Pursuing an affordable online PhD in computer science opens up exciting possibilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “Educational Attainment in the United States 2017” report, less than 3% in the US have a doctorate. Obtaining your Ph.D. can elevate you to the top of your field. If you want to be a cut above the rest, have opportunities in the newest technologies, and use your expert abilities to spend time growing and working in the field that you love, completing a Ph.D. in computer science online is right for you.
There are many areas of specialty in the computer sciences. One of the newest and trending is in artificial intelligence. With a doctorate in CS, there is an opportunity to work in this field to assure the safest and most reliable research and development. If you desire to teach computer science at the college level, obtaining this Ph.D. is often required, and you can get a job in almost any technological school. With an online doctorate of CS, you will be researching the most advanced topics in the field. Many Ph.D. in computer science degrees in the US are taken online due to the independence it allows working professionals. The programs are comparable to the courses taken at a brick and mortar college, and you leave with a Ph.D. from the college providing the online learning.
Featured Programs
Ranking the 20 Most Affordable Onlince Computer Science PhD Programs
This list is comprised of the 20 Most Affordable Ph.D. in Computer Science Programs Online for 2019. We gave them their number ranking solely on the basis of their latest reported average graduate student tuition found on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator tool. Only universities that reported a Doctoral Program in Computer Science with a Distance Learning or Online Option were considered. Consider the following online PhD programs computer science:
#20 Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering
Online PhD Computer Science
Baltimore, MD
For over 140 years, students and faculty at Johns Hopkins have joined efforts in discovery and innovation which has led to incredible achievements. Inventing the first rubber gloves used for surgeries, creating the first supersonic RamJet engine, helping with the research in developing the Polio vaccine, and their researchers landing the first spacecraft onto an asteroid are just some of the many accomplishments out of JHU.
Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering matches Ph.D. candidates with faculty advisors based on mutual research interests, as well as setting up a Ph.D. committee of three for each student to give cogent advice to them throughout the program. You can expect to receive a strong, independent research skill set and be able to develop your skills and reputation as a member of the research community. This program is flexible with a 100% online computer science Ph.D. program option.
The computer science Ph.D. program takes about 5-6 years in total, though the duration varies depending on the student and the advisor.
As far as financial support, as long as you remain in full-time student status and are in good academic standing, you will be given full support – in the form of either a Research Assistantship (RA) or a Teaching Assistantship (TA) – for the duration of your online CS Ph.D. Johns Hopkins Department of Computer Science’s website gives an in-depth look at its financial support setup.
When you leave JHU’s online computer science program, you will be well-equipped and ready to work amongst the greatest in the field. Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Apple aggressively recruit their graduates.
Tuition: $52,170
#19 Columbia University
Ph.D. Computer Science Online
New York, NY
Columbia University was founded in 1754. It is the 5th oldest university in the United States.
Columbia Engineering, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science has over 50 faculty awards and honors such as a Faraday Medal (IET) and a spot in the National Cyber Security Hall of Fame. It is in the Top 15 in the Computer Sciences Rankings For Colleges. They had 4 papers presented at Crypto2018 as well as 4 new algorithms accepted to Foundations of Computer Science (FCS) symposium.
Columbia offers a broad range of upper-level courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Databases, Computer Architecture, Computational Complexity and the Analysis of Algorithms, and many more.
Although Ph.D. students are required to be on campus during the fall and spring semesters, they receive full funding from either a Columbia University Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) position or an external fellowship. A total of ten courses are required. All ten courses must be completed by the end of the fifth semester, at the pace of two courses per semester.
Tuition: $44,864
#18 Syracuse University
Online Computer and Information Science Ph.D. or Online Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD
Syracuse, NY
Syracuse University is a private research university of distinctive offerings. It has a College of Engineering of Computer Science that stresses their enthusiasm for the cutting edge opportunities available in global and social issues by stating these fundamental attributes of Syracuse engineers and computer scientists: “Inquisitive. Creative. Solutionist.” Their Ph.D. program offers degrees in computer and information science (CISE) and electrical and computer engineering (ECE). Graduates will leave with command of recalling, comprehending, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating ideas. They will also be able to communicate ideas effectively, write papers, dissertations, and proposals in a professional and well-written manner. Lastly, they will have the ability to accurately present technical presentations clearly.
A student in the CISE doctoral program must demonstrate competence by completing coursework in at least three of the following areas:
- Algorithms
- Architecture
- Artificial Intelligence
- Hardware Systems
- Logic and Theory of Computation
- Operating Systems
- Programming Languages and Compilers
- Software Systems
The current doctoral program is comprised of a total of 52 credits–48 in technical courses and 4 in non-technical courses.
