- Values of Inclusion
- 2020 Antiracism Task Force
- 2022 DEI Report
- Research News
Department Life
- Listed by Recipient
- Listed by Category
- Oral History of Cornell CS
- CS 40th Anniversary Booklet
- ABC Book for Computer Science at Cornell by David Gries
- Books by Author
- Books Chronologically
- The 60's
- The 70's
- The 80's
- The 90's
- The 00's
- The 2010's
- Faculty Positions: Ithaca
- Faculty Positions: New York City
- Lecturer Position: Ithaca
- Post-doc Position: Ithaca
- Staff/Technical Positions
- Ugrad Course Staff
- Ithaca Info
- Internal info
- Graduation Information
- Cornell Learning Machines Seminar
- Student Colloquium
- Fall 2024 Colloquium
- Conway-Walker Lecture Series
- Salton 2024 Lecture Series
- Fall 2024 Artificial Intelligence Seminar
- Fall 2024 Robotics Seminar
- Fall 2024 Theory Seminar
- Big Red Hacks
- Cornell University - High School Programming Contests 2024
- Game Design Initiative
- CSMore: The Rising Sophomore Summer Program in Computer Science
- Explore CS Research
- ACSU Research Night
- Cornell Junior Theorists' Workshop 2023
- Researchers
- Ph.D. Students
- M.Eng. Students
- M.S. Students
- Ph.D. Alumni
- M.S. Alumni
- List of Courses
- Course and Room Roster
- CS Advanced Standing Exam
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computational Biology
- Database Systems
- Human Interaction
- Machine Learning
- Natural Language Processing
- Programming Languages
- Scientific Computing
- Software Engineering
- Systems and Networking
- Theory of Computing
- Contact Academic Advisor
- Your First CS Course
- Technical Electives
- CS with Other Majors/Areas
- Transfer Credits
- CS Honors Program
- CPT for International CS Undergrads
- Graduation Requirements
- Useful Forms
- Becoming a CS Major
- Requirements
- Game Design Minor
- Co-op Program
- Cornell Bowers CIS Undergraduate Research Experience (BURE)
- Independent Research (CS 4999)
- Student Groups
- UGrad Events
- Undergraduate Learning Center
- UGrad Course Staff Info
- The Review Process
- Early M.Eng Credit Approval
- Financial Aid
- Prerequisites
- The Application Process
- The Project
- Pre-approved Electives
- Degree Requirements
- The Course Enrollment Process
- Advising Tips
- Entrepreneurship
- Cornell Tech Programs
- Professional Development
- Contact MEng Office
- Career Success
- Applicant FAQ
- Computer Science Graduate Office Hours
- Exam Scheduling Guidelines
- Graduate TA Handbook
- MS Degree Checklist
- MS Student Financial Support
- Special Committee Selection
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Contact MS Office
- Ph.D. Applicant FAQ
- Graduate Housing
- Non-Degree Application Guidelines
- Ph. D. Visit Day
- Advising Guide for Research Students
- Business Card Policy
- Cornell Tech
- Curricular Practical Training
- A & B Exam Scheduling Guidelines
- Fellowship Opportunities
- Field of Computer Science Ph.D. Student Handbook
- Field A Exam Summary Form
- Graduate School Forms
- Instructor / TA Application
- Ph.D. Requirements
- Ph.D. Student Financial Support
- Travel Funding Opportunities
- Travel Reimbursement Guide
- The Outside Minor Requirement
- CS Graduate Minor
- Outreach Opportunities
- Parental Accommodation Policy
- Special Masters
- Student Spotlights
- Contact PhD Office
Search form
Computer Science Ph.D. Program
You are here.
The Cornell Ph.D. program in computer science is consistently ranked among the top six departments in the country, with world-class research covering all of computer science. Our computer science program is distinguished by the excellence of the faculty, by a long tradition of pioneering research, and by the breadth of its Ph.D. program. Faculty and Ph.D. students are located both in Ithaca and in New York City at the Cornell Tech campus . The Field of Computer Science also includes faculty members from other departments (Electrical Engineering, Information Science, Applied Math, Mathematics, Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Computational Biology, and Architecture) who can supervise a student's Ph.D. thesis research in computer science.
