Fully Funded PhD Program in Computer Science at University of Michigan
Students newly admitted to the doctoral program are classified as pre-candidates. Upon entering a doctoral program, there is a PhD qualifying process, normally completed during the first two years. After all requirements except the dissertation are completed, students become candidates.
Students entering a CSE doctoral program with a bachelor’s degree typically become candidates in the third year and and are strongly encouraged to complete the degree within five years.
Such students ordinarily complete the requirements for a master’s degree along the way and receive this degree in addition to the PhD A masters thesis is optional.
Students who enter a CSE doctoral program with a master’s in the field of their program typically become candidates in their second year and are strongly encouraged to complete the degree within four years. Such students are not ordinarily eligible to receive a CSE master’s degree.
PhD in Computer Science Program Requirements
1. We expect applicants to have earned their bachelor’s degrees by the time they matriculate, and to possess strong backgrounds in computer science or a related discipline.
- If your degree is from a non-US institution, verify if your degree meets our bachelor’s degree requirement here
- If you have a MS or PhD in computer science or an equivalent field from another institution, you cannot apply for the same degree at the University of Michigan.
2. Successful applicants usually have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 and three strong letters of recommendation. International students must demonstrate English proficiency.
3. Students admitted to the PhD program generally exceed these standards. In addition, students admitted to the Ph.D. program often have prior research experience or have demonstrated research aptitude.
PhD Funding Coverage
Funding is available to CSE graduate students in the form of fellowships, research assistantships (GSRA), and teaching assistantships (GSI).
An exceptionally attractive feature of our program is that students admitted at the PhD level are guaranteed full financial support for their PhD studies, as long as they are making satisfactory progress, meet required milestones, and maintain a research advisor relationship.
PhD-bound students are supported during their first year as fellows and/or GSRAs; all students are then supported as GSRAs or GSIs in their second and subsequent years.
Application Requirement
1. Online application: The application for admission to the doctoral program is completed online through the Rackham Graduate School.
2. Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose should be a concise, well-written document about your academic and/or research background, as well as your career goals. Additionally, it should communicate how CSE’s graduate program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. The statement of purpose has a 3 page limit.
3. Personal Statement: Your personal statement should describe how your life experiences – cultural, geographical, financial, educational, and/or other opportunities/challenges – motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree in CSE.
4. Resume: Please provide your resume that highlights your education, work experience, research publications, teaching experience, professional activities, volunteer service, community engagement, honors and awards.
5. Research Interest: Select your primary and secondary areas of research interest.
6. Faculty Interest: Select up to five CSE faculty whose research interests align with yours and whom you would consider as potential research advisors.
7. Letters of Recommendation: Request 3 letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your academic performance and research potential. Recommendation letters should be submitted electronically through the online application system.
8. GRE: GRE scores are neither required nor considered in the admissions process.
9. English Proficiency Test Scores: Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency, unless they meet one of the criteria for an exemption.
10. Transcripts: Upload an electronic version of your official transcript(s) for each bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral degree earned, or in progress, through your ApplyWeb application account.
Application Deadline
December 15, 2023
Application Fee
The application fee for the PhD program in Computer Science is $75 for US citizens or permanent residents and $90 for non-US citizens.