Tuition: $36,000
#17 University of Pennsylvania
Online Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science
Philadelphia, PA
“Penn has a long and proud tradition of intellectual rigor and pursuit of innovative knowledge . . . That tradition lives today through the creativity, entrepreneurship, and engagement of our faculty, students, and staff.”
-Dr. Amy Gutmann, President of the University of Pennsylvania
In the field of computer science, Penn Engineering offers a CIS (computer and information science) doctorate. Not only does the doctoral program offer the disciplines related to modern information processing, but a research department that expands interests in topics such as Robotics, Vision, Natural Language Processing, Databases, Formal Methods, Real-time Systems, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, Programming Languages, Graphics, Network Security, Software Engineering, Bioinformatics, along with collaborations in Biology, Genetics, Linguistics, Mathematics, and Electrical Engineering. Students develop their own advanced study focus while working with mentors from the University.
CIS benchmarks for satisfactory progress towards the Ph.D.:
- CIS Ph.D. Program Requirements
- Enrollment/Worksheet
- Research Affiliation Process
- Written Preliminary Examination (WPE) I and II
- Teaching Practicum
- Thesis Proposal Approval
- Thesis Proposal Defense
- Scheduling and Announcements of Public Presentations
- Defense of the Dissertation
Penn Computer and Information Science is a research leader in several areas and has influenced products from Apple and Google.
Tuition: $33,604
#16 Clarkson University
PhD in Computer Science Online
Potsdam, NY
Clarkson prides itself in understanding the variety of students entering the graduate program. Whether an entrepreneur, parent, future doctor or teacher, a Ph.D. degree in computer science is attainable through this flexible program. Clarkson offers a distance Ph.D. in computer science. They also offer full-time or part-time depending on what works best for you. Their courses range from theoretical to the applied. This university is known worldwide for data analytics, STEM, and entrepreneurial education all while allowing students to pursue their individual interests. Clarkson’s network spans to over 380 active partners in industry, government agencies, chambers of commerce, and research organizations.
The requirements for their Ph.D. in computer science are:
- A minimum of 90 credit hours earned for graduate courses numbered 500 and higher, including at least 36 credit hours of classroom and instructional laboratory coursework (this is above the university minimum of 24).
- A minimum of 6 credit hours from a research seminar.
- A maximum of 30 credit hours of graduate transfer credit from an MS degree with grades of a B or higher may be accepted toward the degree.
- At least three full academic years of study beyond the baccalaureate degree, with at least two years in residence in Clarkson.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 in courses used to meet graduation requirements.
- The doctorate must be completed within two years of full-time study.
- Doctoral candidates must complete an original research project submitted as a written thesis to be orally presented and approved before a committee of at least five faculty members.
- All work for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years after admission to candidacy.
Clarkson education was placed in the top 10 universities nationwide for increasing their students’ lifetime earnings potential by the independent think tank, The Brookings Institution.
Tuition: $32,280
#15 Penn State University
Ph.D. Online in Computer Science and Engineering
University Park, PA
Penn State’s College of Information System Technology offers a diverse range of academic backgrounds ranging from Computer Science to Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Philosophy, and more. Penn State has one of the largest graduate school programs, with around 14,000 students. The Information System Technology Program offers graduate degrees and certificates that are industry-focused and practitioner-informed through Penn State World Campus’s Online Learning. Students are required to take between 21-33 credits depending on whether they come in with an MS or not.
Financially, Penn State helps its students keep it affordable with its educational platform called GradSense. It’s available to help prospective students make the most fiscally responsible education choices. All Ph.D. students are also funded their first year in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or fellowships. These assistantships include a stipend for living expenses, full tuition coverage, and health benefits. Historically, students have been funded through their 4-year program, dependent upon their academic status. So, this is an affordable option as well.
Tuition: $20,732
#14 Nova Southeastern University
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
NSU’s College of Engineering and Computing has distinct specializations and a top-notch national reputation. They moved up 7 rankings this year to #191 in US News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2019. NSU proudly holds spots in CEC’s best ranked online colleges and NAS’s list of Top 10 Cyber Security colleges.
The Ph.D. in computer science online program is very compatible with those in industry, education, or government who are involved with one of the areas in computer science or information technology. It is offered fully online. Concentrations in the graduate programs cover fields of urgent need, such as cyber security, software engineering, and data science. NSU stays up to date with the ever-changing industry. You will leave with the ability to develop creative solutions to real-world problems.
