boston college cs phd

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• # 119 in Biological Sciences  (tie)

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• # 58 in Chemistry  (tie)

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• # 66 in Mathematics  (tie)
• # 23 in Algebra / Number Theory / Algebraic Geometry  (tie)

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• # 73 in Physics  (tie)

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Computer science, phd.

The PhD in Computer Science is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industrial and national research labs, and technical leadership in industry and government. The rigorous curriculum provides a broad background in the fundamentals of computer science, advanced courses in a wide range of focus areas, and opportunity to make an impact at the forefront of computing. The program provides training in conducting research, publishing and presenting papers, developing systems, and establishing science and technology policy.

A minimum of 48 semester hours of coursework beyond the BS/BA degree is required of all students.

All students must demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the fundamentals of computer science, as well as the ability to carry out research in an area of computer science.

The student must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 among the six core courses and receive a grade of B or better in each of these courses. Students who have taken equivalent courses in other institutions may petition to be exempted from the course(s) (subject to the approval of the PhD computer science curriculum committee). Each student may repeat a course once for no more than three out of the six courses if they do not receive a B or better in the course. Students with a Master of Science in Computer Science may petition to the PhD computer science curriculum committee for an exemption from these courses. Petition forms are available on the college website.

The fields listed do not necessarily represent areas of specialization or separate tracks within the PhD program. Rather, they attempt to delineate areas on which the student must be examined in order to measure their ability to complete the degree. Therefore, they may be adjusted in the future to reflect changes in the discipline of computer science and in faculty interests within the Khoury College of Computer Sciences. Similarly, these fields do not represent the only areas in which a student may write their dissertation. They are, however, intended to serve as a basis for performing fundamental research in computer science.

Paper Requirement

To demonstrate research ability, the student is required to submit to the PhD committee a research or a survey paper in an area of specialty under the supervision of a faculty advisor.  A submitted paper from a student is considered to have fulfilled the paper requirement if:

• The paper has been accepted by a selective conference.
• The student has made a substantial contribution to the paper.
• The advisor has endorsed the paper with a written statement indicating the student’s contribution.
• The PhD computer science curriculum committee has voted on a positive recommendation. The committee may require a presentation from the student before making a recommendation.

Admission to Candidacy

Upon completion of the course and the research paper requirements, the student is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. It is highly recommended that the student complete the candidacy requirement by the end of their second year but no later than the third year.

One year of continuous full-time study is required after admission to the PhD candidacy. It is expected that during this period the student will make substantial progress in preparing for the comprehensive examination.

Teaching Requirement

All computer science PhD students must satisfy the teaching requirement in order to graduate. This requirement is fulfilled when the student works as a teaching assistant or instructor of record for one semester and during this semester:

• Teaches at least three hours of classes
• Prepares at least one assignment, or quiz, or equivalent

PhD students are expected to satisfy the teaching requirement some time after completing their first year and at least one semester prior to scheduling their PhD defense. 

Comprehensive Examination/Dissertation Proposal

After the student has achieved sufficient depth in a field of study, they prepare a proposal for the PhD dissertation. This process should take place no later than the end of the fifth year in residence. The student prepares a dissertation proposal, which describes the proposed research, including the relevant background materials from the literature. The proposal should clearly specify the research problems to be attacked, the techniques to be used, and a schedule of milestones toward completion.

The dissertation proposal must be approved by the dissertation committee. With the help of the advisor, a student selects the committee, consisting of at least four members, to be approved by the PhD computer science curriculum committee. The four members must include the advisor, two internal members, and an external member.

Upon approval of the written proposal, the student has to present the proposed work orally in a public forum, followed by a closed-door oral examination from the dissertation committee. The student may take the dissertation proposal examination twice, at most.

Doctoral Dissertation

Upon successful completion of solving the research proposed in the dissertation proposal, the candidate has an opportunity to prepare the dissertation for approval by the dissertation committee. The dissertation must contain results of extensive research and make an original contribution to the field of computer science. The work should give evidence of the candidate’s ability to carry out independent research. It is expected that the dissertation should be of sufficient quality to merit publication in a reputable journal in computer science.

Doctoral Committee

With the help of the advisor, a student selects the committee, consisting of at least four members, to be approved by the PhD computer science curriculum committee. The four members must include the advisor, two internal members, and an external member.

Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense is held in accordance with the regulations of the University Graduate Curriculum Committee. It consists of a lecture given by the candidate on the subject matter of the dissertation. This is followed by questions from the dissertation committee and others in attendance concerning the results of the dissertation as well as any related matters. The defense is chaired by the PhD advisor.

Time and Time Limitation

After the establishment of degree candidacy, a maximum of five years will be allowed for the completion of the degree requirements, unless an extension is granted by the college graduate committee.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Coursework Paper requirement Admission to candidacy Residency Teaching requirement Comprehensive examination/dissertation proposal Doctoral dissertation Doctoral committee Dissertation defense

Course Area Requirements

A grade of B or higher is required in each course. A cumulative 3.500 GPA is required for the core requirement.

Students should refer to the course numbering table for graduate course leveling .

Dissertation

Program credit/gpa requirements.

48 total semester hours required Minimum overall 3.000 GPA required

Sample Curriculum 

Incoming PhD in Computer Science students who have already completed a Master of Science in Computer Science or an adjacent field may petition to the PhD in Computer Science program administration for advanced entry. Advanced entry petitions are reviewed by the program administration on a case-by-case basis. Please note that advanced standing does not waive by itself any part of the PhD coursework requirements.

As a degree conferral requirement, a minimum of 16 semester hours of coursework beyond the 32 semester hours of the master’s degree is required of advanced entry PhD students (48 semester hours is required of standard entry PhD students). Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.500 as well as earn a grade of B or better in each course.

Refer to the Computer Science, PhD, overview , for research/survey paper requirements.

Refer to the Computer Science, PhD, overview, for admission to candidacy requirements.

Refer to the Computer Science, PhD, overview, for residency requirements.

Refer to the Computer Science, PhD, overview, for the teaching requirement.

Refer to the Computer Science, PhD, overview, for comprehensive examination requirements.

Annual review Course requirements     Paper requirement         Comprehensive exam Teaching requirement Doctoral candidacy Dissertation committee Dissertation proposal Dissertation defense

Core Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.500 as well as earn a grade of B or better in each course.

16 total semester hours required Minimum overall 3.500 GPA required

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UMass Boston

• Computational Sciences PhD

Reach the highest level of academic achievement in mathematical modeling, machine learning, and theoretical computer science.

Computational Science is concerned with the construction of mathematical models to solve problems in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is accomplished through the design and implementation of numerical, probabilistic and statistical models, machine learning and theoretical computer science. The methods and applications are necessarily cross disciplinary.

A typical example is the use of topological data analysis—which has roots in algebraic topology in pure mathematics—to analyze protein data or large data clouds. Other examples include environmental modeling via image processing, risk management and forecasting in finance via stochastic simulations, which in turn can be used in computational biology to understand the roles of non-coding RNA in cancer.

The Computational Sciences PhD Program at UMass Boston coordinates and promotes multidisciplinary exchange of ideas among researchers and graduate students. The program involves faculty and graduate students in various departments at the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Departments currently participating in the program include: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics and Mathematics. The program is built on the existing strong scientific collaborations among faculty and industry partners. Graduates from the program are expected to be competitive for securing positions in academia or at companies seeking expertise in data analytics and high-end implementation of computational modeling.

You can select from the following tracks:

• Data Analytics
• Bioinformatics
• Computational Physics

Start Your Application

Plan Your Education

How to apply.

Applicants must also meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

• Applicants will be required to determine the track they are interested in pursuing (Data Analytics, Bioinformatics, or Computational Physics) and demonstrate adequate preparation at the undergraduate level in the form of relevant coursework and research experience.
• Given the multi-disciplinary nature of the Computational Science program, we expect that our applicants will be undergraduates with bachelor of science degrees in computer science, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, or graduates with master’s degrees in these areas.
• Applicants are required to take the general GRE test.
• The program requires three letters of recommendation submitted with the application.

Transfer Requirements

Students who transfer to the Computational Science program will receive transfer credit or advanced standing for their previous work if they can demonstrate course equivalency. Credits for previous work will be given at the discretion of the Program Committee. Transfer students will still be required to pass written and oral qualifying exams and fulfill all other candidacy requirements.

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: February 15 for fall; October 1 (priority deadline) or December 1 (final deadline) for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Program Cost Information: Bursar's website

Core Courses (16 Credits)

• MATH 625 - Numerical Analysis 4 Credit(s)
• MATH 626 - Numerical Linear Algebra& 4 Credit(s)
• MATH 647 - Probability Models 4 Credit(s)
• MATH 648 - Computational Statistics 4 Credit(s)

Track Courses (15 to 18 Credits)

Complete five courses. Three courses from your declared track and one course from each of the other two tracks.

