Computer Science PhD

Earn your PhD in Computer Science 100% online!

Program-at-a-Glance (Graduate)

Credit Hours:

54

Cost per Credit Hour:

$556.12

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Completion Time:

3-5 years *pending hours enrolled and dissertation completion

Special Requirements:

No GRE Required

Learn more about this program:

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Ready to push the boundaries of computing? The University of Southern Mississippi’s online PhD in Computer Science will help launch you into the future of technology. Our students gain real-world experience through groundbreaking research while immersing themselves in the theory and practice of computer science. Our doctoral students are well-prepared for research careers in both academia and industry.

Explore cutting-edge research in:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Machine Learning
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Vision
  • Robotics

Whether your interest lies in algorithm design, machine learning, or advanced computer architecture, this online PhD in Computer Science can be tailored to your specialized area of research and focus. Join us and become a leader in the cutting-edge fields shaping our world.

Looking for more? Our enrollment coaches are standing by to assist you. Click here for more info! This is your life, plus college!

Scholarship opportunities are available for online students! Our Online Student Scholarship gives first-time, fully online students an opportunity for $500 towards their first semester. To get started with our Online Student Scholarship or to view our list of available scholarships for which you may qualify, visit our Student Scholarship page now!

What can you do with a PhD in Computer Science?

A PhD in Computer Science prepares you for high-level research careers in academia and industry.

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Course Requirements (54 Hours)

Course Credits
Seminar in Computer Science
1 hrs.
Dissertation
12 hrs.

Select 4 Courses:

Course Credits
Advanced Computer Architecture
3 hrs.
Parallel and Distributed Computing
3 hrs.
Advanced Distribution Database Systems
3 hrs.
Advanced Algorithms
3 hrs.
Machine Learning
3 hrs.

Electives, Choose from CSC or COS courses, 500 level and above (29 hrs)

Additional Note

Please note that the above information is meant to be a guide and is not official. For further information regarding courses for this degree, see the University Bulletin. Please be aware that not all course choices listed in the University Bulletin are available online. However, sufficient online options are available to complete this degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

To find pricing information, visit our pricing page. For financial aid information, view our financial aid page. For detailed tuition information, visit our business services page.

How long does the program take to complete?

Computer Science PhD students take, on average, four years to complete the degree, but it is truly dependent on the student.

Does the program require a dissertation?

Yes, students are required to write a dissertation based on original research. There is no set minimum or maximum for length of dissertation.

Is the Computer Science PhD a Synchronous Program?

No, the Computer Science PhD program is asynchronous. There are no set class meeting times, giving our students more flexibility in their learning.

Are GRE scores required?

No, the GRE is no longer required for admission into this program.

When can I start?

The Computer Science PhD program welcomes new students in both the spring and fall semesters.

Do online students pay out-of-state tuition?

No, online students pay resident tuition. For information about pricing, click here.

What if I am a veteran or service member?

Visit online.usm.edu/military for more information on how Southern Miss can serve you and your needs. We will help you with funding and scholarship information, admissions, and course enrollment.

Can this degree be completed fully online?

Yes. The Computer Science Doctoral Program can be completed entirely online. Computer Science students are not required to travel to the University at any point during their enrollment, including commencement.

Will my diploma say “online”?

No, your degree is held to the same high level of rigor no matter the type of delivery, including online, so there is no label on online students’ degrees.

How many years does one have to complete the Ph.D. in Computer Science?

The student has 8 years to complete the degree. The vast majority of students need less time, but all are allowed the full 8 years

Is a M.S. in Computer Science required to earn this degree?

Applicants who do not already hold an M.S. degree in Computer Science but have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of computer architecture, data structures and algorithms, and software design may be admitted but will need to take an additional 30 hours of coursework, earning an M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D.

Do you offer Senior Citizen tuition discounts?

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program for Mississippi residents age 62 or older. Legal residents of the State of Mississippi age 62 or older may enroll tuition-free in a maximum of six (6) semester hours for the fall or spring term. Courses on all campuses (Online, Hattiesburg, and Gulf Coast) are available to senior citizens on a space available, first come first serve basis. This scholarship program applies to fall and spring courses only.

To inquire about the availability of this scholarship, contact the registrar’s office. 

Is the University of Southern Mississippi accredited?

Yes, the University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). For the complete accreditation statement and additional information, please visit www.usm.edu/university/accreditation.php.

Admission Requirements

Applicants who do not already hold an M.S. degree in Computer Science but have demonstrated proficiency in the areas of computer architecture, data structures and algorithms, and software design may be admitted but will need to take an additional 30 hours of coursework, earning an M.S. degree en route to the Ph.D. Successful applicants will possess a grade point average of at least 3.5 on all graduate work attempted. A student applying for admission will need the following to complete the application:

  1. Resumè
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. Three Letters of Recommendation

See Admission Requirements and Procedures for other requirements.

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

A minimum of eighty-four (84) graduate semester hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or a minimum of fifty-four (54) graduate semester hours beyond the master’s is required for this degree. A student must form a doctoral committee consisting of five members. A minimum of three members (including the chair) must be faculty of the School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering. Students must also pass a comprehensive examination consisting of two sections from the four corresponding areas of the core curriculum, which is prepared by a committee of computer science faculty.

See General Degree Requirements and General Academic Information for other requirements and expectations.

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