Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Computer Science
The PhD in Computer Science at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science typically requires between four and six years of study and culminates in a written thesis and public oral defense. Doctoral students are supported by research assistantships, teaching assistantships or fellowships that include a monthly stipend and tuition.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
- DepartmentComputer Science and Engineering
- Typical time to degree4–6 years (typical)
- Credit hours42 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Computer Science is
The program prepares the next generation of research leaders. Students receive training to perform novel and independent research in computer science.
The degree typically requires between four and six years of study, beginning with coursework and quickly transitioning into a focus on research activities, and culminates in a written thesis and public oral defense, demonstrating the candidate’s abilities as an independent researcher.
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research areas
Doctoral research in the PhD in Computer Science spans 9 areas published by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
- Artificial Intelligence
- Bioinformatics
- Embedded Systems
- Human-Centered Computing
- Machine Learning
- Networking
- Robotics
- Social Computing
- Systems
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
42 credit hours beyond the master’s, including the dissertation; 48 if the master’s is not from Lehigh. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
42 credit hours of work, including the dissertation, beyond the master’s degree — 48 hours if the master’s degree is not from Lehigh.
- First-year core
CSE 406 Research Methods, CSE 411 Advanced Programming Techniques and CSE 440 Advanced Algorithms.
- Breadth requirement
At least one graduate course at the 400 level in at least three of the following breadth areas: Artificial Intelligence and Data Science; Robotics and Computer Vision; Systems, Hardware and Networking; and/or Interdisciplinary Applications.
- Qualifying examination
A departmental qualifying examination must be passed.
- General examination
A general examination in the candidate’s area of specialization must be passed.
- Dissertation and defense
A written thesis and a public oral defense.
- Foreign language
Competence in a foreign language is not required.
Curriculum
Core and required courses
| Code | Course | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CSE 406 | Research Methods | Technical writing, literature, data, and ethics. |
| CSE 411 | Advanced Programming Techniques | Advanced programming and software engineering. |
| CSE 440 | Advanced Algorithms | Randomized algorithms and amortized analysis. |
Funding
Financial support
PhD students are supported through several financial mechanisms, most generally categorized as research assistantships (RA), teaching assistantships (TA), and fellowships. All support mechanisms generally include a monthly stipend and tuition. Up to 20 hours per week of work assignments are associated with TA and RA positions. Fellowships require no service. Financial support is merit-based, not need-based. Lehigh’s Pasteur PHD Partners (P3) Fellowship is a further opportunity.
Pasteur PHD Partners (P3) Fellowship
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Computer Science?
The PhD in Computer Science is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/cse/academics/computer-science-phd
How long does the PhD in Computer Science take?
4–6 years (typical).
How many credits does the PhD in Computer Science require?
42 credit hours beyond the master’s, including the dissertation; 48 if the master’s is not from Lehigh.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD in Computer Science?
No. Students enter the program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, and the credit requirement differs accordingly: 42 credit hours beyond the master’s, including the dissertation; 48 if the master’s is not from Lehigh.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Computer Science?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Computer Science?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
Is funding available for PhD in Computer Science students?
PhD students are supported through several financial mechanisms, most generally categorized as research assistantships (RA), teaching assistantships (TA), and fellowships. All support mechanisms generally include a monthly stipend and tuition. Up to 20 hours per week of work assignments are associated with TA and RA positions. Fellowships require no service. Financial support is merit-based, not need-based. Lehigh’s Pasteur PHD Partners (P3) Fellowship is a further opportunity.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Computer Science student?
Research areas published by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering: Artificial Intelligence; Bioinformatics; Embedded Systems; Human-Centered Computing; Machine Learning; Networking; Robotics; Social Computing; Systems.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Computer Science?
A departmental qualifying examination must be passed.
Is a foreign language required for the PhD in Computer Science?
Competence in a foreign language is not required.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Computer Science based?
The Department of Computer Science and Engineering is located in Building C, Lehigh Mountaintop Campus, 113 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Computer Science?
The department can be reached at cs@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-3065. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Address
Building C, Lehigh Mountaintop Campus
113 Research Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone and email
(610) 758-3065
cs@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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