Tuition: $18,932
#13 University of Minnesota
Online PhD Computer Science
Minneapolis, MN
The University of Minnesota is number 8 in research among all US public universities and was ranked by Forbes as one of the top 10 educational employers in the nation.
University of Minnesota’s computer science and engineering program has played a leadership role in the formation of several industrial consortia such as the Center for Research in Intelligent Storage (CRIS) and the Safety, Security, Rescue Research Center (SSR-RC). They hold awards and honors in teaching and research nationally and globally. Their CS&E program graduates nearly 500 students yearly, including about 25 with a doctorate in computer science. It also receives generous support from the local industry through their Industry Advisory Council (IAC), a group of industry representatives working with the department to enhance their educational, research, and student placement efforts.
The graduate program in computer science offers coursework from across a broad spectrum of theoretical and applied computer science, combined with research opportunities in nearly all areas of the field. Faculty members teach students in quite a number of computer studies from algorithms to artificial intelligence, to software engineering and many more. Finally, students may choose a course of study that integrates research in computer science with applications in other fields. The University of Minnesota prepares students to meet the great challenges of the nation and the world.
Tuition: $16,728
#12 Capella University
Online Ph.D. in Information Technology / Doctor of Information Technology
Minneapolis, MN
Capella University is acknowledged by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a national center of academic excellence in Information Assurance/Cyber Defense for academic years 2014–2021. Capella’s online programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management (PMI-GAC).
Ph.D. in Information Technology / Doctor of Information Technology Specializations:
- Information Technology
- Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
- Information Technology Education
- Project Management
Capella also offers a $5000 Doctorate of Information Technology Scholarship.
Tuition: $14,365
#11 Colorado Technical Institute
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Technical Institute’s mission statement is to provide industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population through innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals. CTI’s online degree program has been ranked on the Best Online Programs lists by U.S. News and World Report, named among the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018, and a 2018 WOW Recipient.
Colorado Technical Institute offers an online Ph.D. in computer science degree program with a schedule that is flexible and helps you build your classes around your schedule. There are also grants and scholarships available upon qualifications, so it can be affordable and attainable. CTU’s doctorate in computer science degree program gives an in-depth study of specialized subjects, which will allow you to predict trends and contribute to your expertise.
Colorado Technical Institute offers a computer science doctorate in several niches. The coursework is rigorous and challenging, but you’ll have online tools and mentors to help you master the material in a timely manner, ideally in just three years.
Doctorate in computer science specializations:
- Big Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- Enterprise Information Systems
- General (DCS)
Doctorate in computer science requirements:
- An online curriculum with a residency component
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- An opportunity to complete the program in three years
- Dissertation development integrated into the program
- In-person symposium experiences
Tuition: $13,393
#10 University of South Carolina
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Columbia, SC
The College of Engineering and Computing was established in 1961 and offers many degrees in many different technological facets. Graduates can have careers in many sectors. Some go on to be entrepreneurs, others work in cyber-security, while others work with artificial intelligence, and the list goes on. Many of the projects and research performed in this Ph.D. course are supported by government agencies or are collaborative efforts with local industries. The University of South Carolina is one of the top 25 graduate programs according to national publications such as US News and World Report.
Degree Requirements: 60 post-baccalaureate hours.
Tuition: $12,854
#9 University of Rhode Island
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Kingston, RI
URI’s Ph.D. in computer science department serves undergraduates and postgraduates, including PhDs. The Ph.D. in computer science online is a research degree that provides the opportunity to complete a major research project that enhances the field of computer science. Their curriculum provides the expertise needed for a career in research-based innovation. Graduate courses are offered at convenient times for professionals. Students in the Ph.D. program typically conduct a major research project with one of the university’s research groups to produce new intellectual contributions to the computer science field.
Tuition: $12,854
#8 University of California, Berkeley
Online PhD Computer Science
Berkeley, CA
The University of California was founded in 1868. It has an impressive list of academic achievements and rankings. In the new rankings, Berkeley’s graduate programs placed first in the world from US News and World Report, including their Ph.D. program in computer science. Berkeley graduates have gone on to achieve high endeavors such as 20 Nobel Prizes, 30 recipients of the National Medal of Science and over 250 founders of companies. Graduate students represent 92 countries and all 50 states.
Berkeley’s EECS graduate programs have been ranked first and second in the US for excellence.
