PhD in Computer Science

Academics

Graduate

Situated within the McCormick School of Engineering and driven by the CS+X initiative, the Department of Computer Science (CS) at Northwestern University prepare students to perform impactful and future-focused computer science research by building technological expertise through work with leading interdisciplinary researchers across Northwestern’s top-ranked schools.

Conducting original transformational research in extant and emerging computer science areas, our students are both advancing the core CS fields from theory to AI to systems and networking, as well as expanding CS into new areas through unique collaborations with CS+X faculty jointly appointed with disciplines including business, law, economics, journalism, and medicine.

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Students choose from one of 5 tracks, corresponding to on one of our areas of research excellence. Within each track, students explore many related areas of interest, including programming languages, security and privacy and human-computer interaction.

Click on a research area to learn more about the faculty and their work.

Theory

Systems and Networking

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Interfaces

Computer Engineering

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Broaden your view of computer science

In our CS+X environment, you’ll have the opportunity to uncover new areas of study while taking advantage of our robust research connections across Northwestern’s top-ranked schools including medicine, business, journalism, music, and more.

Learn more about CS+X >

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Find community at social events and in student groups

When you join Northwestern CS, you’re entering a community, not just a classroom. You’ll not only find ample opportunities to network with fellow students, faculty members, staff, and even professionals in the CS field, but you’ll also to form supportive friendships.

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Easy access to Chicagoland research and industry partners

Situated along Lake Michigan, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s unique location offers unsurpassed access to research partnerships and networking opportunities at neighboring tech organizations.

Jessica Hullman

Ginni Rometty Professor

“I see exciting new research opportunities related to supporting understanding of statistical model results and technology-aided decision making under uncertainty.”

Learn more about Jessica Hullman

Cognitive Science Certificate

Earn this specialization by taking six cognitive science courses. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend cognitive science events and lectures, to receive conference travel support, and to be exposed to cross-disciplinary exchanges.

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Management for PhDs Certificate Program

Jointly offered by The Graduate School and Kellogg School of Management, this program provides post-candidacy doctoral students with a basic understanding of strategy, finance, risk and uncertainty, marketing, accounting and leadership. You’ll be introduced to business concepts and specific frameworks for effective management strategies for both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

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The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

This internship program will provide you with the opportunity to gain practical experience in industry or in national research laboratories in areas closely related to your research.

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We provide financial support for all CS PhD students in the form of assistantships or fellowships, unless support is not desired.

Fully-Funded

All PhD students are given support in the form of assistantships or fellowships.

First-Year Fellowship

All PhD students start with a first-year fellowship.

Recent graduates of the computer science PhD program are pursuing careers in industry and research labs, academia, and startups. At Northwestern, you’ll have opportunities including laboratory research experience, teaching, and conferences and workshops. In addition, our career advisors in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement.