Ph.D. in Computing
Application Coming Soon.....
~5 New Students Each Year
Fully Funded
5 Years | B.S. Entry
3 Years | M.S. Entry
Program Overview
- Grand Valley’s first Ph.D. The College of Computing’s Ph.D. in Computing is a research-focused doctoral program. It prepares students to do original, high-impact research in academia and industry.
- Research areas that match our faculty. Students work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-centered computing, software engineering, health and bioinformatics, or data science. These areas reflect both faculty expertise and the needs of West Michigan industry.
- A clear path to the degree. The program combines in-depth research coursework, a qualifying exam, a dissertation proposal and defense, and a publication requirement.
- Two entry points. Applicants with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline are welcome to apply.
- Fully funded and small by design. About five new students are admitted each year with guaranteed funding. Small cohorts mean close, one-on-one work with faculty advisors.
- Connected to industry. Students draw on GVSU’s growing research infrastructure, experienced faculty, and established industry partnerships to work on real-world problems.
Why Pursue a Ph.D. in Computing at GVSU?
Become a research leader who can take on complex computing challenges.
Help drive Michigan’s innovation economy and technology workforce.
Gain teaching and mentoring experience by bringing your research into the classroom.
Join a college with expanding research activity and external funding.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Computing requires 75 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree: at least 51 credits of coursework and 24 dissertation credits. How you complete them depends on the degree you hold when you enter the program.
Entering with a bachelor’s degree
- First, complete an M.S. degree in the College of Computing (33 credits).
- Then complete at least 18 credits of additional doctoral coursework and 24 dissertation credits.
- You earn both degrees along the way, and both can be finished in five years.
Entering with a master’s degree
- Complete at least 18 credits of doctoral coursework and 24 dissertation credits.
- The program is designed to be completed in three years.
Program Requirements
|
Requirements |
Entering with a B.S |
Entering with an M.S. |
|---|---|---|
|
M.S. coursework at GVSU |
33 credits |
Completed before entry |
|
Doctoral coursework |
18+ credits |
18+ credits |
|
Dissertation |
24 credits |
24 credits |
|
Credits taken at GVSU |
75 |
42 |
|
Typical time to degree |
5 years |
3 years |
FAQ
The Ph.D. in Computing is a strategic investment in GVSU’s continued evolution as a comprehensive institution and in strengthening Grand Rapids as a regional Tech Hub. The program will expand faculty research capacity, enhance student experience, and drive innovation in high-demand cross-disciplinary areas of computing.
The Ph.D. in Computing will not change the university's current classification, both with regards to the Carnegie classification and the NSF PUI status. The program will be selective, graduating about five students per year, and it establishes the foundation for research excellence in computing. The program will maintain a maximum of 20 fully funded students at any time, with an expectation to graduate five students annually. This ensures quality, sustainability, and close mentorship.
The Ph.D. in Computing is fully faculty-driven. It grew organically from the College of Computing’s expertise and the needs of students, faculty, and community partners. Based on the strategic plan of the College of Computing and its priorities, a fundraising campaign was initiated, and multi-million dollar funding was secured to support a Ph.D. program, if approved. Donors were approached about the vision related to a Ph.D. in computing based on the strong desire of the computing faculty. This initiative is consistent with the Academic Affairs Strategic Framework.
Initial funding: provided through external gifts and philanthropy during the first five years.
Sustainability plan: By year five, students will be funded through external research grants.
Contingency: Mitigation plans are in place to maintain support if grant targets are not met.
This model ensures that the program does not rely on reallocation of university operating funds. An annual review will include milestones related to the five-year success metrics (e.g. an incremental increase of externally fully funded GAs among other metrics).
