Fully Funded PhD in Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon’s Ph.D. in Computer Science is, above all, a research degree. When the faculty award a Ph.D., they certify that the student has a broad foundation and awareness of core concepts in computer science, has advanced the field by performing significant original research and has reported that work in a scholarly fashion.
When you begin our Ph.D. program, you’ll take the Introductory Course for Doctoral Students — an intense two week program that orients you to the department, introduces you to research and education topics our faculty are interested in, helps you find a faculty advisor and familiarizes you with Carnegie Mellon’s resources.
Next, you’ll gain a broad understanding of fundamental research issues in major areas of computer science through coursework and original research. Finally, you’ll write and orally defend a thesis that guarantees you understand the area well enough to advance the state of knowledge in the field.
PhD in Computer Science Program Requirements
PhD require an undergraduate-level background in statistics or computer science. The applicant must show evidence of mastery of this material. A normalized GPA of 3.0 or higher.
PhD Funding Coverage
The Computer Science Department offers all PhD students full financial support while they are in good academic standing in their respective programs.
PhD students will receive financial support (tuition, fees, monthly stipend) from a variety of sources, including CMU research assistantships, outside fellowships and government grants (e.g., NSF or other government institutions).
Students are encouraged to apply for outside funding and fellowships; research assistantships are available for students without their own funding.
Application Requirement
1. School of Computer Science Online Application.
2. Application Fee: School of Computer Science Online Application. The application fee is $100 per program. If you apply before the early deadline of Nov. 29, 2023 (3 p.m. EST), then the application fee is $80 per program.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): GRE scores will not be accepted if they are more than five years old.
4. Proof of English Language Proficiency: If you will be studying on an F-1 or J-1 visa, and English is not a native language for you (native language…meaning spoken at home and from birth), we are required to formally evaluate your English proficiency.
5. Unofficial Transcripts: All transcripts must be uploaded by the final deadline. Since fall grades are not required, upload your transcripts as early as possible. We do not require hard copies of your transcripts at the time of application. If you are accepted to a program, you will be given instructions to mail your transcripts at that time.
6. Resume/CV: Submit your current resume. It should outline your education, research experience, work experience, publications, scholarships awarded, prizes and honors received, society memberships, and any other extracurricular activities. You must upload your resume in PDF format.
7. Statement of Purpose (SOP): Submit a Statement of Purpose. Prepare a concise one- or two-page essay that describes your primary areas of interest in research, your related experiences and your objective in pursuing a graduate degree at Carnegie Mellon. Your essay should be specific in describing your interests and motivations. When describing your research interests, you should explain why you think they are important areas of study and why you are particularly well-suited to pursuing them.
8. Letters of Recommendation (LOR): Submit three letters of recommendation. Recommenders should know you relatively well and be able to evaluate the quality of your previous work. At least two should be from faculty or recent employers. Letters of recommendation will be requested and submitted electronically.
Application Deadline
- Early Deadline – November 29, 2024
- Final Deadline – December 13, 2024
Application Fee
- Early application deadline fee $80 per program.
- Application fee, after November 29, $100 per program.
