Doctoral Degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering

The doctoral degree in computer science/computer engineering builds on prior knowledge, education, and experience in the field. The degree typically takes 4-5 years to complete and involves independent study and research in a focused area of interest. The doctoral program includes coursework and research that culminate in a final dissertation. The Graduate Catalog contains more information about the CSE doctoral programs.

Applicants are advised to email faculty members to explore potential shared research interests. However, the CSE Department is responsible for making the final admission decisions.

Key dates:

Deadline for full consideration: March 15 (Fall admission), October 15 (Spring admission)

Note: The department begins the review of applications and selects candidates for financial aid as early as January 15 (Fall admission), September 1 (Spring admission).

Notifications to admitted students: Early February to mid-March (Fall admission), Early October to mid-November (Spring admission).

Deadline for a decision to accept the admission offer: April 15 (Fall admission), November 15 (Spring semester).

The CSE graduate admission committee bases its decision for Ph.D. graduate admission on the following criteria (in no specific order): relevance of the student's degree(s) (background), major GPA, the rigor of the student's bachelor's degree and master's degree (if applicable), the reputation of the university/college that the student has received his/her previous degrees from, class rank, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, research experience, publications, and English proficiency.

Admission Requirements

  • An undergraduate degree in CS/CpE or a closely related field.
    • Applications from other fields, particularly mathematics, science, and engineering are also considered. These applicants may be required to take deficiency courses.
  • An overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate coursework. 
  • A 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in the last two years of undergraduate coursework. In particular, performance in CS/CpE-related courses is emphasized.
  • An international applicant whose native language is not English is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
    • TOEFL - minimum score of 90, Speaking score of 23
    • IELTS – 7.5, Speaking score of 7.0
  • The GRE General Test is not required.
  • Publication in scholarly conferences/journals is optional, but meeting this criterion will improve both a student’s chances of securing admission and receiving financial support.

Application steps

Applicants need to complete the following steps for their application:

  • An application through ApplyUTA, along with payment of the application fee ($75 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants).
  • (International applicants) English test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo).
  • When your application is received by UTA Graduate Admissions, you will be assigned a 10-digit UTA student ID number. Once you receive your number via email from Graduate Admissions, you may email the documents listed below to the CSE PhD advisor at CSEGradAdvising@uta.edu. Please be sure to include your ID number in all correspondence.
    • Curriculum Vitae.
    • Statement of Purpose.
    • Supplementary documents, such as awards, academic work, and publications.

If all the steps above are not completed, the application is considered incomplete and will not be reviewed by the department.

Undergraduate Applicants

Graduate Applicants

Graduate Certificates