Computer and technology jobs account for 10% of the nation's economy, and the industry employed 12 million workers in 2019. Countless businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and private individuals rely on computers and technology, creating an in-demand field for computer science degree graduates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% growth rate for jobs in this sector, much faster than the 4% projected growth rate for all occupations. Computer and technology practitioners with a Ph.D. in computer science can look forward to entering a robust and growth-oriented job market.
View Our Rankings List Here
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
Ph.D in Computer Science: Students Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Ph.D. in computer science worth it?
Senior research positions and postsecondary teaching in the field often require candidates to hold a Ph.D. in computer science.
Does a Ph.D. increase salary?
According to BLS data, doctoral degree candidates earn median weekly earnings of $1,885, higher than master's, bachelor's, and associate degree-holders.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in computer science?
Learners typically take 4-5 years to complete a Ph.D. in computer science. Completion often depends on a student's academic background prior to the program.
What kinds of jobs can you get with a computer science degree?
Computer science degree jobs include data scientist, software engineer, network architect, and systems analyst.
Why Get a Degree in Computer Science?
A computer science degree can lead to career paths in diverse industries and qualifies degree-holders for many high-paying positions. Computer and information technology professionals earn a median salary of $91,250 per year, more than twice the average income for workers in all other occupations ($41,950). The 11% projected growth rate for this sector translates to the addition of 531,200 new jobs from 2019-2029.
Whether students complete an on-campus or online computer science degree, they can enter a field with high income potential and ample opportunities for career growth.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
How Much Does a Computer Science Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that graduate students enrolled in a public institution within their home state paid an average of $12,171 for the 2018-2019 academic year. Learners paid $27,776 in tuition and fees for private colleges and universities during the same time period. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in computer science can expect to pay similar amounts for one year of enrollment in a doctoral program.
Online enrollees often save a substantial amount because they do not incur additional rent and transportation expenses. Moreover, some schools allow out-of-state online enrollees to pay in-state tuition. Since the difference between resident and nonresident tuition can be significant, students should find out whether their prospective college or university offers this benefit.
At the Ph.D. level, most schools offer students financial support through fellowships and grants, which can make a doctoral degree more affordable.
How Much Do Computer Science Majors Make?
A Ph.D. in computer science often qualifies degree-holders for top-level positions in academia and research. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers earn a median annual salary of $80,790. Graduates working for grantmaking and giving organizations earn the highest median annual salary of $127,120. The states paying the highest salaries for postsecondary teachers include New York ($126,560), California ($105,100), Oregon ($96,270), New Hampshire ($89,830), and Vermont ($88,510).
Computer and information research scientists also earn high median salaries of $126,830 annually. The top-paying states for professionals in this field include California ($150,830), Virginia ($146,830), Washington state ($143,010), New York ($138,190), and Oregon ($137,760).
Courses in Computer Science
Courses for doctoral programs in computer science can vary significantly, depending on a school's focus, resources, and faculty. Some schools offer concentration areas such as human-computer interaction, language and information technologies, machine learning, and software engineering.
Colleges and universities offering an on-campus and online computer science degree generally adhere to one curriculum, especially when making foundation courses available in both formats. However, at the doctoral level, most schools allow students to follow an individualized study plan comprising classes most relevant to their career, research, and academic goals.
The courses described below represent a sample curriculum in computer science.
Compiler Design
Students learn about various storage management techniques using recursive functions, which enables them to write more efficient programs with minimal code. The course familiarizes students with concepts such as target code generation, syntax and semantic analysis, compiler structures, and high-level language design and implementation.Principles of Database Systems
The course helps students develop an in-depth understanding of database management systems design through an explanation of relevant topics such as structured data, recovery, and query optimization. The course also covers several aspects of distributed databases including fault tolerance and distributed concurrency control.Theory of Computation
Students examine different computation models and study their properties and relational significance to each other. They also explore various computation theories and relevant formal languages. The course includes topics such as algorithmically solvable and unsolvable problems, formal grammars and models for recognizers, and computations complexity.