Data Analytics Courses:

• CS 624 - Analysis of Algorithms 3 Credit(s)
• CS 670 - Artificial Intelligence 3 Credit(s)
• CS 671 - Machine Learning 3 Credit(s)
• CS 724 - Topics in Algorithm Theory and Design 3 Credit(s)

Computational Physics Courses:

• PHYSIC 610 - Topics in Medical Imaging 4 Credit(s)
• PHYSIC 611 - Theory of Classical Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics 4 Credit(s)
• PHYSIC 616 - Mathematical Methods for Physicists 4 Credit(s)
• PHYSIC 638 - Quantum Measurement Theory 4 Credit(s)
• BIOL 370 Molecular Biology (see Undergraduate Catalog)
• BIOL 625 - Genomics and Biotechnology 3 Credit(s)
• BIOL 664 - Bioinformatics for Molecular Biologists 3 Credit(s)
• BIOL 674 - Cell Signaling 3 Credit(s)
• CS 612 - Algorithms in Bioinformatics 3 Credit(s)

Bioinformatics Courses:

Electives (9 to 12 Credits)

Complete three courses from below. Additional track courses from above may be applied toward this requirement with permission of the graduate program director.

• BIOL 615 - Immunology 3 Credit(s)
• BIOL 677 - Advanced Eukaryotic Genetics 3 Credit(s)
• BIOL 681 - Network Biology 3 Credit(s)
• CHEM 601 - Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4 Credit(s)
• CHEM 602 - Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy 4 Credit(s)
• CS 630 - Database Management Systems 3 Credit(s)
• CS 636 - Database Application Development 3 Credit(s)
• CS 680 - Object-Oriented Design and Programming 3 Credit(s)
• CS 681 - Object-Oriented Software Development 3 Credit(s)
• CS 682 - Software Development Laboratory I 3 Credit(s)

Research Seminars (4 Credits)

Consult with you advisor for course options.

Dissertation (20 Credits)

Complete 20 credits of dissertation research by registering for a science dissertation course to be approved by your faculty advisor.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 64 to 70 credits from at least 15 courses including 40 credits of course work from four core courses, five track courses, three electives, and four credits of research seminar; and 20 credits of dissertation research.

Track: Students must choose a track in data analytics, bioinformatics, or computational physics. Doctoral candidacy: Pass a comprehensive examination after completion of 30 credits of course work. This examination consists of two parts: written and oral. Passing the written examination is a prerequisite to enter the oral examination. Dissertation: Compose and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Minimum grade: No course with a grade below B may be applied toward program requirements. Statute of limitations: Seven years.

Graduate Program Director Kourosh Zarringhalam kourosh.zarringhalam [at] umb.edu (617) 287-7486

Student Success Program Coordinator Velina Batchvarov velina.batchvarov [at] umb.edu (617) 287-3283

Computer Science

Learn more about UMass Boston's Computer Science department, our research, and our faculty.

College of Science & Mathematics

Learn more about the faculty, research, and programs that make up our College of Science and Mathematics.

Department of

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Computer Science PhD

The Computer Science PhD Program prepares students for research careers in the software industry and in academia. It combines a commitment to theory with significant experience in software development. The areas in which students may carry out dissertation research are currently applied database research, bioinfomatics, computer graphics, computer vision, cybersecurity, data mining, distributed software systems, higher performance computing, network information systems, programming languages, theoretical computer science, and visual attention.

Degree Requirements

Complete a minimum of 48 credits (16 courses).

• Exam covers theoretical CS and two of the following areas (Artificial Intelligence ‘AI’, Databases, Programming Languages, Networks, and Systems).
• Up to 9 credits per semester.
• Pre-requisites: qualifying exam.

Defense and Dissertation

• Date of defense must precede the dissertation deadline.
• No more than 2 upper-level (400-level) undergraduate courses may be counted towards the program.
• Minimum of 15 credits for dissertation research.
• A GPA of 3.5 must be maintained.
• The minimum grade for graduate-credit is C.
• No more than 2 grades below B- may count for credit.
• Non-degree courses or transferred will not transfer if they are below a B grade.
• PhD students with TA/TF/RAs for same semester must enroll full time (9 credit), this excludes last/graduation semester.
• CS698 Practicum Course and its credit will not count towards the program requirement

The Major Advisor and the Thesis Committee

Every incoming PhD student will have a temporary advisor appointed by the department, until a major advisor is appointed through the procedure described below.

