Computer Science, PhD
Computer Science PhD Degree
In the Computer Science program, you will learn both the fundamentals of computation and computation’s interaction with the world. Your work will involve a wide range of areas including theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, economics and computer science, privacy and security, data-management systems, intelligent interfaces, operating systems, computer graphics, computational linguistics, robotics, networks, architectures, program languages, and visualization.
You will be involved with researchers in several interdisciplinary initiatives across the University, such as the Center for Research on Computation and Society, the Data Science Initiative, and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society.
Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include leveraging machine learning to solve real-world sequential decision-making problems and using artificial intelligence to help conservation and anti-poaching efforts around the world.
Computer Science Degree
Harvard School of Engineering offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Computer Science, conferred through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Prospective students apply through Harvard Griffin GSAS; in the online application, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Computer Science" in the Area of Study menu.
In addition to the Ph.D. in Computer Science, the Harvard School of Engineering also offers master’s degrees in Computational Science and Engineering as well as in Data Science which may be of interest to applicants who wish to apply directly to a master’s program.
Computer Science Career Paths
Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies like Riot Games as game director and Lead Scientist at Raytheon. Others have positions in academia at University of Pittsburgh, Columbia, and Stony Brook. More generally, common career paths for individuals with a PhD in computer science include: academic researcher/professor, industry leadership roles, industry research scientist, data scientist, entrepreneur/startup founder, product developer, and more.
Admissions & Academic Requirements
Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering." Please review the admissions requirements and other information before applying. Our website also provides admissions guidance, program-specific requirements, and a PhD program academic timeline. In the application for admission, select “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your degree program choice and your degree and area of interest from the “Area of Study“ drop-down. PhD applicants must complete the Supplemental SEAS Application Form as part of the online application process.
Academic Background
Applicants typically have bachelor’s degrees in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
Standardized Tests
GRE General: Not Accepted
Computer Science Faculty & Research Areas
View a list of our computer science faculty and computer science affiliated research areas. Please note that faculty members listed as “Affiliates" or "Lecturers" cannot serve as the primary research advisor.
Computer Science Centers & Initiatives
View a list of the research centers & initiatives at SEAS and the computer science faculty engagement with these entities.
Graduate Student Clubs
Graduate student clubs and organizations bring students together to share topics of mutual interest. These clubs often serve as an important adjunct to course work by sponsoring social events and lectures. Graduate student clubs are supported by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin School of Arts and Sciences. Explore the list of active clubs and organizations.
Funding and Scholarship
Learn more about financial support for PhD students.
How to Apply
Learn more about how to apply or review frequently asked questions for prospective graduate students.