Berkeley’s graduates are highly satisfied with their education, and as a result, rank them very high on rating scale:
- 90% overall (and 85% of those who pursued non-academic careers) say they were well prepared for their careers by Berkeley
- 95% overall (and 93% of those who pursued non-academic careers) would pursue a doctoral degree again
- 86% would select the same field of study
- 95% would choose graduate study at Berkeley if they could start again
Tuition: $11,502
#7 Capitol Technical University
Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Technology
Laurel, MD
Capitol Technology University is a STEM-focused institution of higher education providing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, information sciences, and technology leadership. CTU’s degrees offer flexibility with opportunities to grow and adapt to emerging workforce needs.
Capitol Technical University has three Ph.D. programs focusing on technology. Cybersecurity (DSc), technology Ph.D., and a technology combination program MS/Ph.D. (a unique program that offers a combination of a Ph.D. in technology and a master of science in research methods.)
Graduates will be positioned to contribute significantly to their fields by creating new knowledge and ideas. They’ll learn a skill set that will give them the tools to easily research and publish findings and present them in an accurate and professional manner.
Students work with Capitol Technical University first, then work independently on a research topic of publishable quality. They will gain knowledge in legal, political ethics and social aspects of their field. Some of CTU’s graduates are employed at government agencies and large corporations. Others have started their own tech companies. Out of hundreds of top-notch employers, a few standouts are the Department of Defense, Honeywell, and Lockheed Martin.
Tuition: $10,800
#6 Indiana University Bloomington
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Bloomington, IN
Maybe you immediately think of Hoosiers and basketball when you hear Indiana University. Along with that notoriety, Indiana University boasts of many other diverse achievements. Crest toothpaste was developed by three IU researchers. Olympic gold medalist Mark Spitz came from IU, as did Nobel prize winners Mark Cuban (American businessman and owner of the Mavericks basketball team), a dozen pro-sports players, and actors and actresses like Oscar-winning actor Steve Tesich.
This University has a computer department that is very competitive with other universities. Indiana University has a world-class faculty with expertise in foundations such as algorithms, programming languages, parallel and distributed systems, cloud computing, networks, hardware, data mining, machine learning, intelligent systems, and security. The cross-disciplinary approach exposes you not only to the latest research in high-performance computing, data and search, artificial intelligence, and computer security, but also gives you the opportunity to apply those insights to real-world problems, from controlling pandemic disease to tracking the effects of climate change on polar ice.
Tuition: $8,956
#5 Northcentral University
Online PhD Computer Science
San Diego, CA
Northcntral University’s Ph.D. in technology and innovation management specialized in computer science is a 100% online program. It stands out with its specialization in teaching how a computer functions from the inside out, giving the inside track to fully understand the foundational technology in any information system. Students in the NCU Ph.D. program are mentored by PhDs who are specialists in the field because they are a 100% doctoral faculty. Students also receive practical experience by being in the online classroom with exposure to the research community and in turn, receive chances to present at conferences and seminars.
This is one of the most flexible universities we reviewed, offering weekly course starts, no scheduled lecture hours, no group assignments, weekly assignments, and the ability to schedule courses around a student’s personal and professional obligations. There is not a requirement to start at the beginning of a semester. North Central University does not require students to be on campus at all. This makes it easy for working professionals, as well as for military personnel and international students who will not have to relocate. North Central’s programs provide students with the opportunity to partner with a member of their 100% doctoral faculty in each of the courses. During the online Ph.D. in the computer science program, the student focuses their research on contributing new knowledge and theory to the body of knowledge in their field. North Central University offers two programs in computer science. They have an applied doctorate program where the student will focus their research on the practical application of knowledge and theory that already exists within their field. If a student is considering continuing their work in their field of choice by implementing their research in the field, the applied doctorate might be the right choice. If the student plans to contribute to their field through research and analysis, the Ph.D. program seems like the right choice.
Tuition: $8,550
#4 Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Mississippi State, MS
Mississippi State ranks among the top 50 best colleges in the South in Money Magazine’s “Best Colleges for Your Money” 2017 listing.
MSU is in the top 9 schools in the U.S. to hold all three of the National Security Agency’s centers of academic excellence awards. They are working in close collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and their researchers are using big-data analytics and high-performance computing to solve some of the nation’s top cybersecurity problems. Fixed on defeating the full spectrum of cyber attacks, Mississippi State’s National Science Foundation CyberCorps program is the 3rd largest in the country. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering has a strong presence in the computing world. The Miss. State Ph.D. specializes in research in traditional areas of computer science, cross-specialty areas, and inter-disciplinary projects.
Recent graduates work for Microsoft Research, Palo Alto Research Center, Verari Systems Software, Fairmont State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Nova Southeastern University, and Tennessee Tech University.