Over the past years we've increased our strength in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, systems, security, machine learning, and digital libraries, while maintaining our depth in traditional areas such as theory, programming languages and scientific computing. You can find out more about our research here .
The department provides an exceptionally open and friendly atmosphere that encourages the sharing of ideas across all areas.
Cornell is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region. This beautiful area provides many opportunities for recreational activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, both downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and brewery/cider/wine-tasting. In fact, Cornell offers courses in all of these activities.
The Cornell Tech campus in New York City is located on Roosevelt Island. Cornell Tech is a graduate school conceived and implemented expressly to integrate the study of technology with business, law, and design. There are now over a half-dozen masters programs on offer as well as doctoral studies.
FAQ with more information about the two campuses .
Ph.D. Program Structure
Each year, about 30-40 new Ph.D. students join the department. During the first two semesters, students become familiar with the faculty members and their areas of research by taking graduate courses, attending research seminars, and participating in research projects. By the end of the first year, each student selects a specific area and forms a committee based on the student's research interests. This “Special Committee” of three or more faculty members will guide the student through to a Ph.D. dissertation. Ph.D. students that decide to work with a faculty member based at Cornell Tech typically move to New York City after a year in Ithaca.
The Field believes that certain areas are so fundamental to Computer Science that all students should be competent in them. Ph.D. candidates are expected to demonstrate competency in four areas of computer science at the high undergraduate level: theory, programming languages, systems, and artificial intelligence.
Each student then focuses on a specific topic of research and begins a preliminary investigation of that topic. The initial results are presented during a comprehensive oral evaluation, which is administered by the members of the student's Special Committee. The objective of this examination, usually taken in the third year, is to evaluate a student's ability to undertake original research at the Ph.D. level.
The final oral examination, a public defense of the dissertation, is taken before the Special Committee.
To encourage students to explore areas other than Computer Science, the department requires that students complete an outside minor. Cornell offers almost 90 fields from which a minor can be chosen. Some students elect to minor in related fields such as Applied Mathematics, Information Science, Electrical Engineering, or Operations Research. Others use this opportunity to pursue interests as diverse as Music, Theater, Psychology, Women's Studies, Philosophy, and Finance.
The computer science Ph.D. program complies with the requirements of the Cornell Graduate School , which include requirements on residency, minimum grades, examinations, and dissertation.
The Department also administers a very small 2-year Master of Science program (with thesis). Students in this program serve as teaching assistants and receive full tuition plus a stipend for their services.
- Current MIT Graduate Students
Doctoral Programs in Computational Science and Engineering
Application & admission information.
The Center for Computational Science and Engineering (CCSE) offers two doctoral programs in computational science and engineering (CSE) – one leading to a standalone PhD degree in CSE offered entirely by CCSE ( CSE PhD ) and the other leading to an interdisciplinary PhD degree offered jointly with participating departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science ( Dept-CSE PhD ).
While both programs enable students to specialize at the doctoral level in a computation-related field via focused coursework and a thesis, they differ in essential ways. The standalone CSE PhD program is intended for students who plan to pursue research in cross-cutting methodological aspects of computational science. The resulting doctoral degree in Computational Science and Engineering is awarded by CCSE via the the Schwarzman College of Computing. In contrast, the interdisciplinary Dept-CSE PhD program is intended for students who are interested in computation in the context of a specific engineering or science discipline. For this reason, this degree is offered jointly with participating departments across the Institute; the interdisciplinary degree is awarded in a specially crafted thesis field that recognizes the student’s specialization in computation within the chosen engineering or science discipline.
Applicants to the standalone CSE PhD program are expected to have an undergraduate degree in CSE, applied mathematics, or another field that prepares them for an advanced degree in CSE. Applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program should have an undergraduate degree in a related core disciplinary area as well as a strong foundation in applied mathematics, physics, or related fields. When completing the MIT CSE graduate application , students are expected to declare which of the two programs they are interested in. Admissions decisions will take into account these declared interests, along with each applicant’s academic background, preparation, and fit to the program they have selected. All applicants are asked to specify MIT CCSE-affiliated faculty that best match their research interests; applicants to the Dept-CSE PhD program also select the home department(s) that best match. At the discretion of the admissions committee, Dept-CSE PhD applications might also be shared with a home department beyond those designated in the application. CSE PhD admissions decisions are at the sole discretion of CCSE; Dept-CSE PhD admission decisions are conducted jointly between CCSE and the home departments.
