Skip to main content

REQUEST INFORMATION INFO VISIT APPLY GIVE

2027-2028 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

Search Help

Ph.D. in Computing

This Ph.D. program is designed to meet the increasing demand for computing professionals with deep technical research expertise and the capability to conduct original, high-impact research across both academic and industry sectors. The program covers several research areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, software engineering, health and bioinformatics, and data science. These focus areas align with regional industry needs and the college's faculty expertise, ensuring relevance and practical application.

The proposed Ph.D. in Computing program will consist of at least 51 credits of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree and 24 dissertation credits (a total of 75 credits).

There are two types of students who will be admitted to the Ph.D. in Computing program:

  • Students with just a B.S. in a relevant area to the Ph.D. in Computing
    • These students must complete an M.S. degree in the College of Computing (33 credits). They will then complete at least 18 credit hours of further coursework and 24 dissertation credit hours. Both degrees can be completed within five years.
  • Students with a Master's degree relevant to the Ph.D. in Computing
    • These students must complete at least 18 credit hours of coursework and 24 dissertation credit hours within three years.
Admission Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4-point scale, or a master's degree in an appropriate discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4-point scale, from an accredited program. A holistic review will be used beyond just the GPA, including evidence indicating research potential.
  • English language proficiency: Applicants must conform to GVSU policies and requirements.
  • The Ph.D. in Computing program committee, in collaboration with the student's faculty research advisor, will help the student develop a plan of study. This plan will indicate which three 600-level elective courses the student is required to take beyond the Master's degree based on the student's intended area of research, background preparation, qualifications, and interest.
Application Requirements
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
  • Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a former faculty member.
  • A personal statement explaining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the PhD degree, describing prior research experience and personal research interests, and identifying one or two faculty members with matching research interests.
Degree Requirements

Throughout the program, students are required to enroll full-time each fall and winter term. Students earn a Ph.D. in Computing degree in three stages:

  • Qualification for the Ph.D. in Computing requires the following:
    • Completion of all the requirements of the Master's Program. Students admitted with only a B.S. degree must first satisfy the course requirements of one of the College of Computing's M.S. programs.
    • Completion of at least 18 credits of the following coursework as a student while in residence at GVSU.
      • Three 600-level courses (3 credits; 9 total credits) offered by the College of Computing that are relevant to the research area of the student.
      • (5 credits total). Students must register for this course every semester for at least five semesters for a total of 5 credits.
      • CIS 799 - Independent Study in Computing. (3 credits).
      • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 for all above coursework.
    • Successful Completion of the Qualification Exam
      • Students must earn a B+ or higher in all the above courses to be eligible to register for this exam.
    • An established working relationship with a Computing faculty member who will serve as the research advisor.

  • Dissertation Proposal Examination: The dissertation proposal examination requires the following:
    • Maintaining status as a Computing PhD student and completion of the Responsible Conduct of Research and Scholarship (RCR) training.
    • A research project on an appropriate topic under the supervision of the faculty advisor.
    • Identify and form a doctoral committee
    • Submit and defend a proposal for the doctoral research project and pass the dissertation proposal exam.
    • Submission of the candidacy application.

  • Dissertation and Defense for the Ph.D. in Computing requires the following:
    • Completion of 24 dissertation credits (). If a student does not complete their dissertation after 24 credits of , they must continue to enroll in CIS 796 (continuous enrollment) until the time that the dissertation requirement is completed.
    • A minimum of one research paper accepted in a peer-reviewed venue.
    • Submission of the dissertation.
    • Oral defense.
Suggested Order of Coursework

Minimum Credits for the Degree: 75 credits with a relevant B.S. only, 51 credits with a relevant GVSU master's degree.

Path 1: Students with a B.S. Degree (Note: For illustration purposes, the pathway below assumes the student completing the M.S. in Cybersecurity. Other master's degrees would require different course selection, indicated by *.)

Year 1

Fall Semester (9 credits)

Winter Semester (9 credits)

Year 2

Fall Semester (9 credits)

Winter Semester (9 credits)

Year 3

Fall Semester (9 credits)

  • CIS 6xx: (3 credits)
  • CIS 6xx: (3 credits)
  • CIS 799: Independent Study in Computing (1 credit)

Winter Semester (9 credits)

  • (6 credits)
  • CIS 799: Independent Study in Computing (2 credits)
  • Prepares for and takes the Qualification Exam

Year 4

Fall Semester (9 credits)

  • (8 credits)
  • Prepares for and takes Dissertation Proposal Exam

Winter Semester (9 credits)

  • (8 credits)

Year 5

Fall Semester (3 credits)

  • (2 credits)
  • Defend the dissertation

Path 2: Students admitted with a relevant master's degree

Year 1

Fall Semester (9 credits)

  • CIS 6xx (3 credits)
  • CIS 6xx (3 credits)
  • CIS 799: Independent Study in Computing (1 credit)

Winter Semester (9 credits)

  • CIS 6xx (3 credits)
  • (3 credits)
  • CIS 799: Independent Study in Computing (2 credits)
  • Prepares for and takes the Qualification Exam

Year 2

Fall Semester (9 credits)

  • (8 credits)
  • Prepares for and takes Dissertation Proposal Exam

Winter Semester (9 credits)

  • (8 credits)

Year 3

Fall Semester (6 credits)

  • (5 credits)
  • Defend the dissertation

If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.