After the candidate passes the qualifying exam, he or she must apply to the Graduate Program Director for the appointment of the major advisor and the thesis committee. The Graduate Program Director submits a recommendation to the campus graduate program administration who will appoint the dissertation committee. The major advisor is then responsible for monitoring the candidate’s progress.

The PhD program must be completed in seven years. Thereafter, individual approval must be obtained on a yearly basis.

Cybersecurity games: Diptendu Kar’s Capture the Flag journey

Mon 04.08.24 / Attrayee Chakraborty

Diptendu Kar’s path to cybersecurity came about through an unexpected personal experience — falling victim to data deletion.

“When I found out that my external hard drive was suddenly wiped, I was stunned,” Kar says. “After some research, I realized that data can actually be retrieved, and so my journey into cybersecurity began.”

While working towards his cybersecurity master’s degree at Northeastern University, which he completed in December, Kar delved deep into the realms of critical thinking through an exercise called Capture the Flag (CTF). CTFs are dynamic cybersecurity competitions where teams engage in challenges, such as finding hidden text strings in intentionally vulnerable systems, breaking into websites, or identifying software vulnerabilities. CTF competitions have long been a popular method to test technical knowledge and build problem-solving skills, including in cybersecurity courses at Northeastern.

Kar, who now works as a security researcher at Semgrep, had heard of CTFs during his undergrad days prior to arriving at Northeastern.

“I remember being able to solve only one as a beginner,” Kar recalls, “but found myself playing whenever I would have time to practice this art.”

Intrigued, Kar watched YouTube and Twitter gurus like LiveOverflow to learn more. Before long, he found himself participating in every CTF he could find — more than 70 in total — and went on to achieve top 15 finishes in a handful of events, including second place in TexSAW 2023 at UT Dallas and eighth place in the MITRE STEM CTF Cyber Challenge 2022.

In completing challenges based on cryptography and binary exploitation, Kar realized that CTFs were a good way for students to develop and apply their problem-solving skills. These skills also mapped well to the courses he’d taken, especially those on software vulnerabilities, systems security, and network security.

“Solving CTFs is like solving a technical puzzle,” Kar says. “Just like a puzzle, CTFs require practical application of critical thinking skills and tools taught at Northeastern. Plus, it adds immense value to your resume!”

And for beginner-level CTFs in particular, Kar says that learning technical skills is essential.

“The idea is to engage participants in the quest,” Kar says. “It’s essential to use trial and error, process of elimination, and Googling to explore which solutions may be applicable.”

After competing and improving his skills for two years, Kar decided to share the benefits with his fellow Northeastern students. During his time as a teaching assistant for Khoury College’s “Computer System Security” course, Kar created a CTF-style assignment. When he TAed for “Foundations of Information Assurance,” his students took an interest in his CTF expertise. Then, for his master’s capstone project, Kar partnered up with Derek Ng, a fellow CTF enthusiast.

“When Professor [Jose] Sierra reached out to me asking to design CTF challenges for clubs at Northeastern, I was excited,” Kar says. “With Derek’s help, we went on to create different categories of CTFs for various participation levels.”

The journey culminated in November with CasualCTF, a Northeastern CTF competition co-organized by Kar, Ng, the Northeastern chapter of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCYS) and NU’s VICEROY DECREE institute. After another CTF club at Northeastern, NEU CTF Club, reached out to Sierra, Kar quickly began designing CTF challenges for SubZ3r0, a collaboration between NEU CTF Club, WiCYS, and NUSec. Though it recorded great attendance, Kar says there were several challenges to designing a CTF from scratch.

READ: From scholarships to cross-university classes, VICEROY preps Khoury students for cyber defense 

“Balancing motivation with difficulty was the major challenge,” Kar says. “We had to keep in mind that students from all levels would be attending, and that we needed to hit a sweet spot in terms of how challenging the questions were.”

Now graduated, Kar hopes that Northeastern students will continue to expand the university’s CTF offerings.

“There should be a pipeline of students handing over the baton when they graduate,” Kar says. “Only then can we ensure that CTFs become integrated in the world of budding cybersecurity professionals.”

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MS in CS Admissions

Advance to the forefront of computer science.

The field of computer science fuels innovation and drives change around the world. It’s no wonder demand is intense for experts with deep, fundamental understanding of computer and information systems. With a Master of Science in Computer Science from Boston University, you can take your place at the forefront of computing research, education, or industry.

By completing just eight graduate-level courses in our rigorous MS program, you’ll acquire an in-depth knowledge of theory, software, systems, and applications. You’ll also gain expertise through hands-on experience, working with world-class faculty members. And you’ll do it all in Boston – a thriving, global hub of computer research.

While not required, MS candidates may complete a master’s project or thesis. Projects are carried out with the approval of, and under the supervision of, a faculty member. A master’s project can be expanded into a master’s thesis, which requires two faculty readers.

Request Info

MS admissions decisions are reviewed on a rolling basis.  All applications and materials should be submitted electronically through the  Graduate School of Arts & Sciences . Please note that the application fee must be paid for an application to be processed.

MS Application Deadlines

• Fall semester admission: March 15
• We no longer offer spring admissions

Scholarships

The Department of Computer Science is committed to making our professional MS degree accessible to a wide variety of students. To help with tuition costs, we offer scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 for full-time study.

All admitted students will be considered for these awards – no separate application is required. If you are selected for an award, you will be notified at the time of your admission.

In the interest of growing a more diverse student body, the we focus on three main categories when awarding MS  scholarships :

• Under-represented minorities
• Women and female-identifying students
• High-achieving students

These awards require that the recipient maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout their studies.

Commitment to Diversity

Beyond our scholarships, the BU Department of Computer Science is continually evolving to make our programs more accessible to diverse communities. To aid in this commitment, we are honored to have been selected as a 2019 BRAID Affiliate School .

Financial Aid

You may request Financial Aid on the graduate application.

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA )
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Other questions:  [email protected]

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• Dual Degree Program, M.S./M.B.A.
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• Frequently Asked Questions

The department offers graduate courses and research programs leading to an M.S. in Geology or Geophysics and a Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Sciences. We provide graduates with the interdisciplinary vision they need to advance careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Deadline for fall admission is January 10.

Request Info

Graduate Degree Programs

Master's.

The program offers an M.S. degree and, in partnership with BC's Lynch School, an M.A.T. The curriculum is flexible and is developed by the student and his or her faculty advisory committee.

The Ph.D. program provides our graduates with the disciplinary credibility and the interdisciplinary vision they need to advance careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Dual Degree

In conjunction with BC's Carroll School, the department offers a combined M.S./M.B.A. degree program for students interested in careers in industrial or financial geoscience management.

Department Research

Research Across the Globe

Our students use state-of-the-art research techniques, including modern scientific equipment and instrumentation, performing field-based research across the globe in areas such as the Appalachians, western US, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, China, and Greenland, as well as at sea in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. Topics researched include: coastal and estuarine processes, sedimentology, geomorphology, earthquake and exploration seismology, tectonics, structural geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, isotope geochemistry, groundwater hydrology, oceanography, paleoclimatology, marine biogeochemistry, and environmental geology and geophysics.

Weston Observatory

The Weston Observatory is a research and science education center that operates a 16-station regional seismic network that records data on earthquakes in the northeast, as well as distant earthquakes. The facility offers students a unique opportunity to work on exciting projects with modern, sophisticated, scientific research equipment in a number of different areas of scientific and environmental interest.

Cooperative University Program

Take classes at BU or Tufts

The department is part of a cooperative program with the Department of Earth Sciences at Boston University as well as the Civil Engineering Department at Tufts University. This program permits degree candidates at Boston College to enroll in courses that are unavailable at Boston College, but are available at Boston University or Tufts. A list of courses is available in the department.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of an M.S., graduates should be able to: 

• Conduct original, publishable research in the field. 
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of earth processes. 
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a sub-discipline in the earth sciences. 
• Demonstrate acquired skill in field or laboratory methods and application of appropriate quantitative methods. 
• Write and speak effectively to professional and lay audiences about issues in the field. 
• Teach effectively at the K-12 and undergraduate levels.

Upon completion of a Ph.D., graduates should be able to: 

• Formulate, conduct, and publish original research in the field.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of Earth processes.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one or more sub-disciplines in the Earth sciences.
• Demonstrate acquired skill in field or laboratory methods and application of appropriate quantitative methods.
• Write and speak effectively to professional and lay audiences about issues in the field.
• Teach effectively at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Earth and Environmental Sciences Devlin Hall 213

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