Graduate Field
Computer Science
Program Description
Join a top ranked Ph.D. program where pioneering research spans the full spectrum of computer science, with opportunities to work alongside renowned faculty in both Ithaca, N.Y. and New York City campuses. Our program integrates cutting-edge research with interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting doctoral students with leading experts in computer science, engineering, and mathematics.
Our research excellence spans areas such as: artificial intelligence, computer graphics, systems, security, machine learning, and digital libraries, while maintaining our depth in traditional areas such as theory, programming languages, and scientific computing.
The graduate field of computer science seeks to produce well-rounded researchers who have demonstrated both breadth in computer science and depth in specific areas of concentration.
Concentrations
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science
- Programming languages and logics
- Scientific computing and applications
- Systems
- Theory of computation
Program Information
- Program Mode of Delivery: In Person
- Program Location: Ithaca, NY
Program Requirements
- Minimum Semesters for Degree: 6
Graduate School Milestones
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training: Required
- Open Researcher and Contributor ID (ORCID): Required
- Student Progress Reviews (SPR) begin: Second Year
- Examination for admission to candidacy (A exam): Before seventh semester begins
- Defense of Dissertation (B exam): At least two semesters after the A exam, determined by student progress and special committee approval. Usually completed fifth or sixth year
Field Specific Milestones
- Field progress review every year
- Two semesters of teaching assistantship required
Course Requirements
Additional course requirements may be set by the student’s special committee. Program specific requirements that apply to all students are included below.
- CS 6006 Succeeding in the Graduate Environment, completed in the first semester
Before A Exam
- Competency in AI, theory, systems, and programming languages
Before B Exam
- Completion of the five course breadth requirement
Graduate School Enrollment Requirements
Course Requirements
- Course requirements are determined by the student’s Special Committee.
- Enrollment in a GRAD research course or the equivalent field specific research course is expected of all students each semester through graduation. These courses include:
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
Admissions
Application Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
Fall, December 15; no spring admission
Requirements Summary
To permit immediate enrollment in graduate-level courses, applicants are expected to have an appropriate background in the major subject chosen. Please visit our website for more information on the field.
Email questions regarding the Ph.D. application to phd@cs.cornell.edu or see the CS Ph.D. Applicant Guide. For more information on the Ph.D. program, please visit the Computer Science Ph.D. page.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: phd@cs.cornell.edu
Phone: 607-255-8231
Campus Address: 233 Bowers Computing and Information Science Building
Website: https://www.cs.cornell.edu/phd-computer-science
