Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Computer Science?

The PhD in Computer Science program is research focused and prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or technical work of an advanced nature. Students will be prepared to pursue careers in research and academia, or for careers advancing the frontiers of knowledge at big companies such as Google or Microsoft or small tech start-ups.

UMBC’s electrical and computer engineering faculty are at the forefront of efforts to design new AI algorithms, enhance computer graphics, improve computer security and more. These experts will be your guide as you train to be an independent researcher and produce a dissertation that demonstrates a significant contribution to the state-of-the-art in the topic you select.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Computer Science?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science Requirements

GRE General Test required with the option to waive. Click here to access the GRE waiver form.

Strong background in computer science and mathematics courses; see Graduate Catalog for detailed list of required background courses; Ph.D. applicants strongly recommended to have M.S. degree in computer science

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by January 7
Apply by June 1

International Students:
Apply by January 7

Spring Semester

Domestic Students:
Apply (For Financial Consideration) by June 1
Apply by November 1

International Students:
Apply by June 1

UMBC Graduate School Application UMBC Grad School Admissions Info UMBC Grad School Admissions Policies

Contact Information

Computer Science Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3000

Program Director

Dr. Cynthia Matuszek
cmat@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Keara Fliggins
410-455-3000
fliggins@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science