Doctorate in Computer Science: FAQ

1. What kind of requirements can I expect to need to fulfill before applying to a Doctorate in Computer Science program?
   All doctoral programs in the field of computer science will include at least a bachelor’s degree as an entrance requirement.  Some will require students have a master’s degree, while others may have a bachelor’s-to-doctorate track that basically includes your graduate study within the doctoral program.  Your academic background should be strongly, if not exclusively, focused on computer science/information technology, and relevant career experience is helpful.

   Most programs will require you to take at least the GRE; some may also require that you’ve taken the computer science subject GRE exam.

   All programs will require a well-written statement of purpose that concisely describes your qualifications and career goals.
   

2. What kind of coursework should I expect in a Doctorate in Computer Science program?
   A doctoral program in computer science isn’t going to focus on teaching you about computer science itself in coursework, for the most part–this should be information you already have a strong foundation in.  Instead, coursework will focus on research methods and theory, experiment design, and of course, preparing for your dissertation.
   
3. Will I have to write a dissertation for a Doctorate in Computer Science?
   Absolutely.  For many programs, this is the most heavily weighted portion of the program and entails finishing up with a dissertation that is publishable, even if not actually published.  You’ll conduct your own original research via experimentation or other methods, as well as surveying the existing primary resources in your field for further research.
   
4. How long does it take to finish a Doctorate in Computer Science?
   A typical doctoral level degree takes 5-7 years to complete; some may be finished more quickly through accelerated coursework (although there’s really little that can be done to accelerate a dissertation); some may take longer.

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