Certifications and Licensure for Computer Science
Professionals with a Ph.D. in computer science who wish to work in academia as a professor must first earn a teaching license from the board of education in the state where they plan to teach. No licensure requirements exist for degree-holders wishing to practice in the private sector or government agencies. However, earning a credible certification in a specific professional field signifies the degree-holder's commitment to the field and advanced knowledge and skills.
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium administers this credential. Ideal candidates include experienced security practitioners, network architects, and chief information officers. To earn the CISSP credential, candidates must pass a 250-question exam.
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) administers the CGEIT credential. ISACA requires candidates to hold at least five years of professional-level enterprise management experience. The exam covers five domains: benefits realization, IT governance framework, resource optimization, risk optimization, and strategic management.
Although a vendor-neutral certification, CompTIA Cloud+ nevertheless enjoys industry-wide recognition. The credential presents the degree-holder as a skilled and knowledgeable professional who can configure, deploy, and manage cloud-based infrastructure services. The exam comprises 90 performance-based questions that test-takers must complete in 90 minutes.
Scholarships for Computer Science
Colleges and universities usually offer various research and teaching fellowships to attract and support doctoral candidates. Students can also explore financial assistance programs administered by state and federal agencies, professional organizations, and nonprofits with established ties to the field.
Scholarships for Computer Science
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
American Fellowships from AAUW |
$6,000-$30,000 |
The American Association of University Women accepts applications from women scholars pursuing a doctoral degree in any field. Applicants must hold full-time status and can apply the funds toward their dissertation research. |
Love Your Career Scholarship |
$1,000 |
JonesTshirts.com awards this scholarship biannually to students attending an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants submit an essay that details how they plan to pursue a career they love. |
Online Ph.D. in Computer Science Programs
#1 Online Ph.D. In Computer Science
Capitol Technology University
- Laurel, MD
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in Laurel, Maryland, Capitol Technology University welcomes students as a private institution. The school offers online doctorates in many academic and professional subjects. The doctor of philosophy in computer science program builds on the student's prior knowledge to strengthen advanced skills.
An online doctorate helps learners pursue an advanced degree while working full time. Degree-seekers may need to visit campus occasionally for in-person activities, such as labs or simulations.
A doctoral degree, the terminal degree in the field, builds expert-level knowledge. Students typically spend 3-6 years completing a doctorate. After earning a doctorate, graduates may work in academia or research.
Capitol Technology University at a Glance:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Graduate Tuition: $11,124
Admission Rate: 83%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Online Ph.D. In Computer Science
Mississippi State University
- Mississippi State, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mississippi State University is a leader in e-learning. A doctoral degree from this school gives professionals the highest credential possible in their field. Learners can pursue a doctor of philosophy in computer science among the school's options.
In addition to coursework, students can receive credit for completing service-learning experiences. The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for graduate-level experiential learning. Degree-seekers can join student organizations to access professional development and network with peers.
Mississippi State University Numbers:
Percent of Undergrads Who Graduate: 61%
Percentage of Students Receiving Aid: 95%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 46%
Average Per-Credit Tuition: Not Known
Average Net Price With Aid: $16,471
Applies Transfer Credits: No
Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, a regional accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
18%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Ph.D. In Computer Science
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University offers on-campus and online programs. The school's online doctoral programs include a Ph.D. in computer science. Prospective applicants should contact the program to learn more about the admission requirements.
The program's online format helps degree-seekers earn a doctorate in a flexible learning environment. Students considering the program can reach out to a faculty advisor to learn about any in-person requirements.
A doctoral degree, the highest level of education in the field, builds expert-level knowledge. Doctoral students generally earn their degree in 3-6 years. Graduates may pursue careers in academia or research.
Nova Southeastern University Facts:
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Graduate Tuition: $19,665
Admission Rate: 80%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Reviewed by
