in Computer and Information Sciences program allows its students to complete the didactic courses via its learning management system. But students are also required to complete three on-campus residencies to earn their doctorate degree.
The information and computer science online program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaborations between students and faculty members. Graduates become successful professionals whose contributions to advance the field of computer science are recognized for their influential impact.
Students can choose from two concentrations: the Information Quality option and the Information Science track. All students must attend the three-semester Integrated Computing Seminar, as well as complete the coursework with a 3.0 GPA, minimum, the qualifying exam, and the dissertation requirements.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 75 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 5 years
Per Credit Hour Cost: $383
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
81%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/28
Auburn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $11,826
PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering
The online PhD in Computer Science and Software Engineering program requires students to demonstrate outstanding research skills and comprehensive grasp of advanced theories of computer science and software engineering. Students engage in cutting-edge research projects and submit an original dissertation on their chosen topic. Students in the doctorate in software engineering and computer science online program must also pass the two-part general doctoral exam.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 66 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 4 years
Per Credit Hour Cost: $577 (Resident); $1,731 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
60%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/23
University of North Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $11,994
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
UNT’s on-campus PhD in Computer Science and Engineering program is recognized for its excellence in the field, thanks to its Center for Academic Excellence in Research and Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education designations. Students engage in research on a wide range of topics including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and natural language processing, and more.
Graduates of the doctorate in computer science and engineering program are respected for their significant impact on the advancement of the discipline, both in terms of theories and applications. Their training starts during participation in faculty-led research with grants from the likes of the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Education.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 72 credits with bachelor’s degree; 42 credits with master’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 3-4 years
Annual Tuition and Fees: $23,978 (Resident); $31,322 (Non-resident)
Featured Courses:
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
70%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
University of Rhode Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees: $15,880
Ph.D. in Computer Science
URI’s online Ph.D. in Computer Science program requires students to complete a major research project that contributes to the body of knowledge, and even proposes solutions for real-world issues. Students undergo an intensive program of study that includes didactic coursework, a qualifying and comprehensive exam, and a dissertation.
Earning the doctorate in computer science degree also means demonstrating mastery of three core areas: programming languages, mathematical foundations, and architecture and systems.
Admission Requirements:
Required Credit Hours: 72 credits with bachelor’s degree; 42 with master’s degree
Average Time-to-Degree: 4 years
Annual Total Tuition for Full-time Students $17,450 (In-state); $31,952 (Out-of-state); $25,152 (Regional)
Featured Courses:
PhD graduates will find that earning the post-graduate degree is well worth the time, effort, and money if and when it aligns with their specific professional goals and personal aspirations! The career advancement opportunities in the public and private sectors as well as in employment and entrepreneurial ventures are better with a PhD in Computer Science degree—and that’s, ultimately, what makes it worth it. Of course, there are also the benefits of intellectual growth and personal fulfillment, as well as access to industry resources and expertise.