Doctor of Philosophy in Computing

Why Earn Your PhD in Computing Degree at UM-Flint?

Diversify Your Skills to Pursue a Range of Career Paths

In our PhD in Computing program, you undergo intensive training to develop a versatile and in-demand skill set, which helps you pursue a successful career trajectory.

Upon completing the doctoral program, you will be well prepared to assume leadership roles in academia, where you play a part in shaping the future of computer science and inspire students along their academic journey. Or, if you prefer, you take an alternative path and seek employment in the tech industry to spur innovation. 

Build Your Original Academic Research

In the PhD program, you collaborate with our distinguished College of Innovation and Technology faculty members on research projects that align with your personal scholarly and professional interests. This also allows you to begin building your body of original research and publications and establish yourself as a well-respected, innovative scholar in the field.

Additionally, as part of the world-renowned University of Michigan community, you have full access to the breadth of academic and research resources at the Flint, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor campuses.

Receive Full Funding for Your PhD

UM-Flint is committed to making graduate education affordable and supporting you along your doctoral journey. Our PhD in Computing program adheres to the CIT full-funding model for PhD students for up to five years. When accepted into the program, you receive full funding as a Graduate Student Instructor, Research Assistant, or a combination of both, which covers a monthly stipend, health insurance, and tuition waiver.

Funding is guaranteed based on continued good academic standing and adequate progress toward the PhD degree. Because of this guaranteed funding, the PhD in Computing program is only open to full-time students with the capacity for regular on-campus presence. Read our overview of UM-Flint’s GSRA qualifications and eligibility requirements.

Career Outlook for Computer Scientists

As technology rapidly evolves and our societies become increasingly computerized, the fundamentals of how computing industries design, produce, and deliver products and services to their customers are changing. Such changes create a significant need for computer scientists with advanced knowledge of data management, data science, systems, security, and software engineering.

Likewise, manufacturers and service industries in Michigan and around the nation also recognize this current shift. In response, they encourage their technical workforce to advance their knowledge, skills, and expertise in these areas through graduate-level education and training. For many such scientists and engineers, this means pursuing doctoral-level degrees that offer specialized instruction and research experience in computer and information science. 

With the quality of instruction you receive in UM-Flint’s PhD program in Computing, you can pursue careers in a variety of industries, including faculty positions in academia or as an industry researcher or applied scientist.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that both career paths have a growing employment rate—university professors can expect their employment to increase by 8%, and computer scientists can anticipate an increase of 23%. Furthermore, both careers have earning potentials that exceed the national average. For professors, the median annual salary is $84,380, and for computer scientists, their salary averages $145,080.

Admission Requirements (No GRE Required)

To qualify for admission into the PhD in Computing program, you must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or physical science from an accredited institution in the United States (or equivalent in another country).
  • Students from other areas who are accepted into the program and have an insufficient background in computing can be assigned remedial courses to complete.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a four-point scale for the BS degree and 3.5 or higher on a 4-point scale for the master’s degree.
• Completion of prerequisite courses or their equivalents:
  • Students are required to have completed
    • Calculus I
    • Calculus II
    • Linear Algebra
  • One course in data structures
  • One course in computer organization
  • One course in operating systems
  • One course in programming
  • One course in calculus-based probability and statistics.

Prior to applying to the doctoral program, we recommend that you speak with the director of the PhD in Computing program regarding your eligibility for admission. Please note: meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee entrance into the program.