Tuition: $8,208
#3 Aspen University
Online PhD Computer Science
Denver, Colorado
The doctor of science in computer science at Aspen offers a responsibly priced distance Ph.D. in computer science. The program builds an understanding of theoretical concepts and practical applications of computer science in the context of advanced research and analysis methods relating to computer architecture and software design. Aspen also offers a special series of courses designed to aid them in developing, researching, and writing the doctoral dissertation.
Aspen offers tuition rates low enough that most of their students will be able to afford to pay their tuition in cash or through a monthly payment plan, therefore enabling their students to gain a financially responsible Ph.D.
Tuition: $6,975
#2 University of Utah
Ph.D. in Computer Science Online
Salt Lake City, Utah
Dozens of University of Utah’s academic programs, including computer science, rank in the top 100 by U.S. News & World Report. About 50 students a year enter the Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. This University offers 8 different tracks of computer science. These are: Computer Engineering, Data Management and Analysis, Graphics and Visualization, Human-centered Computing (HCC) Track, Image Analysis, Networked Systems, Robotics, and Scientific Computing. At least 50 hours of graduate coursework is required for the Ph.D. degree in computer science. This must be composed of at least 27 hours of regular graduate coursework and at least 14 semester hours of dissertation research. Independent study and seminars cannot be used as part of the required 50 hours. Of the required 27 semester hours of regular courses, up to six hours may be graduate-level courses outside of the School of Computing.
Tuition: $6,725
#1 Dakota State University
Online Ph.D. in Information Systems
Madison, SD
Dakota State University specializes in computer management, computer information systems, and other related undergraduate and graduate programs. DSU started in 1881 as a school for teacher education, and it makes sure to keep that as a central focus, along with many other offerings now as well.
DSU offers 2 doctorates: doctor of philosophy in cyber operations and doctor of philosophy in information systems. There is an online option available through Dakota State University. Their distance Ph.D. in computer science allows students to take the courses entirely online. Students use a variety of resources such as DSU’s course management system and Desire2Learn to get assignments, lecture notes, and exams. Students schedule and work with their classmates in a virtual classroom.
Through these advanced graduate courses, Dakota State University students get an in-depth study of artificial intelligence, programming languages, mobile applications, computer networks, cybersecurity, information assurance, office automation, bioinformatics, software development, data mining, and database management systems. Graduate coursework in operations research is offered and may be used to provide an operations research concentration to the Ph.D. program. Admissions to the Graduate College is a selective process based on those who are outstanding among recipients of baccalaureate degrees.
A distance Ph.D. in computer science from DSU is a great investment and is billed by the hour. That means you’ll always only pay for the number of classes you’re able to take. Dakota State University is the cheapest online Ph.D. in computer science according to College Navigator.
Tuition: $5,665
BONUS:
Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering (SEPhD)
Monterey, CA
The mission of the computer science program is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the effectiveness of the US and Allied Armed Forces. The Naval Post-Graduate School provides officers who use computational processes to analyze and design solutions to complex problems.
- Cyber Security & Defense CSD
- Network and Mobility
- Autonomous Systems and Data Science
- Software Engineering
- Cyber Operations
- Model and Simulation
Tuition: $0 (Acceptance provided almost exclusively to officers of the US Armed Forces)
Earning Your Online Ph.D. in Computer Science FAQ:
What are my opportunities for a career with a computer science Ph.D. online?
- Contract R&D organizations
- Government laboratories
- Lockheed-Martin, Pfizer, and Ford have high-tech or internal R&D sections that do PhD-level computer science work
- Professor in any major tech university
- Startup companies and consulting firms
- Finance companies and hedge funds
- Secure the teaching faculty position in some reputable institution
- Postdoc research and publish papers and research articles
- Dynamic organization working in the field of hardware and software development
- Own a software house and explore the new and innovative software ideas
- Organization working in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence
- Google, Inc., Apple Computer, Inc., Microsoft Corp
- Software engineer
- Research scientist
- Senior data scientist
- Staff software engineer
- Computer scientist
- Principal software engineer
What can I expect to earn annually?
Expect to earn salaries of at least $105,000, with the potential to earn up to $150,000 and beyond.
How long will it take to complete my Ph.D. in computer science online?
The average time it will take for your Ph.D. is between 5–7 years. You should be able to do it in 3–4 years. 10 years is the maximum number of years most schools will allow you to take to finish a Ph.D. Time will vary depending on students schedules, their field requirements, and the school they choose.
Resources
CVO Staff
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