Computer Science (PhD)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Program overview
The PhD in Computer Science program leads to the highest degree offered by the Faculty and is designed to provide students an opportunity to obtain the greatest possible expertise in their chosen field through intensive research. Advancement of analytical and/or experimental knowledge through a combination of specialized courses and a research thesis under the supervision of an experienced researcher forms the main component of the doctoral program. Where possible, research of interest to industry is encouraged.
The objective of the PhD in Computer Science program is to educate highly qualified researchers required for the expansion of fundamental knowledge and technological innovation through research and development, as well as the needs of institutions of higher learning.
Program details
Admission Requirements
Admission on a full-time basis
- Master’s degree or equivalent with high standing in engineering or computer science, or in a cognate discipline.
- Holders of a bachelor’s degree will, in general, be considered for admission to a master’s program only. After completion of a minimum of one term of full-time study in the Master's degree, they may, upon application, be recommended by the Department and approved by the GCS Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies for admission to a PhD program.
Admission on a part-time basis
- Master’s degree with high standing in engineering, computer science or a cognate discipline.
Proficiency in English
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
(90 credits)
Doctor of/Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)
| 12 | credits of coursework chosen from the list of Engineering Courses and Computer Science and Software Engineering Courses. |
| 8 | credits: |
| 70 | credits chosen from one of the following Research and Thesis courses:
|
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
1. Submit your application and pay a $100 CAD application fee. A student ID number will be issued
2. Upload your documents online. You can also upload your documents by logging in to the Student Hub and going to My CU Account.
3. A completed file that is ready to be assessed will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts (with mark sheets if applicable) for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
4. An admission offer will not be issued until a supervisor match has been made. Students are encouraged to review the list of faculty members' field of interests and directly contact those with whom you would like to work.
For initial assessment purposes, scanned and uploaded copies of documents are accepted. To finalize a file, once admitted, Concordia University will require official documents.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Computer Science |
| Visit the GCS programs page |
Sample classes
- Algorithm design techniques
- Computer networks and protocols
- Database technology and applications
- Distributed systems design
Curriculum
To see curriculum requirements, please visit the section above on degree requirements.
For course descriptions, please visit the Graduate Calendar.
- Mobile computing and wireless networks
- distributed systems
- computer networks and protocols
- parallel algorithms and architectures
- ad hoc networks
- numerical analysis and scientific computing
- semantics of programming languages
- databases
- knowledge based systems
- data mining
- semantics web
- symbolic and algebraic computation
- combinatorial algorithms
- mathematical programming
- artificial Intelligence
- natural language processing
- pattern recognition
- image processing
- 3D graphics and computer gaming
- visualization techniques
- multimedia computing
- bioinformatics
- software architecture
- requirement engineering
- software measurement
- user interface
- software comprehension and maintenance
- dependable software.
Learn more about our research expertise or explore CENPARMI, our research centre.
Graduate students of computer science and software engineering may apply for positions as teaching assistants within the department. All candidates must have good language skills.