Doctoral Program in Computer Science
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Build deep expertise in computing, pursue original research, and prepare for careers in academia, research laboratories, and technology innovation.
Degree Requirements
The Ph.D. requires at least 54 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree: 15 hours of core coursework (6 required hours plus 9 selected hours), 15 hours of advanced electives, and at least 24 hours of doctoral research and dissertation. With approval, students entering with a master's degree may transfer up to 24 credits.
Core Coursework; 15 Credit Hours
All Ph.D. students complete two required courses (6 credit hours) and select three additional courses (9 credit hours) from the approved core course list, based on their research interests and advisor approval.
Required courses; 6 credit hours
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| COSC 60203 | Advanced Operating Systems | 3 |
| COSC 60403 | Advanced Analysis of Algorithms | 3 |
Choose three courses; 9 credit hours
Choose any three of the following courses with advisor approval.
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| COSC 50253 | Parallel Computing | 3 |
| COSC 50303 | Data Mining | 3 |
| COSC 50513 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| COSC 50523 | Deep Learning | 3 |
| COSC 60103 | Advanced Software Engineering | 3 |
| COSC 60253 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 |
| COSC 60413 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 |
| COSC 60223 | Computer Networks | 3 |
Advanced Electives; 15 Credit Hours
Students complete 15 credit hours of advanced electives selected in consultation with their research advisor.
Additional graduate courses
Other graduate-level offerings include the following courses. Availability and applicability to the degree should be confirmed with the advisor and department.
| Course | Course Title | CRedit Hours |
| COSC 60533 | Knowledge Graphs | 3 |
| COSC 60903 | Research Methods and Scholarship in Computer Science | 3 |
| COSC 50643 | AI for Cyber Defense | 3 |
| COSC 50643 | Security and Trustworthiness of AI Systems | 3 |
Students may also select unused courses from the core selection list as electives, subject to advisor approval.
New graduate courses may be offered each semester based on faculty expertise and emerging research areas.
Doctoral research and dissertation; minimum 24 credits
| Course | Description |
| COSC 60970 | Doctoral Research; Structured doctoral research prior to candidacy. |
| COSC 60970 | Dissertation; Dissertation research under graduate faculty supervision. |
| COSC 90990 | Dissertation; Dissertation research under graduate faculty supervision. |
Under faculty guidance, students identify an important research question, develop and evaluate original approaches, communicate their findings, and complete a dissertation.
Research Areas
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity and Systems Security
- Data Science and Data Mining
- Software Engineering and Systems
- Computer Systems and Networks
To find a potential advisor whose work aligns with your interests, .
Academic Milestones
1. Preliminary examination
Demonstrate foundational knowledge in core computer science subjects, generally during
the first year.
2. Research readiness
Develop research, critical reading, and scholarly communication skills.
3. Qualifying examination
Demonstrate readiness for independent dissertation research, including proposal development
and defense.
4. Dissertation and final defense
Complete and defend an original research contribution.
Illustrative Five-year Pathway
| Stage | Typical focus |
| Year 1 | Core coursework, research engagement, preliminary examination |
| Year 2 | Advanced electives, advisor-guided research, research readiness |
| Year 3 | Specialization, qualifying examination and dissertation proposal |
| Year 4-5 | Dissertation research, publications, final defense |
Individual plans depend on prior preparation and research progress.
Advising, Academic Progress & Policies
Students work with a faculty research advisor and the Graduate Director to plan coursework and milestones. Students should consult the official TCU Graduate Catalog and department for current academic policies and degree requirements.
Admissions
Applicants may enter with a suitable bachelor’s or master’s degree. The expected minimum GPA is 3.0 in relevant upper-level or graduate coursework. The GRE is optional. Admission depends on research fit and an available advisor.