Blog

Latest Posts

Should I get a Ph.D. in Computer Science?

The videos from our April 21st information session on whether you should get a Ph.D. computer science is up on YouTube.

Applying to CS Ph.D. Programs

The videos from our April 21st information session on applying to Ph.D. programs in computer science is up on YouTube.

What is Research?

The videos from our April 13th information session focused on research in computer science is up on YouTube.

Ph.D. Student Life

The videos from our April 13th all-grad student information session focused on Ph.D. student life in computer science is up on YouTube.

Spring 2021 Ph.D. Information Sessions (April 13th and 21st)

We have two live information sessions coming up in April. They will be held on Zoom. Each will have two parallel “tracks” focused on different aspects getting a Ph.D. The tracks will run in parallel.

"Applying to Ph.D. Programs in Computer Science" by Mor Harchol-Balter

Mor Harchol-Balter’s essay “Applying to Ph.D. Programs in Computer Science” is one of the most often-cited documents about applying getting into a CS Ph.D. programs. It’s a classic of the genre and full of good advice. It’s definitely worth a read.

How To Interpret School Rankings

There are many different rankings available for Ph.D. programs in CS. In making your decision about where to apply and attend for your Ph.D., use one that is based on meaningful, objective metrics of program quality.

How do I pay for my Ph.D.?

In most cases, you don’t have to pay to get a Ph.D. in CS. Instead, the university will pay you to get a Ph.D.! This might seem to good to be true, but it is true, and it is how the vast majority of CS/CE students pay for their Ph.D.

Do I need to get a masters degree first?

NO! You do not need to get a masters degree before enrolling in a Ph.D. program, and the majority of new Ph.D. students do not have one. In fact, if you know you want a Ph.D., it is a bad idea to enroll in a masters program first. Let’s consider the pros and cons.

Comparing Schools With the Taulbee Survey

Every year, the Computing Research Association (something like a trade group for computer science research) publishes the Taulbee Survey which collects a bunch of information about computer science programs in the US and Canada. It’s a valuable tool for comparing schools.