Computer Science (PhD, MS)

Program Overview

The Department of Computer Science offers programs leading to the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Our programs are designed for students interested in pursuing research studies or careers in computer science and software engineering. Our curriculum provides students with a solid theoretical and practical foundation, while emphasizing experimental research to design and engineer a wide variety of computer and information systems. Funding is available in the form of teaching and research assistantships, as well as scholarships and work-study opportunities. Many of our assistantship positions include union and health benefits.

An undergraduate major in computer science or related field is desirable for admission. Typically, exceptional academic performance is valued in combination with professional work experience. Degrees in electrical engineering and information technology are acceptable as long as computer science was included in the curriculum.

Students applying to the PhD program typically have a master's degree in computer science or a related field. Students with a bachelor’s degree and a strong academic record may also be directly admitted. Students are encouraged to explore current faculty research specialities prior to applying.

Students with questions about these programs are encouraged to e-mail the Department of Computer Science at csgrad.director@binghamton.edu.

Degrees Offered

• PhD in Computer Science
• MS in Computer Science
• MS in Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence
• MS in Computer Science: Cybersecurity

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

The program curriculum is rigorous. Students are expected to be highly motivated and work closely with faculty to develop and implement research projects. As part of the department’s 14 laboratory groups supported by outside industries such as the National Science Foundation, students can take advantage of the University’s cutting-edge facilities for research in the following fields:

• Computer systems
• Graphics, image process and vision
• Information systems
• Networking and distributed systems
• Security

During their course of study, many students pursue internships both on campus, in local areas such as New York City or even out of state. Watson Career and Alumni Connections offers professional advice and services such as interview guidance, cover letter critiques and networking opportunities.

After You Graduate

The Computer Science department has maintained a high professional placement rate for our graduates. Recent alumni have become software engineers at various IT companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Apple as well as many financial institutes such as Bloomberg, CitiGroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase. Some PhD graduates also join academia and become faculty members. Our recent graduates have become tenure-track assistant professors at major research universities such as the College of William & Mary, University of South Florida, and University of New Hampshire.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for graduate study, you must:

• Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
  • You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
• Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
  • A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
  • A 3.0 GPA during your last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
  • In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

To apply, you must submit the following materials. For general guidelines for these materials, see the Admission Requirements website.

• Online graduate degree application with graduate degree application fee
• Transcripts from each college or university that you have attended
  • MS Applicants: An undergraduate major in computer science or related field is desirable for admission. Applicants are additionally expected to have completed coursework in the following areas: algorithms and data structures; computer organization and architecture; operating systems; programming languages; and discrete mathematics.
  • PhD Applicants: An undergraduate or a master's degree in computer science or a closely related field is required.
• Personal statement of 2 to 3 pages describing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your career aspirations, your special interests within your field, and any unusual features of your background that might need explanation or be of interest to the graduate admissions committee
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Letters of recommendation (2 for MS applicants; 3 for PhD applicants)
• Official GRE scores
  • Master's students: GRE scores are optional
  • Doctoral students: GRE scores are strongly recommended
  • GRE scores are strongly recommended for master's and doctoral students who want to be considered for a graduate assistantship (TA/GA/RA)
  • Applicants with 1 or more years of work experience by the time they begin the program may be eligible for a GRE test score waiver

International students must also submit the following materials. For more information about these materials, see the International Students section of the Admission Requirements website.

• International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form
• Supporting financial documentation (such as bank statements, scholarship or sponsor letters, etc.)
• Proof of English proficiency (such as official TOEFL/IELTS/PTE Academic/Duolingo* scores)
  • *In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School at Binghamton University has temporarily approved the use of the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency through the 2023 application cycle.

This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to update these program pages, we recommend that you contact the department with questions about program-specific requirements.

Deadlines

For more information, visit the Computer Science website.