Please note: These are both doctoral programs in Computational Science and Engineering; applicants interested in Computer Science must apply to the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science .
Important Dates
September 15: Application Opens November 15: Deadline for OGE fee waiver applications December 1: Deadline to apply for admission* December – March: Application review period January – March: Decisions released on rolling basis
*All supplemental materials (e.g., transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation) must also be received by December 1. Application review begins on that date, and incomplete applications may not be reviewed. Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of this hard deadline, as we do not make exceptions. We also do not allow students to upload/submit material beyond what is required, such as degree certificates, extra recommendations, publications, etc.
Application
A complete electronic CSE application includes the following:
- Three letters of recommendation ;
- Students admitted to the program will be required to supply official transcripts. Discrepancies between unofficial and official transcripts may result in the revocation of the admission offer.
- Standalone CSE PhD Statement Prompt: Please explain why you are a good candidate for the MIT PhD program in computational science and engineering (CSE). Describe why you wish to attend this program, what you would like to study, and any research experience you have. If your interests primarily involve machine learning, data science, or operations research, please explain why the CSE PhD program (rather than another MIT program focused specifically on one of those areas) is the right choice for you. Describe one or more accomplishments of which you are particularly proud, and that suggest you will succeed in your chosen area of research.
- Dept-CSE PhD Statement Prompt: (please note: joint program applicants will also need to respond to department-specific prompts) Please explain why you are a good candidate for the interdisciplinary PhD in computational science and engineering (CSE). Explain the motivation for your choice of home department or departments, what you would like to study, and any research experience you have. Describe one or more accomplishments of which you are particularly proud, and that suggest you will succeed in your chosen area of research.
- Official GRE General Test score report , sent to MIT by ETS via institute code 3514 GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 ;
- Official IELTS score report sent to MIT by IELTS† (international applicants from non-English speaking countries only; see below for more information)
- Resume or CV , uploaded in PDF format;
- MIT graduate application fee of $90‡.
‡Application Fee
The MIT graduate application fee of $90.00 is a mandatory requirement set by the Institute payable by credit card. Please visit the MIT Graduate Admission Application Fee Waiver page for information about fee waiver eligibility and instructions. Please note that all OGE fee waiver applications must be submitted on or before November 15.
Please note: CCSE does not issue fee waivers; email requests for fee waivers sent to [email protected] will not receive a response.
Admissions Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
► Current MIT CSE SM Students: Please see the page for Current MIT Graduate Students .
GRE Requirement
GRE REQUIREMENT WAIVED FOR FALL 2025 All applicants are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Aptitude Test. The MIT code for submitting GRE score reports is 3514 (you do not need to list a department code). GRE scores must current; ETS considers scores valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested.
†English Language Proficiency Requirement
The CSE PhD program requires international applicants from non-English speaking countries to take the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS exam measures one’s ability to communicate in English in four major skill areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. A minimum IELTS score of 7 is required for admission. For more information about the IELTS, and to find out where and how to take the exam, please visit the IELTS web site .
While we will also accept the TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language), we strongly prefer the IELTS. The minimum TOEFL iBT score is 100.
This requirement is waived for those who can demonstrate that one or more of the following are true:
- English is/was the language of instruction in your four-year undergraduate program,
- English is the language of your employer/workplace for at least the last four years,
- English was your language of instruction in both primary and secondary schools.
Degree Requirements for Admission
To be admitted as a regular graduate student, an applicant must have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of acceptable standing. Students in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted on the condition that their bachelor’s degree is awarded before they enroll at MIT.
Applicants without an SM degree may apply to the CSE PhD program, however, the Departments of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Mechanical Engineering nominally require the completion of an SM degree before a student is considered a doctoral candidate. As a result, applicants to those departments holding only a bachelor’s degree are asked in the application to indicate whether they prefer to complete the CSE SM program or an SM through the home department.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. To read MIT’s most up-to-date nondiscrimination policy, please visit the Reference Publication Office’s nondiscrimination statement page .
Additional Information
For more details, as well as answers to most commonly asked questions regarding the admissions process to individual participating Dept-CSE PhD departments including details on financial support, applicants are referred to the website of the participating department of interest.