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Davis College
Department of Computer Science
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Doctoral Program in Computer Science

Join TCU's Ph.D. program in Computer Science and develop original research in AI, cybersecurity, and data science — with full funding, close faculty mentorship, and enterprise-grade computing through TCU's AI² initiative.

The Ph.D. in Computer Science prepares you for a career as an independent researcher, educator, and innovator in academia, industry, or government. It combines strong foundational training, early research engagement, and faculty-mentored dissertation work leading to an original contribution to the field — and is designed to be completed in approximately five years.

At a Glance

  • 54 minimum credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree

  • Full funding for every student — tuition waiver plus a $30,000–$38,000 annual stipend (2026–27)

  • ~5 years, in person, full-time

  • Start terms: Fall and Spring

Program Overview

The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including coursework and dissertation research:

  • Core coursework — 15 hours

  • Advanced electives — 15 hours

  • Doctoral research and dissertation — minimum 24 hours

Students entering with a master's degree may transfer up to 24 credit hours with approval.

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, browse our faculty and their research.

Program Milestones

  1. Preliminary Examination (Year 1) — evaluates core CS fundamentals.

  2. Research Readiness Assessment — develops research and communication skills.

  3. Qualifying Examination (Candidacy) — dissertation proposal and defense.

  4. Dissertation and Final Defense — original research contribution.

Sample Courses

  • Advanced Operating Systems (COSC 60203)

  • Advanced Analysis of Algorithms (COSC 60403)

  • Machine Learning (COSC 50513)

  • Deep Learning (COSC 50523)

  • Data Mining (COSC 50303)

  • Parallel Computing (COSC 50203)

  • Advanced Software Engineering (COSC 60103)

  • Research Methods and Scholarship in Computer Science (COSC 60903)

See the full catalog

Why TCU

  • Full funding from day one. Every Ph.D. student receives full funding — a full tuition waiver plus an annual stipend of $30,000 (2026–27) — and students who earn the competitive Louise Dilworth Davis Scholar Award receive an additional $8,000, for up to $38,000 per year. Funding is supported through fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

  • A small, selective cohort. Working in small cohorts alongside a growing faculty, you'll have mentorship and research access that larger programs can't match.

  • Serious computing power. Through AI², students access enterprise-grade GPU infrastructure — including 16 NVIDIA H200 GPUs, built in partnership with Dell Technologies and AWS — supporting large-scale deep learning, model training, and data-intensive research from the start.

  • A major tech market at your doorstep. TCU sits in Dallas–Fort Worth, one of the country's largest and fastest-growing technology hubs, with nearby industry research labs, data center operators, and AI companies.

Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a closely related discipline. Students with degrees outside computer science may be admitted if they demonstrate sufficient preparation in core areas such as algorithms, systems, programming, and software engineering.

Admission decisions are based on academic record, research potential, and alignment with faculty expertise. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in prior graduate or upper-level undergraduate coursework is expected.

Application materials:

  • Statement of purpose describing research interests and goals

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Official transcripts of all prior academic work

  • GRE scores — optional, and considered if submitted

  • International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through an approved test such as the TOEFL iBT (minimum overall score of 90), the IELTS Academic (minimum overall band score of 6.5), or the Duolingo English Test (minimum score of 115)

Admission is contingent upon the availability of an appropriate faculty advisor.

Learn about graduate financial support

Career Prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers as researchers, faculty, and advanced computing professionals across academia, industry, and government — including roles such as research scientist, data scientist, AI engineer, machine learning engineer, cybersecurity researcher, and university faculty member.

Apply

Applications are submitted through the TCU Graduate Studies Office.

Start Your Application

For questions about the Ph.D. in Computer Science or the application process, contact:

Dr. Bingyang Wei
Department Chair
b.wei@tcu.edu